Tsitsi Masiyiwa Named Among Top 100 Influential Africans of 2023
Tsitsi Masiyiwa
African philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, who has devoted her life to empowering young people through education, was named among the top 100 influential Africans of 2023 by the continent’s leading publication, New African.
The magazine, in its annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023, recognizes the achievements and contributions of individuals from various fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.
The special edition of New African magazine provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals, offering a platform for readers to learn from their stories and be inspired by their examples.
Masiyiwa, a respected social entrepreneur, was named Philanthropist of the Year at the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards last year. She leads the nonprofit Higherlife Foundation, co-founded with her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, in Zimbabwe 25 years ago.
As a founding board member of the African Philanthropy Forum, Masiyiwa has played a crucial role in pioneering the Africa Gender Initiative—a cohort of African philanthropists committed to advancing gender equality across the continent.
The magazine highlighted her work, stating, “As a result of her experience and success with Higherlife Foundation, Masiyiwa has become a sought-after advisor on social entrepreneurship, advocacy, education, leadership development, and youth empowerment.”
The list of influential Africans includes politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, and sports personalities, among others, recognized for excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains.
Notably, Hollywood actress Danai Jekesai Gurira, a Zimbabwean based in the United States, also made the list.
Famous for her role in the American superhero film Black Panther, Gurira is the co-founder and executive artistic director of Almasi, a Zimbabwean-American drama arts collaborative organization.
Danai Gurira (Pictured)
New African commended Gurira’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her advocacy for women’s rights and social justice.
The list, though dominated by West Africans, featured many Southern African women who demonstrated excellence in various sectors.
Some notable Southern African women on the list include Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from Tanzania; Dr. Musonda Mumba from Zambia; Thebe Magugu from South Africa; Mulenga Kapwepwe from Zambia; Marie Mbululu; and 21-year-old musician Tyla Laura Seethal from South Africa.
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Tyla Seethal
The 100 Most Influential Africans 2023 List
Politics and Public Service
- William Ruto
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
- Sidi Ould Tah
- Akinwumi Adesina
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Bola Tinubu
- Mamady Doumbouya
- Ousmane Sonko
- Nadia Fettah Alaoui
- Tsitsi Masiyiwa
- Tidjane Thiam
Business
- Mohamed Kande
- Sim Tshabalala
- Karim Beguir
- Didier Acouetey
- Olugbenga Agboola
- Samaila Zubairu
- Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
- Ralph Mupita
- Ibrahim Sagna
- Simon Tiemtoré
- Jules Ngankam
- Riham ElGizy
- André de Ruyter
- Aliko Dangote
- Ham Serunjogi
- Serge Ekué
- Bahija Jallal
- Coura Sène
- Bernard Koné Dossongui
- Hassanein Hiridjee
- Shola Akinlade
- James Mwangi
- Pascal Agboyibor
Science and Academia
- Anna Adeola Makanju
- Chao Tayiana Maina
- Nemat Talaat Shafik
- Ismahane Elouafi
- Moungi Bawendi
- Timnit Gebru
Environmental
- James Irungu Mwangi
- Ephraim Mwepya Shitima
- Wanjira Mathai
- Rashid Sumaila
- Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
- Dr Musonda Mumba
Creative
- Kaouther Ben Hania
- Danai Gurira
- Ncuti Gatwa
- Black Coffee
- Tyla Laura Seethal
- Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
- Lesley Lokko
- Mulenga Kapwepwe
- Alice Diop
- Wanuri Kahiu
- Bassem Youssef
- Malenga Mulendema
- Jadesola Osiberu
- Editi Effiong
- Ali Said Alamin Mandhry
- Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye
- Pretty Yende
- Julie Mehretu
- Pierre Thiam
- Teju Cole
- Thebe Magugu
- David Diop
- Burna Boy
- Serge Attukwei Clottey
- Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
- Aïda Muluneh
- Omoyemi Akerele
- Mariam Issoufou Kamara
- Victor Ekpuk
- DJ Snake
- Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna
Media
- Claude Grunitzky
- Chioma Nnadi
- Edward Enninful
- Alan Kasujja
- Wode Maya
- Anton Harber
- Khabane “Khaby” Lame
- Charity Ekezie
- Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka
- Branko Brkic
- Tomiwa Aladekomo
- Marie Mbullu
- Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
- Daniel Ahaoussa
- Fabrice Sawegnon
Sports
- Francis Ngannou
- Faith Kipyegon
- The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
- Patrice Motsepe
- Kelvin Kiptum
- Victor Osmihen
- Biniam Girmay
- Yassine Bounou
Winnie Nkonde is the founder of The Southern Live. She is a passionate journalist dedicated to storytelling that highlights Africa’s rich diversity while advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality. Through her work, she seeks to amplify voices and narratives that inspire and drive positive change across the continent.
I am currently facing a significant financial handicap that limits my ability to fund opportunities that could change my life. Despite my determination, I struggle to meet basic expenses, and supporting myself through education and professional development has been an uphill battle. I have no external financial support, and my limited income is stretched thin by daily survival needs. This is why I am seeking a scholarship—to bridge the gap between my potential and my circumstances.