Masiyiwa, Ncube & Bulawayo on most influential Africans list

Zimbabweans made up 3 of the 100 most influential Africans, according to a new list published by the New African on Wednesday.

Trevor Ncube, NoViolet Bulawayo and Strive Masiyiwa made it into the list.

Ncube is a media entrepreneur who owns four newspapers in Zimbabwe (soon to be five) and South Africa. He is passionate about media and the role it plays in economic development and empowering people in societies. He also firmly believes that societies with a free press tend to be ones that develop more rapidly.

Ncube has been on the list since 2012, he is also one of the most influential business people in Zimbabwe since 1980 (2013).

Strive Masiyiwa is also among the 20 Most Powerful Business People in African Business (Forbes Magazine - 2011). Surprisingly, this is the first time Masiyiwa has been included in the list.

NoViolet Bulawayo won the Cairne Prize for African writing in 2012 and this year has been shortlisted for the coveted Man Booker Prize for her novel 'We Need New Names. This makes her the first black African woman and the first Zimbabwean to be accorded this honour.

"The list offers a glimpse into the diverse breed of young and established leaders intent on reinventing the face of Africa," the magazine said in a statement.

"They include entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, political game changers, and sporting record breakers to name but a few."

Nigeria has the most influential figures, with 23.

Of the 32 women on the list, 11-year-old Zuriel Oduwole from Nigeria was featured for her fight for women's education.

"Her accomplishments to date include having interviews with eight African heads of state and the launch of a mentorship programme for girls," the magazine.

"Former foreign minister of Somaliland, Edna Adan, 76, a pioneer for women's rights and women's health, is the oldest female on the list."