Dr. Agnes Kalibata Among ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’

Kilimokwanza.org Team

Reputation Poll International has unveiled its 2024 ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’ list, celebrating a diverse range of influential figures from the continent. This prestigious list honors individuals from sectors including politics, business, entertainment, and human rights advocacy, recognized for their significant impact, visibility, and integrity.

Among these individuals is Dr. Agnes Matilda Kalibata, a symbol of African tenacity and resilience. A Rwandan agricultural scientist and policymaker, Dr. Kalibata has made monumental contributions in her roles, including serving as Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources from 2008 to 2014.

During her tenure, she advocated for science-based agricultural practices, significantly boosting food production and enhancing food security, with a focus on family farmers. Her initiatives, such as policies connecting farmers to markets, cooperative farming programs, and cow-sharing schemes, have greatly facilitated family cow ownership. Under her guidance, Rwanda’s poverty level dramatically decreased by over 50%, the agricultural sector’s annual budget surged from under US$10 million to over US$150 million, and Rwanda became the first country to sign a compact under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme.

As the President of AGRA since 2014, Dr. Kalibata leads efforts to drive agricultural transformation across Africa. She focuses on investing in research and development for climate-resilient crops and technologies, creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in agriculture, and empowering smallholder farmers, especially women, to access resources and markets. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing agricultural development across the continent.

Dr. Kalibata’s influence extends beyond Africa. As the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, she played a crucial role in championing global food system transformation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, her expertise and leadership are recognized through her service on the boards of the International Fertilizer Development Center, Africa Risk Capacity, and the Malabo Montpellier Panel.

Her numerous awards and recognitions, including the Africa Food Prize and the Yara Prize, attest to her remarkable achievements. Dr. Kalibata’s inclusion in the ‘100 Most Reputable Africans’ list is a testament to her unwavering commitment to agricultural development and her profound impact on the continent and beyond.

Here is the list of the 100 Most Reputable Africans in 2024, each with a brief description:

1. Angelique Kidjo – Beninese-French Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actress known for her diverse musical influences.
2. Abderrahmane Sissako – Mauritanian-born Malian film director and producer, known for films like “Waiting for Happiness” and “Timbuktu”.
3. Abshir Aden Ferro – Presidential candidate in Somalia, focused on democratic elections and combating Al-Shabaab.
4. Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu – Nigerian billionaire businessman, founder and chairman of BUA Group.
5. Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf – Somali judge and attorney at the International Court of Justice since 2009.
6. Abdulrazak Gurnah FRSL – Tanzanian-born British novelist and academic, 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature winner.
7. Agnes Matilda Kalibata – Rwandan agricultural scientist, policymaker, and president of AGRA.
8. Alek Wek – South Sudanese-British model and designer, influential in the fashion industry.
9. Ann Peacock – South African-born screenwriter and advocate for social justice and civil rights.
10. Dr. Armstrong Ume Takakang – CEO of Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated, known for strategic leadership in finance.
11. Berhane Asfaw – Ethiopian paleontologist, co-discoverer of Homo sapiens idaltu.
12. Bience Philomina Gawanas – Namibian lawyer, former UN Special Adviser on Africa, and prominent in gender law.
13. Catherine Uju Ifejika – Nigerian lawyer and CEO in the Oil and Gas Industry, breaking barriers for women.
14. Claudia Cardinale – Italian actress known for her roles in classic films like “The Leopard” and “8½”.
15. Connie Ferguson – South African actress and filmmaker, known for her role in “Generations”.
16. Cynthia V Davis CBE – Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion, founder of Diversifying Group.
17. Danai Jekesai Gurira – American-Zimbabwean actress and playwright, known for roles in “Black Panther” and “The Walking Dead”.
18. Prof. Daniël Christiaan de Wet Swanepoel – South African professor in Communication Pathology, known for his research in audiology.
19. David Moinina Sengeh – Sierra Leonean politician and innovator in healthcare technologies.
20. Debra Mallowah – Vice president of Coca-Cola’s East and Central African franchise.
21. Diébédo Francis Kéré – Burkinabé-German architect, first African recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
22. Dr. Denis Mukwege – Congolese gynecologist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate for efforts to end sexual violence in conflict.
23. HRM Drolor Bosso Adamtey – Ghanaian traditional leader and international consultant.
24. Ebenezer Bonyah – Ghanaian mathematician and academic known for contributions to Mathematical Biology and other fields.
25. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema – Tanzanian biodiversity leader, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP.
26. Dr. Paul Enenche – Founder and senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Nigeria.
27. Eric Nyamekye – Chairman of The Church of Pentecost in Ghana and influential religious leader.
28. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Former president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
29. Emmanuel Mark Kembe – South Sudanese musician and peace activist.
30. Eric Y. Danquah – Ghanaian professor of Plant Genetics, known for his work in agricultural development.
31. Euvin Naidoo – South African banking executive, influential in promoting investment in Africa.
32. Femi Otedola – Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.
33. Folorunsho Alakija – Nigerian businesswoman and Nigeria’s first female billionaire.
34. Fransisco Aupa Indongo – Namibian businessman and former politician.
35. Fred Swaniker – Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of the African Leadership Group.
36. Amb. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda – Nigerian civil servant, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
37. Gebisa Ejeta – Ethiopian American plant breeder and geneticist, winner of the World Food Prize.
38. George Akuffo Dampare – Ghanaian police officer and Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service.
39. Gideon Boko Duma – Botswana politician, president of the Botswana National Front and the Umbrella for Democratic Change.
40. Gilbert Houngbo – Togolese politician and diplomat, former Prime Minister of Togo.
41. Ibukun Awosika – Nigerian businesswoman, Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
42. Isatou Ceesay – Gambian activist and social entrepreneur, known as the Queen of Recycling.
43. Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo – Nigerian art, culture activist, and journalist.
44. Jeanette Marais – CEO of Momentum Investments, influential in South African financial institutions.
45. Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum – Congolese microbiologist, director of the INRB.
46. Jimmy Volmink – South African academic, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University.
47. Joseph Nyumah Boakai – Liberian politician, former Vice President of Liberia.
48. Juldeh Camara – Gambian musician and griot, known for his mastery of the Riti.
49. Julian Kyula – Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of MODE Group.
50. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole – Nigerian academic and former government advisor on Ease of Doing Business.
51. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkellah – Sierra Leonean agricultural economist and politician, former UN Under-Secretary-General.
52. Kennedy Odede – Kenyan social entrepreneur and co-founder of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO).
53. Kenneth Sharpe – Zimbabwean businessman and real estate developer.
54. Khairy Beshara – Egyptian film director, influential in Egyptian cinema.
55. Ladisias Prosper Agbesi – Ghanaian entrepreneur, Chairman of Lash Consult Investments.
56. Leymah Roberta Gbowee – Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
57. Mahmood Mamdani – Ugandan scholar, writer, and political analyst.
58. Tcheka (Manuel Lopes Andrade) – Cape Verdean singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
59. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso – Queen of Lesotho, active in HIV/AIDS awareness.
60. Maud Chifamba – Zimbabwean prodigy, youngest university student in Africa.
61. Dr. Mensa Otabil – Ghanaian theologian, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur.
62. Mike Jocktane – Gabonese politician, bishop, and founder of the “Gabon Nouveau” political party.
63. Mohammed Fathi Ahmed Ibrahim – Sudanese-British billionaire businessman and philanthropist.
64. Modupe Adefeso-Olateju – Nigerian policy expert specializing in education and public-private partnerships.
65. Mogoeng Mogoeng – South African jurist, former Chief Justice of South Africa.
66. Mohamed Hag Ali Hag el Hassan – Sudanese academic and international scientific leader.
67. Mohamed Osman Baloola – Emirati-Ethiopian biomedical engineer and academic.
68. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa – Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
69. Muhammed Bulama – Nigerian civil servant and Deputy Director, Multi-Media of the APC Presidential Campaign.
70. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – Namibian politician, Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations.
71. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – WTO Director-General and global finance expert.
72. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti – Nigerian academic, Professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation.
73. Nuhu Ribadu – Nigerian lawyer, public servant, and anti-corruption crusader.
74. Okello Oculli – Ugandan novelist, poet, and chronicler of rural African village life.
75. Ory Okolloh – Kenyan activist, co-founder of Ushahidi and Mzalendo.
76. Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires – Former President of Cape Verde, focused on leadership and governance.
77. Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson – Ghanaian cardinal of the Catholic Church and chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences.
78. Polycarp Pengo – Tanzanian Cardinal of the Catholic Church and Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of Dar-es-Salaam.
79. Rachid Yazami – Moroccan scientist known for his contributions to lithium-ion battery technology.
80. Dr. Rajae Ghanimi – Moroccan physician and health insurance expert.
81. Rediet Abebe – Ethiopian computer scientist and assistant professor at UC Berkeley.
82. Roberta Annan – Ghanaian businesswoman, founder of the African Fashion Foundation.
83. Rosalia Hausiku Martins – Namibian business leader and CEO of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.
84. Ronald Lamola – South African Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
85. Rita Oyoku – Nigerian entrepreneur and Trade and Investment Commissioner of Vanuatu in Nigeria.
86. Samia Suluhu Hassan – President of Tanzania and the first woman to hold the position.
87. Dr. Sangu Delle – Entrepreneur, Investor and Chairman of CarePoint.
88. Sherrie Silver – Rwandan-born British choreographer, known for “This Is America” music video.
89. Sinach Egbu – Nigerian singer-songwriter, known for influential Christian music.
90. Sinari Bolade Daranijo – Nigerian serial entrepreneur and business leader.
91. Siya Kolisi – South African professional rugby player, captain of the national team.
92. Hon. Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku – Ghanaian politician and business leader.
93. Sven Thieme – Namibian businessman and chairman of Ohlthaver & List.
94. Tariye Gbadegesin – Nigerian investment professional and venture capitalist.
95. Sister Theopista Namukasa – Ugandan teacher and educational innovator.
96. Trevor Noah – South African comedian, author, and former host of “The Daily Show”.
97. Tom Alweendo – Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy.
98. Vusi Thembekwayo – South African entrepreneur, author, and speaker.
99. Wanjira Mathai – Kenyan environmentalist and chair of the Green Belt Movement.
100. Zainab Hawa Bangura – Sierra Leonean politician, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.