In alignment with the African Union’s proclamation of 2023 as the “Year of AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation,” MIPAD will culminate the year by revealing the inaugural 23 Honorees in this special edition on Monday, January 1, 2024, coinciding with the annual celebration of the founding of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In adherence to the first pillar of the International Decade for People of African Descent, MIPAD remains committed to recognizing individuals, organizations, and governments that have significantly contributed to the advancement of people of African descent globally.

Kamil Olufowobi, President & CEO of MIPAD, emphasized the global initiative’s dedication to showcasing positive contributions made by people of African descent worldwide. “We wholeheartedly support the vision for the creation of a single market for goods and services, facilitated by the movement of persons, to deepen the economic integration of the global African Diaspora with the African continent.” If Africa and its global Diaspora were a single economic block, we would be the largest market in the world, he added.

The list of leading personalities in the Export and International Trade sector includes:

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization (Switzerland/Nigeria)
• Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah, President, African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) (Egypt/Nigeria)
• Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank (IATB) (Egypt/Nigeria)
• Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat (Ghana/South Africa)
• Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (UK)
• Enoh T. Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USA)
• Adrian Padmore, Chairman, Export Barbados (Caribbean)
• Ambassador Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission

Nominate leading personalities in EXPORT & INTERNATIONAL TRADE today at bit.ly/MIPAD100TradeEdition. If you are a TRADE EXPERT, join the global conversation by connecting with us via WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/FG2VvH7GIt6AnOuYbT5cFF

Join the Celebration & Grand Finale
MIPAD eagerly anticipates hosting all Honorees, past and present, in New York City for Most Influential 100 Recognition Week 2024 (RW2024) from September 20th to 22nd, following the opening of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. #UNGA

As we approach the conclusion of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), we warmly invite all honorees, totaling 2,000 recognized from 2015 to 2024, to join us in this significant grand finale during the Recognition Weekend 2024 following the opening of the 79th UN General Assembly in New York City.

For congratulatory ads, sponsorship, and speaking opportunities, please contact Jonathan at jonathan@mipad.org or call +44 7810 081699 or +1 (917) 541 8394 (New York).

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of MIPAD

About Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD)

The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), is a global civil society initiative in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by United Nation’s General Assembly resolution 68/237, to be observed from 2015 to 2024. MIPAD identifies high achievers of African descent in public and private sectors from all around the world as a progressive network of relevant actors to join together in the spirit of recognition, justice and development.

Follow us @MIPAD100 across all social media platforms for updates and visit blog.mipad.org to learn more about the honorees.