Congratulations to our dynamic MIPAD leader, Kamil Olufowobi, for being named in the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) Power 50 List, alongside notable figures like Kamala Harris, Tems, Sabrina Elba and more! Your team at the Most Influential People of African Descent is incredibly proud of you. We believe in the words of John …
Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative Member of Parliament for North West Essex. She was the Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade between 7 February 2023 and 5 July 2024. She was also the Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade between 6 September 2022 and …
Uju Uzo-Ojinnaka is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, serving as the Founder and CEO, Traders of Africa (TOFA) and African Trade Invest (ATI), two pioneering platforms aimed at promoting Pan African trade and investment. With over 17 years of experience in Strategic Marketing, Retail Banking, and Business Development, Uju has honed her skills in Credit …
Uche Okugo holds a multifaceted role at the Economic Development Office of the City of Brampton, where he serves as the Lead on Investment Attraction from Africa and the Caribbean. His professional engagements are complemented by active community leadership roles, reflecting his commitment to civic and social development. He is a valued member of the …
Toyin Umesiri is a prominent media personality, author, world-class business educator, and the Founder and CEO of Nazaru LLC. She is widely recognized as the Convener of the esteemed Trade with Africa Business Summit, where she facilitates entrepreneurship and international trade support, providing advisory services to business leaders, government agencies, and multilateral institutions. As the …
Summy Smart Francis is a Nigerian entrepreneur based in South Africa, currently serving as the President of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs, where he directs strategy and its implementation. He embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at a remarkably young age of 14, gaining early business experience at his father’s hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. By 17, he was …
Shamika N. Sirimanne currently serves as the Director of the Division on Technology and Logistics at UNCTAD, where she oversees the organization’s trade logistics program. Her responsibilities include leading initiatives on trade facilitation, maritime transport, port management, and e-commerce and digital economy. She also supervises ASYCUDA, UNCTAD’s largest technical cooperation program focused on the Automated …
Mr. Quinton C. Lightbourne, originally from Nassau, Bahamas, currently serves as the Alternate Executive Director for the Caribbean Constituency on the Board of Directors of the IDB, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab. From 2021 to 2024, Mr. Lightbourne distinguished himself as a Senator and Chairman of The Bahamas Development Bank, demonstrating exceptional leadership. His strategic …
Paula Gopee-Scoon currently serves as the Senator and Minister of Trade and Industry. She was re-elected to represent the constituents of Point Fortin following the General Election of May 24, 2010, having initially been elected in November 2007, when she was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Gopee-Scoon holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration and …
Rosa Whitaker is the President and CEO of The Whitaker Group, renowned as a visionary, entrepreneur, and former US government policy leader. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, trade negotiation, and business advocacy, she has been instrumental in driving investments into Africa. Notably, she made history as America’s first Assistant US Trade Representative, serving in …