In an extraordinary evening that brought together some of the continent’s most influential and values-driven figures, Reputation Poll International hosted its 2025 edition of the 100 Most Reputable People in Africa gala at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton. The event was not simply an awards function, but a resounding reaffirmation of Africa’s deep-rooted excellence, its ethical leadership, and its growing global influence.
With the continent facing both longstanding challenges and new opportunities, the event offered a refreshing departure from narratives of deficit, instead shining a spotlight on those shaping an Africa that is self-defined, trust-driven, and rooted in service. The theme, “Honouring Excellence, Integrity & Influence,” was reflected not only in speeches and performances but in the very composition of the guest list and the spirit with which the evening was held.
Central to the event’s emotional and intellectual impact was a fireside conversation between Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and former Executive Director of UN Women, and activist and entrepreneur Busi Mkhumbuzi. The dialogue explored the unseen layers of reputational leadership: the sacrifices, the accountability, the gendered expectations, and the intergenerational responsibility that comes with influence. Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka challenged the audience to reconsider how leaders are defined and remembered, noting that true leadership is measured not by proximity to power but by what is done with it. Her words resonated deeply in a room full of individuals whose journeys mirror that very ethos.
Among the night’s most notable guests was His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, whose reign has come to symbolise a new kind of traditional authority—one that marries heritage with innovation, reverence with results. His Majesty’s presence was an affirmation of the critical role that traditional leaders play in Africa’s development narrative, particularly when their focus extends beyond ceremonial functions to economic inclusion, youth empowerment, and reconciliation.
Equally significant was the attendance of His Excellency Zolani Mkiva, South Africa’s National Poet Laureate and cultural diplomat, whose contributions to African oral traditions, heritage preservation, and spiritual leadership have earned him acclaim across the continent and beyond. Mkiva is a living archive of indigenous knowledge, and his presence at the gala underscored the essential place of cultural custodians in shaping Africa’s forward march.
Reinforcing the central message of the evening was the participation of Dr Thebe Ikalafeng, founder of Brand Africa and a tireless advocate for repositioning Africa’s global image. With quiet confidence and measured urgency, he reminded guests that reputation is not an abstract concept—it is a leadership asset, a public responsibility, and a strategic currency.
In a brief address, Dr Ikalafeng urged Africans to defend and define their own stories, to avoid outsourcing validation, and to recognise that Africa’s most compelling narrative lies in its people.
The programme, rich in symbolism and depth, also featured a spoken word performance by Maryam Hassan Bukar, poet and United Nations cultural contributor. Her performance traced the emotional landscape of migration, motherhood, memory and marginalisation, giving voice to those often invisible in continental conversations about leadership and legacy. It was a reminder that influence comes in many forms and that artistic leadership is as consequential as political or economic leadership.
Though the evening did not include lengthy individual speeches from honourees, their presence was itself a statement. Every handshake, every appearance, every shared moment reflected a common thread: a commitment to substance over symbolism, contribution over visibility. The honourees recognised on the evening represent the broad spectrum of African excellence—public servants, entrepreneurs, academics, scientists, philanthropists, traditional leaders, reformers and creatives—each of them carefully selected for their integrity, consistency and contribution to society.
In her closing remarks, Clariza, a senior representative of Reputation Poll International, offered a powerful reflection on the reason behind the gathering. She noted that the organisation does not celebrate status, but character. The honourees are not selected because of temporary popularity or political convenience, but because their reputations have been forged through dedication, discipline, and decisions that serve the public good. Clariza described the event not as a celebration of egos, but as a mirror—held up to the continent, reflecting what is possible when values and vision work together.
“Today, we gather not just to celebrate achievement, but to honour integrity, impact, and the enduring spirit of African excellence. The 100 Most Reputable Africans list is more than recognition—it is a call to responsibility. Each name represents a legacy of service, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting our continent. May this platform continue to inspire the next generation of Africans to lead with purpose and principle,” said Dr. Rex Idaminabo, Director of the Global Reputation Forum, during the 100MRA Award Ceremony in South Africa.
Among those recognised on the 2025 list were individuals such as Dr Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun of Namibia, whose work in healthcare and enterprise development has transformed entire regions, Isatou Ceesay of Gambia, known for pioneering environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment, Karen Matsiko of South Africa, celebrated for her leadership in finance and logistics, and Rosa Whitaker Duncan-Williams, a trailblazer in promoting African excellence through global trade and policy. Also recognised were Her Excellency Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius and biodiversity scientist, and Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, honoured for advancing inclusive governance.
The evening succeeded in capturing not just a list, but a movement. A movement that affirms the power of ethical influence. A movement that restores belief in leadership grounded in values. A movement that rejects mediocrity, celebrates authenticity, and acknowledges that trust is not a marketing tool—it is a legacy built over time. What distinguishes the 100 Most Reputable Africans from other accolades is the clarity of its purpose.
The list is not simply a who’s who of powerful people; it is a carefully constructed archive of credibility. Those featured are measured not only by achievement but by the durability of their trustworthiness. They are drawn from over thirty countries, and together they reflect Africa’s diversity not just in geography, but in thought, discipline, and purpose.
As the evening concluded, guests gathered for a group photograph—an image not of hierarchy, but of solidarity. It was a portrait of mutual accountability, of shared responsibility, and of collective hope. In that moment, captured against the backdrop of Johannesburg’s skyline, the future of African leadership looked grounded, inspired, and dignified.
The 2025 celebration of the 100 Most Reputable People in Africa will be remembered not just for its ambience or its elegance, but for its clarity of intent. It reminded all present that reputation is not a title to be claimed but a journey to be lived. It affirmed that Africa’s story is not incomplete—it is only just beginning to be told by those most qualified to tell it.
