By Patricia Uyeh

The Africa Youth Awards has named 100 Most Influential Young Africans for 2018. This annual list has 26 African countries well represented with Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania taking the lead with 20, 17, 12 and 8 representatives respectively.

This list features politicians, activists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, digital influencers, philanthropists and athletes across 10 distinct categories who are blazing various trails and promoting the positive image of Africa across the globe.

Speaking about the list , Prince Akpah, founding President of Africa Youth Awards, said that the current list features a record of 90 new entrants and 43 females.

According to him, this year’s awardees were selected based on their individual and collective contributions towards positioning the image of Africa as frontrunners in their respective fields. As he urged other young Africans to emulate the footstep of the listed individuals, he added that they should join them to make Africa a better and safer place for young dreamers.

The list was compiled in partnership with Avance Media, mynaijanaira.com. Below is the list of the 2018 100 Most Influential Young Africans arranged in alphabetical order:

ABD Traore
Abdellah Mallek
Adeola Fayehun
Ahmed Musa
Akwasi Frimpong
Ali Kiba
Ama Duncan
Amina Rabar
Amy Sarr Fall
Ancillar Mangena-Nombewu
Anita Adetola Adetoye
urea Mouzinho
Aya Chebbi
Bamai Namata
Bogolo Kenewendo
Bonang Matheba
Brian Amoateng
Brian Mutebi
Cassper Nyovest
David Moinina Sengeh
Davido
Dikeledi Mokoena
Dominique Alonga
Dr Sandile Kubheka
Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
Dr. Shakira Choonara
Edem Agbana
Ester Simon
Falz
Faraja Nyalandu
Farida Bemba Nabourema
Feka Parchibell Parch
Frank Edwards
Gideon Danso
Hamamat Montia
Hanane El Khader
Herieth Paul
Hodan Osman
Ibrahim Ceesay
Jennifer Bash
Joybert Javnyuy
Jumanne Mtambalike
Kalidou Koulibaly
Kelvin Nyame
Kenneth Okwor
Kenny Blaq
Kevin Lubega
Kgomotso Phatsima
Kow Essuman
Kungaba Fongoh Leonel
Kwame A.A Opoku
Luthando Shosha
Mabutho Mthembu
Maria Borges
Mbali Ntuli
Mbwana Samatta
Medhi Benatia
Millard Ayo
Mohamed Salah
Musawenkosi Saurombe
Mwiya Musokotwane
Nabimanya Humphrey
Nana Aba Anamoah
Nana Appiah Mensah
Nasty C
Nice Nailantei Leng’ete
Nneile Nkholise
Nomzamo Mbatha
Nontokozo Madonsela
Obinwanne Okeke
Olasupo Abideen
Orapeleng Modutle
Pedro Lopes
Percy Tau
Prince Louis Omolayo Adekola
Rachel Sibande
Raphael Obonyo
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu
Sadio Mane
Samuelle Dimairho
Sandra Ochola
Scheaffer Okore
Sherrie Silver
Sidiki Diabaté
Simidele Adeagbo
Stonebwoy
Sylvester Chauke
Takunda Chingonzo
Thando Thabethe
Toke Makinwa
Tomi Adeyemi
Tonye Rex Idaminabo
Ubi Franklin
Victor Moses
Victoria Ibiwoye
Wadi Ben-Hirki
Xtian Dela
Yannick Nzonde
Yasmin Belo-Osagie
Yusuf Bakhresa