In a prestigious acknowledgment of their transformative contributions to African society, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Temilade Openiyi, globally celebrated as Tems, have been named among the 2025 “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.” This distinguished recognition, announced during a high-profile news conference in Abuja, Nigeria, celebrates individuals who have made significant strides in fostering peace, development, and unity across the African continent. The inclusion of these two Nigerian powerhouses underscores their remarkable influence in their respective fields—global economics and music—and their shared commitment to uplifting communities and inspiring positive change.
A Beacon of Economic Leadership: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a trailblazer in global finance and trade, has long been a symbol of excellence and resilience. As the first woman and first African to serve as Director-General of the WTO, her leadership has reshaped international trade policies, advocating for fairness, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth. Her inclusion in the 2025 Peace Icons list is a testament to her tireless efforts to promote economic stability, which is seen as a cornerstone of peacebuilding in Africa and beyond.
Okonjo-Iweala’s career is a masterclass in breaking barriers. Born in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria, she earned a degree in Economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her illustrious career includes two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she spearheaded reforms to combat corruption, improve fiscal transparency, and stabilize the economy. Her work at the World Bank as Managing Director further amplified her global impact, where she championed initiatives to reduce poverty and support developing nations.
Her role at the WTO has been particularly pivotal. Since taking office in 2021, Okonjo-Iweala has navigated complex global trade challenges, including supply chain disruptions and economic fallout from geopolitical tensions. Her advocacy for equitable vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts to reform global trade rules to benefit African nations have earned her widespread acclaim. The Peace Icons recognition highlights her ability to bridge economic divides, fostering stability and opportunity—key ingredients for lasting peace.
Tems: A Cultural Force for Unity and Inspiration
Temilade Openiyi, known to the world as Tems, represents a different but equally powerful form of influence. The Grammy-winning artist has taken the global music scene by storm, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and soul to create a sound that resonates across continents. Her inclusion in the 2025 Peace Icons list celebrates her role as a cultural ambassador whose music promotes unity, self-expression, and empowerment, particularly among African youth.
Tems’ rise to fame is a story of talent, perseverance, and authenticity. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she first gained attention with her 2018 single “Mr Rebel,” but it was her 2020 hit “Try Me” and her feature on Wizkid’s global smash “Essence” that catapulted her to international stardom. Her soulful voice and introspective lyrics have earned her accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2022 and multiple BET Awards. Beyond her musical achievements, Tems has become a role model for young Africans, particularly women, demonstrating that success can be achieved on one’s own terms.
Her music carries messages of resilience, self-love, and cultural pride, which resonate deeply in a continent grappling with issues of identity and representation. Tems’ ability to connect with audiences worldwide while staying rooted in her African heritage has made her a powerful force for cultural diplomacy. The Peace Icons recognition acknowledges her contributions to fostering hope and unity through art, proving that music can be a universal language for peace.
The 100 Most Notable Peace Icons: A Celebration of Impact
The “100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa” list, organized by the African Leadership Summit, is an annual initiative to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to humanitarian causes, community development, and youth empowerment. This year’s list, unveiled in Abuja, features a diverse array of leaders, including policymakers, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs from across Africa. The selection process, guided by a panel of experts, evaluates nominees based on their tangible contributions to peacebuilding, social justice, and sustainable development.
The announcement in Abuja was marked by enthusiasm and pride, with organizers emphasizing the importance of recognizing both high-profile figures and grassroots changemakers. The list includes other notable names, though Okonjo-Iweala and Tems stand out as emblematic of Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage. Their inclusion reflects the multifaceted nature of peacebuilding—whether through economic reforms that uplift communities or cultural contributions that inspire hope and unity.
The Road to Kigali: A Summit of Vision and Inspiration
The 2025 Peace Icons will be formally honored at the “100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit,” scheduled to take place from July 4 to 6, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. This prestigious event will bring together leaders from across Africa to discuss pressing issues such as economic development, youth empowerment, and sustainable peace. The summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for honorees to share their insights and inspire the next generation of African leaders.
For Okonjo-Iweala, the summit offers an opportunity to further advocate for trade policies that empower African nations. Her work at the WTO has emphasized the need for Africa to play a central role in global markets, and her presence at the summit will likely spark conversations about economic sovereignty and resilience. For Tems, the event is a chance to highlight the role of the arts in fostering social cohesion and amplifying African voices on the global stage.
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