Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has been recognised as one of New African magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.
Born Olukemi (Kemi) Olufunto Adegoke to Nigerian parents, Badenoch is married to Hamish Badenoch. At 44, she made history as the first Black individual to lead a major political party in the UK when she succeeded Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservatives and Prime Minister.
New African praised Badenoch as a rising force in UK politics, noting that with improvements to her debating style—moving away from attempts to emulate former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher—she could challenge Labour’s Keir Starmer and secure her legacy. The magazine concluded with, “Watch this space.”
Badenoch was listed in the “Public Office Holders” category, which also featured notable figures like Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Nigeria’s Muhammad Ali Pate, Rwanda’s Claver Gatete, Somalia’s Ali Mohamed, Morocco’s King Mohamed VI, South Africa’s Ronald Lamola, Ethiopia’s Nardos Bekele-Thomas, and Senegal’s Ibrahima Cheikh Diong.
Nigeria emerged as the country with the highest number of representatives on the prestigious list, followed closely by Kenya.
The annual compilation highlights influential Africans shaping the continent’s future amid evolving challenges and opportunities.
