Though there would have been countless people worthy of a mention. I have whittled them down to a list of five of the highest achievers and most influential africans of 2012;
Joyce Banda: The Malawian president has presided over first term in office this year with absolute integrity and a robust and refreshing approach. Aiming to break the stereotype of corruption and lavish living by africa's elite Banda shocked many observers by deciding to discard her presedential jet and luxury car fleet. Her actions were unsuprisingly welcomed by many western countries and will ultimately ensure lots of aid and cooperation from these countries. However more importantly her approach to spending has helped to break a mindset many african leaders continue to have.
Folorunsho Alakija: If you had not heard of Mrs Alakija before you certainly have now. 2012 was the year the founder and owner of Famfa Oil ltd reortedly became worth $3.2 billion which is currently more than Oprah Winfrey's estimated net worth of $2.7 billion. Her company produces roughly 200,000 barrels of oil per day and that production is worth $6.4 billion alone. Mrs Alakija reportedly recently purchased a $102 million property at One Hyde Park in London, as well as a Bombardier Global Express 6000 jet, which she bought earlier this year for $46 million. To surpass Oprah Winfreys net worth is a mean feat, Folorunsho Alakija; we salute you!
David Rudisha: Arguably the standout African performer at Lonon 2012 and he produced arguably the standout performance on the athletics track in London. David Rudisha added the Olympic gold to his world champioship gold with a supreme performance that saw him break the world record with ease.He became the first athlete to set a new world record on the track at London 2012 and the first man inside one minute 41 seconds, clocking 1:40.91. Quite incredible to think he is only 23 years old and already a living legend, what else can he achieve in 2013?
Sarkodie: I almost decided against adding The man dubbed "Rapperholic" to the list, however I reconsidered. He has had a brilliant year cleaning up at the Ghanaian music awards and also being recognised internationally winning the BET Best international act alongside Wizzkid. I don't remember a Ghanaian artist having the impact Sarkodie has had within Ghana especially on the youth. He has also helped pioneer the Azonto freestyle dance which is now a continental and international phonemonon. I know many people will feel somebody like D'banj should be on the list especially as he has now gone international with Kanye West. However as relatively new african artist I feel Sarkodie has had an exceptional year.
Zambian national football team: Last and certainly not least the Zambian football team deserve an honourable mention. They pulled off one of the intternational football shocks of the year by winning their first African Nations Cup title earlier in the year. They became everbodys favourite team with their brand of positive attacking football beating three of the pre-tournament favourites: Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast in the process. However what was more poignant was that 19 years after 18 members of Zambia national team died as they took off by plane
from the Gabonese capital, Libreville, Zambia returned to there to win the final.
Do you agree with my list?
Until next time... wishing you a Happy and peaceful 2013 !
Ben
@Kwesitheauthor I @creativafr