Happy Africa Day everyone. As a brand founded in Africa, Jibu has quickly become one of the world’s largest social franchise networks, providing affordable access to drinking water and other essential products to millions and creating hundreds of new businesses across East, West, and Southern Africa. To celebrate Africa Day we as Jibu would like to show our appreciation to a few African influencers who are playing a great part in uplifting our communities and making the world better for our future leaders.
Who you follow on social media says a lot about how you want to change as a person. For Jibu it’s all about inspiring to create A Better Life for all through providing an opportunity to thrive, purpose and dedication. Below are our Africa Day picks for 2022 and in no particular order.
Kenya
Eliud Kipchoge
Arguably the world’s greatest marathon runner of all time, Eliud is a Kenyan of high pedigree. His level of motivation, mental and physical discipline and consistency are unrivaled. Having broken the World INEOS challenge by running 26.2 miles in the time of 1:59:40 hours, he has set a standard that will be hard to attain but just as inspirational for African athletes. “I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited,” he said after his win.
Larry Madowo
Larry is a Kenyan journalist and a CNN International Correspondent. He was previously a North America Correspondent for the BBC and also anchored breaking news and presented BBC World News America from Washington, DC. He is a reporter, broadcaster, writer, and news anchor whose range includes business, technology, current affairs, politics, and popular culture. His work has been featured in major global outlets including the BBC, CNN International, the Washington Post, and The Guardian. Listed among the Young Global Leaders in 2020 by World Economic Forum, Larry Madowo is an inspiration to many Kenyan youths as he has achieved so much at such a young age.
Ghana
John Dumelo
John Dumelo is an award-winning Ghanaian actor, politician, and farmer with a passion to educate on climate change. As a farmer, he has become a strong advocate and motivation for youth in agriculture encouraging them to take up farming and grow the economy whilst feeding the community. His determination to cause a change in the agricultural sector made him declare in a post on social media “I’m proud to be contributing my quota to national development. It is cool to be a farmer”. As the first Ghanaian to hit a million likes on Facebook he uses his reach for good.
Nana Aba Anamoah
Nana Aba Anamoah is an astute award-winning Ghanaian media personality. She is currently the General Manager of GHOne TV and Starr FM. As a football fanatic, she became an ambassador for women’s football in Ghana and has been raising awareness for them. Nana has been a great source of opportunity for Ghanaian youth to find decent jobs amid the high rate of unemployment. She recently launched her Charity Foundation’s Hearts Wide Open.
Rwanda
Clare Akamanzi
Clare Akamanzi is a Rwandan lawyer, public administrator, businesswoman, and politician, who is the executive director and CEO of the Rwanda Development Board. The RDB is responsible for the now world-famous hashtag and advertising campaign #VisitRwanda which promotes the country as a world-class tourism destination. This has not only boosted tourism and the economy but most importantly national pride amongst the youth when they see big sports teams like Arsenal and PSG as well as NBA players talking about their beloved nation. With national pride comes a dedication to growth and investing in your own community. Fellow African countries have now labeled Rwanda the Singapore of Africa thanks to this successful advertising campaign as well as the clean and safe city of Kigali.
Paula Ingabire
Paula Ingabire is a Rwandan technology professional and politician, who serves as the Minister of Information and communications technology and Innovation, in the Cabinet of Rwanda. Ingabire was named among the 115 young global leaders of the year 2020, by the World Economic Forum among public officials, journalists, activists, artists, educators, business innovators, and technology developers, who are below the age of 40. At only 39 she has been instrumental in helping Rwanda increase its internet users by 806 thousand (+24%) between 2020 and 2021. With the strong economical revolution happening in Africa since the early 2000s, the digital economy is more and more seen as a cornerstone for the African motion to emerge and Rwanda is taking lead. The digital tool is a strong and efficient tool for Africa, and the path this continent is taking is the good one for it to reach the development it has been looking for since independencies.
Aline Uwera
Gradually carving a niche for herself on the African continent as a future star, Rwandan cyclist Aline Uwera has been named among the top junior women riders from Africa for the current 2022 season by the International Cycling Union (UCI). Uwera who plies her trade locally with Bugesera Cycling Club in Nyamata recently won bronze at the 2022 Africa Road Championship in Egypt in March this year.
Salima Mukansanga
Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga has made history by becoming the first African woman to be appointed to officiate at the Fifa World Cup final. Rwanda referee Salima Mukansanga is among three women referees named by the world governing body Fifa to officiate at the men’s World Cup finals set for Qatar in November this year.
Uganda
Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa is a climate activist from Uganda. Not one to shy away from speaking up on climate change in Africa, she was the First Fridays For Future climate activist in Uganda and founder of the Rise up Climate Movement, which aims to amplify the voices of activists from Africa. Her work includes raising awareness of the danger of climate change, the causes, and the impacts. She spearheaded the campaign to save Congo’s rainforest, which is facing massive deforestation. This campaign later spread to other countries from Africa to Europe.
Joshua Cheptegei
Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei is a Ugandan long-distance runner and at only 25yrs of age is the reigning Olympic champion in the 5000 meters and silver medalist for the 10,000 meters, World champion (10,000m), and World Cross Country champion. Cheptegei currently holds world records in both the 5000m and 10,000m and holds the world’s best time in the 15 kilometers road race. He is also the current Ugandan record holder in both the 5 km and 10 km.
Zambia
Lulu Haangala Wood
Lulu is a household name and celebrated personality because of her television presentations & radio interviews on various TV & radio channels in Zambia. She started the #WeKeepMoving foundation inspiring youth to build meaningful lives and careers. It has grown to become a source of inspiration for many women and men alike.
Enock Mwepu
Enock Mwepu is a Zambian footballer who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League as a Central Midfielder. Enock scored a beautiful goal against Liverpool that got the internet buzzing and he was awarded the goal of the season by his team.
Mwepu believes there is really good talent in Zambia but very little exposure so his main aim is to inspire young aspiring Zambians to work extra hard!
Let us all keep working for a better Africa and providing others with the opportunity to thrive for a better life. Happy Africa Day from Jibu!
