Born in the United States, Haun moved to Ghana with his parents and has since dedicated himself to unicycling. His passion for the sport, which involves cycling on a single wheel, has led him to achieve remarkable success at a young age. However, his journey to the top has been challenging.

Haun began competing internationally for Ghana at 16, securing medals and making history. In 2022, he won a bronze and a silver medal, becoming the first Ghanaian to reach the podium in unicycling on the global stage.

Haun honed his unicycling skills in the US and brought cycles to his hometown of Nalerigu in Ghana’s Northern Region, teaching locals the sport. Inspired by the skills displayed by athletes worldwide, Haun’s dedication has turned unicycling into both a competitive sport and a source of entertainment.

Perseverance has been key to Haun’s success. “The biggest thing I’ve learned about unicycling is to persevere. There are many times when I’m learning a trick, I will fall down, but I keep on trying and I get back. Because if I give up when I fall, I will never learn anything. So unicycling has really taught me perseverance,” he told 3Sports.

After his success in 2022, Haun was honored by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra with the “Young Achievers & Innovators” award. His achievements have garnered attention and admiration from his fellow Ghanaians.

This year, at the World Unicycling Championships, Haun secured a gold medal in the Stillstand event and a bronze medal in the 30m Wheelwalk competition. His victories have made him a symbol of inspiration and growth for the sport in Ghana, particularly in the Northern Region.

At just 18, Haun has much to offer to Ghana and Africa. His success has inspired young individuals in Nalerigu to train and aspire to a career in unicycling, a sport previously uncommon in Ghana. 

Many young American athletes of African descent are also likely to follow Haun’s path to glory as unicycling gains popularity in Africa.

Mrs. Marshall Katung succeeds Al Garthwaite as the city’s 130th Lord Mayor and is the first person of African descent to hold the position. She is married to Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, who represents the Kaduna South Senatorial District.

“Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home,” Mrs. Marshall Katung remarked. An athletics coach, she also became the Governor of Leeds City College in January 2024. Her appointment as Lord Mayor marks her as the first elected councilor of African origin in Leeds and the second black person to hold the title, following Eileen Taylor.

Speaking on her historic achievement, Mrs. Marshall Katung highlighted the significance of her role for foreign students in the UK, celebrated widely on the African continent.

“It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked; it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant. My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous contribution international students make to UK society,” she said.

She pledged her commitment to ensuring all voices in the city are heard and every success recognized and celebrated.

“As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and every triumph is recognized and celebrated,” she added.

Biography Highlights

Abigail Wok Marshall Katung was born on December 7, 1975. She moved to the UK to study at the University of Leeds. In 2008, she founded the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) in memory of David Oluwale, a Nigerian migrant who drowned in 1969.

She was elected as the Little London and Woodhouse Ward representative in May 2019 and became a lead member for the BAME and a BAME staff network member champion in Leeds as of 2020. In 2022, she co-chaired Leeds City Council’s official ‘Food Champion.’ She was elected as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds under the Labour and Co-operative Party in January 2024.

Mrs. Katung is married to Nigerian lawyer and lawmaker, Sunday Marshall Katung. The couple has two 19-year-old twin sons, whom she chose to raise in Leeds.

Listed by Forbes Magazine as Africa’s richest man, Dangote is a figure of intrigue for many who wonder how someone so financially endowed can remain so humble. 

Over the past two decades, few Nigerian businessmen have captured global attention like Dangote. 

His name, and that of his company, Dangote Group, has become synonymous with quality products, excellence, and the indomitable African spirit.

Dangote represents a new generation of African businessmen who prefer to be called Afripreneurs or Africapitalists. These savvy individuals believe that consistent investment by Africans is essential for the continent to overcome poverty. 

Dangote has placed himself at the centre of vital conversations about wealth and poverty, importation and exportation, regional integration, and the balance between local and foreign investors. 

He has always made his points confidently, becoming a respected businessman, power broker, and philanthropist.

Dangote’s journey in business defies stereotypes and long-held assumptions. Unlike the typical rags-to-riches story, his success emphasizes the importance of mentorship, tenacity, hard work, vision, and innovation. 

After learning under his uncle, Dangote started his business in 1977 with a loan, the amount of which varies in accounts, and ventured into trading essential commodities like rice, sugar, cement, and vegetable oil.

As a leader in his industry, Dangote dictated market trends in terms of marketing, packaging, and nationwide distribution. After years as a trader and importer, he sought bigger challenges and decided to transition from trading imported goods to manufacturing. 

This strategic move, guided by foresight and an understanding of market changes, led to the growth of the Dangote Group into a diversified conglomerate with an annual turnover exceeding US$3 billion.

The Dangote Group’s core business focus is to provide local, value-added products and services that meet the basic needs of the populace. By constructing and operating large-scale manufacturing facilities across Nigeria and Africa, the Group has built local manufacturing capacity, generated employment, and reduced capital flight.

In an interview, Dangote explained his business philosophy: “To succeed in business, you must build a brand and never destroy it. One competitive advantage I had when I ventured into manufacturing was my brand (Dangote), which I diligently built during my trading years.” His commitment to building a brand and delivering quality products has established Dangote as a pioneer of the concept of thinking global but acting local.

Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria extend beyond business. His cement plant in Obajana is set to become the largest in the world, and the Dangote Group is a major employer in Nigeria. With ongoing projects, the Group could provide almost 10% of Nigeria’s GDP and employ up to 22,000 people in the coming years.

In response to Nigeria’s fuel crises, Dangote has invested in refinery projects, including a US$11 billion investment in constructing the largest petroleum refinery and petrochemical/fertilizer plants in Nigeria. 

The Dangote Refinery, located along the coast from Lagos, began production of diesel and aviation fuel in January 2024, with petrol production set to follow. 

Once fully operational, the refinery will have the capacity to produce 650,000 barrels of fuel per day, aiming to end Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.

Dangote’s impact on society is profound. His Dangote Foundation, with an endowment of US$1.25 billion, focuses on health, education, and empowerment. The Foundation also provides humanitarian aid, partnering with organizations like the Gates Foundation to combat polio and support disaster victims.

Born in Kano on April 10, 1957, Dangote moved to Lagos in 1977 and has been instrumental in Nigeria’s economic development. 

His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Nigeria’s second-highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), in 2011, and Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2014. 

He continues to make Forbes’ Billionaires/Rich List, solidifying his status as a global business icon and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe made history by earning a PhD in Industrial Psychology from North-West University, becoming the youngest female PhD graduate in Africa.

Her remarkable journey continued, and by age 28, she was appointed Associate Professor of Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg.

Popularly known as Professor Musa, she was born in Zimbabwe, raised in Botswana, and now resides in South Africa.

Her academic journey began early; at 16, she started her undergraduate studies at North-West University in South Africa.

By 19, she had earned a BCom in Human Resources Management, followed by a BCom Honours in Human Resources Management at 20. At 21, she completed her Master of Commerce (MCom) in Human Resources Management.

At 23, Professor Musa achieved her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Psychology, with a thesis that passed without corrections.

Her research focused on “The Management Perspectives on a Talent Value Proposition for Academic Staff in a South African Higher Education Institution.”

In addition to her academic achievements, Professor Musa serves as an Editorial Fellow at the American Psychological Association, an Advisory Board Member at Women Power Africa, an Academic Editor at PLOS, and a Research Supervisor at STADIO Higher Education.

Reflecting on her journey, Prof. Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe said, “Coming from a household where my parents made many sacrifices to ensure my siblings and I had a better start in life has always compelled me to thrive in all my endeavors. It is important to remember that although pursuing success often entails significant struggle, if you commit to pushing through the barriers, it will only be temporary.”

In 2019, Thabisa was crowned ‘South Africa’s Designer of the Year’ and the Tutu 2.0 light was nominated as the ‘Most Beautiful Object in SA’

Her designs are a love letter from South Africa, showcasing local fabrics, beads, ropes, and heritage. A testament to the creativity that’s baked into the Ubuntu spirit.

Thabisa is not just a designer, she’s an entrepreneur.

With her family by her side, her mother as her brand ambassador, and her siblings helping grow the business, Thabisa is making her mark.

Her 300 light fittings illuminate Nandos restaurants worldwide, and high-end restaurants and offices.

Next time you visit Sun City, those lampshades in the hotel rooms, Zioux or Mable restaurant in Sandton, are all Thabisa’s designs!

Her message to young entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: ‘There are opportunities everywhere, just look for it and make it happen’.

So, here’s to Thabisa Mjo, a shining example of South African talent!

She was born and raised in Coza village in Libode, Eastern Cape. 

In 2019, she obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Walter Sisulu University and did her practical legal training at the Law School in East London. 

In 2020, she served as a Candidate Attorney at AS Zono and Associates. 

In 2021, she was officially Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. 

Instead of waiting to find a job, Alungile decided to open her own legal firm, Alungile Madolo Incorporated in Mthatha, offering Civil Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, and Debt Collection services, and creating opportunities for other legal professionals.

“Opening my own legal firm at the age of 25 was the best decision I have ever made. As an Attorney, I have learnt that one must just be patient. Especially financially! I have learnt that the route I chose needs commitment. One must just take a short break from the world and focus a lot more on building their names in this career,” said Alungile Madolo. 

Join us in celebrating her!

This is the first time Ghana has been represented on the Awarding Jury in the history of the Cannes Festival.

Work from across the globe will be judged, awarded, and celebrated during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, running from 17 to 21 June 2024.

The Awarding Jury represents the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines.
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh is a seasoned business leader and strategic thinker, currently serving as the National Digital Transformation Lead for Microsoft Africa. With over 20 years of experience, Angela has made significant contributions to the financial services and technology sectors, holding various leadership roles globally and within Africa. Notably, she was the first woman and African to serve as Regional Head/CEO for IBM North, East, and West, overseeing business operations across 35 African countries. Angela’s career spans roles in prestigious financial institutions before transitioning to technology. She is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and actively mentors women in the corporate world. Angela is also deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting underprivileged communities in rural Ghana.

Aside from her professional endeavours, Angela is engaged in board memberships and has received numerous accolades for her leadership, including being recognized among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Africa by Forbes Africa. Angela’s philanthropic efforts include providing clean drinking water and solar lighting to Siti Village in Ghana, where she plans to establish a community school.

As a dedicated mother, avid golfer, and Formula 1 enthusiast, Angela’s passion for innovation, commitment to empowering women, and exceptional leadership serve as inspiration for future generations.

-Braperucci.Africa

Shirley is the founder and CEO of Sparrow Productions a film, television and advertising production company, and has won several awards including Best Director at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards and 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards – Best Movie Director, Best Video Editor, and (jointly with Hertey Owusu) Best Writer (Drama), Contract won Best Movie.

Frimpong-Manso is also a principal of Sparrow Station, a video streaming service for African entertainment from Sparrow and other African film producers.

In 2013, she was ranked the 48th most influential person in Ghana according to E.tv Ghana.

With producer and actress Juliet Asante, Frimpong-Manso helped produce the TV show Heart to Heart for two years shortly after school. She has also produced

Different Shades of Blue – a television series about five university girls who share a dormitory in a university hostel.

Personalities Kitchen – a cooking programme that hosts two personalities and challenges them to a rice meal of their choice.

The Miss Ghana Pageant – she produced two semifinalists at the Miss World event within five years during her time.

She’s also produced and directed movies including The Perfect Picture, Potomanto, Rebecca, Us In Between, A Sting In A Tale, Checkmate etc.
She was born on 16 March 1977.

She also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Limpopo.

Dr Mikovhe Maphiri is passionate about Research, Teaching and Learning. Her research interests are in corporate governance with a specific focus of strategic CSR, shared value and sustainability in companies doing business in Southern Africa.

She has received over 13 national and international prestigious Awards and fellowships since 2015.