Outgoing Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), Ephraim Mwepya Shitima, has been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 by New African Magazine.
With climate change at the top of the agenda, Shitima is one of several players in the environmental space, which includes James Mwangi, formerly from Dalberg Group who has set up his own venture fund investing in climate related businesses, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Ms. Mrema served as the Executive Secretary for the Convention on Biological Diversity prior to her current role at UNEP.
Others in the environmental category include Wanjira Mathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and activist serving as Vice President and Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute; Rashid Sumaila, a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia; and Dr Musonda Mumba, a Zambian serving as the Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands.
On Shitima, the Magazine describes him as a “tough negotiator on climate change justice” in his role as Chair of the AGN, who led “tough negotiations for a much fairer deal for Africa from the developed world during the 2023 COP28 in the United Arab Emirates,” reads part of the tribute to Shitima.
And, accepting the recognition, Shitima said: “This is indeed humbling, but a collective achievement and I am only receiving it on behalf of all colleagues in the AGN and at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment. I am highly indebted to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for the massive support, in particular, the guidance and support from the Hon. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP.
“I believe the recognition is also a testament to the importance of creating sufficient publicity and awareness of our work as a group, and in this regard, the role of our AGN Communications Assistant, Friday Phiri, has been instrumental. I thank all colleagues for the various roles played and urge all to support the next Chair in a similar manner.”
Shitima, who heads the Green Economy and Climate Change Department at Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and UNFCCC focal point person, has led the AGN since November 2021 when he was elected and is scheduled to step down on December 31, 2023, after a successful two-year tenure.
The New African Magazine 100 Most Influential Africans list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.
The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.
The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, including singer Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, filmmaker Alice Diop and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.
On the political and public service front, the list features Kenya’s President William Ruto, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and Nigerian-American economist, who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation since March 2021, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 is a special edition of New African Magazine, which offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals. The magazine also provides a platform for the readers to learn from their stories, and to be inspired by their examples.
