Mogadishu, Somalia — January 12, 2025: Somali Magazine, a leading voice in promoting Somali excellence and success, proudly announced its much-anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024. This prestigious annual list celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including business, politics, education, health, arts, and community service.
In an exciting highlight of the event, the magazine revealed the Person of the Year 2024: Mr. Abdirizak Warsame, the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank. Mr. Warsame has been recognized for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion, and his pivotal role in transforming IBS Bank into one of the region’s most innovative financial institutions.
This year’s announcement also marked a milestone achievement for Somali Magazine. Over half a million people participated in voting via the magazine’s official website, somalimagazine.so, showcasing the immense interest and pride within the Somali community. This is the sixth consecutive year that Somali Magazine has unveiled this influential list, further solidifying its role as a trusted platform for celebrating Somali success stories.
Mr. Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud’s Speech
Speaking at a press release broadcast across local TV stations, the Founder and CEO of Somali Magazine, Mr. Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud, emphasized the importance of celebrating Somali achievements and inspiring future generations. He began his speech by expressing gratitude to all those who have supported Somali Magazine in its mission to highlight the stories of Somali excellence.
Excerpts from Mr. Ridwan Yusuf’s Speech:
“Today, we celebrate the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence that defines our Somali people. The 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024 list is not just a recognition of individual achievements but also a reflection of the collective progress we have made as a community.
This year’s Person of the Year, Mr. Abdirizak Warsame, embodies these values. As the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering our people through accessible financial services. His achievements inspire us all to aim higher and work harder for the betterment of our nation.”
Mr. Yusuf also highlighted the broader impact of the annual list, stating, “This initiative aims to shine a light on the incredible contributions of our people in Somalia and around the globe. By telling these stories, we hope to motivate young Somalis to dream big and take pride in their heritage.”
2024 Somali Magazine’s Business Person of the year 2024 is Mr. Ahmed Dahir Nur The CEO AND FOUNDER of Starsky Aviation Ltd
The Selection Process
The list of the 100 Most Influential Somali People is meticulously curated by Somali Magazine’s editorial team, alongside an independent panel of experts. This year’s list includes trailblazers from various sectors:
- Politicians and Leaders: Visionaries shaping Somalia’s political and social landscape.
- Business Tycoons: Entrepreneurs driving economic growth and innovation. This category features notable names such as Ahmed Dahir Nur, CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, who has made remarkable strides in the aviation sector; Shueib Warsame, CEO and Founder of Maandeeq Air; and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, celebrated for his role in fostering business growth, Hussein Abdirahman Amazon AWS CMH Regional Data Center Manager/Entrepreneur.
- Activists: Advocates for social justice and community empowerment.
- Islamic Scholars: Prominent figures promoting spiritual guidance and knowledge, including Shiekh Mustafa, Osman Hidig, and other distinguished scholars.
- Entertainment and Social Media Influencers: Creatives redefining Somali identity in the digital age.
- Sports: Athletes bringing pride to Somalia through exceptional performances.
- Journalists: Media professionals amplifying Somali stories worldwide, including Ayoub Abdulkadir, a respected journalist, and Mohamed Isse, a prominent voice in Somali journalism.
- Health and Education: Innovators transforming public health and education systems.
Closing Remarks
In closing, Mr. Yusuf reiterated Somali Magazine’s commitment to continuing its work in amplifying Somali voices and celebrating their achievements. “We look forward to another year of growth and excellence. Let us keep pushing boundaries and writing new chapters in the Somali success story,” he said.
The event and press release received widespread coverage across Somali TV networks, sparking a wave of pride and celebration among Somalis worldwide.
About Somali Magazine: Founded in 2020, Somali Magazine is a premier publication dedicated to showcasing Somali success stories, promoting business innovation, and fostering cultural pride. The magazine’s flagship initiatives include the Somali Business Awards, the Somali Business and Health Expo, and the publication of the 100 Most Influential Somali People annually.
For more details about this year’s list and honorees, visit somalimagazine.so or contact us at info@somalimagazine.so.