The pan-African current affairs magazine, New African, has published its annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans in it’s December edition, currently on sale.

Featuring individuals whom the magazine quotes ‘can move markets and sway decisions’ this year’s list has been split into eight categories, including: Politics, Business, Civil Society, Media, Religion and Traditional, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture and Sport.

Every entry features an insightful profile detailing recent career highlights and achievements – as well as some memorable quotes. Featuring some familiar household names – alongside a few lesser-known personalities – this list aims to recognise the contributions of certain individuals in Africa’s renewed drive towards development. Additionally, for those aiming to better understand the inner workings of Africa’s complex power games, this list offers an insight into the faces, names and characters that can be found inside Africa’s corridors of power.

Highlights from the 2012 list include:

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – chairperson of the African Union, Julius Malema – South African activist/politician, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Amoudi – richest African in the world, Leymah Gbowee – Nobel Laureate and women’s activist, Desmond Tutu – archbishop/civil rights activist, Charlize Theron – actress/humanitarian, D’Banj – singer, Ayi Kwei Armah – novelist, Ozwald Boateng – fashion designer and Oscar Pistorius – Paralympic gold medalist.