Addis Ababa — The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Carlos Lopes, has once again been listed among Africa's 100 'most influential' by francophone newspaper, Financial Afrik. Mr. Lopes was honored for "reviving Africa's industrialization agenda as a key strategic debate on the continent," according to the newspaper.

The list includes many notables, including Mr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank who is on the honor roll for positioning agriculture as a major priority for the Bank. Others on the list are lauded for playing key strategic and transformative roles in the financial and banking sectors.

Financial Afrik notes that the list is based on the sustained efforts of leaders to transform their respective areas of specialization. According to the newspaper, those who influence Africa's economies do so through ideas and action.

I am indeed honored by the accolades, says the ECA Executive Secretary, who has been instrumental in promoting Africa's industrialization as a path towards structural transformation. He has done so by pushing the agenda in major public and private sector forums, including within the media, with notable impact on transformation efforts on the continent.