“Twensa dima mcharfina” is a phrase you often hear if you usually come across Tunisians.

Last month, 12 Tunisians appeared among the 50 most influential people in North & East Africa, according to influences magazine annual ranking. Therefore, making Tunisia the most represented country, followed by Morocco (8) and Senegal (6) in a total of 15 countries.

What is Influences magazine’s ranking? 

Influences magazine honors each year the top 50 influential people in their respective domain of activity by issuing a ranking stating their names. The profiles are chosen based on the following formula: 50% for the impact of their activities on the community, 30% for their skills, and 20% for their notoriety. “The chosen ones” have had an unquestionable and decisive influence either by using their position to influence the choices of the markets and those of public opinion or through their financial or intellectual capacities and achievements. We can find for example political figures like Mohamed VI (King of Morroco) and Abdel Fattah Al Sissi (President of Egypt) or sportsmen like Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane (football players in Liverpool FC).

The fantastic 12?

12 Tunisian men and women made their country proud this year. They come from different domains of activities, demonstrating various profiles. Mohamed Moez Belhassine (Minister of Tourism) came sixth and is the only one in the top 10. The Culture & Media sector is the most present with 4 remarkable achievers: Noureddine Boutar (CEO of Mosaique FM), Hichem ben Yaïche (Chief Editor at New African Magazine), Nabil Gargabou (CEO of SNIPE La Presse and Delegate Administrator of Agence Tunis Afrique Presse) and Slaheddine Lahmadi (Ex-President of Tunisian Authors Community). 

Two women took the stand: Souad Abderrahim (Mayor of Tunis) and Amira Amri (Ex-President of SMT). The list is completed by Khaled Chelly (CEO of Tunisair), Mohamed Dkhili (CEO of GAT Assurances), Mohamed Chouikha (CEO of STB Bank), Slim Ben Salah (President of National Council of doctors), and last but not least Kaïs Mabrouk (Ex-Assistant Manager of Bouebdelli Education Group). 

Once again, Tunisian expertise is recognized, this time on a continental level. We wish more success for these inspiring 12. May they inspire the people around them!

PS: Tell us who would you like to see in the list in next year’s ranking?