An impressive 71 names on this year’s Power 500 come from Africa – all in fact from North Africa. Making up 17% of the list, Egypt takes the highest number with an incredible 45 entries. Six of these are in the top 100 with Google’s Wael Ghonim – the face of the revolution in Egypt for millions of young protesters – taking the No.2 spot on this year’s Power 500.
The country also provides the most diverse number of entries, including footballers, singers, activists, scientists and even a comedian in the shape of Ahmed Helmy.
Algeria doesn’t fair too badly either, represented by nine names in the list. The highest is No.75 placed rapper Lofti Double-Kanon.
Morocco has eight entries in the Power 500, though none are in the top 100. The highest entry from the country is Hynd Bouhia, head of the Casablanca Stock Exchange, who creeps in at No.102.
Troubled Libya sees four entries, with OPEC boss Abdullah Salem Al Badri the highest placed at No.74.
Sudan doesn’t miss out either: poet Abdelkarim Al Kabli, author Leila Aboulela and athlete Ismail Ahmed Ismail each make it into the Power 500. Tunisia fields three entries, including commentator Issam Al Shawali and the renowned author Brahim Dargouthi.
To read the full Arabian Business Power 500 rankings, click here
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