The United Nations Population Fund Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mabingue Ngom, is this year among the 100 Most Influential Africans published by the New African Magazine.

Featured in the "Politics and Public Service" category alongside United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and some Heads of State, Mabingue Ngom was chosen for his status as "Champion of Youth and Women's Rights," The New African Magazine described him as "one of the most outstanding advocates for the promotion of the demographic dividend and youth, as well as the rights of women and families to be healthy".

Mabingue Ngom is credited for coordinating and implementing UNFPA's mandate in 23 countries with complex linguistic, political and social differences in one of the most neglected regions. Mr. Ngom is said to have successfully implemented a social and behavioural change strategy that has resulted in a series of achievements.

Reacting to the announcement on Twitter, Mabingue Ngom thanked the magazine and credited his team “for their exceptional efforts and commitment to youth.”

Indeed, at the recent International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) held in Nairobi from 12 to 14 November 2019, the African Youth Network for Health and Population AfriYAN dedicated its award for best youth citizen movement to Mr. Ngom.

The 2019 list of 100 Most Influential Africans includes personalities from various sectors, Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who won the Nobel Peace Prize as well as entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote of Nigeria. Professional athletes and artists are also included.

The full list is published in the December 2019 issue of the New African Magazine available at New African Magazine December 2019.