Mahama ranked fifth on Devex list of 50 most powerful people in the world
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has been ranked fifth among the world’s 50 most influential figures in development and social change by respected global publication Devex, in recognition of his leadership in advancing the “Accra Reset” agenda.
The Devex Power 50 list highlights individuals reshaping the global development landscape at a time of what it describes as “tectonic shifts” within the sector.
President Mahama’s placement underscores his role as part of a new wave of leaders responding to declining traditional foreign aid and the growing influence of private-sector–driven development models.
Why Mahama Made the List
Central to Mahama’s inclusion is the Accra Reset, an ambitious framework aimed at redefining Africa’s engagement with the global North. As major donors, including the United States, scale back aid commitments, Mahama has positioned himself as a prominent advocate for a “post-aid” development approach for Africa.
The Accra Reset prioritises domestic resource mobilisation, strengthens regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and leverages technology to overcome longstanding development challenges.
According to Devex, Mahama has gone beyond the slogan of “Africa Beyond Aid” by advancing concrete, market-oriented policies that draw in development finance while safeguarding national sovereignty.
His fifth-place ranking reflects his growing influence across multiple spheres of global development leadership.
A Global Network of Influencers
Beyond President Mahama, the Devex Power 50 list spotlights a diverse group of actors shaping the future of development worldwide.
In philanthropy and finance, figures such as Alexander Berger of Open Philanthropy and Nidhi Sahni of the Bridgespan Group are recognised for directing vast pools of private capital.
In technology, Zipline CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton is noted for pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in healthcare delivery across Africa.
Global health reformers, including Muhammad Ali Pate, are acknowledged for strengthening health systems to better withstand future pandemics.
The list also draws attention to influential but less visible power brokers — those shaping policies, public opinion and funding flows — such as Avinash Persaud, who is playing a key role in reshaping global climate finance.
By placing President Mahama among the top five, Devex signals a shift in where global development leadership is emerging. His stewardship of the Accra Reset reflects a broader transformation in how developing nations assert influence and claim a stronger voice in global decision-making.
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