President Mahama Places Fifth on Devex List of World’s Most Influential Development Leaders

Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has been ranked fifth on Devex’s prestigious Power 50 list, which highlights the most influential figures shaping global development and social change.

The respected international publication recognised President Mahama for championing the “Accra Reset”  a development strategy aimed at redefining Africa’s engagement with global partners.

Devex describes the current global development landscape as undergoing major transformation, with declining traditional foreign aid and increasing private-sector involvement. Mahama’s leadership, the publication notes, places him among a new wave of policymakers driving this shift.

Why Mahama Earned the Recognition

Central to Mahama’s selection is his push for a “post-aid” African development model through the Accra Reset initiative.

The framework focuses on strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation, expanding regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and embracing technology to accelerate economic growth.

According to Devex, Mahama has gone beyond policy slogans by implementing market-oriented reforms that attract development financing while safeguarding national independence.

His ranking at number five reflects his growing global influence in redefining how African countries approach development partnerships.

Other Global Changemakers Highlighted

The Devex Power 50 list also features prominent figures across philanthropy, finance, technology, and global health.

Key names include leaders directing large private investments into development initiatives, innovators using artificial intelligence and robotics to improve healthcare delivery, and policy experts reshaping global climate financing systems.

By placing President Mahama among the top five, Devex underscores the increasing role of African leadership particularly from Accra  in shaping the future of global development policy.