Celebrated Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo is the only Kenyan named among the World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leaders for 2020.
The annual list celebrates influential individuals under the age of 40 making an impact around the world, in governance, media, sports, business technology or humanitarian work.
Madowo, a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University in New York, was recognised for his work in expanding the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) footprint in Africa.
"The BBC Africa Business Editor launched six new business TV shows for African audiences in English, French and Swahili. Madowo is also an on-air correspondent on BBC radio and television and has reported from more than 40 countries," WEF noted.
Madowo featured on the list alongside globally-recognised stars such as US Women's soccer captain Megan Rapinoe who led her team to the World Cup in France in July 2019.
Other names on the list include Sanna Marin, Finland's 34-year old Prime Minister. Having been in office for just three months, she has earned plaudits for radical changes on parental leave laws, with both parents now allowed a total of 14 months paid parental leave.
Black Lives Matter Co-founder Alicia Garza, peer-to-peer money transfer service TransferWise co-founder Kristo Kaarman and Ethiopian Human Rights Lawyer Yetnerbesh Nigussie were among other notable young leaders recognized by WEF.
Madowo became a household name in Kenya during his time at the Nation Media Group (NMG).
He took on several roles including hosting the popular Friday night show The Trend, writing a weekly column in the Daily Nation and hosting 'The Larry Madowo Show' on Nation FM.
It was announced on April 11, 2018, that Madowo would be joining BBC News Africa as the Business Editor.
He was part of the team that oversaw an agressive expansion as the BBC looked to recruit talent and ramp up production of content for an African audience.
On April 9, 2019, Madowo was named among the 2019-2020 Knight-Bagehot Fellows at Columbia University.
He later announced that he would be taking a sabbatical from the BBC to focus on his fellowship at the Columbia Journalism School.
