Time Magazine Names Mo Abudu Among 100 Most Influential People Globally

The CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, has been named in TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. 

TIME100 recognises the impact, innovation, and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals.

Abudu made the list for contributions to film, television, and media.

“Being named to the TIME100 is both humbling and empowering. It’s a reminder that African stories — told authentically by us — have a rightful place on the global stage,” she said about the honour.

“I share this honour with every creative, entrepreneur, and changemaker who dares to dream big. I’m deeply grateful to my incredible team, my family, friends, and the stakeholders who have supported and believed in this journey from the beginning. Their unwavering support fuels my passion.

“As I continue to push boundaries with bold initiatives, this recognition strengthens my resolve to keep building platforms that amplify African voices, shift narratives, and inspire the next generation of creatives to shape the future.”

Idris Elba, whose Greendoor Pictures has partnered with Mo Abudu to empower and uplift talent from Africa and its diaspora by creating new TV and film projects, was invited to give a testament about Abudu, saying: “Mo Abudu’s reputation precedes her. Anyone who has worked on anything relating to African film knows her. I had been an admirer of her work for some time before I reached out to her two years ago to connect.

“Pretty quickly, we were hatching a plan to collaborate on a film, which became Dust to Dreams. That’s the thing about Mo: she wastes no time. She has an infectious, can-do attitude and the tenacity to overcome any obstacle in her way. Her sprawling empire—from studios and productions to cinemas and a creative academy—is testament to that.

“Mo, who launched the $50 million Afro Film Fund last year, cares deeply about the African narrative and how the continent and its people are portrayed onscreen. Anyone who wants to understand the filmmaking landscape in Africa—or anywhere else—could learn a lot from Mo, because she gets things done.”