Dr Rasha Kelej Named Among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Persons for 2025
Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Dr Rasha Kelej has been recognised among the “100 Most Influential Africans 2025” for her outstanding contributions to healthcare capacity-building, women’s empowerment and public health policy across the continent.
Under her leadership, the Merck Foundation has emerged as a leading force in strengthening Africa’s health systems through the training of medical professionals, awarding thousands of scholarships in critical and underserved specialties, including fertility care, oncology, diabetes and hypertension.
Dr Kelej has been widely acclaimed for championing long-term, sustainable healthcare solutions, focusing on building local expertise rather than short-term interventions. Her work has significantly expanded access to specialised medical care in many African countries, particularly for women and marginalised communities.
A flagship initiative under her stewardship is the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI), which partners African First Ladies to advocate for women’s health, girls’ education and scientific training. The initiative has strengthened advocacy at the highest political levels, driving cross-country collaboration and national commitment to health and education reforms.
Beyond her continental engagement, Dr Kelej has also served as an Egyptian Senator, a role that has enabled her to contribute to policy formulation at the national level while advancing public health, gender equality and social development across Africa.
Reacting to the recognition, Dr Kelej expressed gratitude for the honour and acknowledged fellow awardees.
“I am truly honoured to be recognized as one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans 2025’. I am proud to share this recognition alongside exceptional and prominent leaders, including the Presidents of Ghana, Angola, Burkina Faso, and South Africa, who have achieved extraordinary milestones in their lives,” she said.
She extended congratulations to all those recognised, describing the honour as a shared achievement for leaders committed to Africa’s development.
Dr Rasha Kelej is noted for her unique blend of philanthropy, policy engagement and long-term healthcare capacity-building, positioning her as one of the continent’s most influential advocates for sustainable health systems and social transformation.
