Haikal is the founder of Citadel Capital Cairo - Mohi Al Kardousi The founder of African's leading investment company, Citadel Capital, has has been named among the 100 most influential personalities by New African magazine. In its latest issue, the magazine praised Ahmed Haikal for developing the Rift Valley Railways. It also praised his efforts in trying to discuss African and Egyptian issues in the international community. Haikal said he was delighted to be in the list, adding that Africa is a land full of opportunities which has allowed his company to attract the attention of investors. He said that now is the right time to invest in Africa, as it represents a large consumer market. He predicted that Africa will turn into the largest centre of manpower in 2040 and that East Africa will attract investments opportunities due to its high population, the existence of the natural resources, and developed network of infrastructure. New African magazine's top 100 list is a selection of personalities who have made an impact in the regional market in various fields, including business, sport, media, science and civil society. This year's list includes former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, South African social rights activist Desmond Tutu, Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, and Gabon President Ali-Ben Bongo. Citadel Capital's investment portfolio includes a large number of projects and investments, including national railway networks in Kenya and Uganda and a number of other projects such as Rift Valley and Wafra, the investment arm of Citadel Capital in Sudan’s agricultural production. The company has attracted investments of up to $300 million to serve plans to develop a number of sectors in the next five years.