50 Most Influential People in Africa
From business moguls to change-making activists, visionary artists to pioneering scientists, these individuals are not just leading in their fields; they are redefining what it means to be influential in the 21st century. Join us as we spotlight the voices, stories, and legacies of those who are driving Africa forward, and discover how their influence is resonating across the globe.
Akinwumi Adesina
When the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) speaks, the world listens. The slick Nigerian operator has the knack of commanding headlines wherever he goes, but beneath the publicity blitz is a firm commitment to advocating for Africa’s interests at every available opportunity. Read more
Tidjane Thiam
Banking, by its very nature, does not exactly allow for big personalities; but Tidjane Thiam is anything but your run-of-the-mill banker. The scion of a prominent Ivorian family, he is a descendant of Queen Yamousso, after whom Yamoussoukro, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire, is named. Read more
Mamady Doumbouya
Following his ascent to power in Guinea in 2021, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya has carved out a unique trajectory for the sub-region. In his own country, he is credited with bringing some normalcy back following the protests that erupted before his involvement. Read more
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria)
In an era of huge global trade dislocation and mounting geopolitical tensions, the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has arguably never been more important. Even more so, as developing countries are being penalised in a world of greater subsidies and unreasonable tariffs. Read more
Bola Tinubu (Nigeria)
Bola Tinubu, who easily won the March 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, evidently believed that it was best to take on the most difficult decisions early in his tenure. In his first speech on May 29, he quickly declared the end of gasoline subsidies, a possibility his predecessor had avoided like the plague for eight years. Read more
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong (Senegal)
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong has held prominent positions at numerous international institutions. The largest influence he makes, nevertheless, might come from his current position as director general of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group. ARC, an organisation under the African Union, works to reduce the risk that African nations face from extreme weather events brought on by climate change. Read more
Ibrahim Traoré
Ibrahim Traoré is a Burkinabé military officer, has become a prominent figure in the country’s political and military landscape. Born in Burkina Faso, he underwent rigorous training in military academies and institutions. Traoré’s military career has been marked by his leadership roles and involvement in significant national events. Read more
Traoré’s leadership skills and strategic acumen have earned him recognition within the military. He has been involved in several operations aimed at maintaining national security and stability, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and conflict. Read more
President William Ruto
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has demonstrated a combination of determination and charm since his election. Despite opposition leader Raila Odinga’s unofficial strikes, Ruto has remained committed to his agenda of removing food and fuel subsidies, attracting financial support from Bretton Woods institutions, and reducing the nation’s external debts. Read more
Tsitsi Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe)
Tsitsi Masiyiwa is convinced there is much more that philanthropy can do to change the world, and she is playing her part. A respected social entrepreneur, named Philanthropist of the Year at the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards last year, she steers the non- profit Higherlife Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, in their homeland Zimbabwe, 25 years ago. Read more
Nadia Fettah Alaoui
Nadia Fettah Alaoui is a Moroccan entrepreneur and politician who is currently the Minister of Economy and Finance in the administration led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannoush. She was appointed to this position in 2021 and has established herself over the past two years as a progressive force for the Moroccan Economy. Alaoui played a key role in the country’s successful hosting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings in October 2023 – the first time in over half a century that the Bretton Woods institutions had held their meetings on African soil. Read more
Dr Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania)
In African finance, the 1974-founded Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) is a special player. The bank, which was established by the League of Arab States, which is now known as the Arab League and of which eighteen are shareholders, aims to channel funding from the Arab world into Africa. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, the bank’s ardent leader, has been president since July 2015. Read more
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author, feminist, and public intellectual who has become one of Africa’s most influential voices in literature. she grew up in the university town of Nsukka, where her father was a professor and her mother was the first female registrar at the University of Nigeria. Read more
Graça Machel (Mozambique)
Graça Machel, a Mozambican politician, humanitarian, and advocate for women’s and children’s rights, is a respected figure in Africa. Born in 1945, she grew up in a rural community and pursued education in Mozambique before receiving a scholarship to study at the University of Lisbon. Machel joined the Mozambican Liberation Front in the 1970s and served as the country’s first Minister of Education and Culture. Read more
Abubacarr Tambadou
Abubacarr Tambadou is a Gambian lawyer and politician. He is the current registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, an international court founded by the UN Security Council. From 2017 to 2020, he served as the attorney general and minister of justice in Gambia. Read more
Samia Suluhu Hassan
Samia Suluhu Hassan, born on January 27, 1960, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is the first woman to hold the highest office in the country. Her political career began in the mid-1980s when she joined the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and held various administrative and political roles. In 2000, she was elected as a Member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, where she served as the Minister of Labour, Gender Development, and Children.In 2015, she was chosen as the running mate of John Magufuli, the CCM presidential candidate, and became Tanzania’s first female Vice President. Read more
Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, is renowned for his transformative leadership and efforts to rebuild the nation after the 1994 genocide. Born in Tambwe, Rwanda, Kagame’s early life was disrupted by political instability, leading his family to flee to Uganda. He later joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) in Uganda, where he played a key role in the military struggle that brought Yoweri Museveni to power. Read more
Tony Elumelu
Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is known for his significant contributions to the banking industry and his efforts to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa. Born in 1963, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Ambrose Alli University and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. Read more
Mo Ibrahim
Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese-British businessman and philanthropist, is known for his contributions to the telecommunications industry and his efforts to promote good governance and leadership in Africa. Born on May 3, 1946, in Sudan, Ibrahim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt and later a Master’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Bradford and a Ph.D. in Mobile Communications from the University of Birmingham. Read more
Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor
Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, a Cameroonian academic and diplomat, is currently serving as the Commissioner for Human Resources, Science, and Technology at the African Union (AU). Her work focuses on promoting education, scientific research, and technological innovation across Africa, with the goal of fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Africans. Born in Cameroon, Prof. Agbor holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Yaoundé, a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, and a Ph.D. Read more
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o, a Kenyan-Mexican actress and author, is known for her powerful performances in film and theater. Born in 1983, she attended the United States International University in Nairobi and the Yale School of Drama. Her acting career includes roles in “12 Years a Slave” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Nyong’o also made significant contributions to theater and voice acting, starring in “Eclipsed” and voiced Raksha in Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” Read more
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Kenyan writer, academic, and social activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is renowned for his contributions to literature and advocacy for cultural and linguistic diversity. Born in 1938, he grew up during British colonial rule and studied English at Alliance High School and Makerere University in Uganda. Read more
Nassef Sawiris
Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman and one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals, is a prominent figure in the global business community. Born in Cairo in 1961, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Chicago. Nassef has significantly shaped Egypt’s economic landscape, as the CEO of Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) and a major shareholder in international companies. Read more
Isabel dos Santos
Isabel dos Santos, the eldest daughter of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, is a prominent Angolan businesswoman and philanthropist. She has built a significant business empire in telecommunications, banking, energy, and media sectors. She co-founded Unitel, Angola’s largest mobile phone network, and holds stakes in Banco BIC and Banco de Fomento Angola…Read more
Bogolo Kenewendo
Bogolo Kenewendo, a Botswana economist and politician, is known for her significant contributions to economic policy and trade in Botswana. Born in Motopi, she pursued her education at the University of Botswana and later obtained a Master’s degree in International Economics from the University of Sussex. Kenewendo’s career has been marked by the rapid rise in the fields of economics and politics. Read more
William Kamkwamba
William Kamkwamba, a Malawian innovator and author, is best known for building a windmill to generate electricity for his village using materials found in a local scrapyard. Born in 1987, Kamkwamba faced financial difficulties and dropped out of school at 14. Read more
Dr. John Nkengasong
Dr. John Nkengasong, a Cameroonian virologist and public health expert, is currently the Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). His leadership has been instrumental in coordinating Africa’s response to infectious disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Rebecca Enonchong
Rebecca Enonchong, a Cameroonian technology entrepreneur and advocate for digital innovation in Africa, founded AppsTech in 1999. She is a co-founder of the African Business Angels Network (ABAN), which connects angel investors with entrepreneurs. Enonchong is passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa, mentoring young entrepreneurs and providing them with resources. Read more
David Ibiyeomie
David Ibiyeomie, a Nigerian pastor, author, and televangelist, is the founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, one of the largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Born on October 21, 1962, in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria, Ibiyeomie grew up in a Christian family and pursued higher education at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Read more
Idris Elba
Idris Elba is a British actor, producer, musician, and DJ known for his diverse roles in film, television, and music. Born in London in 1972, Elba developed an interest in acting and music at a young age and began working as a DJ under the name “Big Driis.” His acting career spans television, film, and stage, with notable roles and achievements including …Read more
Enoch Adeboye
Enoch Adeboye, a Nigerian pastor, teacher, and author, is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), a rapidly growing Pentecostal church. Born in 1942, Adeboye holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Master’s degree in Hydrodynamics, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Lagos. Read more
Sim Tshabalala
Sim Tshabalala, a prominent South African banker and business leader, is the CEO of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets. Born in 1967, Tshabalala began his career as an attorney at Bowman Gilfillan and later transitioned to the financial sector. He joined Standard Bank in 2000 and held various senior positions, including Managing Director of Stanbic Africa, Deputy Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa, and Chief Executive of Personal and Business Banking. Read more
Patrice Motsepe
Patrice Motsepe, known as a South African mining magnate, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is the founder and executive chairman of African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), a leading mining company with interests in gold, platinum, ferrous metals, and coal. Born in 1962, Motsepe grew up in a business-oriented family and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Swaziland and a law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Read more
James Mwangi
James Mwangi, a Kenyan banker and business leader, is the CEO and Managing Director of Equity Group Holdings, one of the largest and most successful financial services companies in Africa. Under his leadership, Equity Bank has transformed from a small microfinance institution into a leading financial powerhouse, significantly impacting financial inclusion and economic development in the region. Read more
Abiy Ahmed
Abiy Ahmed, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, has been a prominent figure on the global stage since April 2018. Born in 1976, Ahmed comes from a diverse religious and ethnic background, with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Microlink Information Technology College and a Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from the University of Greenwich, London. Read more
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, and television host, is best known for hosting the American satirical news program “The Daily Show.” Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Noah grew up during the final years of apartheid, with mixed-race heritage being illegal under apartheid laws. Read more
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, a South African-born American entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor, is known for his ambitious vision and groundbreaking contributions to various industries, including space exploration, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk showed an interest in computing and technology at the age of 12. Read more
Mohamed Aly El-Erian
Mohamed Aly El-Erian is an influential economist, author, and financial expert known for his insights on global economic trends, financial markets, and policy issues. Born in 1958 in New York City, El-Erian has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Queens’ College, Cambridge University, and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Oxford. He has held high-profile positions in the financial industry and academia, and his commentary is widely respected in economic and financial circles. El-Erian’s career spans academia, international organizations, and the financial industry. Read more
Pravin Gordhan
Pravin Gordhan, a prominent South African politician and anti-apartheid activist, has held several key positions in the South African government, including Minister of Finance. He is known for his commitment to good governance, fiscal responsibility, and anti-corruption efforts. Born on April 12, 1949, Gordhan grew up during the apartheid era and became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement. Read more
Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist, is the richest person in Africa. He founded Dangote Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, salt, flour, and other commodities. Dangote’s entrepreneurial success and significant contributions to Africa’s industrialization have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Read more
Shamila Batohi
Shamila Batohi, a prominent South African lawyer and prosecutor, is the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Appointed in 2018, she has been instrumental in leading efforts to restore integrity and public confidence in the NPA. Batohi began her career as a junior prosecutor in the Durban Magistrate’s Court and rose through the ranks. Read more
Sauti Sol
Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afro-pop band known for its unique blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and traditional African music. The band, formed in Nairobi in 2005, consists of four members: Bien-Aimé Baraza, Williams Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno. They have gained international acclaim for their harmonious vocals, captivating performances, and socially conscious lyrics. Read more
Mohammed Dewji
Mohammed Dewji, a Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist, is best known for his role as the CEO of MeTL Group, one of the largest industrial conglomerates in East Africa. Born in 1975, Dewji grew up in a business-oriented family and attended the International School of Tanganyika and Arnold Palmer Golf Academy. Read more
Louise Mushikiwabo
Louise Mushikiwabo, a Rwandan politician and diplomat, is currently serving as the Secretary-General of the OrganisationInternationale de la Francophonie (OIF), also known as La Francophonie. Born in Kigali, Rwanda, she has held various significant positions in the Rwandan government and has been instrumental in shaping Rwanda’s foreign policy and international relations. Read more
James Mworia
James Mworia, a Kenyan business executive and CEO of Centum Investment Company, is renowned for his significant contributions to the company. Born in Kenya, Mworia began his career in the financial sector as an investment analyst at Centum Investment Company. He became CEO at the age of 30, becoming one of the youngest CEOs in Kenya. Under his leadership, Centum has grown significantly, diversifying its portfolio and expanding its influence in the region. Read more
Edward Enninful
Edward Enninful, a renowned British-Ghanaian fashion editor, stylist, and creative director, is best known for his role as the Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue. Born in Ghana in 1972, Enninful moved to London at a young age and developed an interest in fashion from a young age. He attended Goldsmiths University of London, where he studied Fashion Design. Read more
Kwame Anthony Appiah
Kwame Anthony Appiah is a renowned philosopher, cultural theorist, and author known for his work on ethics, identity, cosmopolitanism, and African and African-American studies. Born in London, England, he grew up in Ghana and England, experiencing a blend of African and European cultures. Read more
Achille Mbembe
Achille Mbembe is a renowned Cameroonian philosopher, political theorist, and historian known for his critical work on postcolonialism, African politics, and contemporary global issues. Born in 1957, he earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Paris and has held teaching positions at leading universities worldwide. Read more
Julius Malema
Julius Malema, a prominent South African politician and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is known for his fiery rhetoric and radical views. Born in 1981, Malema joined the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League at the age of nine and later pursued further education at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Read more
Moussa Faki Mahamat
Moussa Faki Mahamat, a prominent Chadian politician and diplomat, is best known for his role as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Born on June 21, 1960, in Biltine, Chad, he holds various high-profile positions in Chad’s government and has been instrumental in shaping the policies and direction of the African Union (AU). Read more
Albert Yuma
Albert Yuma, a Congolese business leader, is the Chairman of Gécamines, the state-owned mining company in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Born in 1955, Yuma has a background in banking, industry, and mining. Read more
Nunu Ntshingila
Nunu Ntshingila, a South African business executive and digital marketing leader, is the Head of Facebook Africa. Born in South Africa, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Swaziland and an MBA from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Read more