Full List: Dangote, Okonjo-Iweala, 2 Others Among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons For 2026
Four Nigerians, Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy, have been named among 15 personalities featured on Forbes Africa’s “The Icons” list for 2026.
Published in the magazine’s October-November anniversary edition, the list celebrates individuals whose ideas and influence have made a lasting impact on Africa’s past, present and future.
According to the magazine, its editorial team consulted established figures, experts and industry professionals to gather insights into the honourees’ impact and legacy.
Aliko Dangote — Business and Industrial Development
Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, is recognised for his contributions to African business and industrial development.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — International Economic Leadership
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and former Nigerian finance minister, is recognised for her contributions to economic leadership and international trade.
Mo Abudu — Media and Entertainment
Mo Abudu, founder and chief executive of EbonyLife Group, is recognised for her contributions to African media and entertainment.
Burna Boy — Music and Cultural Influence
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is recognised for his contributions to music and the international reach of Nigerian culture.
Adrian Gore — Business and Financial Services
Adrian Gore is a South African businessman and founder and chief executive of Discovery Group. He is recognised for his role in building a major financial services and healthcare business.
Patrice Motsepe — Business and Football Administration
Patrice Motsepe is a South African businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He is recognised for his achievements in business and leadership in African football.
Strive Masiyiwa — Telecommunications and Technology
Strive Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur and philanthropist, and founder and executive chairman of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies. He is recognised for his contributions to telecommunications and technology development in Africa.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf — Public Service and Leadership
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia, is recognised for her contributions to public leadership and governance.
Abdulrazak Gurnah — Literature
Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Zanzibar-born novelist and Nobel Prize laureate in Literature.
Haile Gebrselassie — Athletics and Sport
Haile Gebrselassie is an Ethiopian athletics legend and businessman recognised for his achievements in long-distance running.
Didier Drogba — Football
Didier Drogba is a former Ivorian international footballer recognised for his achievements in the sport.
Johann Rupert — Business and Luxury Goods
Johann Rupert is a South African businessman and chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont, a luxury goods group with a portfolio of internationally recognised brands.
Lupita Nyong’o — Film and Acting
Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actor recognised for her contributions to international film and entertainment.
Trevor Noah — Comedy and Entertainment
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer and producer, and former host of The Daily Show. He is recognised for his contributions to comedy and international entertainment.
Angélique Kidjo — Music and African Culture
Angélique Kidjo is a Beninese singer and actor recognised for her contributions to African music and global cultural exchange.
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