AGA Nominees
All AGA Nominees
85 nominees
Contribution information coming soon.
Anna Meleiya Mbise
Tanzania
Contribution information coming soon.
Chenez Henderson
South Africa
Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, author, speaker and philanthropist, best known as the founder of SECURICO Security Services, which she established in 1998. She transformed the company from a small start-up into one of Zimbabwe's leading security businesses and pioneered greater participation of women in the traditionally male-dominated security industry. Her work extends to agriculture, women's economic empowerment and philanthropy, including initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, education and community development.
Dr Divine Ndhlukula
Zimbabwe
Contribution information coming soon.
Dr. Farana Boodhram
South Africa
Dr Olawale Sulaiman is a Nigerian-born neurosurgeon, academic and healthcare executive recognised for his contributions to neurosurgery and healthcare development in Nigeria. He trained in Bulgaria, Canada and the United States, earning a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta and completing neurosurgical training at the University of Manitoba. He is the founder and CEO of RNZ Global and has supported healthcare access in Nigeria through free surgeries, medical training and other initiatives.
Dr. Olawale Sulaiman
Nigeria
Contribution information coming soon.
Eniola Shokunbi
Nigeria
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Guy Djoken
Cameroon
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Jeph Acheampong
Ghana
Contribution information coming soon.
Linda Bonyo
Kenya
Contribution information coming soon.
Ludwick Marishane
South Africa
Contribution information coming soon.
Malini Bandi
South Africa
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Miriam Nkomalago
Tanzania
Contribution information coming soon.
Njoya Hilary Tikum
Cameroon
Norah Kimathi is a Kenyan robotics engineer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Zerobionic, an innovative venture developing AI-powered humanoid robotics to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. Her technology translates spoken language into Kenyan Sign Language in near real time, helping make STEM education more inclusive. A graduate of Strathmore University, Kimathi has received several recognitions, including Kenya's Presidential Innovation Award and the 2026 Young Engineer Woman Award for her work in inclusive robotics.
Norah Kimathi
Kenya
Contribution information coming soon.
Professor Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem
South Africa
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Professor Nosisi N Feza
South Africa
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Sarah Luyele Njamu
Zambia
Contribution information coming soon.
Sydelle Willow Smith
South Africa
Contribution information coming soon.
Wanuri Kahiu
Kenya
William Kamkwamba is a Malawian inventor, engineer, author and social entrepreneur whose story of innovation from rural Malawi has inspired people around the world. As a teenager, he built a wind turbine from recycled materials to generate electricity for his family's home after teaching himself through library books. He later studied at the African Leadership Academy and Dartmouth College and co-founded the Moving Windmills Project, which supports community development, renewable energy, water and innovation initiatives in Malawi.
William Kamkwamba
Malawi
A Kenyan innovator and social entrepreneur, Beth Koigi is revolutionising access to clean water through her company, Majik Water. By harnessing atmospheric water generation technology, she provides affordable, sustainable drinking water to communities facing severe water scarcity. Her work directly impacts underserved rural and urban populations in Kenya and beyond, offering a viable solution to one of Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges. Koigi’s innovation not only addresses basic human needs but also promotes climate resilience and health equity across the continent. Through her leadership, she inspires a new generation of African women in STEM and environmental entrepreneurship.
Beth Koigi
Kenya
Togolese American media entrepreneur Claude Grunitzky is a visionary cultural curator and storyteller whose work bridges Africa and the world. As the founder of TRACE and TRUE Africa, he has created platforms that elevate African creativity, innovation, and perspectives to global audiences. Through journalism, digital media, and education, Grunitzky has fostered intercultural dialogue and empowered young Africans to own their narratives. His investments in African talent and knowledge production reflect a deep commitment to shaping an inclusive, interconnected Africa that is proud of its identity and confident in its global contributions.
Claude Grunitzky
Togo
A dynamic entrepreneur and advocate from Botswana, Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi is dedicated to empowering women and youth through enterprise development, mentorship, and social innovation. She has launched initiatives that support female entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community-driven problem solving, helping to reduce unemployment and promote economic self-reliance. Daisy’s work reflects a deep commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities across Botswana and the wider region. Her influence continues to grow as she nurtures a new generation of changemakers focused on sustainable African development.
Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi
Botswana
A Nigerian American computer scientist and AI ethicist, Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo is at the forefront of advocating for ethical, inclusive, and culturally relevant artificial intelligence in Africa. Her groundbreaking research focuses on ensuring that emerging technologies are aligned with African values and socio-economic realities. Through both academic and policy channels, she champions equitable tech development that safeguards human rights and promotes African agency in global innovation spaces. By mentoring young technologists and advising institutions, Dr. Okolo plays a pivotal role in shaping a just digital future for Africa and beyond.
Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo
Nigeria
A Liberian medical doctor, scientist, and inventor, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan has made groundbreaking contributions to public health in Africa through the development of a rapid diagnostic test capable of detecting multiple infectious diseases—including Ebola, HIV, and malaria—simultaneously. His innovation is a critical tool for early detection and disease management in resource-limited settings. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Nyan is an enthusiastic advocate for health equity, democratic governance, and youth empowerment in Liberia and across Africa. His multifaceted impact strengthens healthcare systems, promotes civic engagement, and fosters African-led solutions to public health crises.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan
Liberia
Dr Mutshidzi Abigail Mulondo is a distinguished public health academic at the University of the Free State (UFS), where she helped establish the institution’s first Division of Public Health. With an interdisciplinary PhD in Community Health and Health Professions Education one of UFS’s first of its kind she became one of the youngest PhD holders in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her research centres on mental health, health equity, eco anxiety, and digital health across low and middle income contexts. Recognised as a Novartis Reimagining Healthcare Scholar, Mandela Washington Fellow, One Young World Ambassador, and Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African, she won the Zenith Global Health Award in 2024 for her work in mental health and well being, in the same year she also won a national award- the South African Health Excellence Award (1st runner up under emerging leader category). In 2025, she became the first UFS academic inducted into the Global Young Academy, joining an elite global network of early-career scientists shaping inclusive policy and research agendas.
Dr. Mutshidzi Mulondo
South Africa
A Belgian Congolese entrepreneur and philanthropist, Gisela Van Houcke is the founder of My Grandmother's Kitchen and G.V.H. Impact Foundation, initiatives that address hunger, education, and women’s empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of Africa. By combining food security with skills training and small business support, she uplifts vulnerable communities, especially women and children. Her grassroots approach ensures lasting impact by promoting dignity, independence, and opportunity. Van Houcke’s efforts bridge African and European communities, embodying pan-African solidarity and the spirit of diaspora-driven development.
Gisela Van Houcke
DRC
Kenyan environmental entrepreneur Lorna Rutto is leading the charge in sustainable development through her company, EcoPost, which converts plastic waste into durable building materials. By tackling pollution and creating green jobs, especially for youth and women, she has turned an environmental crisis into an opportunity for economic empowerment. Rutto’s model addresses urban waste management while promoting circular economy principles, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in eco-innovation. Her pioneering work has been recognised globally and serves as a blueprint for environmentally conscious enterprise that uplifts communities and drives sustainable growth across Africa.
Lorna Rutto
Kenya
A South African innovator from Limpopo, is the founder of Rudzambilu Holdings and the creator of a groundbreaking smart glove that translates South African Sign Language into voice and text in real time. Inspired by his deaf parents, he developed the glove to bridge communication gaps for the hearing-impaired. The glove supports all 11 official languages, offering a multilingual solution for inclusive communication. Tested successfully since 2018, it enables deaf users to engage confidently in everyday situations without interpreters. Beyond this, Lucky is an advocate for disability awareness and youth innovation, organising national events and developing other assistive tech like smart sticks for the blind. His work has created jobs, empowered rural communities, and earned national recognition. As a social entrepreneur, he exemplifies innovation driven by lived experience. His impact continues to grow, making communication more accessible and inclusive across South Africa.
Lucky Mashudu Netshidzati
South Africa
South African business leader and philanthropist Margaret Hirsch is the co-founder of Hirsch’s, one of the largest independently owned appliance and electronics retailers in Southern Africa. Beyond her corporate success, she is a dedicated advocate for women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship programs, business development initiatives, and public speaking, she has supported thousands of women and youth across South Africa in building sustainable livelihoods. Hirsch’s commitment to uplifting communities through education and enterprise has made her a pillar of inclusive economic development and a model of socially conscious leadership on the continent.
Margaret Hirsch
South Africa
As the founder and chairman of APO Group, Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard has transformed the visibility of African businesses, institutions, and initiatives on the global stage. Through strategic communications and media relations, he has amplified African voices, enabling the continent to better tell its own stories and shape global narratives. His efforts have empowered governments, startups, and multinational corporations operating in Africa to engage meaningfully with international audiences. Pompigne-Mognard’s commitment to economic development, investment promotion, and media empowerment has made him a key player in driving Africa’s image shift from aid-dependent to opportunity-rich.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
South Africa
Nomso Faith Kana is a nuclear scientist and ICT entrepreneur from South Africa, widely recognised for her work in broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion. She is the founder and CEO of SimSciex, a company that designs and implements fibre-optic networks to connect underserved communities, particularly in rural and township areas. With a background in Chemistry and Computer Science from the University of Fort Hare, Nomso began her career in nuclear science before transitioning into the tech and telecommunications sector driven by a passion to close the digital divide in Africa.
She currently serves as a Commissioner on South Africa’s Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and is also a governor at the Nuclear Energy Foundation Agency. Beyond her corporate leadership, she is a vocal advocate for youth STEM education and gender equity in science and technology. She co-founded Taungana Africa, an initiative that empowers high school girls from underserved communities to pursue careers in STEM. Her work has been recognised both locally and internationally, including receiving the AWIEF Young Entrepreneur Award and being featured by Stanford University for her role in advancing gender inclusion in tech.
Nomso Kana
South Africa
Laureate
A pioneering Zimbabwean geneticist, Professor Collen Masimirembwa has made transformative contributions to the field of pharmacogenomics in Africa. As the founding president and CEO of the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), he has championed the development of tailored drug treatments that consider the genetic profiles of African populations. His groundbreaking research has improved drug safety and efficacy, particularly in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Beyond the lab, Prof. Masimirembwa has dedicated himself to building scientific capacity in Zimbabwe and across Africa by mentoring young scientists and advocating for homegrown innovation in biomedical sciences. His work not only enhances healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe but also positions Africa at the forefront of global genomic research.
Professor Collen Masimirembwa
Zimbabwe
A Nigerian American professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, Prof. Deji Akinwande is a globally recognized expert in nanotechnology and flexible electronics. His pioneering research in graphene-based devices has led to significant advancements in electronic and communication technologies. As a mentor and advocate for African scientific excellence, he actively supports young researchers on the continent through academic collaborations and innovation programs. His work elevates Africa’s presence in high-impact scientific fields and serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and inventors across the continent.
Professor Deji Akinwande
Nigeria
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng is one of South Africa’s most distinguished mathematicians and academic leaders, known for her advocacy for inclusive and decolonized education. As former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she worked tirelessly to improve access to higher education, support underrepresented students, and enhance academic excellence across disciplines. Her own journey from humble beginnings to the heights of academia has inspired countless young South Africans, particularly women and black students, to pursue careers in mathematics and science. An influential voice in global education circles, Prof. Phakeng continues to elevate African scholarship and research, ensuring that Africa’s unique perspectives and talents contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge economy.
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
South Africa
Patricia Mawuli Porter is a Ghanaian British aviator, engineer, and entrepreneur now based in Pembrokeshire, Wales. As founding director of Fafali Aircraft Ltd., she leads the design and production of the Fafali—a multi-role light aircraft tailored for African missions, featuring a powerplant-agnostic airframe compatible with combustion, hybrid, hydrogen, or electric propulsion, aimed at surveillance, training, reconnaissance, and humanitarian work. With LAA and BMAA inspector credentials and over a thousand flight hours, Patricia was the first black female inspector for those UK authorities, and the first woman from Ghana factory-trained by both Rotax and ULPower Aero Engines Awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to UK aviation, she remains deeply committed to mentoring future engineers through apprenticeships with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Pembrokeshire College, and beyond.
Professor Patricia Mawuli Porter
Ghana
A trailblazing Kenyan senator, artist, and disability rights advocate, Crystal Asige is redefining leadership and inclusion in Africa. As the first blind woman to serve in Kenya’s Senate, she champions accessible infrastructure, education, and employment for persons with disabilities. Her legislative work is backed by personal experience and unwavering commitment to equity. Beyond politics, Asige uses music and public speaking to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representation. Her influence is felt in policy, culture, and grassroots activism, making her a transformative figure in Africa’s movement for inclusion and social justice.
Senator Crystal Asige
Kenya
From Tunisia, Aya Chebbi is a prominent activist and former African Union Youth Envoy. She has championed youth empowerment and gender equality, influencing policies and inspiring young people across Africa.
Aya Chebbi
Tunisia
From South Africa, founder of Gift of the Givers, one of Africa's largest disaster relief organizations, Dr. Sooliman has significantly impacted humanitarian aid across the continent.
Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman
South Africa
From South Africa, Prof. Mark Nasila is an expert in data science and artificial intelligence. His research and applications in these fields have advanced technology and improved decision-making processes in various industries.
Dr. Mark Nasila
South Africa
Sudanese-born, Dr. Nahid Toubia is a pioneering surgeon and women’s health advocate. She has worked tirelessly to improve reproductive health services and fight against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Dr. Nahid Toubia
Sudan
South African storyteller and activist Nokugcina Elsie Mhlophe is renowned for preserving African oral traditions and promoting literacy. Her storytelling has captivated audiences globally, celebrating African culture and heritage.
Dr. Nokugcina Elsie Mhlophe
South Africa
Laureate
Born in Nigeria, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye is a world-renowned pediatric surgeon. He gained international acclaim for successfully performing groundbreaking fetal surgery, advancing the field of prenatal medicine, and saving countless lives.
Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye
Nigeria
Libyan activist Hajer Sharief is co-founder of the organization ‘Together We Build It.’ She has been a strong advocate for peace and women’s rights, contributing to the peacebuilding process in Libya and beyond.
Hajer Sharief
Libya
John Amanam is a Nigerian sculptor who has gained recognition for creating hyper-realistic prosthetic limbs for amputees, revolutionizing prosthetics in Africa with his innovative designs that match the skin tone of black people.
John Amanam
Nigeria
Zambian-born Mwangala Maunga is a dedicated environmentalist. Her work in conservation and sustainable development has helped protect Africa’s natural resources and promote eco-friendly practices. At the age of 12, she invented a solar water purifier to provide clean water to both rural and urban areas.
Mwangala Maunga
Zambia
Ghanaian-born Patrick Awuah Jr. is the founder of Ashesi University, a leading institution of higher education in Africa. His commitment to fostering ethical leadership and innovative thinking has transformed higher education on the continent.
Patrick Awuah Jr.
Ghana
From Tanzania, Patrick Epaphra Ngowi is a successful entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector. His work has provided sustainable energy solutions to rural communities, contributing to economic growth and environmental conservation.
Patrick Epaphra Ngowi
Tanzania
Laureate
Born in South Africa, Prof. Mashudu Tshifularo is a pioneering medical doctor who performed the world’s first middle-ear transplant using 3D-printed bones. His innovative work has opened new possibilities in the field of medical science.
Prof. Mashudu Tshifularo
South Africa
Cameroonian mathematician Professor Abdon Atangana is renowned for his contributions to applied mathematics. His research has advanced mathematical sciences and their applications in solving real-world problems.
Professor Abdon Atangana
Cameroon
Siyamthanda Kolisi is a South African professional rugby union player who currently captains the South Africa national team. In 2018, Kolisi was appointed captain of the Springboks, becoming the first black man to hold the position, and eventually leading the South African Rugby team to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and in 2023 Rugby World Cup final. He and his wife Rachel Kolisi founded the Kolisi Foundation to alleviate extreme poverty, mentor underprivileged youth and promote equality.
Siyamthanda Kolisi
South Africa
Laureate
Malawian traditional leader Theresa Kachindamoto is known for her efforts to end child marriage and promote girls’ education. Her leadership has brought about significant social change in Malawi.
Theresa Kachindamoto
Malawi
Somali-born Waris Dirie is a former supermodel and human rights activist. She has dedicated her life to fighting against FGM (female genital mutilation) and advocating for women’s rights globally.
Waris Dirie
Somalia
Aisha Yesufu is a Nigerian activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is known for her advocacy work on social justice issues, particularly in the areas of human rights, gender equality, and good governance. Yesufu gained prominence for her involvement in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which was launched in response to the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram in 2014. She was a leading voice in the campaign, which drew international attention to the issue of girls' education and the ongoing conflict in north-eastern Nigeria. In addition to her advocacy work, Yesufu is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman.
Aisha Yesufu
Nigeria
Arthur Zang is a Cameroonian engineer and entrepreneur who is best known for inventing the Cardiopad, a touchscreen medical tablet that enables remote heart examinations. He was inspired to do so after witnessing the difficulties faced by people in rural areas of Cameroon who needed heart examinations but did not have access to the necessary medical equipment or specialists.
The Cardiopad enables a patient's heart examination data to be captured and transmitted to a specialist in another location, who can then provide a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The device has the potential to greatly improve access to healthcare for people living in remote areas. Zang's invention has received numerous accolades, including the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2014 and the African Innovation Prize in 2013.
Arthur Zang
Cameroon
Danai Jekesai Gurira is a Zimbabwean-American actress, playwright, and activist. Gurira is best known for her roles as Michonne in the hit television series The Walking Dead and as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. She has also appeared in other films including Mother of George, All Eyez on Me, and The Visitor. In addition to her acting career, Gurira is also an accomplished playwright. Her plays include In the Continuum, Eclipsed, and The Convert, all of which have received critical acclaim; Eclipsed was nominated for several awards, including a Tony Award for Best Play in 2016.
Danai Jekesai Gurira
Zimbabwe
Didier Drogba is a retired Ivorian professional footballer considered to be one of the greatest African footballers of all time, who played as a striker. Drogba began his professional career in France with Le Mans and later moved to Guingamp, where he scored 17 goals in his first season. In 2004, he joined Chelsea for a fee of £24 million, which was then a record for an African player. Drogba also represented the Côte d’Ivoire national team, where he is the all-time top scorer, with 65 goals in 104 appearances. He played in three World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments for his country. Drogba had a highly successful career at Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2012, scoring the winning goal in the final against Bayern Munich. After leaving Chelsea in 2012, Drogba played for Shanghai Shenhua, Galatasaray, and the Montreal Impact before retiring in 2018. He has since been involved in various charitable and philanthropic efforts, including the Didier Drogba Foundation, which aims to provide healthcare and education to underprivileged children in Africa.
Didier Drogba
Country not specified
Professor Asmeret Asefaw Berhe is a soil biogeochemist and ecosystem scientist who currently serves as the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis. She is also a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and a member of the UC Davis Soil Science Graduate Group. Professor Berhe's research focuses on the role of soil in global carbon and nutrient cycles, particularly in response to climate change and land use change. She has conducted fieldwork in Africa, North America, and Asia, and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to soil science, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem science.
Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
Eritrea
Laureate
Denis Mukwege is a Congolese gynaecologist and human rights activist who has dedicated his life to helping survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Mukwege is the founder and medical director of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, which has become known worldwide for its treatment of survivors of sexual violence. He and his team have treated thousands of women who have been raped and subjected to other forms of sexual violence during the long-running conflict in the eastern part of the country.
Dr. Denis Mukwege
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner who is considered one of the greatest marathon runners of all time. Kipchoge began his running career in the early 2000s, and he quickly made a name for himself. He won the junior race at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2003 and went on to win several other international races. He became a household name in 2015 when he won the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:04:00. He followed that up with a win at the London Marathon in 2016, setting a course record with a time of 2:03:05. Kipchoge has also won several major marathons, including the Chicago Marathon, the Rotterdam Marathon, and the Berlin Marathon (four times). He has also won multiple gold medals at the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.
Eliud Kipchoge
Country not specified
Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian-British novelist, academic, and literary critic. He has published several critically acclaimed novels, including "Paradise," "Desertion," "By the Sea," and "Afterlives," which was shortlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize. In addition to his literary work, Professor Gurnah has had a distinguished academic career. He has held teaching positions at universities in Tanzania, England, and the United States, and has published widely on African and postcolonial literature. He was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2006 for his services to literature, and in 2020 he was elected as a Fellow of the British Academy.
Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah
Tanzania
Laureate
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala is a South African engineer, computer scientist, and academic. Marwala obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in the United States in 1991. He then obtained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1996, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom in 2000. Marwala is currently the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Johannesburg, where he was previously the deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation. Marwala is a fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering, the African Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Science of South Africa.
Professor Tshilidzi Marwala
South Africa
Sadio Mané is a professional football player from Senegal who made his nameplaying for Liverpool FC and the Senegal national team. In 2016, he signed with Liverpool for a transfer fee of around £34 million, making him the most expensive African player in history at the time. Mané helped Liverpool to win the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. He is known for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability, and has been recognised with numerous individual awards, including the African Footballer of the Year award in 2019. Mané is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his home country of Senegal, where he has funded the construction of schools, mosques, and hospitals, as well as providing financial support to families in need.
Sadio Mane
Country not specified
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist. She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, an organisation aimed at empowering rural women in Kenya through environmental conservation and community development. The organisation has since planted over 50 million trees in Kenya and trained thousands of women in sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. Throughout her life, Maathai was a vocal critic of the Kenyan government's policies, particularly regarding environmental protection and human rights. In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, Maathai was recognised with numerous awards and honours for her work, including the Right Livelihood Award, the National Geographic Society's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 71.
Wangari Maathai
Kenya
Zakes Mda is a South African novelist, playwright, and poet. Mda is known for his powerful and thought-provoking works that explore issues of race, identity, and politics in South Africa. He has written several novels, including Ways of Dying, The Heart of Redness, The Madonna of Excelsior, and Black Diamond. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have won many awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Sunday Times Literary Award. Mda's works have been praised for their insight into South African society and their ability to capture the complexity of the country's history and culture. He remains a prominent figure in the South African literary community and beyond.
Zakes Mda
South Africa
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Chief Innovation Officer for the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Sierra Leone
Dr David Moinina Sengeh
Sierra Leone
A Congolese engineer, a professor of electrical engineering technology, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a government official leading the electrification initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dr Ngalula Sandrine Mubenga
The Democratic Republic of Congo
A Nigerian economist who is currently serving as the President of the African Development Bank. He previously served as Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
Nigeria
A Cameroonian philosopher, political theorist, and public intellectual who is Research Professor in History and Politics at the Wits Institute for Social and Economy Research at the University of the Witwatersrand
Mr Joseph-Achille Mbembe
Cameroon
An engineer known for teaching himself engineering at the age of 12 and building his own radio station in Sierra Leone
Mr Kelvin Doe
Sierra Leone
A Beninese French philosopher, politician and academic considered one of the most important figures in the history of African philosophy
Mr Paulin J Hountondji
Benin
an oncology researcher, cancer control advocate, and psychologist at Project PINK BLUE - Health & Psychological Trust Centre in Abuja, Nigeria
Mr Runcie C.W Chidebe
Nigeria
A businessperson, founder and executive director of SoleRebels, Africa’s "fastest-growing footwear company"
Ms Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
Ethiopia
An entrepreneur, industrialist, philanthropist, and real estate mogul.
Nana Kwame Bediako
Ghana
Laureate
Prof Ali Mazrui was a Kenyan-born American academic, professor, and political writer on African and Islamic studies, and North-South relations. He passed away at the age of 81 on the 12th of October 2014
Prof Ali Mazrui
Kenya
Laureate
Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a Kenyan writer who was considered East Africa’s leading novelist. His popular Weep Not, Child (1964) was the first major novel in English by an East African.
Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Kenya
An advocate of the high courts of Kenya and Tanzania, prolific lawyer, law lecturer at the University of Nairobi, who has been the Director of The Kenya School of Laws since 2014
Prof Patrick Lumumba
Kenya
Laureate
Prof Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, becoming Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature
Prof Wole Soyinka
Nigeria
A business mogul, global business speaker, author, and CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners
VUSI THEMBEKWAYO
South Africa
Laureate
Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. His first novel Things Fall Apart (1958) was considered his magnum opus and is the most widely read book in modern African literature. Raised by his parents in the Igbo town of Ogidi in South-Eastern Nigeria, Achebe excelled at school and won a scholarship for undergraduate studies
Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe
Nigeria
Laureate
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian businessman who also happens to be the richest man in the entire African continent. He is the owner of the ‘Dangote Group,’ the largest cement producer in Africa. Born and raised in a wealthy Muslim family in Kano, Nigeria, he completed his higher education in business studies and administration from Cairo, Egypt, and established a small trading firm in 1977.
Aliko Mohammed Dangote
Nigeria
Arnold is a Globally recognized and Multi Award winning Zambian Inventor and Entrepreneur. He is the Founder/CEO; Venturus Jumpstart Ltd, a Stainless-Steel Tech company. Arnold invented the first Stainless Steel Stove in Africa, and it uses electricity, gas, and solid fuel (3 in one). In future he plans to build Stove Assembling Plants in different countries which will later create employment. This stove avoids the high exposure to respiratory diseases like Asthma using charcoal and firewood
Arnold Nyendwa
Zambia
Laureate
Born in South Africa in 1946, Steve Biko co-founded the South African Students’ Organization in 1968, subsequently spearheading the nation’s Black Consciousness Movement, and co-founded the Black People’s Convention in 1972. Biko was arrested many times for his anti-apartheid work and, on September 12, 1977, died from injuries that he’d sustained while in police custody.
Bantu Stephen Biko
South Africa
Now Author of 5 books, Stacey Fru is the youngest Author in Africa, if not the world, who wrote her first book: ‘Smelly Cats’ without her parents’ knowledge at the age of 7. This book was approved by the South African Department of Basic Education as suitable for young learners from Early Childhood through to Primary Schools. Stacey won 3 awards for this book and her other works before her 2nd book ‘Bob and the Snake’ was published. She is a philanthropist and the youngest Ambassador for Save the Children.
Stacey Fru
South Africa
Mr. Masiyiwa is the founder and Executive Chairman of South African-based, diversified international telecommunications group Econet Wireless. Under his leadership and guidance, Econet Wireless has developed into a global telecommunications enterprise with a presence in more than 15 countries in Africa, Europe, and the East Asia-Pacific region. Econet Wireless was created in 1993 in Zimbabwe. After a 5-court battle to win the right to operate, it was granted a telephony license in 1998
Strive Masiyiwa
United Kingdom