By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerians Burna Boy, Aliko Dangote, Mo Abudu and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have been named among 15 African icons featured in Forbes Africa’s special anniversary issue marking the publication’s 15th year.
The October/November 2026 edition celebrates individuals whose ideas, achievements and influence have helped shape Africa’s cultural, economic and social development.
According to the magazine’s description, the selection brings together business leaders and cultural figures whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the continent.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, represents Africa’s growing influence in global music, particularly through the international reach of Afrobeats.
Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, is recognised for his role in African industry and business, while Abudu, founder and chief executive of EbonyLife Group, has built a prominent presence in African film, television and entertainment.
Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and Nigeria’s former finance minister, represents the continent’s influence in international economic affairs.
The other personalities featured are South African businessman Patrice Motsepe, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, South African businessman Adrian Gore, Nobel Prize-winning novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba, South African billionaire Johann Rupert, Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, South African comedian Trevor Noah and Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo.
The selection spans business, public service, music, film, literature and sports, reflecting the different ways African figures have influenced their industries and gained international recognition.
Rather than a conventional ranking, Forbes Africa presents the 15 personalities as figures whose ideas, innovations and voices have helped shape Africa’s past, present and future.
The anniversary issue also reflects on the publication’s 15 years of covering African businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals driving change across the continent.
