Nigerians Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu, and Burna Boy have been named among 15 influential Africans on Forbes Africa’s inaugural Icons list for 2026.

The list, featured in the magazine’s October-November anniversary edition, marks its 15th anniversary and celebrates personalities whose contributions have shaped Africa’s business, politics, culture, and global influence.

The four Nigerians were recognised for their impact across industry, international trade, media, and music.

Dangote, president of Dangote Group, was acknowledged for his contributions to African industrialisation and private enterprise.

Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and former Nigerian finance minister, was recognised for her role in international economic leadership and trade.

Abudu, founder and chief executive of EbonyLife Group, earned a place for her contributions to African media and entertainment, while Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, represents the global expansion of Nigerian music.

Other personalities featured on the list include South African businessman Adrian Gore, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The remaining honourees are Nobel Prize-winning novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie, former Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, South African businessman Johann Rupert, Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, South African comedian Trevor Noah, and Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo.

Forbes Africa said its selection criteria included global recognition, lasting legacy, measurable economic, social, or cultural influence, and contributions to Africa’s development over the years.

The magazine added that its editorial team consulted established figures, industry experts, and professionals to assess the honourees’ achievements and long-term impact.

It noted that the personalities were listed in no particular order.

Full List of Forbes Africa Icons 2026

1. Mo Abudu — Nigerian-British media entrepreneur and founder and chief executive of EbonyLife Group.
2. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — Nigerian economist and director-general of the World Trade Organization.
3. Adrian Gore — South African businessman and founder and chief executive of Discovery Group.
4. Patrice Motsepe — South African businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football.
5. Strive Masiyiwa — Zimbabwean entrepreneur and executive chairman of Econet Global and Cassava Technologies.
6. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf — Former president of Liberia.
7. Aliko Dangote — Nigerian industrialist and president of Dangote Group.
8. Burna Boy — Nigerian singer and songwriter.
9. Abdulrazak Gurnah — Zanzibar-born novelist and Nobel laureate in Literature.
10. Haile Gebrselassie — Ethiopian athletics legend and businessman.
11. Didier Drogba — Former Ivorian footballer.
12. Johann Rupert — South African businessman and chairman of Compagnie Financière Richemont.
13. Lupita Nyong’o — Kenyan-Mexican actress.
14. Trevor Noah — South African comedian, writer, producer, and former host of The Daily Show.
15. Angélique Kidjo — Beninese musician and actor.

The 15 honourees represent diverse fields, including business, public service, literature, sports, and entertainment.

Forbes Africa said the initiative celebrates individuals whose achievements have helped shape the continent’s development and strengthen its standing on the global stage.