TIME Magazine just dropped its 2026 TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world, and it features five Africans across the six categories.
The TIME100 list has been the ultimate shout-out to the 100 people shaping our world every year since 1999. This year’s list includes African men and women who are committed to building, leading, fighting for justice, and showing the world what African excellence looks like.
The editors at TIME curate the list after serious debate, and then each person receives a special tribute written by someone who understands their impact. Although there were nine Africans on the list last year, here are the five who made it this year as TIME’s 100 most influential people. 
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1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria) – Titans Category
Africa’s richest man and an entrepreneurial guru, Dangote, made it as one of the two Africans in the Titans category. He owns the Dangote Group, which is one of the biggest producers of cement, sugar, and now oil in Nigeria. He has proved that the continent does not have to import everything; his business empire is proof that we can create massive industries using our own resources.
His tribute was written by Tony Elumelu, who was one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in 2020, called him “indefatigable, resilient, and foresighted.” Elumelu described him as an unstoppable visionary with the Midas touch. This is the second time Dangote has appeared on the TIME100, following his first inclusion in 2014.
2. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia) – Leaders Category
This inclusion was highly anticipated. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is Namibia’s first female President. She fought in the liberation struggle as a young woman, spent years in exile, and rose through the ranks to become Vice President before becoming the country’s first citizen in 2024. She strives for gender equality, strong governance, and ensuring Africa has a bigger voice globally.
Her tribute was written by Winnie Byanyima, the Ugandan Executive Director of UNAIDS. In the tribute, she reminded everyone that African women have always been at the heart of independence struggles.
3. Precious Matsoso (South Africa) – Titans (with Anne-Claire Amprou)
Representing South Africa on the global stage is Precious Matsoso. Paired with Anne-Claire Amprou, Matsoso helped lead negotiations for the world’s first global pandemic agreement at the WHO. This initiative ensures the next big health crisis doesn’t leave Africa behind regarding vaccines and medicines. Equity for the Global South was her primary focus.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the WTO, wrote her tribute. She praised the trust and smart negotiation skills the pair brought to the table.
4. Mamadou Amadou Ly (Senegal) – Pioneers
Educational efforts in West Africa cannot be discussed without mentioning Mamadou Amadou Ly. He has dedicated himself to running programmes that teach children in their own mother tongues, rather than just French or English. Ly uses this method to ensure learning actually sticks and that cultures are not erased. His work has won major awards and has been proven to significantly boost literacy rates.
5. Zabib Musa Loro (South Sudan) – Pioneers
Zabib Musa Loro is a fearless activist who has shown immense passion for women’s rights. She is dedicated to protecting women and girls in some of the toughest environments in Africa. Through her organisation, she fights for peace and justice in conflict zones, even when it is dangerous to do so.
Emi Mahmoud, a poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, wrote her tribute. Mahmoud calls her an “unwavering voice and shield” for the oppressed.
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