News

Dangote, Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu, Burna Boy named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons

Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, recognising personalities whose work has made lasting economic, social and cultural impact across the continent.

By GlowRy Atuah

1 min read 1 views Updated Oct 12, 2026
Four Nigerians: Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy — have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, as the publication celebrates influential Africans whose work has shaped the continent and strengthened its presence on the global stage. The recognition is featured in Forbes Africa’s October-November 2026 edition marking the magazine’s 15th anniversary.

Dangote, President of Dangote Group, was recognised for his influence in African industry and private enterprise, while World Trade Organization Director-General Okonjo-Iweala was selected for her role in international economic leadership. EbonyLife Group founder Mo Abudu was honoured for her impact on African media and entertainment, while Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy represents the growing international influence of Nigerian and African music.

Other honourees include South Africans Adrian Gore, Patrice Motsepe, Johann Rupert and Trevor Noah; Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyiwa; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah; Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebrselassie; Ivorian football great Didier Drogba; actor Lupita Nyong’o; and Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo. 

Forbes Africa said the list, presented in no particular order, was compiled using factors including global recognition, legacy, measurable economic, social or cultural influence and contributions to Africa’s development story.

Your reaction

Pass it on

Share this story

Social links open in a new tab

Story guide

Understand this story

Summary

Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, recognising personalities whose work has made lasting economic, social and cultural impact across the continent. Four Nigerians: Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy — have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, as the...

Key takeaways
  • Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, recognising personalities whose work has made lasting economic, social and cultural impact across the continent.
  • Four Nigerians: Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy — have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, as the publication celebrates influential Africans whose work has shaped the continent and strengthened its presence on the global stage.
  • The recognition is featured in Forbes Africa’s October-November 2026 edition marking the magazine’s 15th anniversary.Dangote, President of Dangote Group, was recognised for his influence in African industry and private enterprise, while World Trade Organization Director-General Okonjo-Iweala was selected for her role in international economic leadership.
Article FAQ

What is this story about?

Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, recognising personalities whose work has made lasting economic, social and cultural impact across the continent. Four Nigerians: Aliko Dangote, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu and Burna Boy — have been named among Forbes Africa’s 15 Icons for 2026, as the...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.

When was it published?

October 12, 2026

Parties challenge omissions as INEC final list sparks 2027 disputes

Continue reading

Parties challenge omissions as INEC final list sparks 2027 disputes

Politics · 2 min readRead next

Join the conversation

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Start the conversation.

Keep reading

Reader favourites

  1. 01Portugal to Face Super Eagles ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup214 views
  2. 02Grammy Awards 2026: Full Winners List, Historic Wins & Major Snubs181 views
  3. 03SUSPECTED JIHADISTS ATTACK NIAMEY AIRPORT162 views
  4. 04Iran Threatens US After Trump’s Warning156 views