Nigeria has emerged as the most represented country on New African Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential Africans, with 21 Nigerians recognised across business, culture, sports, technology, media and social impact.
The annual list celebrates Africans whose actions, leadership and creativity shaped policy, markets, culture and public discourse over the past year.
Business, Finance and Economic Leadership
Aliko Dangote
Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, Dangote remains a defining force in African industrialisation, with the Dangote Refinery continuing to reshape energy and manufacturing dynamics across West Africa.
Olayemi Cardoso
The Central Bank of Nigeria governor is recognised for steering monetary reforms and market-driven policies amid one of Nigeria’s most challenging economic periods.
Benedict Oramah
As President and Chairman of Afreximbank, Oramah has played a central role in expanding trade finance, industrial support and intra-African commerce under the AfCFTA framework.
Samaila Zubairu
The Africa Finance Corporation CEO is credited with mobilising capital for infrastructure and industrial projects critical to Africa’s long-term development.
Tunde Olanrewaju
A senior partner at McKinsey & Company, Olanrewaju is recognised for shaping corporate strategy, digital transformation and leadership thinking across Africa.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
Funke Akindele
One of Nollywood’s most commercially successful figures, Akindele continues to redefine African storytelling through record-breaking films and television productions.
Kemi Adetiba
The filmmaker behind King of Boys remains one of Africa’s most influential creative directors, blending political themes with mainstream entertainment.
Tems (Temilade Openiyi)
The Grammy-winning singer has cemented Nigeria’s place in global pop culture, collaborating with international stars while maintaining a distinct African sound.
Cynthia Erivo
The British-Nigerian actress and singer is recognised for her global impact in film, theatre and music, reinforcing African excellence on the world stage.
Nathaniel Bassey
A leading gospel artist, Bassey’s music ministry has grown into a continental faith movement with strong digital and youth engagement.
Ariyon Bakare
The British-Nigerian actor is celebrated for his rising profile in international film and television, contributing to Africa’s cultural visibility.
Nnene Kalu
The Turner Prize-winning sculptor is recognised for reshaping global conversations around disability, art and inclusion through her work. Dangote, Cardoso Lead as 21 Nigerians on New African Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 List
Media, Ideas and Social Influence
Chude Jideonwo
A prominent media entrepreneur, Jideonwo is known for shaping public conversations on leadership, vulnerability and African identity through interviews and storytelling platforms.
Shola Branson
Recognised for youth-focused social entrepreneurship, Branson’s work spans education, advocacy and community development.
Asisat Oshoala
Africa’s most decorated female footballer, Oshoala is honoured for her achievements on the pitch and her advocacy for women’s sports development.
Technology, Innovation and Global Leadership
Tomiwa Aladekomo
A technology entrepreneur and digital-economy advocate, Aladekomo is recognised for advancing innovation-led growth and youth participation in tech.
Akuna Cook
The Nigerian-American corporate leader is acknowledged for her influence in global business leadership and inclusion advocacy.
Ade Famoti
Famoti is recognised for his growing influence in brand strategy, business leadership and cross-sector engagement.
Oladele Oyekunle
Oyekunle earns recognition for professional leadership and policy-adjacent influence shaping institutional and developmental conversations.
