Seizing the number one spot in the top 100 influential Africans is billionaire and business magnate, Aliko Dangote, who has built a world-class enterprise from the ground up. Following in the number four spot is talented and multi-award winning Nigerian writer and novelist, Chimamanda Adiche.
One of Nigeria’s favorite singer and superstar, Davido clinched the number seven spot, while Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God emerged as the eighth most influential African in 2019.
Here are the four Nigerians who made top 10 of the top 100 most influential Africans on Africa Report.
1. Dangote
Known as the richest black man in the world and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote of Dangote group is said to be worth over N3 trillion. With plans to build an oil refinery worth billions of dollars, Dangote, is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and influential men in the world of business and has even been said to be more powerful than President Muhammadu Buhari, as he controls a large part of the Nigerian economy.
2. Chimamanda Adiche
Ace Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adiche has won several awards for her novels including Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. The writer has had her books translated in over 30 languages, has won the most prestigious awards in the literary world and has received 14 honorary doctorate degrees from top universities around the world.
Adiche is known beyond her writing prowess, she has engaged a global audience on racism, s3xism, feminism, and the human condition. Her speeches have been watched millions of times around the world and she has evolved from being a novelist to becoming a public intellectual.
3. Davido
Identified as Nigeria’s pop idol, Davido Adeleke is said to be worth N5.7 billion. With his art, he has managed to influence Nigerians globally and even spared his voice for political engagements and elections.
Davido is one of the first African musicians to sell out the O2 Arena in London, making history and cementing his name in the superstar hall of fame.
4. Pastor Adeboye
Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the founder of five-million member Redeemed Christian Church of God and was the head of the church until 2017 when he resigned following the law that put a 20-year cap and 70-year-old limit on the leadership of non-profit organizations.
Said to be worth N15 billion, the man of God remains one of the top religious leaders in Nigeria and thus, one of the most influential men in the African continent.