Throughout the 20th century, the African continent has played a significant role in global political processes. Amidst this turmoil, numerous African leaders emerged, shaping their respective countries for better or worse. These individuals often demonstrated perseverance and dedication, taking on enormous responsibility. They were willing to put everything on the line to encounter the unknown and articulate change in Africa.
New African asked you, the readers, to nominate your greatest Africans of all time both Continental and Diasporan (or people of African descent) in all walks of life. The aim was to come up with your Top 100 Greatest Africans of all time. Since last December when we first announced the poll, we have had a very exciting time. Your nominations flooded in. Analysing them has been an eye- opener. The total shows Nelson Mandela as your No.1 Greatest African of all time, followed closely by Kwame Nkrumah, and Robert Mugabe in third place.
Overall, the results point out certain characteristics about Africans. Why did politicians dominate the poll? Do people tend to vote for men as only a few women were nominated? Or is there a paucity of women to vote for? Over 95% of the nominations were of recent heroes (mostly from the post-independence era). Have people forgotten Africas history? Must this worry us, as a people?
Here, we explore the lives and legacies of some of these influential figures, highlighting their contributions and challenges.
Nelson Mandela
Born in 1918 in the Transkei region of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was educated at the University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand, where he studied law. He argued for the creation of an armed wing of the ANC, leading to the formation of uMkhonto weSizwe (The Spear of the Nation).
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Imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela transformed his outlook, advocating for Black rule in South Africa while recognizing the dehumanizing effects of apartheid on both Black and white people. His presidency (1994-1999) focused on reconciliation, promoting South Africa as an inclusive country guaranteeing freedom and human rights for all.
In 1993, Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace-loving life and the various projects and works to end the brutal decades of Apartheid in South Africa. In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup, and Nelson Mandela used this opportunity as a rallying cry for all South Africans.
Nelson Mandela
Kwame Nkrumah
Born in 1909 and educated in the United States, Kwame Nwai Nkrumah campaigned for the independence of the Gold Coast from Britain. In 1947, he returned to the Gold Coast and became secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention. Nkrumah was imprisoned but later released, becoming prime minister in 1952.
In 1957, the Gold Coast and British Togoland merged to form Ghana, achieving full independence. Nkrumah envisioned a “United States of Africa,” focusing on Pan-Africanism, though Ghana faced economic challenges under his leadership. He designated himself president for life, and Ghana became a one-party state. Nkrumah is generally considered one of the most famous Pan-Africanists, as he co-founded the Organization of Africa Union (OAU), now called the African Union (AU).
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Kwame Nkrumah
Thomas Sankara
The life, legacy & assassination of an African revolutionary - Lisa Janae Bacon
Sankara's revolutionary journey began at the age of 20 when he joined the military. In 1970, he trained in Madagascar, where he witnessed student uprisings against the government. These experiences profoundly shaped his political ideology, instilling in him a commitment to challenging systemic inequality and oppression. Focusing on equality, education, and ecological preservation, he improved healthcare and empowered women. His policies emphasized economic self-sufficiency, agricultural reform, literacy, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. He banned practices such as female genital mutilation and polygamy, aiming to improve gender equality.
On 4 August 1984, the first anniversary of his accession, he renamed the country Burkina Faso, meaning 'the land of upright people' in Mooré and Dyula, the two major languages of the country. His administration connected all regions of the country through an extensive road and rail-building program. Over 700 km (430 mi) of rail was laid by Burkinabé people, facilitating manganese extraction in 'The Battle of the Rails,' without any foreign aid or outside money.
Tragically, Sankara’s vision for an equitable and self-reliant Burkina Faso was cut short on October 15, 1987, when he was assassinated in a military coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré. Despite his untimely death, Sankara’s legacy endures as a symbol of revolutionary leadership and uncompromising dedication to justice, equality, and African unity.
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Thomas Sankara
Julius Nyerere
Julius Nyerere is another unforgettable hero of the African continent. He was the first president and Prime Minister of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika). His rule as a statesman lasted from 1961 to 1985. As an intellectual who had Master’s degrees in economics and history, Nyerere was an African nationalist and a socialist.
In 1953, Julius Nyerere co-founded the TANU (Tanganyika African National Union). As president of TANU, Nyerere piled a lot of pressure on Britain for self-rule and governance.
Julius Nyerere
Other Notable Leaders
Several other African leaders have left indelible marks on history:
- Patrice Lumumba: A revolutionary Congolese politician who helped the country to gain independence.
- Haile Selassie: An Ethiopian ruler (1916 to 1974) and emperor (1930-1974) who strengthened the state and advocated for African unity.
- Kofi Annan: A Ghanaian diplomat and the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) from 1997 to 2006.
- Jomo Kenyatta: An anti-colonial activist and the first president of Kenya.
- Kenneth Kaunda: A Zambian politician who served as the country’s first president from 1964-1991.
- Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: A former Liberian president who was in office from 2006 to 2018.
Africa is a big continent, and the number of influential African leaders is legion. Many of them were brutal dictators, while many others were beneficial dictators. There were emperors and kings, capitalists and Marxists, white minority rulers, and revolutionaries.
| Leader | Country | Role | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson Mandela | South Africa | President | Ending apartheid, promoting reconciliation |
| Kwame Nkrumah | Ghana | President | Leading Ghana to independence, Pan-Africanism |
| Thomas Sankara | Burkina Faso | President | Economic self-sufficiency, women's empowerment |
| Julius Nyerere | Tanzania | President | African nationalism, socialist policies |
