Forbes Africa has announced its list of nominees for the 2016 Forbes “Person of the Year” Award. The annual prize is awarded to the continent’s most influential business person. This year’s list includes two presidents, a top civil servant, a successful businessman, and the citizens of a country. Forbes has invited its readers across the continent to participate in what it describes as “one of the most momentous and anticipated annual events in Africa.”
South African businessman Michiel Le Roux, who is the founder of Capitec Bank, leads this year’s list of nominees for his role in making banking more accessible for South Africans. Fellow South African Thuli Madonsela, who is the former Public Protector of the country, also made the list for her efforts in bringing attention to corruption in the public finance system despite threats to her life.
Other nominees include Tanzania’s President, John Magufuli, has already built a reputation as a bold reformer during his one year in power. Magufuli was nominated for his significant role in boosting the nation’s economy.
Ameenah Gurib, the President of Mauritius, has been recognized for spearheading the movement to protect her nation’s environment.
And finally, the people of Rwanda complete this year’s list of nominees thanks to the country’s reform efforts in achieving gender equality.
This is the sixth edition of the award since its inception in 2011. Former Nigerian Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was the first person to ever be recognized by the awards committee. Other winners include Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, the current head of the African Development Bank and Tanzania’s Mohammed Dewji, CEO of MeTL Group.
This year’s award ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 17th in Nairobi, Kenya.
