Name	Details
A'Salfo	b. 5 October 1977, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire A'Salfo, born Salif Traoré, is an Ivorian singer and lead member of the Magic System group. He is signed to the record label Parlaphone.
Abdisalam Aato	b. 1970, Mogadishu, Somalia Abdisalam Aato is a director and producer who founded Olol Films. He is considered one of the first Somaliwood film makers.
Sani Abacha	b. 20 September 1943, Kano, present-day Nigeria, d. 8 June 1998, Abuja, Nigeria Sani Abacha was a general in the Nigerian military and seized power to become Head of State of Nigeria (17 November 1993 - 8 June 1998). He was accused of numerous human rights abuses and corruption and died whilst in office, with many declaring he died of poison rather than natural causes.
Chris Abani	b. 27 December 1966, Afikpo, Nigeria Chris Abani published his first novel, Masters of the Board in 1985, aged 16. A political allegory, it led to his imprisonment. He now lives in the USA. Notable works include The Virgin of Flames (2007) and The Secret History of Las Vegas (2014).
Msim Abarahamani	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Msim Abarahamani was from Zanzibar and attended the Conference of African Women. She is listed in books as one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Bonfoh Abass	b. 23 November 1948, Kabou, French Togoland, present-day Togo Bonfoh Abass, although is often known as Abass Bonfoh, was interim president of Togo (25 February 2005 - 4 May 2005) after the death of Gnassingbé Eyadéma and the resignation of his son, Faure Gnassingbé. Bonfoh Abass was a strong supporter of Faure Gnassingbé and dismissed ministers for standing in the way of the election.
Dimi Mint Abba	b. 1958, Mauritania, d. 2011, Morocco Dimi Mint Abba was a performer and musician, and won first prize in the Mauritanian Radio competition. Known as the 'Diva of the Desert' she was one of Mauritania's best-loved performers, and one of the few artists from that country to release to an internationally-acclaimed album.
Ferhat Abbas	b. 24 August 1899, Taher, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 24 December 1985, Algiers, Algeria Ferhat Abbas was an acting president of Algeria (25 September 1962 - 15 September 1963). Once pro French, Ferhat Abbas was opposed to violence but ultimately joined the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) after the Algerian War of Independence began, acting as an intermediary. After independence, he found himself coming to blows with Ahmed Ben Bella, the new president, and was expelled from the FLN leading to two instances of house arrest.
Youssouf Saleh Abbas	b. 1953, Abéché, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Youssouf Saleh Abbas held the office of Prime Minister of Chad (15 April 2008 - 5 March 2010) after being appointed by president Idriss Déby. Abbas came from the north of the country and was possibly brought in to help with the difficulties that they were having in the east of the country. He resigned in March 2010 after having political difficulties with the president.
Ibrahim Abboud	b. 26 October 1900, Suakin, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 8 September 1983, Khartoum, Sudan Ibrahim Abboud was the 1st President of Sudan (18 November 1958 - 16 November 1964) and 4th Prime Minister of Sudan (18 November 1958 - 30 October 1964). He worked to settle Sudan's issues when he came to power. He suspended all other political parties and took steps with the cotton crops to encourage growth and solve financial issues by selling surplus. He was invited to the White House in 1961.
Ahmed Abdallah	b. 12 June 1919, Domoni, Anjouan, French Comoros, present-day Comoros, d. 26 November 1989, Moroni, Grand Comore, Comoros Ahmed Abdallah was the 1st President of the State of Comoros (July 6 1975 - August 3 1975) when it first gained independence from France. However this was short-lived as he was overthrown by Said Mohamed Jaffar in a coup d'état. He then returned in 1978 and staged a coup, resuming his role as president for a second time (25 October 1978 - 26 November 1989) and turned the country into a one-party state, running unopposed in 1984. He was shot dead in 1989 during a coup led by Said Mohamed Djohar.
Djoueria Abdallah	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Djoueria Abdallah is a midwife from Comoros who has launched a political career and became the first female to join the Assembly of the Union of Comoros in 2004.
Jellal Ben Abdallah	b. 26 May 1921, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 9 November 2017, Place unknown Jellal Ben Abdallah is an artist who painted scenes of daily life, still life and traditional crafts.
Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi	b. 1938, Aleg, present-day Mauritania Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi held the office of President of Mauritania (19 April 2007 - 6 August 2008) having won the presidential election in 2007. He was taken out of office by a coup and seized by the Presidential Security Battalion.
Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz	b. 20 December 1956, Akjoujt, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz is the current President of Mauritania (5 August 2009 - present) and has been actively involved in, and led, at least two coups. He held the role as an interim before resigning and then running in the 2009 election which he won to become the current incumbent.
Mohamed Abdelaziz	b. 17 August 1947, Marrakesh, French Protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 31 May 2016, Tindouf, Algeria Mohamed Abdelaziz was the 2nd President of the Sahwari Republic (30 August 1976 - 31 May 2016). His allegiance was a secular nationalist and openly condemned terrorism.
Emir Abdelkader	b. 6 September 1808, Guetna, Algeria, d. 26 May 1883, Damascus, Syria Emir Abdelkader led Algeria's struggle against French invasion in the 19th century. He was an Islamic scholar who inadvertently found himself spearheading a military campaign against the colonists.
Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim	b. 20 February 1936, Grand Comore, French Comoros, present-day Comoros, d. 6 November 1998, Moroni, Comoros Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim was a President of the Comoros (25 March 1996 - 6 November 1998) and held numerous roles including Prime Minister (7 January 1992 - 15 July 1992) and assumed the role of acting president in 1995 (2 October 1995 - 5 October 1995). He died whilst in office, of natural causes, after returning from a trip to Turkey.
Muhammed Said Abdulla	b. 25 April 1918, Makunduchi, Zanzibar, d. March 1991, Place unknown Muhammed Said Abdalla is a Tanzanian author who wrote in the Swahili language. With his books such as Kisima cha Giningi and Mwana wa Yungi Hulewa his works of detective fiction were groundbreaking at the time as most Swahili literature was folktale narrative.
Muse Hassan Sheikh Sayid Abdulle	b. 25 December 1940, Raas Cabaad, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Muse Hassan Sheikh Sayid Abdulle was an acting president of Somalia (20 August 2012 - 28 August 2012) and current Ambassador to Italy (20 June 2013 - present). He was a member of the Somali National Army for over 30 years, rising through the ranks to become a Brigadier General.
Abdullah Abdurahman	b. 18 December 1872, Wellington, South Africa, d. 2 February 1940, Cape Town, South Africa Abdullah Abdurahman was a South African politician who was the first non-white city councilor of Cape Town. In addition to this he campaigned against segregation through his involvement with the African Political Organisation.
Ama K. Abebrese	b. 3 May 1980, Kumasi, Ghana Ama K. Abebrese is an actress and producer. In 2011, she won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for her role in the movie Sinking Sands. She is also founder of the "I Love My Natural Skintone. Say NO to Skin Bleaching" campaign.
Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda	b. 15 May 1996, Fort McMurray, Canada Shannon-Ogbani Abeda became Eritrea's first Winter Olympic athlete, competing in alpine skiing during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Théophile Abega	b. 9 July 1954, Nkomo, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon, d. 15 November 2012, Yaoundé, Cameroon Théophile Abega was a footballer from Cameroon who was nicknamed 'The Doctor'. His club career included time a Toulouse and he played in the 1982 World Cup and African Nations Cup, which the team won.
Salawa Abeni	b. 5 May 1961, Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria Salawa Abeni is a Nigerian musician whose style is called waka. Her career has spanned numerous decades and many albums.
Kudirat Abiola	b. 1951, Zaria, Nigeria, d. 9 June 1996, Lagos, Nigeria Kudriat Abiola was an entrepreneur and intended First Lady of Nigeria. Her husband was detained after he won the election and she was gunned down whilst in her car by a machine gun.
Marguerite Abouet	b. 1971, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Marguerite Abouet is a writer, scriptwriter and director. She is known for the comic strip Aya de Yopougon.
Mohamed Aboutrika	b. 7 November 1978, Nahia, Giza, Egypt Mohamed Aboutrika, also known as 'El Magico', is an Egyptian footballer and is deemed as one of the best African footballers ever. As well as his club career he also played for the Egyptian national team who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, scoring the winning goal.
Leila Abouzeid	b. 1950, El Ksiba, Morocco Leila Abouzeid is an author. She writes in Arabic and was the first female Moroccan writer of literature to have her works published as an English-language translation.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji	b. 28 March 1991, Nigeria Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is the co-founder and managing director of Flutterwave, which provides banks, enterprises and entrepreneurs technology platforms to make and accept payments anywhere in Africa. He is also the co-founder of Andela, a company training African developers and hiring them out to global tech companies.
Lizzy Abrahams	b. 19 September 1925, Paarl, South Africa, d. 17 December 2008, Paarl, South Africa Lizzy Abrahams, also known as 'Nanna', was a trade unionist from South Africa. She rose through the ranks with people being banned from activism during Apartheid. She continuously involved herself in politics, even going so far as to being arrested and imprisoned on a number of occasions. She released a biography called Married to the Struggle.
Peter Abrahams	b. 3 March 1919, Vrededorp, South Africa, d. 18 January 2017, Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica Peter Abrahams was a South African writer and journalist who moved to Jamaica. He published a number of political works both as a journalist and as a novelist. His book Mine Boy was a very early example of the issue of racism that many dealt with on a daily basis in the Apartheid South Africa. He was murdered at the age of 97.
Moussa Sene Absa	b. 1958, Tableau Ferraille, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Moussa Sene Absa is a Senegalese film director as well as a visual artist and songwriter. His painting is known for being bright and colourful and has exhibited across the world. His filmography spans 30 years and includes films such as Tableau Ferraille and Yoole.
Sufi Abu Taleb	b. 27 January 1925, Tameyya, Egypt, d. 21 February 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Sufi Abu Taleb was the acting president of Egypt (6 October 1981 - 14 October 1981) following the assassination of Anwar Sadat. He wasn't considered to be a serious candidate and stood aside after eight days for Hosni Mubarak, who was the Vice-President.
Hikmat Abu Zayd	b. Date and year unknown, Asyut Governorate, Egypt, d. 30 July 2011, Cairo, Egypt Hikmat Abu Zayd was the first ever female cabinet minister in Egypt, under the government of Gamal Abdel Nasser. She was the Minister of Social Affairs of the United Arab Republic and this was a job that traditionally, following her allocation, became female led. She was later charged, though acquitted, of high treason and terrorism.
Abdulsalami Abubakar	b. 13 June 1942, Minna, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Abdulsalami Abubakar was the 11th Head of State of Nigeria (9 June 1998 - 29 May 1999). His term, as a military head of state, was following the death of Sani Abacha. During his term amendments were made to the constitution and allowed a democratically elected president to take over in May 1999.
Nouri Abusahmain	b. 1956, Zuwarah, Libya Nouri Abusahmain was the President of the General National Congress of Libya (25 June 2013 - 4 August 2014 and 4 August 2014 - 5 April 2016). Under his leadership the GNC imposed sharia law in the country. There was also gender segregation and compulsory hijab was enforced at Libyan universities from 2014.
Ignatius Kutu Acheampong	b. 23 September 1931, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 26 June 1979, Accra, Ghana Ignatius Kutu Acheampong was the 6th Head of State of Ghana (13 January 1972 - 5 July 1978) having seized control following a bloodless coup as a General. He was court martialled and executed by firing squad on 26 June 1979 together with two other former Heads of State (Gen. Afrifa and Gen. Akuffo).
Chinua Achebe	b. 16 November 1930, Ogidi, Nigeria, d. 11 March 2013, Boston, United States of America Chinua Achebe was a novelist, poet and author of Things Fall Apart. He was the recipient of the Man Booker International Prize in 2007.
Nwando Achebe	b. 7 March 1979, Enugu, Nigeria Nwando Achebe is a historian and the Jack Margaret Endowed Professor of History at Michigan State University. Her publications include The Female King of Colonial Nigeria: Ahebi Ugbabe and Women and Gender in Africa.
Germaine Acogny	b. 1944, Benin Germaine Acogny is a Senegalese dancer and choreographer. She has been decorated by France and Senegal, including being an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France, and a Knight of the National Order of the Lion.
Ameyo Stella Adadevoh	b. 27 October 1956, Lagos, Nigeria, d. 19 August 2014, Lagos, Nigeria Ameyo Stella Adadevoh was a Nigerian doctor who is credited with curbing the Ebola virus when it hit Nigeria by identifying and quarantining 'Patient Zero'. Her actions, despite conflicts with the Liberian government in the matter, saved countless lives. She contracted the disease and died in August 2014.
Zubedea Addi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Zubedea Addi, originally from Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania was a member of a group of women who founded the Pan-African Women's Organisation. She also attended a conference in Dar es Salaam called the Conference of African Women.
Khatri Addouh	b. 1954, Smara, Spanish Sahara, present-day Sahrawi Republic/Western Sahara Khatri Addouh was acting president for the Sahrawi Republic (31 May 2016 - 12 July 2016) and currently presides over the Sahrawi National Council (10 July 2010 - present) and is a lead negotiator for the Polisario Front.
King Sunny Adé	b. 22 September 1946, Ondo State, Nigeria King Sunny Adé is a musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and an important figure in the West African musical style jùjú.
Georges Adéagbo	b. 1942, Benin Georges Adéagbo is a Beninese sculptor known for his work with found objects. A native of Cotonou, Adéagbo studied law in Abidjan before moving to France to continue his studies. He returned to Benin in 1971 upon the death of his father, and began creating installations and environments in isolation from family and society.
Simidele Adeagbo	b. 29 July 1981, Ontario, Canada Simidele Adeagbo was a skeleton racer for Nigeria's 2018 Winter Olympic team. She was not only Africa's first female skeleton racer, but the first black female athlete in the sport.
Adebayo Adedeji	b. 21 December 1930, Ijebu-Ode, Southern Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 25 April 2018, Lagos, Nigeria Adebayo Adedeji was a professor and diplomat, who specialised in economics. He was appointed Nigeria's Minister of Economic Reconstruction and Development during the military rule of General Yakubu Gowon, constructing and implementing a plan of economic revival.
Elizabeth Adekogbe	b. 1919, Ijebu-Ife, Southern Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1968, Ibadan, Nigeria Elizabeth Adekogbe was a politician and leader of the Women's Movement of Nigeria, a pressure group that changed its name to the National Council of Women Societies in 1954 and was a leading women's coalition in Nigeria.
Halima Aden	b. 19 September 1997, Kenya Halima Aden is a Somali American fashion model. She is noted for being the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, where she was a semi-finalist. Following her participation in the pageant, Halima received national attention and was signed to IMG Models.
Kemi Adetiba	b. 8 January 1980, Lagos, Nigeria Kemi Adetiba is a filmmaker and music video director. Her 2016 film The Wedding Party became the highest grossing Nigerian film in history.
Alimi Adewale	b. 8 May 1954, Place unknown Alimi Adewale is a Nigerian artist who uses his background as a mechanical engineer as part of his work. In addition he has focused on the role of the nude in African art, as well as inspections into minimalism and social belief systems.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie	b. 15 September 1977, Enugu, Nigeria Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a writer of short stories and novels which include Americanah, Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun. She is also the recipient of the 2008 McGarther Fellowship, awarded to "extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction."
Seun Adigun	b. 3 January 1987, Illinois, United States of America Seun Adigun is a track and field athlete. She is founder of the first Nigerian bobsled team and competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
David Adjaye	b. 22 September 1966, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania David Adjaye is an architect and designer of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2007 and knighted in 2017 for his services in architecture.
Cornelius Francis Adjetey	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 28 February 1948, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Cornelius Francis Adjetey was a sergeant and one of the three veterans shot dead by Major Imray while on their way to present a petition to Sir Gerald Creasy who was Governor of the Gold Coast at the time.
Newton Aduaka	b. 1966, Ogidi, Anambra, Nigeria Newton Aduaka is an England-based, Nigerian-born filmmaker, winner of Best Director at the Pan African Film Festival.
Teresa Afonso	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Teresa Afonso was one of five Angolan heroines who founded OMA in 1962. OMA was the largest political organisation in the MPLA (The Peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola) that works on mobilising, raising and educating women since the beginning of the national liberation struggle.
Akwasi Afrifa	b. 24 April 1936, Mampong-Ashanti, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 26 June 1979, Accra, Ghana Akwasi Afrifa was 3rd Head of State for Ghana (2 April 1969 - 7 August 1970). On 26 June 1979, Afrifa was executed by firing squad with accusations of corruption and embezzlement.
Teddy Afro	b. 14 July 1976, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Teddy Afro, also known as Tewodros Kassahun, is an Ethiopian recording artist whose 2005 album Yasteseryal sold over one million copies. His album titled Ethiopia reached the Billboard World Album Charts in 2017.
Isaias Afwerki	b. 2 February 1946, Asmara, British Military Administration Eritrea, present-day Eritrea Isaias Afwerki is the 1st President of Eritrea (24 May 1993 - present) and has been the only incumbent since the country's independence in 1993. In 1993, following the 30 year independence struggle a referendum was held regarding independence by the United Nations and it was declared legally independent.
Ibrahim Ag Alhabib	b. 1960, Tessalit, Mali Ibrahim Ag Alhabib is a Malian musician and the founder of the Saharan music group Tinariwen.
Moussa Ag Assarid	b. Date and year unknown, Sahara Desert, exact place unknown Moussa Ag Assarid is a writer originally from Mali. A member of the Tuareg nomads he moved to the city of Angers in France and wrote a book chronicling his life and experiences.
José Eduardo Agualusa	b. 13 December 1960, Huambo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola José Eduardo Agualusa is an Angolan writer and journalist, specifically on the history of Angola. He has had some success having been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize for his book A General Theory of Oblivion, based on occurrences in Angola on the eve of independence.
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi	b. 3 March 1924 Umuahia, Abia State, Southern Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 29 July 1966, Lalupon, Oyo, Nigeria Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, was a Major-General in the Nigerian military and the first Nigerian Military Head of State (16 January 1966 - 19 July 1966). He seized power in the ensuing chaos following the 15 January 1966 military coup. He was assassinated in mysterious circumstances after counter coup erupted.
Josephine Agutu	b. Date unknown, Uganda Josephine Agutu is a gold miner from Uganda. However her operation is used to empower women by creating an ethical source of gold for Fair Trade jewellery. Through her work she prevents the spread of child labour and the importance of avoiding highly toxic mercury to extract gold.
Ahmadou Ahidjo	b. 24 August 1924, Garoua, British Cameroons, present-day Cameroon, d. 30 November 1989, Dakar, Senegal Ahmadou Ahidjo was the 1st President of Cameroon (5 May 1960 - 6 November 1982) and Prime Minister of East Cameroon (1 January 1960 - 15 May 1960). He was on the receiving end of a rebellion in the 1960s from the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon but quashed them by 1970. He resigned in 1982.
Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed	b. 15 December 1934, Galkayo, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia, d. 23 March 2012, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed was the 6th President of Somalia (14 October 2004 - 29 December 2008). Before he became president of Somalia he was President of Puntland, the region he was from in the north. There was an assassination attempt made on his life in 2006 by suicide car bomber.
Mahmoud Ahmed	b. 18 May 1941, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Mahmoud Ahmed is an Ethiopian singer of Gurage ancestry. He gained great popularity in Ethiopia in the 1970s and among the Ethiopian diaspora in the 1980s, before rising to international fame with African music fans in Europe and the Americas.
Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin	b. 16 January 1917, Abomey, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 8 March 2002, Cotonou, Benin Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin served as Prime Minister of Dahomey (25 January 1964 - 29 November 1965) when he then peacefully handed over the role to Christophe Soglo in what was an agreed rotation.
Paul Ahyi	b. 15 January 1930, British Togoland, present-day Togo, d. 4 January 2010, Lomé, Togo Paul Ahyi was a Togolese artist who, among many other accomplishments, was the designer of the flag of Togo. He is also well known for the scale of his pieces, with many being extremely large. One of his reliefs is at the United Nations in New York City.
Ama Ata Aidoo	b. 23 March 1942, Saltpond, British Togoland, present-day Ghana Ama Ata Aidoo is a Ghanaian writer and playwright. As well as her written and theatrical works, she has also established the Mbaasem Foundation to promote African female writers.
Baffour Osei Akoto	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 3 September 2002, Kumasi, Ghana Bafuor Osei Akoto was a Ghanaian political strategist and founding member of the National Liberation Movement, which agitated for a federal system of government for the country during the struggle for independence.
Uwem Akpan	b. 19 May 1971, Ikot Akpan Eda, Nigeria Uwem Akpan is a Nigerian author whose book, Say You're One of Them, recounts five separate tales in different countries. The book was selected for a number of awards and achieved international stardom after it was selected by the Oprah Winfrey Book Club.
Fred Akuffo	b. 21 March 1937, Akropong, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 26 June 1979, Accra, Ghana Fred Akuffo was a Lieutenant General who was the 7th Head of State of Ghana (5 July 1978 - 4 June 1979) and supervised the changeover of traffic flow in Ghana from driving on the left to driving on the right as part of 'Operation Keep Right' which was effected on 4 August 1974. He was executed in 1979.
Edward Akufo-Addo	b. 26 June 1906, Dodowa, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 17 July 1979, Accra, Ghana Edward Akufo-Addo was the 2nd President of Ghana (31 August 1970 - 13 January 1972) when he was deposed by a coup d'état on 13 January 1972. He was also a practicing lawyer and had been called to the Bar in the UK, as well as running his own private practice in Accra.
Nana Akufo-Addo	b. 29 March 1944 Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo is the President of Ghana (7 January 2017 - present) and son of Edward Akufo-Addo, a previous president of the country. He has also been the Attorney General and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ismail al-Azhari	b. 20 October 1900, Omdurman, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 26 August 1969, Khartoum, Sudan Ismail al-Azhari, also known as 'Saiyid', was the 3rd President of the Sudan (10 June 1965 - 5 July 1956) and the 1st Prime Minister of Sudan (6 January 1954 - 5 July 1956). Starting out as a mathematics teacher, he advocated to join Sudan with Egypt, however when he became Prime Minister he reversed his decision and declared Sudan to be independent.
Hassan al-Banna	b. 14 October 1906, Mahmoudiyah, Beheira, Egypt, d. 12 February 1949, Cairo, Egypt Hassan al-Banna was an Egyptian imam who rejected the British colonialisation of Egypt and founded the Muslim Brotherhood. In particular he found that the attempted modernisation of the country had been rushed and were in direct conflict with Islamic teachings and principles.
Omar al-Bashir	b. 1 January 1944, Hosh Bannaga, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan Omar al-Bashir is the 7th President of Sudan (30 June 1989 - present),a position he gained by instigating a bloodless coup against the coalition government.
Abdel Rahman Swar Al-Dahab	b. 1934, Omdurman, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab was the 5th President of Sudan (6 April 1985 - 6 May 1986),a position he gained by launching a military coup against Gaafar Nimeiry. He surrendered power to Sadiq al-Mahdi in 1986 and became the Chairman of the Islamic Call Organisation.
Allal al-Fassi	b. 10 January 1910, Fes, Morocco, d. 19 May 1974, Bucharest, Romania Allal al-Fassi was a Moroccan writer and religious intellectual who also served in Morocco's government. He held the role of Minister of Islamic Affairs and was then elected to parliament.
Khalifa al-Ghawi	b. 1964, Misurata, Libya Khalifa al-Ghawi was the Prime Minister of the National Salvation Government of Libya (31 March 2015 - 5 April 2016, 14 October 2016 - 16 March 2017) though this is often disputed by Abdullah al-Thani and Fayez al-Sarraj. The United Nations supported the opposing government led by Fayez al-Sarraj.
Susanna Al-Hassan	b. 27 November 1927, Tamale, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 17 January 1997, Place unknown Susanna Al-Hassan was an author and politician who became the first woman to be appointed to ministerial posts in the Ghanaian government after independence, serving as Deputy Minister of Education from 1961-63. As Minister of Social Affairs from 1963-66 she was involved in combatting prostitution in northern Ghana. Previously a headmistress, she published children's books such as Issa and Amina.
Sirr Al-Khatim Al-Khalifa	b. 1 January 1919, Ed Dueim, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 18 February 2006, Sudan Sirr Al-Khatim Al-Khalifa was the 5th Prime Minister of Sudan (30 October 1964 - 2 June 1965). He is well remembered for his huge leaps in education and later became Minister of Education.
Ahmed al-Mirghani	b. 16 August 1941, Khartoum North, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 2 November 2008, Alexandria, Egypt Ahmed al-Mirghani was the 6th President of Sudan (6 May 1986 - 30 June 1989),the last to be elected in a democratic election. He lost his seat during a coup in 1989 led by Omar al-Bashir.
Abdul Ati al-Obeidi	b. 10 October 1939, Italian Libya, present-day Libya Abdul Ati al-Obeidi was a Prime Minister of Libya (1 March 1977 - 1 March 1979) under the Gaddafi government. He was Foreign Minister when the government fell during the Libyan Civil War in 2011.
Fayez al-Sarraj	b. 20 February 1960, Tripoli, Libya Fayez al-Sarraj is the current Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya (30 March 2016 - present) and is the son of someone considered to be one of the founders of modern Libya. Under his leadership Libya has struggled, with factions still apparent and the citizens struggling with internal inflation, corruption and smuggling.
Ahmed al-Tayeb	b. 6 January 1946, Qena, Egypt Ahmed el-Tayeb is the current Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (10 March 2010 - present) which is considered to be the highest authority in Sunni Islamic culture and jurisprudence. Before his ascension to this role he was also the Grand Mufti of Egypt (10 March 2002 - 27 September 2003) and received his Ph.D. in Islamic philosophy from the Sorbonne.
Abdullah Al-Thani	b. 1954, Place unknown Abdullah al-Thani is the Prime Minister of Libya (11 March 2014 - present),having stepped into the role in an acting capacity following Congress dismissing Al Zeidan. He offered to resign from the post in 2015 following an assassination attempt in May 2015. He cited his exit would be a solution to the Second Libyan Civil War.
Hassan al-Turabi	b. 1 February 1932, Kassala, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 5 March 2016, Khartoum, Sudan Hassan al-Turabi was a Sudanese Islamic leader who brought sharia law into legal state in Sudan. Under his governance there were allegedly executions, torture, denials of free speech and many punishments that were arguably too severe for the crimes committed.
Mohamed Abu al-Qasim al-Zwai	b. 14 May 1952, Libya Mohamed Abu al-Qasim al-Zwai was the Secretary General of General People's Congress of Libya (26 January 2010 - 23 August 2011) during the Libyan Civil War. He was taken into custody in by the National Transitional Council of Libya (NTC) in the September of 2011.
Yemi Alade	b. 13 March 1989, Abia State, Nigeria Yemi Aladie is a singer and songwriter. She received the MTV African Music Award for Best Female in 2015 and 2016.
Folorunso Alakija	b. 15 July 1951, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Folorunso Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded her own fashion company 'Supreme Stitches' which was able to excel thanks to the emergence of a new high-society class within Nigeria. She was worth around $2.1 billion in 2015 and has enterprises in printing and oil as well.
Christine Alalo	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Christine Alalo has headed a number of a units that deal exclusively with missing children, the Child and Family Protection Department of Uganda and later on in Somalia. She received an award from the European Union's Human Rights Defenders Awards in 2014.
Moustapha Alassane	b. 1942, N'Dougo, French Niger, present-day Niger, d. 17 March 2015, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Moustapha Alassane was a film director from Niger who began making films in 1962. One of Africa's earliest directors he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour at Cannes Film Festival in 2007.
Jean-Paul Alata	b. 17 August 1924, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, d. 1978, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Jean-Paul Alata was a political prisoner in Guinea who wrote a book on his experiences. The book described in detail the brutal tortures and degrading practices that were routine in Camp Boiro.
Peju Alatise	b. 1975, Lagos, Nigeria Peju Alatise is a Nigerian artist, poet, writer and a fellow at the National Museum of African Art, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Her work was exhibited at Venice Biennale's 57th edition, themed Viva Arte Viva (Long Live Art).
Mahfoud Ali Beiba	b. 1953, El Aaiún, Spanish Sahara, present-day Sahrawi Republic/Western Sahara, d. 2 July 2010, Tindouf province, Algeria Mahfoud Ali Beiba was acting president of the Sahrawi Republic (10 June 1976 - 30 August 1976). He was a co-founder of the Polisario Front and died whilst in exile in a refugee camp.
Amina Msafiri Ali	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Amina Msafiri Ali was a delegate from Zanzibar who attended the 1962 conference that founded the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Kwatsi Alibaruho	b. 6 May 1972, Illinois, USA Kwatsi Alibaruho is the first black Mission Control Flight Director at NASA. He was also appointed Vice President of program management for the Eaton's Aerospace Group.
Jelani Aliyu	b. 1966, Kaduna, Nigeria Jelani Aliyu is the designer of GM's electric Chevrolet Volt car, and the Director General of Nigeria's National Automotive Design and Development Council.
Alphonse Alley	b. 9 April 1930, Bassila, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 28 March 1987, Cotonou, Benin Alphonse Alley was a President of Dahomey (19 December 1967 - 17 July 1968). He was Chief of Staff of the Army in 1965 following a coup. Another attempted coup was launched against the current president Christophe Soglo by Maurice Kouandété, he then handed power to Alphonse Alley. Alley's government created a new constitution and held an election, but it was unsuccessful because three-quarters were prevented from voting due a boycott. He handed power back to Emile Zinsou and he was dismissed from the army and put a trial. He ended up spending his final years in prison.
Germano Almeida	b. 31 July 1945, Boa Vista, Cape Verde Germano Almeida is a Cape Verdean author and lawyer. He wrote the novel The Last Will and Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo which was made into a film in 1997, directed by the Portuguese director Francisco Manso, winning the award at the Brazil's largest film festival, the Festival de Cinema de Gramado.
Manuel Quintas de Almeida	b. 1957, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe, d. 26 December 2006, São Tomé and Príncipe Manuel Quintas de Almeida was president of São Tomé and Príncipe (15 August 1995 - 21 August 1995) for six days after launching a military coup against the incumbent Miguel Trovoada. However he made an agreement and surrendered power back to Miguel Trovoada and his government.
T. M. Aluko	b. 14 July 1918, Ilesha, Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1 May 2010, Lagos, Nigeria T. M. Aluko was a Nigerian writer who wrote a number of prolific novels. His books included One Man, One Matchet and Kinsman and Foreman. His works were a tongue-in-cheek satirical look at a developing Africa.
Alun Be	b. 17 April 1981, Dakar, Senegal Alun Be is a Senegalese photographer and artist who is known for his images taken in extremely high contrast. His collection, Empowering Women, features facial portraits to show the tenacity of African women.
Nito Alves	b. 1945, Bengo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. June 1977, Luanda, Angola Nito Alves was an Angolan politician who served as Interior Minister of Angola during its independence from Portugal in 1975. He was a supporter of the Soviet Union and was expelled from the MPLA in 1977. Following this he, and his supporters, broke into a prison and hijacked a radio station in an attempted coup. He was shot dead and a purge followed with thousands killed.
Ifi Amadiume	b. 23 April 1947, Kaduna, Protectorate of Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Ifi Amadiume is a Nigerian anthropologist, poet and writer. She is considered a trailblazer of gender and feminist thought leadership and her writings, including Male Daughters, Female Husband, have opened up discussions and won numerous awards.
Orlanda Amarílis	b. 8 October 1924, Assomada, Santa Catarina, Cape Verde Orlanda Amarílis is a writer from Cape Verde, particularly revered for her writing revolving around women's writing and the Cape Verdean diaspora. She has written a number of books including collections of short stories and children's books.
Evelyn Mansa Amarteifio	b. Date and year unknown, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 6 July 1997, Accra, Ghana Evelyn Mansa Amarteifio was known for her remarkable organisational skills and helped to establish the first national scale women's organisation in Ghana, the National Federation of Gold Coast Women (which later became the Ghana Assembly of Women).
Arafa Ame	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Arafa Ame was one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation from Zanzibar.
Ghada Amer	b. 1963, Cairo, Egypt Ghada Amer is a contemporary artist living and working in New York City. She emigrated from Egypt to France, aged 11, and was educated in Paris and Nice. Much of her work deals with issues of gender and sexuality.
Heba Y. Amin	b. 1980, Cairo, Egypt Heba Y. Amin is an Egyptian artist whose works are embedded in extensive research and interrogate the convergence of politics, technology, and urbanism. She is also one of the artists behind the subversive action on the set of the television series Homeland which received worldwide media attention.
Idi Amin	b. Date and year unknown, Koboko, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda, d. 16 August 2003, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Idi Amin was the 3rd President of Uganda (25 January 1971 - 11 April 1979). During his years in power, Amin shifted from being a pro-western ruler - enjoying considerable Israeli support - to being backed by Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, Zaire's Mobutu Sese Seko, the Soviet Union, and East Germany. In 1972, On 4 August 1972, Amin issued a decree ordering the expulsion of 60,000 Uganda Asians, and seized their business and property. He was deposed in 1979.
Samir Amin	b. 3 September 1931, Cairo, Egypt Samir Amin is a French-Egyptian economist who has leanings of socialism, particularly towards Marxism and later on Maoism. He has published numerous economic articles and won the Ibn Rushd Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Daniel Amokachi	b. 30 December 1972, Kaduna, Nigeria Daniel Amokachi is a former footballer who was assistant manager of the Nigerian national team. He has been third in the African Footballer of the Year award. During spells at Bruges, Everton and Besiktas he was known as 'Black Train' because of his strength and speed.
Moncef Ben Amor	b. 27 May 1943, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 19 July 1990, Place unknown Moncef Ben Amor was an artist who is known as the 'Tormented Painter'. His work was particularly evocative of his feelings towards equality and justice. He never stuck to one style of art.
Marwa Amri	b. 8 January 1989, Tunis, Tunisia Marwa Amri won a bronze medal during the 2016 Olympics, becoming the first African to ever win a medal in women's Olympic wrestling.
Ephraim Amu	b. 13 September 1899, Peki-Avetile, Gold Coast, d. 2 January 1995, Ghana Ephraim Amu was famous preacher and ethnomusicologist who composed patriotic songs, especially the Ashanti region of South Ghana's national anthem Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni (This is Our Native Land).
Emmanuel Amuneke	b. 25 December 1970, Eziobodo, Nigeria Emmanuel Amunike played as a left-winger for various clubs during his senior career in the 1990s, including Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona. Although his time was blighted with injuries, he did represent his country at the 1994 World Cup in the USA.
El Anatsui	b. 1944, Anyako, Ghana El Anatsui is a Ghanaian contemporary artist who uses recycled materials to create large scale sculptures and assemblages to discuss consumption, cultural identity and impacts of colonialism. He received the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2015 Venice Biennale.
Malala Andrialavidrazana	b. 1971, Madagascar Malala Andrialavidrazana is a Malagasy visual artist specialising in work that involves cross-cultural iconography. She has received a number of awards including the HSBC Prize for Photography.
Gilles Andriamahazo	b. 5 May 1919, Fort Dauphin, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar, d. 13 September 1989, Antananarivo, Madagascar Gilles Andriamahazo was President of Madagascar (12 February 1975 - 15 June 1975) and a military general. He took the post of president following the assassination of Richard Ratsimandrava.
Joël Andrianomearisoa	b. 1977, Antananarivo, Madagascar Joël Andrianomearisoa is an artist from Madagascar that works in a number of different mediums with various materials. His main subject matter explores perceptions of reality and time.
Joseph Arthur Ankrah	b. 18 August 1915, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 25 November 1992, Accra, Ghana Joseph Arthur Ankrah served as the first commander of the Army of Ghana, the Ghanaian Chief of the Defence Staff and from 1966 and 1969 as the 2nd President of Ghana (24 February 1966 - 2 April 1969).
Kofi Annan	b. 8 April 1938, Kumasi, present-day Ghana Kofi Annan is a diplomat, originally from Ghana, who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. In 2001, he was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Kwaw Ansah	b. 1941, Agona Swedru, Ghana Kwaw Ansah is an award-winning Ghanaian filmmaker. His first feature, Love Brewed in the African Pot, earned immediate popular and critical acclaim throughout English-speaking Africa.
Ifeoma U. Anyaeji	b. Date and year unknown, Benin City, Nigeria Ifeoma U. Anyaeji is a Nigerian artist who holds degrees from schools in the United States and Nigeria. Particularly known for her sculpture, she uses discarded plastic bags and found objects, often using traditional braiding techniques to upcycle them.
Beatrice Anywar	b. 9 January 1964, Kitgum, Uganda Beatrice Anywar is a member of the Ugandan parliament and politician. Her career started off in marketing and commercial care. Her first major motivation for joining politics is because of her environmental activism, such as trying to save the Mariba forest which had been sold to a sugar company. During the protests that followed there were clashes and causalities, Beatrice Anywar was arrested for terrorism.
Clay Apenouvon	b. 1970, Lomé, Togo Clay Apenouvon is a Togolese artist and graphic designer who uses mainly cardboard in his work in both a physical and performance medium.
Sourou-Migan Apithy	b. 8 April 1913, Porto-Novo, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 3 December 1989, Paris, France Sourou-Migan Apithy was handed the office of President of Dahomey (25 January 1964 - 27 November 1965) he was then overthrown. He eventually went into exile in France for the remainder of his life.
Jackie Appiah	b. 5 December 1983, Toronto, Canada Jackie Appiah is a Canadian-born actress who played in such films as The Perfect Picture. She has won several awards including two Africa Movie Academy Awards and three Ghana Movie Awards.
Putuse Appollus	b. 23 September 1930, Transkei, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 1986, Place unknown Putuse Apollus was a nurse and midwife who was known as the wife, and great supporter, of her husband Emil Appollus. She assisted a number of black individuals who were injured in the December shootings, this triggered a deportation order when she clashed with her superiors. She eventually became a member of SWAPO and helped to assist many during the Apartheid in South Africa and Namibia.
Hassan Gouled Aptidon	b. 15 October 1916, Garissa, British Somaliland, d. 21 November 2006, Djibouti City, Djibouti Hassan Gouled Aptidon was the 1st President of Djibouti (27 June 1977 - 8 May 1999) and changed the country into a one party state in 1981. He received the Order of the Crown of the Realm in 1998 from Malaysia.
Stella Arach-Amoko	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Stella Arach-Amoko is a prominent judge in Uganda. Having held roles as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda and High Court judge.
Grace Arach	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Grace Arach is a former Ugandan child soldier who has become an icon for speaking out about the time she spent in conflict. As well as being trained to kill, she was kidnapped and conscripted at age 12, then forced into marriage with the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army. She spent time at the Child Solider Rehabilitation Centre where she met and worked with Australian singer Levi McGrath.
Jackie Arenstein	b. 6 June 1921, Place unknown Jackie Arenstein was a South African journalist, writer and activist who was a defendant in the 1956 Treason Trial.
Ayi Kwei Armah	b. 28 October 1939, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana Ayi Kwei Armah is a writer and author of Two Thousand Seasons and The Healers. He is also an essayist, as well as having written poetry, short stories, and books for children.
Abdul Razzaq as-Sawsa	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Abdul Razzaq as-Sawsa was Head of State of Libya (7 October 1990 - 18 November 1992),he was an independent candidate and considered an Islamic socialist.
Yaa Asantewaa	b. c.1840, Besease, Ashanti Empire, present-day Ghana, d. 17 October, 1921, Seychelles Yaa Asantewaa was queen mother of Ejisu in the Ashanti Empire. She led the native forces during the so-called War of the Golden Stool in 1900, the last of a series of uprisings against the British colonists. Although the Ashanti were annexed into the British Empire, they ruled with little reference to the colonial power.
Abdoulaye Ascofaré	b. 20 April 1949, Gao, French Sudan, present- day Mali Abdoulaye Ascofaré is a Malian film director. Producing films such as Welcome and The Host, he has also written and published a book of poetry.
Empress Menen Asfaw	b. 25 March 1889, Wollo, present-day Amhara region, Ethiopia, d. 15 February 1962, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Empress Menen Asfaw, also known as Menen II, was the Empress of Ethiopia. Married to Haile Selassie, she was born into the nobility and was married twice before she wed Haile Selassie, though this often not reported. She used her position - both before and after the war - to found schools and children's homes.
Kisito Assangni	b. 1975, Lomé, Togo Kisito Assangni is a Togolese curator. His research focuses primarily on psycho-geography and the cultural impact of post-globalization.
Azali Assoumani	b. 1 January 1959, Mitsoudjé, French Comoros, present-day Comoros Azali Assoumani is the President of the Comoros (30 April 1999 - 21 January 2002, 26 May 2002 - 26 May 2006 and 26 May 2016 - present). He began his presidency having won a coup against Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde, but then installed multiparty elections of which he won in 2002.
Francisco Pascual Obama Asue	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Francisco Pascual Obama Asue is the 9th Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea (23 June 2016 - present). Other roles he has held within the government include Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Minister for Sports.
Zainab Asvat	b. c. 1920, Place unknown, d. 30 November 2013, London, United Kingdom Zainab Asvat was a doctor, the first Muslim woman to qualify in South Africa, and anti-Apartheid activist. During her studies she took a year off to head to Durban to be part of the Passive Resistance Campaign.
Élise Atangana	b. Date and year unknown, Cameroon Élise Atangana is an independent curator and producer from Cameron. She is particularly interested in how physical and virtual mobility, including the movement of people, ideas and objects, affect daily lives.
Ajarb Bernard Ategwa	b. 1988, Kumba, Cameroon Ajarb Bernard Ategwa is a Cameroonian artist whose paintings are bright and vibrant pieces detailing and chronicling the lives of those in Douala. His work has appeared across the world and has held a number of solo exhibitions.
Rawya Attiya	b. 19 April 1926, Giza Governorate, Egypt Rawya Ateya was an Egyptian woman who was the first female parliamentarian in the Arab world. Ateya was also the first woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Liberation Army. She trained woman during the Suez conflict to be nurses and also spent time as a teacher and a journalist.
Giuma Ahmed Atigha	b. 1950, Place unknown Giuma Ahmed Atigha was the interim President of the General National Congress of Libya (28 May 2013 - 25 June 2013) after Mohammed Magariaf resigned.
Jelili Atiku	b. 27 September 1968, Ejigbo, Nigeria Jelili Atiku is a contemporary artist who uses sculpture, performance and video to discuss African politics, human rights and social justice. In 2015 he received the Prince Claus Award.
Sefi Atta	b. 1964, Lagos, Nigeria Sefi Atta is a Nigerian playwright and author. She wrote the novel Swallow and the stage play The Naming Ceremony. She was the 2006 recipient of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa.
Patrick Attipoe	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 28 February 1948, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Corporal Patrick Attipoe was part of a contingent to present a petition to Sir Gerald Creasy who was Governor of the Gold Coast at the time, he was shot alongside two other veterans by Major Imray.
Christelle Avomo	b. 1992, Libreville, Gabon Christelle Avomo is a musician from Gabon, having migrated to America without speaking any English. She has released her own EP and single and achieved Billboard Top 40 success.
Didier Awadi	b. 11 August 1969, Dakar, Senegal Didier Awadi was an early champion on the Senegalese Hip Hop scene of the 1980s and formed Positive Black Soul (PBS) in 1989 with fellow rapper Duggy Tee. They were chosen to tour France by French rapper MC Solaar.
Obafemi Awolowo	b. 6 March 1909, Ikenne, Nigeria, d. 9 May 1987, Ikenne, Nigeria Obafemi Awolowo was a notable Nigerian nationalist and politician. Once the Premier of Western Nigeria, he was heavily involved in Nigeria's independence movement. He is often cited as being responsible for much of modern day Nigeria's legislation.
Patrick Awuah Jr.	b. 1965, Accra, Ghana Patrick Awuah Jr. is an engineer and founder of Ashesi University: a university offering degrees in Business Administration, Management Information Systems and Engineering. He was awarded the Order of the Volta in 2008 and a MacArthur Award in 2015.
Ibrahima Aya	b. 10 October 1967, Goundam, Mali Ibrahima Aya is a Malian writer. Since July 2002, he has contributed monthly to the Malian daily L'Essor.
Almaz Ayana	b. 21 November 1991, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia Almaz Eba is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who broke the world record in the 10000m at 29:17:45 to win gold during the 2016 Olympics. She also won a bronze medal in the 5000m during the same Olympic games.
Bernard Ayandho	b. 15 December 1930, Bangassou, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Central African Republic, d. 18 December 1993, Paris, France Bernard Ayandho was Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (26 September 1979 - 22 August 1980),a role he was given after Jean-Bédel Bokassa was overthrown having been in disrepute prior to this. He won a number of awards including the Legion of Honour.
Akua Asabea Ayisi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Akua Asabea Ayisi is a lawyer who was jailed for political activism in 1949. In 1959 she read History at Newnham College, Cambridge University, England, one of the first black women to attend the prestigious institution, returning to Ghana as a private legal practitioner. She was one the first female judges on the Ghanaian bench.
Rebecca Dedei Ayitey	b. 1923, Place unknown, d. 22 June 1961, Place unknown Rebecca Dedei Ayitey was known as Queen of the Flour Sellers, a Ghanaian entrepreneur who succeeded in business that she was able to finance the Convention People's Party. Her political allegiances however were her undoing and it is alleged she was poisoned whilst at a party.
Combo Ayouba	b. 1953, Anjouan, French Comoros, present-day Comoros, d. 13 June 2010, Moroni, Comoros Combo Ayouba, sometimes known as Ayouba Combo, was a colonel and high ranking military officer from Comoros. He held the office of Coordinator of the Transitional Military Committee following a military coup. Combo Ayouba was assassinated in 2010.
Muhammad az-Zanati	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Muhammad az-Zanati was, under Gaddafi's leadership, the Libyan Head of State (18 November - 3 March 2008).
Nnamdi Azikiwe	b. 16 November 1904, Zungeru, Northern Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 11 May 1996, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria Nnamdi Azikiwe served as the 1st President of Nigeria (1 October 1963 - 16 January 1966),holding the presidency throughout the Nigerian First Republic. He was deposed in a military coup in January 1966 but managed to avoid death unlike many other of the country's leaders.
Amadou Hampâté Bâ	b. ca. 1900, Bandiagara, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 1991, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Amadou Hampâté Bâ was an esteemed writer and ethnological anthropologist. He founded the Institute of Human Sciences in Mali's capital and helped to unify the way African languages and dialects are transcribed.
Mariama Bâ	b. 17 April 1929, Dakar, Senegal, d. 17 August 1981, Place unknown Mariama Bâ was a Senegalese author and teacher. She wrote the novels So Long A Letter and La fonction politique des littératures Africaines écrites (The Political Function of African Written Literatures). She was the recipient of the first Noma Award for Publishing in Africa.
Frances Baard	b.1 October 1909, Beaconsfield, Kimberley, Cape Province, present-day Northern Cape, South Africa, d. 2 June 1997, Mabopane, Gauteng, South Africa Frances Baard was a South African political activist who was involved in drafting the Freedom Charter. She was implicated in the Treason Trial of 1956 and imprisoned twice for her involvement in political matters.
Ibrahim Babangida	b. 17 August 1941, Minna, Northern Region, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Ibrahim Babangida was the 8th Head of State for Nigeria (27 August 1985 - 26 August 1993). His role at the head of the country came after he overthrew Muhammadu Buhari, after a long and careful approach by planting officers throughout Buhari's government.
Mohamed Bacar	b. 5 May 1962, Barakani, Anjouan, French Comoros, present-day Comoros Mohamed Bacar was President of Anjouan (March 2002 - March 2008) following a coup. He ran for office following the overthrowing of the government, however he was accused of fixing the results but was then eventually deposed.
Jalila Baccar	b. 23 November 1952, Tunis, Tunisia Jallila Baccar is a playwright, actress and director. In 1976, she co-founded the Nouveau Théâtre de Tunis.
Samy Badibanga	b. 12 September 1962, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Samy Badibanga Ntita is a Congolese politician and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (17 November 2016 - 18 May 2017). He resigned following the election of a new president who wanted to put a member of the opposition party into the role.
Abdelhamid Ben Badis	b.1 October 1909, Beaconsfield, Kimberley, Cape Province, present-day Northern Cape, South Africa, d. 16 April 1940, Constantine, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abdelhamid Ben Badis was a philosopher and high profile individual in the Islamic Reform movement of Algeria. He is the founder of the Association of Algerian Muslim Ulema which influenced the way many Algerian children were educated and had a great effect on the lead up the Algerian War of Independence.
Ezzaki Badou	b. 2 April 1959, Sidi Kacem, Morocco Ezzaki Badou, also known as Zaki, is a retired Moroccan footballer and current football club manager. He played for the national team of Morocco and played from 1976 to 1993, when he became manager for FUS Rabat.
Amadou Bagayoko	b. 24 October 1954, Bamako, French West Africa, present-day Mali Amadou Bagayoko is a Malian musician who is one half of Amadou & Mariam. The pair have been nominated for a Grammy Award and are both blind. They were married in 1983 before they started their musical career.
Jean-Baptiste Bagaza	b. 29 August 1946, Rutovu, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 4 May 2016, Brussels, Belgium Jean-Baptiste Bagaza was the 2nd President of Burundi (1 November 1976 - 3 September 1987) having taken power from Michel Micombero. He was a military dictator and was overthrown in a military coup d'état whilst in Canada.
Hakim Bah	b. 1 September 1987, Mamou, Guinea Hakim Bah holds a degree in computer engineering but is better-known as an accomplished writer and playwright. In 2015, he received several prizes for his work End of Sweats.
Thierno Abdourahmane Bah	b. 1916, Labé, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 22 September 2013, Labé, Guinea Thierno Abdourahmane Bah was a poet, writer, religious and political individual from Guinea. A member of the Fula culture and son of a respected author, he is noted for his works in Fouta and his political activities. He also held the role of Imam at a number of notable mosques.
Ahmed Bahnini	b. 1909, Place unknown, d. 10 July 1971, Rabat, Morocco Ahmed Bahnini was Prime Minister of Morocco (13 November 1963 - 7 June 1965). Appointed by King Hassan II, there were major riots in Casablanca during his term which led to him to being dismissed by the King. He was shot dead during birthday celebrations for the King in an unsuccessful military coup.
Ahmed Balafrej	b. 5 September 1908, Rabat, Morocco, d. 14 April 1990, Rabat, Morocco Ahmed Balafrej was the 2nd Prime Minister of Morocco (12 May 1958 - 13 December 1958),he later went on to be the Foreign Minister until 13 November 1963 when King Hassan II removed him from office and replaced him with himself. He was still considered extremely powerful and worked alongside the King.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa	b. 1912, Bauchi, Northern Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 15 January 1966, Lagos, Nigeria Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of an independent Nigeria (1 October 1960 - 15 January 1966). He was overthrown and assassinated during a military coup in 1966.
Mabel Balfour	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Mabel Balfour was a South African trade unionist and anti-Apartheid activist. She was arrested and tried under the 1956 Treason Trials and was further arrested and fined for activities, and even put under house arrest.
May Materru Balisidya	d. 10 May 1947, Place unknown, b. 27 December 1987, Place unknown May Materru Balisidya was a Tanzanian writer known for her work in Swahili. From 1977 to 1987, she was a lecturer in the Kiswahili department of the University of Dar es Salaam
Margareth Baloi	b. 8 August 1936, Shem Fort, Dunn, South Africa, d. 2001, Place unknown Margareth Baloi was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and was involved in reintroducing Bantustan back in into South Africa.
Baloji	b. 12 September 1978, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo Baloji is a Belgian-Congolese rapper who has also performed as MC Balo in Starflam. He has released four solo albums.
Sammy Baloji	b. 29 December 1978, Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo Sammy Baloji is a Congolese photographer and artist. His work has appeared in several solo exhibitions and is a mixture themes such as ethnographic exploitation and modern urbanism.
Brigalia Bam	b. 1933, Eastern Cape, South Africa Brigalia Bam is a social activist and writer from South Africa. She is a founding member of the Women's Development Foundation and has held roles in places such as the Matla Trust and South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba	b. 1850, Mbacké, Kingdom of Baol, present-day Senegal, d. 1927, Diourbel, Senegal Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba was a Sufi religious leader who founded the Mouride Brotherhood (dedicated to Sunni Islam.) He wrote a huge quantity of poems and tracts on aspects of Islam, as well as championing resistance to colonial French rule by pacifist means.
Sékouba Bambino	b. 1964, Guinea Sékouba Bambino is a musician and song writer from Guinea. Born from a long line of griots he started his music career at the age of 8. He started a solo career in 1991 and has recorded in the Bambara and Malinke languages.
Frédéric Bamvuginyumvira	b. 24 June 1961, Place unknown Frédéric Bamvuginyumvira was the 1st Vice-President of Burundi (11 June 1998 - 1 November 2001). He was arrested in December 2013 whilst driving and accused of bribery to the police, all charges were dropped by the government.
Canaan Banana	b. 5 March 1936, Essexvale, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 10 November 2003, London, United Kingdom Canaan Banana was the 1st President Zimbabwe (18 April 1980 - 31 December 1987) he wrote a book called The Gospel According to the Ghetto, and a personalised version of the Lord's Prayer. Canaan Banana was arrested and charged for sodomy in 1997, a criminal offence in Zimbabwe.
Hastings Banda	b. 15 February 1898, Kasungu, British Central Africa Protectorate, present-day Malawi, d. 25 November 1997, Johannesburg, South Africa Hastings Banda was the 1st President of Malawi (6 July 1966 - 24 May 1994) and prior to that Prime Minister of Malawi (6 July 1964 - 6 July 1966),gaining the post when the country was called Nyasaland. He changed the government to a one-party state and was declared President for Life in 1971. However, after increasing pressure both domestically and internationally, a referendum was called ending the one-party of system and was eventually defeated in elections.
Joyce Banda	b. 12 April 1950, Malemi, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi Joyce Banda was the President of Malawi (7 April 2012 - 31 May 2014) and a politician for a number of years. She was the first female Vice-President of Malawi, as well as first female president. Forbes magazine named her as the most powerful woman in Africa in their 2014 list. She also founded her own charitable organisation that puts Malawian orphans through education.
Rupiah Banda	b. 13 February 1937, Gwanda, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Rupiah Banda was the 4th President of Zambia (19 August 2008 - 23 September 2011),having initially assumed the role after his predecessor Mwanawasa's ill health. His legacy was promoting Zambia to the wider world, trying to drive economic growth and development and encouraging trade with other countries.
Biyi Bandele	b. 13 October 1967, Kaduna State, Nigeria Biyi Bandele is a UK-based Nigerian writer for fiction, theatre, journalism, television, film and radio. He moved to London in 1990.
Steve Bandoma	b. 1981, Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Steve Bandoma is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Following his graduation from the Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts he moved to South Africa. He uses recycled found objects and imagery from magazines and advertising.
Mahawa Bangoura Camara	b. 13 March 1927, Conakry, Guinea Mahawa Bangoura is a Guinean politician, diplomat and representative of Guinea at the United Nations. She has also held the role of ambassador to the United States and was the first ever female Foreign Minister of Guinea.
Antoine Bangui-Rombaye	b. 1933, Chad Antoine Bangui-Rombaye is a Chadian writer and politician. He was close to President François Tombalbaye and was in the cabinet but was imprisoned when he fell out of favour. He then used his experiences to write the book Prisonnier de Tombalbaye.
Mohamed Barakat	b. 7 September 1976, Cairo, Egypt Mohamed Barakat was an Egyptian professional footballer. He played for the national team of Egypt for nine years and had the nickname 'The Mercurial'.
Hilia Barber	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Hilia Barber is a politician hailing from Guinea-Bissau. She has held roles in government since the 1980s, however was the first ever female Minister of Foreign Affairs for a short time in 1999. She worked with Israel during the Guinea-Bissau Civil War to gain humanitarian aid and has since been the ambassador to the country, as well as France.
Arthur Barclay	b. 31 July 1854, Bridgetown, Barbados, d. 10 July 1938, Monrovia, Liberia Arthur Barclay, President of Liberia (4 January 1904 - 1 January 1912),was the first president to serve under the adjusted four year term. He created the Liberian Frontier Force, the precursor to the Liberian Armed Forces.
Edwin Barclay	b. January 5 1882, Liberia, d. 6 November 1955, Liberia Edwin Barclay was the nephew of Arthur Barclay and followed in his footsteps by taking the role of 18th President of Liberia (3 December 1930 - 3 January 1944). Under his presidency he became an ally of the Unites States during World War II.
Mohamed Siad Barre	b. 6 October 1919, Shilabo, Ethiopia, d. 2 January 1995, Lagos, Nigeria Mohamed Siad Barre was 3rd President of Somalia (21 October 1969 - 26 January 1991),a role he gained after launching a coup d'état and installing a military junta. A socialist, he made almost all industry nationalised and enforced a new writing system for the Somali language.
Adama Barrow	b. 16 February 1965, Mankamang Kunda, Gambia Adama Barrow is the 3rd President of the Gambia (19 January 2017 - present) having won the 2016 election but was forced to flee to Senegal for fear of repercussions by Yahya Jammeh. He has since overturned a number of decisions made by his predecessor, including the exit from the International Criminal Court.
Boubacar Barry	b. 1943, Place unknown Boubacar Barry is a professor of history at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. He has also worked as the West Africa coordinator for UNESCO's Management of Social Transformations Programme.
Venansius Baryamureeba	b. 18 May 1969, Ibanda District, Uganda Venansius Baryamureeba is a Ugandan professor of computer science and educationist. In 2005 he spearheaded the construction of the largest computing building in Africa and founded Uganda Technology And Management University in 2012. In 2014 he received the African Society for ICT (ASICT) lifetime achievement award in ICT Research and Education.
Jennifer Bash	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Jennifer Bash is a Tanzanian entrepreneur who has brought Tanzanian farmers and producers to the international market. Her company Alaska Tanzania helps with branding, image, business development and distribution.
Dalia Basiouny	b. Date and year unknown, Egypt Dalia Basiouny is a playwright and theatre director and Assistant Professor of Theatre in the English Department at October 6 University. Her works include the one woman play Solitare.
Philomène Bassek	b. 1957, Dschang, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon Philomène Bassek is a Francophone writer from Cameroon. She wrote and published the book La tache de sang (The Stain of Blood) and taught philosophy.
Waldemar Bastos	b. 4 January 1954, São Salvador do Congo, present-day M'banza-Kongo, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Waldemar Bastos is an Angolan musician that emigrated to Portugal after the country gained its independence to avoid the civil war. He is famous for his sound which is a mixture of Afropop, Portuguese Fado and Brazilian vibes.
Ras Bath	b. 17 September 1973, Place unknown Ras Bath is a Malian figure who is known for his controversial and passionate work. He has been arrested and sentenced with incitement of troops disobedience. Working on the radio and social media, his influence has caused a number of demonstrations and skirmishes.
Abdoulaye Bathily	b. 1947, Tiyabu, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Abdoulaye Bathily is a Senegalese politician who has the roles of Minister of the Environment and also Minister of Energy in Senegal's government. He has run a number of times for the presidency but was unsuccessful.
Antoinette Batumubwira	b. 23 May 1956, Ngozi, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Antoinette Batumubwira is a politician from Burundi. She held the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs and has been named as candidate for the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, but her support was rescinded.
Jean Alingué Bawoyeu	b. 18 August 1937, Fort-Lamy, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Jean Alingué Bawoyeu was Prime Minister of Chad (4 March 1991 - 20 May 1992) and is known as vieux sage or wise elder. His time in office he was given very little power and was replaced, turning him against the president.
Syda Bbumba	b. 7 January 1952, Nakaseke, Uganda Syda Bbumba is a Ugandan financier and accountant who has also worked as a Ugandan politician. Having worked for a number of years for the Uganda Development Bank she was then elected to the parliament and has since held a number of ministerial roles.
Louis Lansana Beavogui	b. 28 December 1923, Macenta, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 19 August 1984, Conakry, Guinea Louis Lansana Beavogui held the role of Prime Minister of Guinea (26 April 1972 - 3 April 1984),and then became interim President of Guinea (26 March 1984 - 3 April 1984) before Lansana Conté assumed power in a military coup.
Francis Bebey	b. 15 July 1959, Douala, Cameroon, d. 28 May 2001, Paris, France Francis Bebey was a Cameroonian artist, musician, poet and writer. He specialised in makossa, classical guitar, jazz, pop and electronic sounds. His albums included World Music Guitar (1992) and Sourire De Lune (1996).
Henri Konan Bédié	b. 5 May 1934, Dadiékro, French West Africa, present-day Côte d'Ivoire Henri Konan Bédié served as the 2nd President of Côte d'Ivoire (7 December 1993 - 24 December 1999) following the death of Félix Houphouët-Boigny. After the country gained its independence in 1960, he was the ambassador to the United States and Canada. He was overthrown in a military coup in 1999.
Hélé Béji	b. 1948, Tunis, Tunisia Hélé Béji, daughter of Tunisian politician Mondher Ben Ammar, was born in Tunis. She passed her Agrégation de lettres modernes and went on to teach literature at the University of Tunis. She later joined UNESCO in Paris. In 1998, she founded the Collège international de Tunis. She has expressed a great admiration for the author Marcel Proust and his influence can be seen in her fiction.
Kenenisa Bekele	b. 13 June 1982, Bekoji, Ethiopia Kenenisa Bekele is a long-distance runner who currently holds both the world and Olympic record in both the 10000m and 5000m race. He has won 23 gold medals including 3 Olympic golds.
Mbarek Bekkay	b. 18 April 1907, Berkane, Morocco, d. 12 April 1961, Rabat, Morocco Mbarek Bekkay was the 1st Prime Minister for Morocco (7 December 1955 - 15 April 1958). In addition to his political career he had held a career in the military and held the rank of colonel in the French army.
Tahar Bekri	b. 7 July 1951, Gabès, Tunisia Tahar Bekri is a Tunisian poet who has written, and contributed to, a number of poetry anthologies and collections. He has also written a number of books of literary criticism, focusing on writers and poets from places such as Algerian, Tunisia and Morocco.
Intissar Belaïd	b. 1984, Kef, Tunisia Intissar Belaïd is a Tunisian artist and filmmaker. She attended university before completing her masters in Paris at the Sorbonne. She has won numerous awards including the Special Jury Prize at the International Student Film Festival in Morocco in 2010.
Krim Belkacem	b. 14 September 1922, Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, d. 18 October 1970, Frankfurt, West Germany Krim Belkacem joined the underground Algerian People's Party after returning from fighting for the French in the Second World War. Having avoided two death sentences from French tribunals, during the Algerian War of Independence he became of the most important chiefs of the National Liberation Front (FLN),eventually becoming the Minster of Defence and Foreign Minster in the Algerian Republic.
Joseph-Antoine Bell	b. 8 October 1954 Mouandé, Cameroon Joseph-Antoine Bell is a former football goalkeeper. He represented his national team of Cameroon in three World Cups.
Aïcha Bellagha	b. 1916, Place unknown, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Aïcha Bellagha was a Tunisian feminist and one of the first women in Tunisia to achieve the baccalaureate qualification. She also held the role as the first president of the Tunisian National Union of Women.
Ahmadu Bello	b. 12 June 1910, Rabah, Sokoto State, Nigeria, d. 15 January 1966, Kaduna, Nigeria Ahmade Bello was the first, and only, Premier of Northern Nigeria. He worked alongside other notable political figures in Nigeria to form the first native Nigerian government which helped to gain independence from Britain.
Lakhdar Belloumi	b. 29 December 1958, Mascara, Algeria Lakhdar Belloumi is a former football player and manager. He is widely considered one of the best Algerian football players of all time.
Sylvain Bemba	b. 17 February 1934, Sibiti, French Congo, present-day Republic of the Congo, d. 8 July 1995, Paris, France Sylvain Bemba was a writer and journalist from the Republic of Congo. He wrote a number of novels such as Léopolis and plays including Tarentelle noire et diable blanc.
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali	b. 3 September 1936, Hammam Sousse, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, also known as Ben Ali, was the 2nd President of Tunisia (7 November 1987 - 14 January 2011) and prior to that Prime Minister (2 October 1987 - 7 November 1987). He took over as acting head of state when Habib Bourguian was declared medically unfit, Ben Ali then removed Bourguiba as president and replaced him. He attempted to make a difference to the poverty rate and had some success but the country continued to suffer with high unemployment.
Ahmed Ben Bella	b. 25 December 1916, Maghnia, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 11 April 2012, Algiers, Algeria Ahmed Ben Bella was the 1st President of Algeria (15 September 1963 - 19 June 1965) after the Algerian War of Independence against the French. Because of his dictatorial style of governance he had disputes with former leaders of the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) and was deposed in 1965 by the defence minister Houari Boumédiène in a bloodless coup. He was placed under house arrest for 14 years. In 2003 he was elected president of the International Campaign Against Aggression on Iraq at its Cairo Conference.
Hassiba Ben Bouali	b. 18 January 1938, El-Asnam, Algeria, d. 8 October 1957, Algiers, Algeria Hassiba Ben Bouali was a prominent female militant in the war for Algerian Independence. She was killed, along with Ali La Pointed when French forces bombed their hiding place.
Yesmine Ben Khelil	b. 1986, Tunis, Tunisia Yesmine Ben Khelil is a Tunisian artist who has come onto the scene following the Tunisian revolution. As a new wave of post-revolutionary artists, her work is expressive and political, taking ancient iconography and creating mixed media collages.
Khaled Ben Slimane	b. 1951, Nabeul, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Khalen Ben Slimane is a Tunisian ceramicist and artist. He has worked with Joan Miró and has been exhibited alongside Picasso and Artigas. His ceramics in particular feature repetition of phrases and text of Sufi origin.
Salah Ben Youssef	b. 11 October 1907, Maghraoua, Djerba, Tunisia, d. 12 August 1961, Frankfurt, West Germany Salah Ben Youssef was a politician and key leader in the Tunisian national movement. He was sentenced to death and escaped into exile through numerous countries, before being assassinated in a hotel in Frankfurt.
Mostefa Ben-Boulaïd	b. 5 February 1917, Arris, Algeria, d. 22 March 1956, Arris, Algeria Mostefa Ben-Boulaïd was an Algerian revolutionary leader against the French authorities. Considered to be "the father of the Algerian revolution", he was a member of the 'Committee of the Six', all insurgent leaders and during the Algerian war was responsible for an area which suffered against the heavily armed French.
Larbi Ben Barek	b. 16 June 1914, Casablanca, Morocco, d. 16 September 1992, Casablanca, Morocco Larbi Ben Barek was a football player who was recognized as the first successful African player in Europe.
Chadli Bendjedid	b. 14 April 1929, Bouteldja, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 6 October 2012, Algiers, Algeria Chadli Bendjedid was the 3rd President of Algeria (9 February 1979 - 11 January 1992). Initially he tried increasing the separation between the country's economy and the government's involvement. He also reduced the amount of surveillance on its citizens. The austerity measures the government implemented led to the 1988 October Riots causing the death of several hundred individuals. He was forced out of government when the military were involved to stop the Islamist Front Islamique du Salut (FIS) coming into power and launched an Algerian Civil War.
Nouria Benghabrit-Remaoun	b. 5 March 1952, Oujda, Morocco Nouria Benghabrit-Remaoun is an Algerian politician and sociologist. She is currently the Minister for National Education and was the director of the National Centre of Research in Social and Cultural Anthropology and also worked with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Abdelmalek Benhabyles	b. 27 April 1921, Beni Aziz, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abdelmalek Benhabyles was acting president of Algeria (11 January 1992 - 14 January 1992) when the military forced Chadli Bendjedid out of office. He was also the first ambassador to Japan and received the Order of the Rising Sun on 17 December 2012.
Mohamed Benhima	b. 25 June 1924, Safi, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 23 November 1992, Rabat, Morocco Mohamed Benhima was the 5th Prime Minister of Morocco (7 July 1967 - 6 October 1969). In addition to his time as Prime Minister he also served as Minister of Education and the Minister of the Interior.
Carolle Bénitah	b. 1970, Casablanca, Morocco Carolle Bénitah is a Moroccan photographer and former fashion designer who uses photography from her childhood as part of her works. She takes the images and embroiders them with coloured thread and beading which she calls "putting to death of my demons."
Sathima Bea Benjamin	b. 17 October 1936, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 20 August 2013, Cape Town, South Africa Sathima Bea Benjamin was a South African musician and singer. She left South Africa following the Sharpeville Massacre and ended up meeting, and working with, musical legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk.
Benyoucef Benkhedda	b. 23 February 1920, Berrouaghia, Médéa Province, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 4 February 2003, Algiers, Algeria Benyoucef Benkhedda was a Head of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (9 August 1961 - 3 July 1962) during the Algerian War of Independence. When the war ended he was temporarily the leader of the country and negotiated with France. He was forced to stand down due to a political crisis with Ahmed Ben Bella.
Abdelilah Benkirane	b. 8 April 1954, Rabat, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Abdelilah Benkirane was the Prime Minister for Morocco (29 November 2011 - 5 April 2017) and is a left-wing aligned politician. A strong Islamist he has spoken out against secularism, and was reported as trying to ban an Elton John concert for promoting "homosexuality". He resigned in 2017 claiming "incompatibility" with the government.
Malek Bennabi	b. 1 January 1905, Constantine, Algeria, d. 31 October 1973, Algiers, Algeria Malek Bennabi was an Algerian writer and philosopher who wrote about human society. He is mostly known for the concept of "coloniability".
Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun	b. 14 November 1982, Casablanca, Morocco Miriem Bensalah-Chaqroun is a Moroccan business personality and international figure in the economic community. As well as the president of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco, she is often referred to in lists of most influential business women in the Middle East and Africa.
Mary Benson	b. 8 December 1919, Pretoria, South Africa, d. 19 June 2000, London, United Kingdom Mary Benson was an activist and author affiliated with the anti-Apartheid movement of South Africa. She was involved in many notable events, including running the funding for those on the Treason Trial and assisted Nelson Mandela with escape from South Africa in 1962. She wrote a biography on Mandela, which was banned under the South African apartheid regime.
Stephen Allen Benson	b. 21 May 1816, Cambridge, Maryland, United States, d. 24 January 1865, Grand Bassa Country, Liberia Stephen Allen Benson served as the Vice-President of Liberia (2 January 1854 - 7 January 1856) and then beat the incumbent, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, in the presidential election making him the 2nd President of Liberia (7 January 1856 - 4 January 1864). He successfully achieved recognition of the country by Belgium, the Unites States and numerous other European countries.
Fatou Bensouda	b. 31 January 1961, Banjul, Gambia Fatou Bensouda, originally from Gambia, has been the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor since 2012. A recipient of numerous awards, including 'African of the Year,' her career began with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, investigating crimes against humanity committed during Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
Mohammed Berrada	b. 1938, Rabat, Morocco Mohammed Berrada is a famous novelist from Morocco. His work, written in Arabic, includes Al-Daw al-harīb (Fleeting Light).
Traore Aissata Berthe	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Traore Aissata Berthe was an attendee at the Conference of African Women from Mali. She is listed as a founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Mama Beshenga	b. 1936, Place unknown, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Mama Beshinga was a political activist that when Apartheid government introduced the active Law Amendment Act, moving black people to reserves, Mama resisted, organised and demonstrated. She encouraged the women to fight.
Mongo Beti	b. 30 June 1932, Akométan, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon, d. 8 October 2001, Yaoundé, Cameroon Mongo Beti was a Cameroonian writer. His work was used as a way of expressing his dislike of colonisation and pushing for independence. However he was also known to criticise the independent government, however this was largely attributed to his keenness for an autonomous Africa to succeed.
Empress Taytu Betul	b. 1851, Semien, present-day Semien Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, d. 11 February 1918, Entoto, Shewa, present-day Ethiopia Empress Taytu Betul was a formidable queen and empress of Ethiopia. An astute diplomat, she proved to be a key figure in thwarting Italian imperialist designs on Ethiopia. Later, she and her husband Emperor Menelik II triumphed at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, the most significant victory of any African army battling European colonialism.
Omar Bey	b. 1973, Tunis, Tunisia Omar Bey is a Tunisian artist whose works reflect the changes and his own experiences in Tunisia. He paints as well as using found objects to make works of mixed-media and collage.
Véro Tshanda Beya Mputu	b. Date and year unknown Véro Tshanda Beya Mputu is an actress, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the film Félicite.
Calixthe Beyala	b. 26 October 1961, Douala, Cameroon Calixthe Beyala is a French-Cameroonian writer and author who has written books such as Maman a un amant, which won the Grand Prize of Literature of Black Africa and Lettre d'une Afro-française à ses compatriotes. Her work and themes include poverty, a strong stance on feminism and a positive view on homosexuality. She has won awards from UNESCO and Académie française.
Tim Biakabutuka	b. 24 January 1974, Kinsaha, Democratic Republic of the Congo Tim Biakabutuka, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a running back for the University of Michigan, having the second highest single-game performance in Michigan's History. In 1996 was the eighth overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers.
Steve Biko	b. 18 December 1946, Ginsberg, South Africa, d. 12 September 1977, Pretoria, South Africa Steve Biko was a South African anti-Apartheid activist who was a member of the Black Consciousness Movement. He was arrested following a banning order and was beaten to death by state security officers.
Godfrey Binaisa	b. 30 May 1920, Kampala, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda, d. 5 August 2010, Kampala, Uganda Godfrey Binaisa was the 5th President of Uganda (20 June 1979 - 12 May 1980). He was appointed by National Consultative Commission. He was removed from office by the Military Commission.
Julius Maada Bio	b. 12 May 1964, Tihun, Bonthe District, Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio overthrew Valentine Strasser to become the next head of state for Sierra Leone (16 January 1996 - 29 March 1996),having assisted in the 1992 coup and been Valentine Strasser's deputy.
Berhanu Zerihun	b. 1933, Gondar, Ethiopia, d. 1987, Ethiopia Berhanu Zerihun is an Ethiopian writer known for his trilogy of novels, Ma'ebel Ye'abiot Wazema (Wave on the Eve of a Revolution),Ma'ebel Ye'abiot Mebacha (Wave on the Dawn of the Revolution) and Ma'ebel Ye'abiot Magist (Wave on the Aftermath of the Revolution).
Di Bishop	b. Date unknown, Cape Town, South Africa Di Bishop was a South African political activist and was elected to the Provincial Council for the Progressive Federal Party whilst also simultaneously being involved with the Black Sash. She was dedicated to finding missing persons in squatter camps, often entering off-limits areas. She received numerous threats to her life over the years including being tear-gassed and her car being attacked and burnt.
Namirembe Bitamazire	b. 17 July 1941, Central Region, Uganda Namirembe Bitamazire is a Ugandan politician with a background in academia. She has held the role as a member of the Ugandan parliament between 2001 and 2011 and has also held the role of Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute.
Rabah Bitat	b. 19 December 1925, Aïn Kerma, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 10 April 2000, Paris, France Rabah Bitat was the interim president of Algeria (27 December 1978 - 9 February 1979) after the death of Houari Boumédiènne. He had originally been a supporter of socialist driven Ahmed Ben Bella before rescinding his support. Under the installed government of Houari Boumédiènne he looked after transport.
Paul Biya	b. 13 February 1933, Mvomeka'a, French Cameroon, present-day Cameroon Paul Biya is the 2nd President of Cameroon (6 November 1982 - present) and was 1st Prime Minister of Cameroon (30 June 1975 - 6 November 1982) and introduced multi-party politics in the 1990s. He is at present (April 2018) the longest serving ruler in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Daniel Biyaoula	b. 11 September 1953, Brazzaville, Congo Daniel Biyaoula is a Congolese writer (from the Republic of Congo) who earned the Literary Grand Prix of Black Africa in 1997 for his novel L'Impasse.
Pasteur Bizimungu	b. 1950, Gisenyi, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda Pasteur Bizimungu was the 3rd President of Rwanda (19 July 1994 - 23 March 2000),he joined the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in 1990 after his brother was murdered. After Habyarimana's death and subsequent 100 day genocide, the RPF eventually took control of the country and he was made president, with Paul Kagame as vice president. He and Kagame ended up in conflict and eventually, in 2000, he resigned from office. He went on to create a new political party for Democratic Renewal (PDR),however this was outlawed by government and ended up being placed under house arrest. In 2004 he was sentenced for 15 years but was given a pardon on the 6 April 2007.
Molly Blackburn	b. 11 November 1930, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, d. 28 December 1985, Humansdorp, South Africa Molly Blackburn was a civil rights campaigner, anti-Apartheid activist and politician who was a member of the Progressive Federal Party. She joined the Black Sash in 1955 but left for what she considered their "inactivity" but later returned in 1982. She was killed in a car accident in 1986.
Moses Blah	b. 18 April 1947, Toweh Town, Nimba County, Liberia, d. 1 April 2013, Monrovia, Liberia Moses Blah served for two months as President of Liberia (11 August 2003 - 14 October 2003) after Charles Taylor's resignation. He was originally a mechanic and was famed for asking the rebels to come and negotiate at his own house.
Neill Blomkamp	b. 17 September 1979, Johannesburg, South Africa Neill Blomkamp is a film director from South Africa who lives and works in Canada. He co-wrote and directed District 9 which won critical international acclaim and was also nominated for an Academy Awards. He also went onto co-write and direct Elysium and Chappie.
Alpha Blondy	b. 1 January 1953, Dimbokro, Côte d'Ivoire Alpha Blondy is a musician from Côte d'Ivoire who specialises in politically driven reggae. He sings in a number of languages including French, Hebrew, English and his native dialect of Dioula and has performed with The Wailers.
Ozwald Boateng	b. 28 February 1967, London, United Kingdom Ozwald Boateng is a men's fashion designer, tailor and former Creative Director of Givenchy. He was the first African designer to have a shop on London's historic Savile Row. In 2006 he was awarded The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Américo Boavida	b. 20 November 1923, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 25 September, 1968, Moxico Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Américo Boavida was a political activist in pre-independent Angola. He was a doctor who specialised in tropical medicine and looking after the poorest of citizens. He joined the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA),he spent time in Morocco and Congo before returning to Angola and teaching basic medicine to members of the guerrilla army for People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA). He was killed in action by a Portuguese helicopter attack.
Emmanuel Bodjollé	b. 1928, Place unknown Emmanuel Bodjollé was part of the coup that overthrew the government of Sylvanus Olympio. As Chairman of the Insurrection Committee he, alongside eight others, were responsible for the murder of the president and installing Nicolas Grunitzky as the new leader of Togo.
Pierre Bodo	b. 1953, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 5 March 2015, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Pierre Bodo was a Congolese painter. His work was predominantly influenced by the concepts of symbology and fantasy. Pieces such as Bodostar, were created as surreal amalgamations between creatures and was created, in part, to dissuade people from playing with sorcery and magic.
Jean-Bédel Bokassa	b. 22 February 1921, Bobangui, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 3 November 1996, Bangui, Central African Republic Jean-Bédel Bokassa started as the 2nd President of the Central African Republic (1 January 1966 - 4 December 1976) and then proclaimed himself as the Emperor of Central Africa (4 December 1976 - 21 September 1979). In 1973 he offered two diamonds to the French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, causing a major political scandal in the 5th French Republic. In 1979, French paratroopers deposed him and re-installed Dacko as president.
Jean-Serge Bokassa	b. 25 February 1971, Bangui, Central African Republic Jean-Serge Bokassa is the son of Jean-Bédel Bokassa, who took the role as Emperor of the Central African Republic. Jean-Serge was styled as a prince initially but when his father was overthrown he went into exile in Gabon. Later on he became a politician and has held roles such as Minister of the Interior, Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture. He stood in the 2016 election as a presidential candidate but lost.
Manute Bol	b. 16 October 1962, Turalei, Sudan, d. 19 June 2010, Charlottesville, United States of America Manute Bol was a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association for 10 years. At 7' 7 he was the tallest player in NBA history. He established the Ring True Foundation to raise resources for Sudanese refugees, as well as participating in a three week Sudan Freedom Walk to raise awareness of the genocide in Darfur.
Basile Boli	b. 2 January 1967, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Basile Boli is a footballer and television personality originally from Côte d'Ivoire. He has played for the French national team as a defender as well as clubs such as Marseille, Rangers and Monaco.
Ali Bongo Ondimba	b. 9 February 1959, Brazzaville, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo Ali Bongo Ondimba is the 3rd and current President of Gabon (16 October 2009 - present) following on his father's footsteps, who held the 2nd presidency.
Edith Lucie Bongo	b. 10 March 1964, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, d. 14 March 2009, Rabat, Morocco Edith Lucie Bongo was the First Lady of Gabon. Married to Omar Bongo she used her position, both politically and in her role as a doctor, to work with sufferers and the families of those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Omar Bongo	b. 30 December 1935, Lewai, present-day Bongoville, French Gabon, present-day Gabon, d. 8 June 2009, Barcelona, Spain Omar Bongo held the role of 2nd President of Gabon (2 December 1967 - 8 June 2009) for 42 years. Up until 1990 Gabon was a single-party governance but he was forced to change it to a multi-party democracy after increasing external pressure. Bongo was a central pillar of Françafrique. Following his death, his son Ali Bongo—who had long been assigned key ministerial responsibilities by his father—was elected to succeed him in August 2009.
Thomas Boni Yayi	b. 1 July 1951, Tchaourou, Dahomey, present-day Benin Thomas Boni Yayi, sometimes known as Yayi Boni, held the role as the 7th President of Benin (6 April 2006 - 6 April 2016). Several attempts were made on his life including an ambush on his convoy and allegedly that his medicine was spiked with a toxic substance.
Isabelle Boni-Claverie	b. 27 February 1972, Tiassalé, Côte d'Ivoire Isabelle Boni-Claverie is an Ivorian author, screenwriter and film director. Boni-Claverie currently writes a column for Le Huffington Post and the Nouvel Obs where she regularly publishes about what it means to be black in France, and on the topics of diversity, and inclusion.
Tanella Boni	b. 1954, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Tanella Boni is an Ivorian writer, poet and novelist. She has written a number of books, poems and essays such as Grains de sable and Ma peau est fenêtre d'avenir.
Kojo Botsio	b. 21 February 1916, Winneba, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 6 February 2001, Accra, Ghana Kojo Botsio was the first ever Minister of Education and Social Welfare for Ghana, in addition he was also Minister for Foreign Affairs twice. He was responsible for the Accelerated Education Development Plan in which all primary education was made fee-free and compulsory.
Armand Boua	b. 1978, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Armand Boua is an Ivorian artist who creates images made from layers using tar and acrylic on cardboard boxes he has found. The images often depict street children of Abidjan.
Maati Bouabid	b. 11 November 1927, Casablanca, French Protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 1 November 1996, Rabat, Morocco Maati Bouabid was the 9th Prime Minister of Morocco (22 March 1979 - 30 November 1983),he was from the Constitutional Union party which is a liberal conservative party with close links to the monarchy.
Frédéric Bruly Bouabré	b. 1923, Zépréguhé, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 28 January 2014, Place unknown Frédéric Bruly Bouabré was among the first Ivorians to be educated by the French colonial government. He created a 448-letter, universal Bété syllabary, which he used to transcribe the oral tradition of his people, the Bétés.
Mbarka Bouaida	b. 1975, Laqssabi, Morocco Mbarka Bouadia is a Moroccan politician and has held important government roles such as Minister-Delegate of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. She attended, and led, a delegation to the White House in 2015.
Wided Bouchamaoui	b. 1961, Gabès, Tunisia Wided Bouchamaoui is a Tunisian businesswoman and head of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts. She has been included in a list of Top 25 Business Women in Africa by the magazine Jeune Afrique.
Lotfi Bouchnak	b. 18 January 1952, Tunis, Tunisia Lotfi Bouchnak is a singer, oud player, composer and public figure. He is considered one of the best tenors in the Middle East, North Africa and the Arab world.
Mohamed Boudiaf	b. 23 June 1919, Ouled Madhi, M'Sila Province, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 29 June 1992, Annaba, Algeria Mohamed Boudiaf, also known as Si Tayeb el Watani, held the role of Chairman of the High Council of State (16 January 1992 - 29 June 1992),which during a period of military intervention was head of state for Algeria. He was assassinated by his bodyguard live on national television.
Halida Boughriet	b. 1980, Lens, France Halida Boughriet is a French-Algerian artist who has exhibited across the world with shows such as Pandora's Box and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
Belgacem Bouguenna	b. Date and year unknown, Douz, Tunisia Belgacem Bouguenna is a Tunisian singer who sings songs about loneliness, love and guilt. He has released 11 albums of songs in the Arabic language.
Hamid Bouhamidi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 8 October 1957, Algiers, Algeria Hamid Bouhamidi was a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN) during the Algerian War. His Islamic marriage was one of the first to be held in the open under the French rule. He, alongside Al La Pointe, was killed in a targeted French bombing whilst they were hiding out.
Djamila Bouhired	b. June 1935, Algiers, Algeria Djamila Bouhired is a nationalist who opposed French colonial rule in Algeria. As a student activist she joined the Algerian National Liberation Front, working as a liaison officer and personal assistant of the commander, Yacef Saadi.
Habib Boularès	b. 29 July 1933, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 18 April 2014, Paris, France Habib Boularès was a Tunisian diplomat and politician. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia from 1990 to 1991, Minister of Defence for a brief period in 1991, and as President of the Chamber of Deputies of Tunisia from 1991 to 1997.
Houari Boumédiène	b. 23 August 1932, Héliopolis, Guelma Province, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 27 December 1978, Algiers, Algeria Houari Boumédiène, born Mohammed Boukharouba, was the 2nd President of Algeria (10 December 1976 - 27 December 1978) after ousting his predecessor Ahmed Ben Bella in a bloodless coup. He started a programme of state-driven industrialisation which led to a number of years of sharp economic growth.
Habib Bourguiba	b. 3 August 1903, Monastir, Regency of Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 6 April 2000, Monastir, Tunisia Habib Bourguiba was the 1st President of Tunisia (25 July 1957 - 7 November 1987) as well as holding roles such as Prime Minister (11 April 1956 - 25 July 1957),Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence. He negotiated independence for Tunisia from France in 1956. His regime soon turned to a twenty-year one party-state, supported by an increasing cult of personality. He proclaimed himself President for life in 1975.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika	b. 2 March 1937, Oujda, Morocco, d. 17 September 2021, Zeralda, Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the 5th President of Algeria. He was a former Army of National Liberation fighter which was the military branch of the National Liberation Front (FLN). He served four terms as president and did not give a speech in public for many years. He received the Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry, Portugal in 2003.
Mame Madior Boye	b. 1940, Senegal Mame Madior Boye was Prime Minister of Senegal from 2001 to 2002. She was the first female holder of this position.
Simon Narcisse Bozanga	b. 26 December 1942, Bangassou, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 7 June 2010, Amiens, France Simon Narcisse Bozanga was Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (4 April 1981 - 1 September 1981) but lost the position when the government was overthrown by a military coup led by General André Kolingba.
François Bozizé	b. 14 October 1946, Mouila, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Gabon François Bozizé was the 6th President of the Central African Republic (15 March 2003 - 24 March 2013) and came into power after taking it through a military coup in 2003. He had previously been the Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces and had quashed numerous coups against the then leader, Ange-Félix Patassé.
Anouar Brahem	b. 20 October 1957, Halfaouine, Tunis, Tunisia Anouar Brahem is a famous Tunisian musician who plays the oud. He is particularly known for his music that fuses traditional Arabic music with jazz and blues.
Breyten Breytenbach	b. 16 September 1939, Bonnievale, Cape Province, present-day Western Cape, South Africa Breyten Breytenbach is a South African artist and writer. Although not an official title, he is aligned with being South Africa's poet laureate in Afrikaans and was imprisoned by the Apartheid government for high treason.
André Brink	b. 29 May 1935, Vrede, South Africa, d. 6 February 2015 André Brink was a South African writer who wrote in the Afrikaans language. As well as writing books such as Imaginings of Sand and An Act of Terror, he also spoke out against the Apartheid government in the Afrikaans language and in his literature.
Angie Brooks	b. 24 August 1928, Virginia, Liberia, d. 9 September 2007, Houston, Texas Angie Brooks was the first female African President of the United Nations General Assembly. She was also a diplomat and Professor of Law at the University of Liberia.
Gyude Bryant	b. 17 January 1949, Monrovia, Liberia, d. 16 April 2014, Monrovia, Liberia Gyude Bryant became Chairman of the Transitional Government of Liberia (14 October 2003 - 16 January 2006) after being 'voted in' by the representatives of the warring factions in the country, backed by the United Nations. He was later accused of embezzlement of funds however was acquitted of all charges in 2009.
Ken Bugul	b. 1947, Ndoucoumane, Senegal Ken Bugul is a Senegalese novelist. She was awarded the Grand Prix littéraire d'Afrique noire for her novel Riwan ou le Chemin de Sable in 2000.
Muhammadu Buhari	b. 17 December 1942, Daura, Northern Region, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari is the former President of Nigeria and has also served as the Head of State (31 December 1983 - 27 August 1985) following a military coup that overthrew Shehu Shagari's government in 1983.
NoViolet Bulawayo	b. 10 December 1981, Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe NoViolet Bulawayo is a Zimbabwean author and Stenger Fellow at Stanford University. Her publications include We Need New Names and in 2011 received the Caine Prize for African Writing.
Sonia Bunting	b. 9 December 1922, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 24 March 2001, Cape Town, South Africa Sonia Bunting was a South African journalist who was instrumental in the struggle against the Apartheid government of South Africa. As one of the activists charged in the Treason Trials and having being detained following the Sharpeville shootings, she and her husband moved to the United Kingdom and helped to organise in support of those on the Rivonia Trials. She ran the South African Communist party (SACP)'s journal and office.
Jonathan Butler	b. 10 October 1961, Cape Town, South Africa Jonathan Butler is a South African singer-songwriter and guitarist. His music is often classified as R&B, jazz fusion or worship music.
Pierre Buyoya	b. 24 November 1949, Rutovu, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Pierre Buyoya is the 3rd President of Burundi (9 September 1987 - 10 July 1993 and 25 July 1996 - 30 April 2003) having ruled Burundi twice since seizing power from Jean-Baptiste Bagaza in a military coup.
Kalusha Bwalya	b. 16 August 1963, Mufulira, Zambia Kalusha Bwalya is a former football player. He is Zambia's eighth most capped player and third on the list of all-time top goal scorers.
Winnie Byanyima	b. 13 January 1959, Mbara, Uganda Winnie Byanyima is a Ugandan politician, engineer, diplomat and executive director of Oxfam International. She served as a fighter in the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the war in Ugandan Bush War.
Amílcar Cabral	b. 12 September 1924, Bafatá, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea Bissau, d. 20 January 1973, Conakry, Guinea Amílcar Cabral was instrumental in promoting the independence causes of the then Portuguese colonies and the founder of artido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (Portuguese for African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde).
Luís Cabral	b. 11 April 1931, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 30 May 2009, Torres Vedras, Portugal Luís Cabral was the 1st President of Guinea-Bissau (24 September 1973 - 14 November 1980) and was instrumental in the liberation war of the country. He is the half brother of Amílcar Cabral. As the President of Guinea-Bissau, his authoritarian single-party regime was severely repressive. He was overthrown in a bloodless coup after six years in power and never participated in politics again.
Amina Cachalia	b. 28th June 1930, Vereeniging, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 31 January 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa Aina Cachalia played a key role in planning and executing the escape of Arthur Goldreich, Harold Wolpe, Mosie Moolla and Abdulhay Jassat from Marshall Square prison in 1963. A well regarded political activist she also held roles as a member of the TIYC and TIC, treasurer of FEDSAW, patron of the Federation of Transvaal Women.
Maria Mambo Café	b. 6 February 1945, Cabinda Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 1 December 2013, Lisbon, Portugal Maria Mambo Café was a prominent Angolan economist and the Governor of Cabinda (1990 -1991),where she was from. She was the first woman in Angola to be promoted to a cabinet position.
Cheick Fantamady Camara	b. 1960, Conakry, Guinea, d. 7 January 2017, Place unknown Cheick Fantamady Camara was an award-winning film director. His film Il va pleuvoir sur Conakry won the 2007 Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and the 2008 Prix Ousmane Sembène at the Khouribga African Cinema Festival, Morocco.
M’balia Camara	b. 1929, Posséah, Guinea, d. 18 February 1955, Guinea M'balia Camara was an independence activist. She is still honoured in Guinea for her militant activism.
Mohamed Camara	b. 1959, Conakry, Guinea Mohamed Camara is a well-known film director and actor from Guinea. He is particularly known for his film Dakan, which has been deemed the first Black African film on homosexuality. He has also covered other taboo subjects in his work such as child suicide and incest.
Seni Awa Camara	b. 1945, Bignona, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Seni Awa Camara is a Senegalese sculptor. Her work is extremely personal and often exhibited her works around her house. She has appeared in a number of exhibitions, including 100% Africa at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
Seydou Camara	b. 1983, Mali Seydou Camara is a Malian photographer whose works have appeared in international publications such as Libération and Internazionale. His particular focus is on portraits of Malians who have albinism in the series Bibiana.
Sory Camara	b. 1939, Gueckedou, French Guinea, present day Guinea Sory Camara was a social and cultural anthropologist and academic from Guinea. He was particularly known for his work with the griots of Malinke.
Virginie Camara	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Virginie Camara was a Senegalese founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation She along with three others from Senegal were attendees to a women's conference in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania, in 1962.
Boaventura Cardoso	b. 26 July 1944, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Boaventura Cardoso is an Angolan politician and noted author. A member of the MPLA, he has held posts as ambassador to France, Italy and Malta and Minister for Culture.
Sarah Carnerson	b. 1916, Johannesburg, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 30 October 2015, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Sarah Carneson was a trade unionist and worked at the League Against Fascism and War. She was active in numerous trade unions before receiving a ban and her husband was put on trial during the Rivonia Treason Trials.
Evaristo Carvalho	b. 22 October 1941, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe Evaristo Carvalho is the 7th President (3 September 2016 - present) of São Tomé and Príncipe, and previously held the role of Prime Minister of the country twice (7 July 1994 - 25 October 1994 and 26 September 2001 - 28 March 2002). His election was well revered around the world as an example of democracy in action.
J.E. Casely Hayford	b. 29 September 1866, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 11 August 1930, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Joseph Ephraim Casely Hayford, also known as the pen-name Ekra-Agiman, was a notable Ghanian. He authored numerous books on legal commentary against British rule and was a strong advocate of African emancipation. In addition to this he was a notable politician and is credited as authoring one of the earliest works of pan-African fiction, Ethiopia Unbound.
Sane Thérèse Cavalho	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sane Thérèse Cavalho was an early member and founder of the Pan-African Women's Organisation and representative from Senegal.
Faarax M.J. Cawl	b. 1937, Las Khorey, Somalia, d. 1991, Beledweyne, Somalia Faarax M.J. Cawl is the pen-name of Farah M. J. Awl, a Somali writer whose work was renowned for its vivid descriptions of Somali flora and fauna. He was the first novelist from his country to write in the nascent Latin script for the Somali language after this was formed in 1972.
Boyzie Cekwana	b. 1970, Soweto, South Africa Boyzie Cekwana is a South African performing artist and choreographer. Along with some of his continental peers, he is part of an artistic noise for developing a voice for contemporary dance practice and scholarship in Southern Africa.
Youssef Chahed	b. 18 September 1975, Tunis, Tunisia Youssef Chahed holds the role as the 23rd Prime Minister of Tunisia (27 August 2016 - present). A member of the Nidaa Tounes party he has held the roles of Minister of Local Affairs and Secretary of State for Fishing.
Yyvone Chaka Chaka	b. 18 March 1965, Dobsonville, Soweto, South Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a singer, songwriter and humanitarian. In 1981 she was the first black child to appear on South African television. In 2006 she founded the Princess of Africa Foundation to fight Malaria. In 2012 she was the first African woman to receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award.
Nidhal Chamekh	b. 1985, Dahmani, Tunisia Nidhal Chamekh is a Tunisian artist and researcher who specialises in recording history through art. Coming from a family of activists, his work conveys incidents and situations mainly in pencil drawings filled with detail.
Felix A. Chami	b. 1958, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Felix A.Chami is a Tanzanian archaeologist who discovered artefacts that revealed ancient East African civilizations' integral involvement within the Indian Ocean trade.
Joseph James Cheeseman	b. 1843, Edina, Granda Bassa County, Liberia, d. 12 November 1896, Monrovia, Liberia Joseph James Cheeseman was the 12th President of Liberia (4 January 1892 - 12 November 1896) and was the first to die whilst in office. There were numerous struggles whilst he was in office involving the indigenous tribes from the area.
Saïd Mohamed Cheikh	b. 1 July 1904, Mitsamiouli, Grande Comore, French Comoros, present-day Comoros, d. 16 March 1970, Antanarivo, Madagascar Saïd Mohamed Cheikh was the head of state for Comoros (1962 - 16 March 1970) and was a representative at the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, prior to Comoros' independence.
Syl Cheney-Coker	b. 28 June 1945, Freetown, Sierra Leone Syl Cheney-Choker is a writer, poet and journalist. He has developed a global sense of literary history, introducing styles from French and Latin American literatures to his native Sierra Leone. Notable publications include The Blood in the Desert's Eyes: Poems and The Last Harmattan of Alusine Dunbar (both 1990).
Chéri Chérin	b. 16 January 1955, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Chéri Chérin is a Congolese artist, renowned for his depictions of everyday life in Kinshasa, as well as representing traditional folk painting. The satirical aspect of his work earned him trouble during the latter days of the Mobuto regime.
Vivian Cheruiyot	b. 11 September 1983, Kenya Vivian Jepkomoi Cheruiyot, a Kenyan track and field athlete, won a gold medal in the 5000 m and a silver in the 10000 m during the 2016 Summer Olympics. She also won a silver in the 5000 m and a bronze in the 10000m during the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Domtila Chesang	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Domitila Chesang is a Kenyan woman who has become a figurehead in the campaign against female genital mutation. She has spoken out about the subject at the United Nations and has been honoured by the British monarchy for her work in the area.
Gaositwe K. T. Chiepe	b. 20 October 1922, Botswana Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe was the first ever female member of the Botswana cabinet. She also served as ambassador to a number of high profile nations such as West Germany, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the European Economic Community.
Virginia Chihota	b. 1983, Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe Virginia Chihota is a contemporary artist specialising in drawings and monoliths. She represented Zimbabwe at the 55th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Venice and was awarded the Prix Canson in the same year.
Frederick Chiluba	b. 30 April 1943, Kitwe, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 18 June 2011, Lusaka Zambia Frederick Chiluba was the 2nd President of Zambia (2 November 1991 - 2 January 2002),he changed the constitution to prevent those with foreign parentage running for the presidency and turned around many of the socialist economic reforms that were put in place by his predecessor. He was accused of stealing millions from the country and siphoning it out to a British bank account. He was found guilty in a civil case in a London court.
John Chilembwe	b. 1871, British Central Africa Protectorate, present-day Malawi, d. 3 February 1915, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi John Chilembwe was a Baptist pastor and educator from what is modern day Malawi. He was an early figure in the resistance to colonialism in Malawi.
Rocha Chimerah	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Rocha Chimera is a writer from Kenya. He received the 2000 Noma Award for Ufundishaji wa Fasihi: Nadharia na Mbinu. He is Professor of Swahili and former chair of the Dept. of Languages and Linguistics at Egerton University.
Frank Chipasula	b. 16 October 1949, Luanshaya, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia Frank Chipasula is a Malawian writer, editor and university professor. He received an honourable mention for the Noma Award, 1985, and was awarded the BBC Poetry Prize in 1989.
Herbert Chitepo	b. 15 June 1923, Watsomba, Nyanga District, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 18 March 1975, Lusaka, Zambia Herbert Chitepo was the head of the Zimbabwe African National Union and was historic in becoming the first black citizen of Rhodesia to become a barrister.
Alberto Chissano	b. 25 January 1935, Chicavane, Manjacaze, province of Gaza, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique, d. 19 February 1994, Matola, Mozambique Alberto Chissano was a Mozambique sculptor and considered to be one of the countries most important artists. He exhibited all over the world in places such as Angola, Cuba and the United Kingdom.
Joaquim Chissano	b. 22 October 1939, Gaza Province, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique Joaquim Chissano was the 2nd President of Mozambique (6 November 1986 - 2 February 2005) and has also served as the Chairperson of the African Union (2003 - 2004). During his presidency Mozambique was in civil war which his government negotiated, and eventually ended, in 1992. From there the country recovered into a well-respected democracy.
Godfrey Chitalu	b. 22 October 1947, Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 27 April 1993, Atlantic Ocean Godfrey Chitalu was a footballer who played as a forward. He is widely regarded as the greatest Zambian player of all time as he holds his national team's goal scoring record and was voted Zambian footballer of the year five times, as well as being selected by CAF as one of the best 200 African footballers of the past 50 years in 2006.
Connie Chiume	b. 5 June 1952, Welkon, South Africa, d. 6 August 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa Connie Chiume was an actress who began in plays like Porgy and Bess and Little Shop of Horrors. After featuring in a number of South African films her major breakthrough came with a part in the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther, the first to feature a prominently black cast.
Abel Chivukuvuku	b. 11 November 1957, Luvemba, Huambo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Abel Chivukuvuku is the leader of the Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola electoral alliance (CASA-CE) (March 2012 - present). Prior to this he was a member of UNITA and served as their representative to Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Lol Mahamat Choua	b. 1939, Mao, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Lol Mahamat Choua was the 5th President of Chad (29 April 1979 - 21 August 1979) for four months during the First Chadian Civil War.
Mohamed Choukri	b. 15 July 1935, Ayt Chiker, Morocco, d. 15 November 2003, Rabat, Morocco Mohamed Choukri was a Moroccan writer who came to literary and international regard for his autobiography. The book, al-Kubz al-Hafi (For Bread Alone),has been critically received for its storytelling of "human desperation" as described by Tennessee Williams.
Driss Chraïbi	b. 15 July 1926, El Jadida, Morocco, d. 1 April 2007, Crest, France Driss Chraïbi is a Moroccan novelist. His notable works include Butts (1955) and Inspector Ali (1991). He also wrote two children's books.
Chipo Chung	b. 17 August 1977, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Chipo Chung is an actress and activist whose films include Sunshine and Proof as well as the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Dido, Queen of Carthage. She is co-founder of SAFE-Kenya, which develops theatre for social change in Kenya, in addition to Peace Direct, which works towards consensus-building and peace in Zimbabwe.
Presley Chweneyagae	b. 1984, Soweto, South Africa Presley Chweneyagae is an actor who won both a Golden Horn Award and Black Movie Award for his role in the film Tsotsi.
Ahmed Tidjane Cissé	b. 1941, Kongolia, Lower Guinea, d. 6 January 2015, Le Mans, France Ahmed Tidiane Cissé was an internationally known writer, director, choreographer as well having acclaim in a number of other creative accolades. He was also a member of the National Assembly and held the role of Minister of Culture and Historic Heritage in the Guinea government.
Cheick Sallah Cissé	b. 19 September 1993, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire Cheik Sallah Cissé won a gold medal in Taekwondo during the 2016 Olympics, giving the Côte d'Ivoire its first ever Olympic gold medal.
Jeanne Martin Cissé	b. 6 April 1926, Kankan, Guinea, d. 21 February 2017, Maryland, United States Jeanne Martin Cissé was a teacher and nationalist politician from Guinea who served as ambassador to the United Nations in 1972 and was the first woman to serve as President of the United Nations Security Council.
Mahamadou Cissé	b. 1951, Kayes, Mali Mahamadou Cissé is a Malian filmmaker, known for his films Yalema, Yalema II, Yalema III and Falato.
Soly Cissé	b. 1969, Dakar, Senegal Soly Cissé is a Senegalese artist who has exhibited in London, Viterbo in Italy, and Cape Town in South Africa. His work is characterised by bold and imaginative colours and textures.
Souleymane Cissé	b. 21 April 1940, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali Souleymane Cissé is a Malian film director whose work has appeared at the Cannes Film Festival a number of times, and was in the running for the Palm d'Or. His work includes a film in the Bambara language which was banned and caused Souleymane Cissé to be imprisoned for the French funding.
Ballaké Sissoko	b. 1968, Mali Ballaké Cissoko is a Malian musician who specialises in playing the kora. He has released eight albums and has had a number of international releases as well.
Sékéné Mody Cissoko	b. 1932, Kayes Region, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 17 May 2012, Bamako, Mali Sékéné Mody Cissoko was a historian who specialised in the events of his home country, Mali. He was the first president of the Association of African Historians and founded his own political party.
J. P. Clark	b. 6 April 1935, Kiagbodyuo, Nigeria J. P. Clark is a Nigerian poet and playwright. Clark deals with themes, such as violence and protest, institutional corruption and European colonialism through a complex interweaving of indigenous African imagery.
Pauline Clark	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Pauline Clark was a Ghanaian activist who was heavily involved in the formation of the Union of African Women and the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Mialitiana Clerc	b. 16 November 2001, Ambohitrimanjaka, Madagascar Mialitiana Clerc was an Alpine skier during the 2018 Winter Olympics, becoming Madagascar's first female Winter Olympic athlete.
Serge Attukwei Clottey	b. 1985, Accra, Ghana Serge Attukwei Clottey is an artist whose work is inspired by the potency of everyday objects. His Sex and Politics series ran in parallel with campaigning for Ghana's presidential elections of 2016, highlighting the abuse of power among the political elite.
J. M. Coetzee	b. 9 February 1949, Cape Town, South Africa J.M. Coetzee is a novelist, essayist, linguist and translator from South Africa. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.
Martine Coffi-Studer	b. 30 January 1961, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Martine Coffi-Studer is an Ivorian businesswoman and politician. She founded Océan Ogilvy, an agency specialising in advertising, promotion and marketing across the African continent. In addition to her success in business she was also the Minister Delegate for Communication in between 2006 and 2007.
Irene Cohen de Brito Teixeira	b. 1939, Angola, d. 1967, Place unknown Irene Cohen de Brito Teixeira was an Angolan activist for national independence.
Christopher Okoro Cole	b. 17 April 1921, Waterloo, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. 1990, Sierra Leone Christopher Okoro Cole held the official title of 1st President of Sierra Leone (19 April 1971 - 21 April 1971) for a few days whilst the monarchy in the country was abandoned and whilst power was passed to him as interim Governor-General before handing over the title to the Prime Minister, SIaka Stevens.
Teju Cole	b. 27 June 1975, Michigan, United States of America Teju Cole is an African-American writer, photographer and art historian whose publications include Every Day is for the Thief and Open City. In 2015, he received the Windham-Campbell Literature Prize for Fiction.
Blaise Compaoré	b. 3 February 1951, Ziniaré, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Blaise Compaoré was a President of Burkina Faso (15 October 1987 - 31 October 2014) after taking the country from Thomas Sankara in a coup d'état that killed the then president. He proceeded to reverse many of the Marxist based policies his once colleague had implemented. He resigned from office and fled to the Côte d'Ivoire in 2013.
Alpha Condé	b. 4 March 1938, Boké, French Guinea, present-day Guinea Alpha Condé won the 2010 election to become the President of Guinea (21 December 2010 - present). There was an attempt made on his life in July 2011 and there have been numerous incidences of violence and allegations of corruption against him.
Tahirou Congacou	b. 1911, Djougou, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 15 June 1993, Cotonou, Benin Tahirou Congacou held the role of President of Dahomey (29 November 1965 - 22 December 1965) following a coup by Christophe Soglo. However when Tahirou Congacou was unable to deliver on the promise of setting a new election Christophe Soglo stepped in and assumed the presidency.
Joseph Conombo	b. 9 February 1917, Kombissiri, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 20 December 2008, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Joseph Conombo was Prime Minister of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso (7 July 1978 - 25 November 1980). With a medical background he served as the Director General for Public Health (1966 - 1968). His time as Prime Minister was ended when Saye Zerbo launch a military coup that overthrew Sangoulé Lamizana as president.
Lansana Conté	b. 30 November 1934, Dubréka, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 22 December 2008, Conakry, Guinea Lansana Conté was the 2nd President of Guinea (5 April 1984 - 22 December 2008) he led a military coup that toppled the government before they chose their candidate to be the unopposed runner in the election.
Johanna Cornelius	b. 27 February 27 1912, Lichtenburg, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 21 June 1974, Johannesburg, South Africa Johanna Cornelius was a South African activist and trade unionist. She served as the president of the Afrikaner Garment Worker's Union (GWU) and was involved in a strike in 1932 which led to her arrest.
Florent Couao-Zotti	b. 1964, Pobè, Benin Florent Couao-Zotti writes comics, plays and short stories. He lives and works in Cotonou, Benin and is particularly fond of employing the short-story as a form.
Félix Couchoro	b. 30 January 1900, Ouidah, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 5 April 1968, Lomé, Togo Félix Couchoro was a writer, from present-day Benin, whose early work saw him brush with the law. He published serialised books in the newspaper Togo-Presse, beginning with Amour de féticheuse in 1941.
Sow Aissata Coulibaly	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sow Aissata Coulibaly was a member of the Malian delegation to the Conference of African Women in 1962. She is considered to be one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Pascal Baba Couloubaly	b. 1951, Dioïla, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 23 July 2008, Tunis, Tunisia Pascal Baba Couloubaly was a Malian writer, politician and anthropologist. He specialised in the Bambara culture and wrote two novels, The Fears of a World and Mamari, Bambara.
Noëlla Coursaris Musunka	b. 25 December 1982, Democratic Republic of the Congo Noëlla Coursaris Musunka is an international fashion model and philanthropist. In 2007 she founded Malaika, a nonprofit grassroots organisation that empowers Congolese girls and their communities through education and health programs.
Mia Couto	b. 5 July 1955, Beira, Mozambique Mia Couto is one of Mozambique's most important writers, his works published in over 20 languages. His first novel Terra Sonâmbula (Sleepwalking Land) was named of the best 12 African books of the 20th century at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair.
José Craveirinha	b. 28 May 1922, Maputo, Mozambique, d. 6 February 2003, Johannesburg, South Africa José Craveirinha was a journalist, story writer and poet. Regarded as his country's greatest poet, his work addresses racism and colonial oppression. As a supporter of the anti-Portuguese FRELIMO during the colonial wars he was imprisoned in the 1960s. He was one of the African pioneers of the Négritude movement.
Viriato da Cruz	b. 25 March 1928, Kikuvo, Angola, d. 13 June 1973, Beijing, China Viriato da Cruz was a famous Angolan poet and politician. Although writing poetry in both Angolan and Portuguese, he was extremely vocal against the Portuguese rule of Angola and helped to found New Intellectuals of Angola. He was exiled to China, who then refused his return to Angola.
Leonel Mário d'Alva	b. 1935, São Tomé Island, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe Leonel Mário d'Alva was Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe (21 December 1974 - 12 July 1975),up to the period of time where the country was given independence from Portugal. After his time as Prime Minister he has also held positions as foreign minister, acting president (4 March 1991 - 3 April 1991) and National Assembly President.
Annette Mbaye d'Erneville	b. 23 June 1926, Sokone, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, b. 23 June 1926, Sokone, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Annette Mbaye d'Erneville is a writer from Senegal who is known for poetry and writing. She launched the first French publication for African women called Awa in 1963 and writes mainly children's literature.
Nuno da Costa	b. 10 February 1991, Praia, Cape Verde, b. 10 February 1991, Praia, Cape Verde Nuno da Costa is a football player. He has played for his national football team, Cape Verde.
Baltasar Lopes	b. 23 April 1907, Caleijão, São Nicolau, Cape Verde, d. 28 May 1989, Lisbon, Portugal Baltasar Lopes was a Cape Verdean poet and writer. His novel Chiquinho is considered the greatest book of Cape Verde by academics in the field of literature at University of Rome.
Aden Adde	b. 9 December 1908, Beledweyne, Hiran, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia, d. 8 June 2007, Nairobi, Kenya Aden Adde, also known as Aden Abdullah Osman Daar, was the 1st President of Somalia (1 July 1960 - 10 June 1967),after Somalia gained its independence. A known nationalist figure when he was defeated in 1967, he was the first president in Africa to hand over their position to a democratically elected successor.
Patience Dabany	b. 22 January 1944, Brazzaville, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo Patience Dabany, also known as Josephine Bongo, is a Gabonese political figure and musician. As well as holding the role as the First Lady of Gabon (27 November 1967 - 1986) and the mother of the current president of Gabon, she pursued a successful musical career following the divorce from her husband in 1986. She toured with James Brown before his death.
David Dacko	b. 24 March 1930, Lobaye, Mbaiki, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 20 November 2003, Yaoundé, Cameroon David Dacko was the 1st President of the Central African Republic (14 August 1960 - 1 January 1966 and 20 September 1979 - 1 September 1981),both before and after Jean-Bédel Bokassa declared himself as Emperor. Prior to this he had also been the Prime Minister for the Central African Republic (1 May 1959 - 14 August 1960). He was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1981 by General André Kolingba.
Moktar Ould Daddah	b. 25 December 1924, Boutilimit, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania, d. 14 October 2003, Paris, France Moktar Ould Daddah was the 1st President of Mauritania (28 November 1960 - 10 July 1978) when his country gained its independence from France. He also held the role of 1st Prime Minister of Mauritania (29 November 1960 - 20 August 1961). He was in office for almost 17 years before he was toppled in a military coup and exiled to Paris for the remainder of his life.
Bernard Binlin Dadié	b. 10 January 1916, Assinie, Côte d'Ivoire Bernard Binlin Dadié is an author and politician from Côte d'Ivoire. He held the role as Minister of Culture for Côte d'Ivoire from 1977 to 1986 and has written many books and poems on the subject of colonialism.
Moussa Dadis Camara	b. 1 January 1964, Koure, Guinea Moussa Dadis Camara, now known as Moïse Dadis Camara, assumed power as the President of Guinea (24 December 2008 - 3 December 2009) following the death of Lansana Conté. A captain in the Guinean army under his presidency the 28 September atrocity occurred in 2009 where there were numerous clashes of extreme violence and gang rape, killing 157 and injuring 1,200. He was shot in December 2009 in an attempted assassination. In 2010 Camara was flown to Burkina Faso where he has since remained in exile.
Kléber Dadjo	b. 12 August 1914, Siou, French Togoland, present-day Togo, d. 23 September 1988, Togo Kléber Dadjo held the office of interim president of Togo (14 January 1967 - 14 April 1967) after Nicolas Grunitzky and his government were overthrown in a bloodless coup. Having held the rank of colonel and following the transition to the new president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, he became Minister of Justice.
Joseph Djimrangar Dadnadji	b. 1954, Place unknown, d. 31 December 2019, N'Djamena, Chad Joseph Djimrangar Dadnadji was the Prime Minister of Chad (21 January 2013 - 21 November 2013) for less than one year. He had held posts as Minister of Planning, Development and Cooperation, Minister of the Environment and Water, Technical Adviser to the President for Legal and Administrative Affairs and Human Rights, Secretary-General of the Presidency twice and Director of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency.
Kaoberdiano Dambará	b. 17 September 1937, Santiago, Cape Verde Kaoberdiano Dambará, born Felisberto Vieira Lopes, is a Cape Verdean poet known for his militant poetry regarding colonialism.
Tsitsi Dangarembga	b. 4 February 1959, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Tsitsi Dangarembga is a Zimbabwean author and filmmaker. Her literary works include Nervous Conditions and The Book of Not. Her film Neria was highest-grossing film in Zimbabwean history.
J. B. Danquah	b. 18 December 1895, Kwahu, Ghana, d. 4 February 1965, Nasawam, Ghana J. B. Danquah was a statesman, pan-Africanist, scholar, lawyer and historian. He was one of the founding fathers of Ghana.
Mabel Dove-Danquah	b. 1905, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 1984, Ghana Mabel Dove-Danquah was a trailblazing feminist, journalist, writer and political activist, and known as one of the earliest women working in these creative fields in West Africa. Entering politics prior to Ghana's independence, she was the first woman to be elected to any African legislative assembly. Her bibliography included The Adventures of the Black Girl in her Search for Mr. Shaw, a satire of George Bernard Shaw.
Zahra Dardouri	b. 6 February 1955, Batna, Algeria Zahra Dardouri is an Algerian politician and currently holds the post of Minister of Post, Information Technologies and Communications in the Algerian government.
Maria das Neves	b. 1958, São Tomé and Príncipe Maria das Neves is a former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe. She was a key figure in the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe-Social Democratic Party and became the first female head of government in the country.
Davido	b. 21 November 1991, Atlanta, United States of America Davido, born originally David Adedeji Adeleke in the United States, is a singer, songwriter and record producer. He has won seven Nigerian Entertainment Awards, five Headie Awards and a 2014 BET Award for Best International Act.
Joan Hoskyn Davies	b. 2 December 1909, Robben Island, South Africa, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Joan Hoskyn Davies was the first woman to be an archivist and the first female head of an archives depot in South Africa, as until this point women had only been assistants.
Ayesha Dawood	b. 31 January 1927, Worcester, South Africa, d. 2014, Worcester, South Africa Ayesha Bibi Dawood, also known as Asa, was a prevalent anti-Apartheid activist. She was arrested for incitement and later on for high treason, along with 155 others.
Mário Pinto de Andrade	b. 21 August 1928, Golungo Alto, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 26. August 1990, London, United Kingdom Mário Pinto de Andrade was a poet and politician from Angola who was particularly famous for his anti-colonial poetry. He founded a number of parties including the Angolan Communist Party and the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA),serving as president as did his brother.
Isaach de Bankolé	b. 12 August 1957, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Isaach de Bankolé is an Ivorian actor who has appeared in over 50 films.
Cremilda de Lima	b. 25 March 1940, Luanda, Angola Cremilda de Lima began writing for children at an early age, joining the Angolan Writers Union in 1984. She received the National Prize of Culture and Arts in 2016, for literature. Her notable works include Uma Aventura nas Nuvens and Brincadeira ao Luar (both 2016).
João de Matos	b. 30 May 1955, Angola Province Portugal, present-day Angola, d. 4 November 2017, Spain João de Matos was a military general from Angola. He was in the Second Congo War fighting as a military general to support Joseph Kabila.
Emo de Medeiros	b. Date and year unknown, Benin Emo de Medeiros in known for his practice of orchestrating participatory experiences comprised of digital imaging, video, Near Field Communication, music, performance and installation. He has exhibited across the world.
Fradique de Menezes	b. 21 March 1942, São Tomé, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe Fradique de Menezes was the 3rd President of São Tomé and Príncipe (3 September 2001 - 16 July 2003 and 23 July 2003 - 3 September 2011). During a visit to Nigeria there was a coup d'état against his government, led by Fernando Pereira, but was returned to office shortly after an agreement was made. There was another attempted coup against him in 2009, however security forces were able to identify and arrest a number of people in connection.
José Pedro de Morais	b. 20 December 1955, Silva Porto present-day Kuito, Bié Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola José Pedro de Morais was the Minister of Finance for Angola (December 2002 - October 2008) and has since been appointed Governor of the National Bank of Angola.
Manuel de Novas	b. 24 February 1938, Santo Antão, Cape Verde, d. 28 September 2009, Place unknown Manuel de Novas was a Cape Verdean poet and composer, whose music is known all over the world.
Monica Arac de Nyeko	b. 1979, Kitgum, Uganda Monica Arac de Nyeko is a writer from Uganda. Her work has received critical acclaim, in particular her novel Strange Fruit, an account of child soldiers.
Bornito de Sousa	b. 23 July 1953, Quéssua, Malanje Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Bornito de Sousa is the 3rd Vice-President of Angola (26 September 2017 - present) and started his career service at the first National Secretary of Youth of MPLA (JMPLA) and was president of the Constitutional Commission of the National Assembly which drafted the 2010 Angolan constitution.
Paul-Émile de Souza	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 17 June 1999, Benin Paul-Émile de Souza served as the Chairman of the Directory of Dahomey, present-day Benin (13 December 1968 - 7 May 1970) which was the head of state of Dahomey, present-day Benin, following Maurice Kouandété overthrowing Émile Derlin Zinsou. An election was held on the 28 March 1970 but was plagued with violence.
Jamel Debbouze	b. 18 June 1975, Paris, France Jamel Debbouze is of Moroccan descent. His movie career has included Zonzon and the box-office smash Amelie. He co-produced Days of Glory, a tribute to French North African troops whose role in the Second World War has been largely forgotten.
Idriss Déby	b. 18 June 1952, Berdoba, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Idriss Déby is the 8th President of Chad (2 December 1990 - present) having defeated Hissène Habré in a rebellion. He has since had numerous attempts at overthrowing his government. He oversaw the introduction of multiparty constitution and won the first post-independence election in 1996.
Sophia Deku	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sophia Deku was an attendee from Ghana to the Conference of African Women. She along with many other women were the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Jean-Jacques Démafouth	b. 3 November 1959, Bangui, Central African Republic Jean-Jacques Démafouth held the office of Defence Minister under the presidency of Ange-Félix Patassé. When a coup was attempted on the president, and failed, Démafouth was arrested for conspiracy though he was acquitted in 2002. He fled to France and was named as a suspect in a murder case of presidential aides by the new president. He then ran for the presidency whilst in exile but was initially rejected due to discrepancies between his birth certificate and his criminal record. He was allowed to stand but was defeated.
António Dembo	b. 1944, Nambuangongo, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 25 February 2002, Moxico Province, Angola António Dembo was the president of UNITA (22 February 2002 - 25 February 2002) for 3 days following the death of Jonas Savimbi. He was also hurt in the attack that killed Savimbi and died a few days later.
Roland T. Dempster	b. 1910, Tosoh, Liberia, d. 1965, Place unknown Roland T. Dempster was a Liberian writer and poet. Some of his notable works include The Mystic Reformation of Gondolia and the poem Africa's Plea.
Jean Depara	b. 1928, Angola, d. 1997, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Jean Depara was a photographer. In 1975, he became the official photographer to the National Assembly of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Marcel Desailly	b. 7 September 1968, Accra, Ghana Marcel Desailly is a former Ghanaian footballer who played as a centre-back or defensive midfielder.
Hailemariam Desalegn	b. 19 July 1964, Boloso Sore, Ethiopian Empire, present-day Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn has held numerous roles within the Ethiopian government including Prime Minister of Ethiopia (20 August 2012 - 2 April 2018),some of which was as acting prime minister and as a caretaker. He was also Deputy Prime Minister for a time (1 September 2010 - 21 September 2012). He is the first individual in modern Ethiopia to step down rather than be overthrown or die in office.
Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet	b. 1 January 1957, Lac Léré, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet was Prime Minister of Chad (21 November 2013 - 15 February 2016) during which Boko Haram attacked the Chadian shore of Lake Chad. This was following the country offering military support to Cameroon in the wake of the armed Islamist group.
Tarak Dhiab	b. 15 January 1954, Tunis, French Tunisia Tarak Dhiab is a Tunisian former football player and played for the Tunisian national team for 11 years. Following his career as a midfielder he went on to become the Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sports.
Ikililou Dhoinine	b. 14 August 1962, Djoièzi, French Comoros, present-day Comoros Ikililou Dhoinine was President of Comoros (26 May 2011 - 26 May 2016) having served as Vice-President of Comoros (2006 - 2011) beforehand. Originally a pharmacist, he launched the National Commission for the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption and the Regulatory Authority for Public Procurement.
Amadou Cissé Dia	b. 2 June 1915, Saint-Louis, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 1 November 2002, Dakar, Senegal Amadou Cissé Dia was a Senegalese politician and playwright. He served as President of the National Assembly of Senegal, and he wrote Les derniers jours de Lat Dior and La mort du Damel.
Mamadou Dia	b. 18 July 1910, Kombolé, present-day Senegal, d. 25 January 2009, Dakar, Senegal Mamadou Dia was a politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Senegal ( 18 May 1957 - 18 December 1962) but was forced to resign when it emerged he had allegedly plotted a coup.
Tamsir Dia	b. 1950, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali Tamsir Dia is a Malian painter who lives and works in Côte d'Ivoire. He has exhibited, both solo and as a group, across the world in places such as Limoges and Darkar. His work draws heavily from traditional African patterns and imagery.
Fatoumata Diabaté	b. 19 September 1980, Bamako, Mali Fatoumata Diabaté is Malian photographer. She has reported for World Press Photo, Oxfam, Rolex and was awarded the 2005 Afrique en Créations prize from the Institut Français for her work Tuareg.
Henriette Diabaté	b. 13 March 1935, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Henriette Diabaté is an Ivorian politician and writer. She was Minister of Justice from 2003-05 and became Secretary-General of the RDR in 1999 and has been President of the RDR since 2017.
Ismaël Diabaté	b. Date unknown, Bamako, Mali Ismaël Diabaté is a Malian artist who uses techniques of his country in combination with natural elements such as mud and wood from native trees.
Kassé Mady Diabaté	b. 1949, Kéla, Mali Kassé Mady Diabaté is a Malian singer who for half a century has been recognised as one of West Africa's finest singers.
Massa Makan Diabaté	b. 1938, Kita, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 27 January 1988, Bamako, Mali Massa Makan Diabaté was a Malian writer and historian. His work included a number of collections of songs, Janjon et autres chants populaires du Mali (Janjon and other popular songs of Mali) and books that depicted Malian folktales in the French language.
Toumani Diabaté	b. 10 August 1965, Bamako, Mali Toumani Diabaté is a Malian musician who plays the kora. Coming from a line of musicians, 70 according to oral tradition, he has worked with other genres such as jazz, blues and introduced the kora into the compositions.
Mohamed Diagabaté	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mohamed Diagabaté is a Malian artist. His work has appeared in other countries, such as Nigeria, at the 2016 ART X Lagos.
Moussa Diagana	b. 1946, M'Bout, Mauritania, d. 5 January, 2018, Place unknown Moussa Diagana was a writer from Mauritania known for his play The Legend of Wagadu as Seen by Sia Yatabere.
Souéloum Diagho	b. Date and year unknown, Mali Souéloum Diagho is a poet originally from Mali. A member of the nomadic Tuareg people he has written books such as Poésies touareg : le chant des saisons (Tuareg poetry: Song of the seasons) which contains 175 traditional poems, many of which are rich in descriptive adjectives.
Blaise Diagne	b. 13 October 1872, Gorée, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 11 May 1934, Cambo-les-Bains, France Blaise Diagne was a politician and leader from Senegal. He made history as the first black African to hold a position in the French government and spent his life advocating equal rights, but also an acceptance of French rule.
Chérif Diallo	b. 5 September 1984, Guinea Chérif Diallo is a Guinean writer, playwright and journalist. He is the author of several novels, plays and short stories.
Delphine Diallo	b. 1977, Paris, France Delphine Diallo is a French and Senegalese artist who challenges traditional notions of gender and race through photography and mixed-media collages.
Mariam Aladji Boni Diallo	b. 1952, Nikki, Dahomey, present-day Benin Mariam Aladji Boni Diallo is a Beninese politician. Of the roles she has held in the government of Benin her notable position was the Foreign Minister of Benin (2006 - 2007) and as a diplomatic advisor to the president.
Rokhaya Diallo	b. 10 April 1978, Paris, Frace Rokahya Diallo is a journalist, activist and filmmaker from France. She specifically focuses on equality issues, particularly on race and sexuality.
Diamond Platnumz	b. 2 October 1989, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Diamond Platnumz, born Naseeb Abdul Juma, is a recording artist and dancer. He has won 17 Tanzanian Music Awards, two MTV Europe Awards and an MTV African Award for Best Live Act.
Cheick Modibo Diarra	b. 1952, Nioro du Sahel, Mali Cheick Modibo Diarra was an aerospace engineer who contributed to several NASA missions. He was chairman of Microsoft Africa from 2006 - 2011 and served as acting Prime Minister of Mali from April to December 2012.
Mahamadou Diarra	b. 18 May 1981, Bamako Mali Mahamadou Diarra is a former footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He was captain of the Malian national team.
Ousmane Diarra	b. 30 September 1966, Dakar, Senegal Ousmane Diarra is a Malian sprinter and Olympian. He sprinted short distances ranging from 60 metres to 200 metres.
Aboudia	b. 21 October 1983, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Aboudia is an Ivorian artist who has exhibited internationally with his paintings that are dark and heavy in their imagery. He stayed in his Abidjan studio during the civil war in Côte d'Ivoire, heading down to the cellar when the noise and fighting got close to the studio, then returning to paint what he had visualised.
Luísa Dias Diogo	b. 11 April 1958, Magoé, Mozambique Luísa Dias Diogo was the first female Prime Minister of Mozambique (17 February 2004 - 16 January 2010),before which she was appointed to the United Nations Commission on the Private Sector and Development.
Fatoumata Diawara	b. 1982, Côte d'Ivoire Fatoumata Diawara is a Malian musician, currently living in France. She has recorded with some iconic performers from Mali, such as Cheick Tidiane Seck and Oumou Sangare, as well as acclaimed American jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Manthia Diawara	b. 19 December 1953, Bamako, Mali Manthia Diawara is a writer, filmmaker, cultural theorist, scholar and art historian. He is Director of the Institute of Afro-American Affairs at New York University.
Mohammed Dib	b. 21 July 1920, Tlemcen, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2 May 2003 Mohammed Dib was an Algerian author who wrote in the French language. He wrote for a number of different readers including novels, children's books and poems. He was an advocate of Algerian independence and this is noted in his books of fiction.
Manu Dibango	b. 12 December 1933, Douala, French Cameroon, present-day Cameroon Manu Dibango is a singer, songwriter and saxophonist. He is best known for his 1972 song Soul Makossa, often cited as one of the first disco records, and sampled by Michael Jackson and Rihanna.
Mourad Didouche	b. 13 July 1927, Algiers, Algeria, d. 18 January 1955, Condé-Smendou, Algeria, present-day Zighoud Youcef, Algeria Mourad Didouche was also known as si Abdelkader. He was one of the founding members of the Special Organisation, a secret paramilitary organisation in Colonia Algeria.
Gilbert Diendéré	b. 1960, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Gilbert Diendéré was temporarily head of state for Burkina Faso as Chairman of the National Council for Democracy of Burkina Faso (17 September 2015 - 23 September 2015) after the September 2015 coup d'état and was installed as the head of the military junta that lasted a week. Diendéré is also suspected in having a direct involvement in the 1987 coup that led to the death of Thomas Sankara. He handed power back and admitted that the coup was a waste of time and resources.
Ali Dilem	b. 29 June 1967, Harrach, Algeria Ali Dilem is an Algerian cartoonist. After a series of satirical illustrations printed in the newspaper Liberte depicted Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, he was given a one-year jail sentence and a fine of 50,000 dinars.
Dilomprizulike	b. 1960, Enugu, Nigeria Dilomprizulike, born Dil Humphrey-Umezulike, is a Nigerian contemporary artist working in sculpture, performance and painting who has adopted the moniker 'The Junkman From Africa'.
Moustapha Dimé	b. 1952, Louga, Senegal, d. 1998, Saint-Louis, Senegal Moustapha Dimé was a Senegalese artist and sculptor. His works include sculptures such as Woman With a Long Neck and La Grande Danse.
Fatou Diome	b. 1968, Niodior, Senegal Fatou Diome is a Senegalese writer best known for her 2001 novel The Belly of the Atlantic. Her work is inspired by the African migrant experience in France, and the relationship between France and the nations it once colonised.
Aissa Dione	b. 1952, France Aissa Dione is a Senegalese textile designer and artist. Using traditional methods and manufacturing processes, her team create traditional Senegalese fabric that is used by international brands such as Fendi and Hermès.
Mohammed Dionne	b. 22 September 1959, Gossas, French Sudan, present-day Senegal Mohammed Dionne is the Prime Minister of Senegal (6 July 2014 - present) and has worked as an adviser to the President Macky Sall. He has worked in finance at a West African Bank and headed up the Economic Office in the Senegalese Embassy in France.
Alice Diop	b. 1979, Aulnay-sous-Bois, France Alice Diop is a French-Senegalese documentary maker, specifically about French modern society. Her films include On Call and La mort de Danton and she has won a number of awards for her work.
Alioune Diop	b. 10 January 1910, Saint-Louis, Senegal, d. 2 May 1980, Paris, France Alioune Diop was a Senegalese literary figure and founder of the intellectual journal Présence Africaine. His work to promote African identity and against the colonialisation of the continent made him a key figure in the Négritude movement.
Birago Diop	b. 11 December 1906, Ouaka, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 25 November 1989, Dakar, Senegal Birago Diop was a prolific Senegalese writer who was heavily involved in the Négritude movement. As well as a writer he was also a veterinarian and the first Senegalese ambassador to Tunisia.
Boubacar Boris Diop	b. 1946, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Boubacar Boris Diop is a writer and journalist from Senegal. He has written a number of books including Murambi, le livre des ossements (Murambi: The Book of Bones) which is a fictional account of events during the Rwandan Genocide. He has also founded a Senegalese independent newspaper called Sol.
Caroline Diop	b. 11 July 1923, Foundiougne, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 28 July 1992, Dakar, Senegal Caroline Diop was a Senegalese politician who became the first female deputy at the National Assembly of Senegal. She additionally served as a minister in the cabinet under the presidency of Abdou Diouf.
Cheikh Anta Diop	b. 29 December 1923, Diourbel Region, Senegal, d. 7 February 1986, Dakar, Senegal Cheikh Anta Diop was a Senegalese politician, historian and anthropologist known for his work on the origins of humankind and on pre-colonial Africa. His theories were often controversial, and he argued there was a shared cultural continuity across African peoples above ethnicities.
Khoudia Diop	b. 31 December 1996, Senegal Khoudia Diop is a fashion model and actress. She featured in The Colored Girl Project, which led to her becoming popular on Instagram.
Omar Blondin Diop	b. 18 September 1946, Niamey, Niger, d. 11 May 1973, Gorée Island, Senegal Omar Blondin Diop was an activist who was affiliated with the Young Marxist-Leninist Movement of Senegal. He was charged and detained under accusations of terrorism and espionage in 1972 and sent to Gorée Island prison where he died.
Omar Victor Diop	b. 1980, Dakar, Senegal Omar Victor Diop is a fashion photographer and artist from Senegal. As well as his photography he also does styling, costume design and creative writing.
Ousmane Socé	b. 31 October 1911, Rufisque, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 27 October 1973, Dakar, Senegal Ousmane Socé was a Senegalese politician and writer. A member of the Négritude Movement, he wrote a number of books including Karim, a Senegalese Novel and Mirages de Paris. His political career led to him becoming ambassador to the United States and the United Nations delegate for Senegal.
Papa Bouba Diop	b. 28 January 1978, Dakar, Senegal Papa Bouba Diop is a retired Senegalese footballer. His preferred position was defensive midfield but could also play as a centre-back, where he previously played at French club Lens. His nickname is "The Wardrobe", given to him by Fulham fans, due to his height.
Hamani Diori	b. 6 June 1916, Soudouré, French West Africa, present-day Niger, d. 23 April 1989, Rabat, Morocco Hamani Diori was the 1st President of Niger (10 November 1960 - 15 April 1874) following the country gaining its independence. He banned all other political parties and eventually in 1974 he was deposed in a coup and placed in prison for six years and then spent seven under house arrest.
Abdou Diouf	b. 7 September 1935, Louga, French Senegal, present-day Senegal Abdou Diouf was the 2nd President of Senegal (1 January 1981 - 9 April 2000) and had previously held the role of Prime Minister of the country (1970 - 1980) under Senghor's presidency. From 1986 he held an anti-AIDS programme which resulted in excellent results and a much lower infection rate in Senegal than other countries in Africa. Diouf left willingly power after losing the 2000 presidential election to Abdoulaye Wade.
Waris Dirie	b. 1965 Gallacaio, Somalia Waris Dirie is a supermodel, human rights activist and founder of the Desert Flower Foundation, an organisation addressing female genital mutilation through economic projects in Africa. The United Nations appointed her a Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against Female Genital Mutilation and in 2004 she received the Women's World Award from former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.
Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge	b. 5 May 1946, Alombié, French Gabon, present-day Gabon Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge was the Vice-President of Gabon (May 1997 -16 October 2009) and assumed the role as acting president of Gabon (6 May 2009 - 10 June 2009) whilst Omar Bongo was hospitalised. When Ali Bongo Ondimba took to office he dismissed Didjob Divungi Di Ndinge.
DJ Arafat	b. 26 January 1986, Abidjam, Côte d'Ivoire DJ Arafat or Arafat Muana is an ex-DJ who makes music of the Coupé-Décalé variety (a percussive style featuring African samples, deep bass and minimalist arrangements).
Black Coffee	b. 11 March 1976, Kwamashu, South Africa Black Coffee, also known as Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, is a record producer, recording artist and DJ, specializing in Afro-house and deep-house music. He has released several albums, including Pieces of Me.
Tahar Djaout	b. 11 January 1954, Oulkhou, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2 June 1993, Algiers, Algeria Tahar Djaout was a writer, journalist and poet from Algeria. His secular views were not well regarded by some and led to his assassination by the Armed Islamic Group.
Assia Djebar	b. 30 June 1936, Cherchell, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 6 February 2015, Paris, France Assia Djebar was the pen name of Fatima-Zohra Imalayen, an Algerian novelist and filmmaker. A dedicated feminist, her books focus on the role of women and their origins in Algeria and Algerian society. Although she never won the honour, she was often referred to as a runner for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Nocky Djedanoum	b. 10 July 1959, French Chad, present-day Chad Nocky Djedanoum is a Chadian writer and artist director of Fest'Africa, a Black African literature festival in France.
Salou Djibo	b. 15 April 1965, Namaro, Niger Salou Djibo led the military coup that overthrew his predecessor Mamadou Tandja and became the Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy of Niger, assuming the role as head of state (19 February 2010 - 7 April 2011). The government announced they wanted to make Niger "a model of democracy and good governance."
Djilatendo	b. 1890, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 1957, Place unknown Djilatendo was a Congolese artist active in the earlier part of the 20th century. He was notable for watercolours featuring architectural motifs, rendered in a playful and colourful style.
Koibla Djimasta	b. 1950, Place unknown, d. 30 January 2007, Place unknown Koibla Djimasta held the post of Prime Minister of Chad (8 April 1995 - 17 May 1997) under the presidency of Idriss Déby. His appointment was confirmed by a vote with the transitional government after the previous prime minister was removed, allegedly for having designs on the presidency.
Said Djinnit	b. 7 June 1954, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Said Djinnit is an Algerian diplomat and member of the United Nations. His role at the United Nations is that as the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Great Lakes region in Africa. He has held involvement in a number of peace processes across the continent.
Said Mohamed Djohar	b. 22 August 1918, Majunga, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar, d. 22 February 2006, Moroni, Comoros Said Mohamed Djohar was President of the Comoros (27 November 1989 - March 1996) as the head of the provisional government. He was the half-brother of Ali Soilih, another president of Comoros.
Michel Djotodia	b. 1949, Vakaga, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic Michel Djotodia was the 7th President of the Central African Republic (24 March 2013 - 10 January 2014) but was only sworn in five months after seizing power of the capital in coup. He stated his intention was to hold elections, in which he wouldn't stand, but violence erupted and he was forced into resigning before this could happen.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma	b. 27 January 1949, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Nkosazana Diamini-Zuma is a South African politician and ex-wife of former president of South Africa Jacob Zuma. She is currently the Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and has held roles as Minister of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Health in the past.
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini	b. 15 May 1942, Swaziland, present-day eSwatini Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini is the 8th Prime Minister of eSwatini (26 July 1996 - 29 September 2003, 23 October 2008 - present) and held the role when the country name changed its name from Swaziland.
Maria do Carmo Silveira	b. 14 February 1961, São Tomé and Príncipe Maria do Carmo Silveira is a former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe who served from 8 June 2005 to 21 April 2006.
Lopo do Nascimento	b. 10 July 1942, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Lopo do Nascimento was the first Prime Minister of Angola (11 November 1975 - 9 December 1978),having also served as Secretary-General of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Carlos Agostinho do Rosário	b. 26 October 1954, Maxixe, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique Carlos Agostinho do Rosário is the Prime Minister of Mozambique (17 January 2015 - present). He has worked in numerous capacities in government and held the role as Ambassador to Indonesia before taking the Prime Ministerial role.
Gualberto do Rosário	b. 12 October 1950, Mindelo, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Gualberto do Rosário held the office of Prime Minister of Cape Verde (29 July 2000 - 1 February 2001) and is also a writer, writing a number of poems under pseudonyms as well as works of fiction. In addition he was also Cape Verde's first Deputy Prime Minister under Carlos Veiga.
Kelvin Doe	b. 26 October 1996, Freetown, Sierra Leone Kelvin Doe is a self-taught engineer and inventor, who used scrap metal to create generators, FM transmitters and batteries. At age 15, he became the youngest person to participate in the "Visiting Practitioner's Program" at MIT.
Samuel Doe	b. 6 May 1951, Tuzon, Liberia, d. 9 September 1990, Monrovia, Liberia Samuel Doe became the President of Liberia (12 April 1980 - 9 September 1990) following a bloody coup where the incumbent, William R. Tolbert Jr. was assassinated. The first Liberian president of indigenous origins. Under his presidency a civil war broke out in 1989 and he was captured and executed.
Sidi Alamine Ag Doho	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sidi Alamine Ag Doho is a Malian writer who has written accounts of nomadic wanderings and traditions of the Tuareg people. He runs a school in a village called Tarkint in Mali.
Sindika Dokolo	b. 16 March 1972, Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Sindika Dokolo is business owner and holds a collection of over 3,000 pieces of African art. He has worked to promote African art and artists throughout the Sindika Dokolo Foundation, creating art and culture festivals across the world.
Sophia Oboshie Doku	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sophia Oboshie Doku, a trained teacher, was an activist during Ghana's struggle for independence. She became one of the first female parliamentarians in the First Parliament of the First Republic of Ghana after independence in 1957, serving under Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Anicet-Georges Dologuélé	b. 17 April 1957, Place unknown Anicet-Georges Dologuélé served as Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (4 January 1999 - 1 April 2001). After his time in office he founded his own political party the Union for Central Africa Renewal (URCA) and was planning to stand for the presidential election.
Elisabeth Domitien	b. 1925, Lobaye, Central African Republic, d. 26 April 2005, Place unknown Elisabeth Domitien was the Central African Republic's Prime Minister from 1975-76, the first and only woman to hold the office.
Calvin Dondo	b. 1963, Salisbury, present-day Harare, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Calvin Dondo is an award winning Zimbabwean photographer. His photographic work earned him the Seydou Keïta Prize, awarded by the African House of Photography and Ministry of Culture in Mali.
Emmanuel B. Dongala	b. 1941, Republic of the Congo Emmanuel B. Dongala was Dean of Marien Ngouabi University in Brazzaville when war erupted in the Republic of Congo in 1997. He has also penned award-winning novels, including Johnny Mad Dog (2002),about child soldiers, that was adapted for a film, and Little Boys Come from the Stars.
Godfried Donkor	b. 1964, Kumasi, Ghana Godfried Donkor is a Ghanian artist who explores shared and conflicting issues between Europe and Africa, reflecting on slavery and other aspects of culture. He juxtaposes jarring sources, such as stock market figures from the Financial Times set against other elements of striking collages.
Efua Dorkenoo	b. 6 September 1949, Cape Coast, Ghana, d. 18 October 2014, London, United Kingdom Efua Dorkenoo, affectionately nicknamed 'Mama Efua', was a tireless campaigner against female genital mutilation, working on this issue globally for over 30 years.
Engrácia dos Santos	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Engrácia dos Santos was one of five Angolan heroines who founded OMA in 1962. OMA was the largest political organisation in the MPLA (The peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola) that works on mobilising, raising and educating women since the beginning of the national liberation struggle.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos	b. 5 March 1950, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, also known as Nandó, is an Angolan politician having held offices such as Prime Minster of Angola (6 December 2002 - 30 September 2008),the 1st Vice-President of Angola (18 February 2010 - 26 September 2012) and is the current President of the National Assembly of Angola (27 September 2012 - present).
Isabel dos Santos	b. 20 April 1973, Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, Soviet Union, present-day Azerbaijan Isabel dos Santos is the richest woman in all of Africa and, as of 2013, was Africa's first billionaire woman. The Angolan has had numerous roles in large international companies and has multiple investments, specifically in telecoms, media, retail and finance.
José Eduardo dos Santos	b. 28 August 1942, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola José Eduardo dos Santos was the 2nd President of Angola (10 September 1979 - 26 September 2017),he initially rose as acting president following the death of Agostinho Neto and was then elected. During his presidency there was a struggle with National Union for the Total Integration of Angola (UNITA) which led to a 27-year civil war. He then received the majority vote in an election monitored by the United Nations, however UNITA refused to recognise the vote and it led to a three-day war and Halloween Massacre.
Marcelino dos Santos	b. 20 May 1929, Lumbo, Mozambique Marcelino dos Santos is a poet famous for his revolutionary and political actions. He is known for his Marxist-Leninist views and published poetry under the pseudonyms Kalungano and Lilinho Micaia.
Sokari Douglas Camp	b. 1958, Buguma, Nigeria Sokari Douglas Camp is a Nigerian-born, London-based artist who has had exhibitions all over the world and was the recipient of a bursary from the Henry Moore Foundation. She was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2005 Birthday Honours list.
Mariam Doumbia	b. 15 April 1958, Bamako, French West Africa, present-day Mali Mariam Doumbia is the vocalist for the Malian musical duo, Amadou & Mariam. Mariam lost her sight following a case of measles at 5 years old.
Jacques Doumro	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 1975, Place unknown Jacque Doumro was a Chadian general during the Tombalbaye Regime. Doumro was General and Chief-of-Staff of the Chadian Armed Forces. He spoke out against President Tombalbaye in relation to modernisation of the army, gaining a political following, particularly from students. There were calls for him to replace the incumbent but was killed in a military coup against Tombalbaye.
Unity Dow	b. 23 April 1959, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Unity Dow is a member of parliament in Botswana, she is also known as a human rights activist, writer and judge. She is currently the Minister for Basic Education (31 October 2014 - present) and has worked with United Nations and won numerous awards.
Adama Drabo	b. 1948, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 15 July 2009, Bamako, Mali Adama Drabo was a Malian playwright and film director. Directing Nieba, la journée d'une paysanne (Nieba, A Day in the Life of a Peasant Woman) in 1988 he went onto create feature length films such as Ta Dona.
Didier Drogba	b. 11 March 1978, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Didier Drogba is a professional footballer currently playing for the American club Phoenix Rising. He is the all-time top scorer for Côte d'Ivoire national team, and the highest-scoring foreign player in the history of English club, Chelsea. In 2007 he was appointed to the United Nation Development Program as a Goodwill Ambassador and in 2011 he joined the Truth, Reconciliation and Dialogue Commission as a representative to help return peace to Côte d'Ivoire.
Bettie du Toit	b. 15 July 1910, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 31 January 2002, Johannesburg, South Africa Bettie du Toit was a South African trade unionist and anti-Apartheid activist. She was involved in a number of high profile events including the Defiance Campaign in 1952, and was banned for life from trade unions. She worked handing out food and writing about the subject before heading to London fearing jail.
Ernest Dükü	b. 1958, Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire Ernest Dükü is an artist who lives and works in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and Paris, France. Although he started as an architect he moved to his preferred media of painting and sculpture.
Jaha Dukureh	b. 1989, Gambia Jaha Dukureh is a women's rights activist and anti-female genital mutilation campaigner. She is the founder and executive director of Safe Hands for Girls.
Sheena Duncan	b. 7 December 1932, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 4 May 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa Sheena Duncan was a writer and activist heavily involved in the anti-Apartheid movement of South Africa. Through her work and writings she was awarded the Liberal Prize for Freedom and numerous other awards from the Anglican Church of South Africa.
Nashwa Eassa	b. 1980, Omdurman, Sudan Nashwa Eassa is a nano-particle physicist and Assistant Professor of Physics at Al-Neenain University in Khartoum. She founded the non-governmental organisation Sudanese Women in Sciences in 2013 and is a member of Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World's South African Institute of Physics.
Eugène Ébodé	b. 11 January 1972, Douala, Cameroon Eugène Ébodé is the recipient of various awards, including Knight in the Order of the Value of the Republic of Cameroon, he is a prolific writer from Cameroon. He received the Prix Eve Delacroix for his novel Silikani in 2007.
Sokey Edorh	b. 1955, Tsévié, Togoland, present-day Togo Sokey Edorh is a Togolese artist whose work reflects the political changes and events, as well as much of Togolese tradition. His work is filled with signs, symbols and stories from various tribes, as well as making use of the red clay as a material when painting
Gaston-Paul Effa	b. 1965, Yaoundé, Cameroon Gaston-Paul Effa is a writer from Lorraine of Cameroonian origin, also a professor of philosophy. He is professor of philosophy at Lycée Mangin of Sarrebourg.
Kossi Efoui	b. 1962, Anfoin, Togo Kossi Efoui is a writer, playwright and novelist. He published his first novel in 1997 and won the Grand prix littéraire d'Afrique noir in 2001.
Uzo Egonu	b. 25 December 1931, Onitsha, Southern Protectorate of Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 14 August 1996, London, United Kingdom Uzo Egonu is a Nigerian artist who naturalised in the United Kingdom in 1945. He studied at a number of institutions, including the Camberwell School, and his work merged elements of Igbo culture with the modern European world.
Tewolde Egziabher	b. 19 February 1940, Adwa, Ethiopia Tewolde Egziabher is an environmental scientist and the General Manager of the Environmental Protection Authority of Ethiopia. He was awarded the 2000 Right Livelihood Award and 2006 Champions of the Earth for his work on safeguarding biodiversity.
Victor Ehikhamenor	b. Date and year unknown, Udomi-Uwessan, Nigeria Victor Ehikhamenor is a Nigerian artist, educated in the USA. When he returned to his homeland he began creating art influenced by work done by local villagers.
Gebisa Ejeta	b. 1950, Wollonkomi, Ethiopia Gebisa Ejeta is a plant breeder and geneticist. In 2009 he received the World Food Prize for his contributions in the production of sorghum.
Kitaw Ejigu	b. 25 February 1950, Bonga, Kaffa, Ethiopia, d. 13 January 2006, United States of America Kitaw Ejigu was one of Ethiopia's first aerospace scientists. He was a Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems engineer at NASA. He is known for his innovative achievements in creations of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in addition to flight simulator creations.
Margaret Ekpo	b. 27 June 1914, Creek Town, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 21 September 2006, Nigeria Margaret Ekpo was a feminist, women's rights activist, social mobiliser and pioneering female politician who established the Aba Township Women's Association in 1954 to oppose discrimination. In 1961 she won a seat in the Eastern Regional House of Assembly.
Cyprian Ekwensi	b. 26 September 1921, Minna, Niger, d. 4 November 2007, Enugu, Nigeria Cyprian Ekwensi was a prolific writer of novels, short stories and children's books. He was awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld International Prize in Literature in 1968. His notable works include The Leopard's Claw (1950) and The Drummer Boy (1960).
Mohammed El Amin	b. 1943, Wad Medani. French West Africa, present day Sudan, b. 1943, Wad Medani. French West Africa, present day Sudan, Mohammed El Amin is a Sudanese folk-hero known for his majestic voice and superb oud playing. He is also a brilliant composer and arranger. He began learning the oud at the age of 11 and wrote his first compositions aged 20, and went on to become honorary president of the Sudanese Artists' and Composers' Society. A critic of the military regimes, he was jailed by Nimeiri's regime in the 1970s.
Abbas El Fassi	b. 18 September 1940, Berkane, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Abbas El Fassi served as 14th Prime Minister of Morocco (19 September 2007 - 29 November 2011) and his appointed government for Morocco included seven woman. He was ambassador to France when a damning pamphlet called 'Notre ami, le roi' accusing Morocco of human rights abuse was released, causing bad feeling between France and Morocco.
Ismail El Gizouli	b. Date and year unknown, Sudan Ismail El Gizouli was a member and former acting chair of the United Nations Bureau of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Mahmoud El Khatib	b. 30 October 1954, El Dakahila, Egypt Mahmoud El Khatib is a former Egyptian football player and the 18th and current President of Al Ahly Sporting Club. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in African history.
Driss El Khoury	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Driss El Khouri is an acclaimed novelist whose work often presents a strong depiction of everyday Moroccan life in urban settings. His novels include Beginnings (1980) and City of Dirt (1988).
Salah El Mahdi	b. 9 February 1925, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 12 September 2014, Tunis, Tunisia Salah El Mahdi was a celebrated Tunisian musician and flautist. Over his career he composed almost 600 songs, many of which were blends of traditional and contemporary, eastern and western sounds.
Hatem El Mekki	b. 16 May 1918, Batavia, present-day Jakarta, Dutch East Indies, present-day Indonesia, d. 23 September 2003, Carthage, Tunisia Hatem El Mekki was a prominent Tunisian painter. He was born in Batavia, Dutch East Indies. From 1957, his artwork appeared on a large number of postage stamps of Tunisia. El Mekki drawn the head of the coin used in Tunisia from 1988 to 1990.
Ibrahim El-Salahi	b. 5 September 1930, Omdurman, Sudan Ibrahim El-Salahi is a painter and former politician. He is one of the foremost exponents of the hurufiyah art movement, which sought to combine traditional graphic forms into contemporary artworks with distinct Arab identity.
Abdel Rahman el-Abnudi	b. 11 April 1938, Abnoud, Qena, Egypt, d. 21 April 2015, Cairo, Egypt Abdel Rahman el-Abnudi was an author, children's writer and poet from Egypt, who also wrote for a number of singers. He wrote his work in the Egyptian dialect of Sa'idi Arabic
Gamal al-Ghitani	b. 9 May 1945, Gihena, Egypt, d. 18 October 2015, Cairo, Egypt Gamal al-Ghitani was an Egyptian author of historical and political novels and cultural and political commentaries and was the editor-in-chief of the literary periodical Akhbar Al-Adab (Cultural News) till 2011.
Essam El-Hadary	b. 15 January 1973, Damietta, Egypt Essam El-Hadary is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Saudi professional side Al-Taawoun, as well as the Egyptian national team for whom he has received 156 caps.
Abd el-Krim	b. 1882, Ajdir, Morocco, d. 6 February 1963, Cairo, Egypt Abd el-Krim was a military leader and political activist for the Riffian people of northwest Africa. Along with his brother, they launched a full-scale revolt against the colonisation of the Rif from the French and Spanish, setting up the Republic of Rif. The republic only lasted for five years but Abd el-Krim's actions were used as an example by rebel leaders later on.
Mohamed Yusuf al-Magariaf	b. 1940, Benghazi, Italian Libya, present-day Libya Mohamed Yusuf al-Magariaf was the President of the General National Congress of Libya (9 August 2012 - 28 May 2013). He was sent into exile and spent nearly 30 years in the United States. He resigned from his role in March 2013.
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi	b. 19 November 1954, Cairo, Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the 6th President of Egypt (8 June 2014 - present) and is the first incumbent to sign a handover document with his predecessor Adly Mansour. He has encouraged the citizens of Egypt that this is "the hard work phase" and imposes that his government must set an example by attending work early and taking care of their health. He has also spoken out against instances of sexual assault in the country and requested that agencies such as the police, media and army address the issue. In the 2018 presidential election, el-Sisi faced only nominal opposition after arrests, enforced disappearance of, and threat against his main political opponents.
Mohamed ElBaradei	b. 17 June 1942, Cairo, Egypt Mohamed ElBaradei was Vice-President of Egypt (14 July 2013 - 14 August 2013) during the interim following a coup d'état in Egypt. He was a joint winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for his part in preventing nuclear energy being weaponised.
Elgas	b. 1988, Saint-Louis, Senegal Elgas is a journalist and doctoral student at the University of Caen in Normandy. He grew up in Ziguinchor and was a Graduate of communication and political science. His research focuses on donation in Africa. In his writings, he strives to describe Africa without makeup and without complacency.
Lamis el Hadidi	b. 8 November 1963, Cairo, Egypt Lamis el Hadidi is a journalist and broadcast presenter. She is also the chief executive officer of the Al Alam Al Youm newspaper.
Slimen El Kamel	b. 1983, Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia Slimen El Kamel is a Tunisian artist. He holds a masters in painting and a PhD from Institut Supérieur des Beaux-Arts de Tunis. He is strongly influenced by the rural background of his youth, especially folk traditions.
Philip Emeagwali	b. 23 August 1954, Akure, Nigeria Philip Emeagwali emulated bees' construction of honeycomb to invent one of the worlds fastest computers, which can perform 3.1 billion calculations per second. In 1989 he received the Gordon Bell Prize computation. His computers are used in oil fields, to forecast weather and to predict the effects of global warming.
Buchi Emecheta	b. 21 July 1944, Lagos, Nigeria, d. 25 January 2017, London, United Kingdom Buchi Emecheta was an acclaimed Nigerian-born novelist, children's writer, screenwriter, autobiographer and feminist, described as "the first successful black woman novelist living in Britain after 1948." A sustained and vigorous voice of direct feminist protest, notable novels include Second-Class Citizen and The Joys of Motherhood.
Anthony Enahoro	b. 22 July 1923, Uromi, Nigeria, d. 15 December 15 2010, Benin City, Nigeria Anthony Enahoro is known for being one of Nigeria's biggest anti-colonial rule, pro-democracy advocates. Starting a career as a sub-editor and journalist, he became Nigeria's youngest ever editor. He spoke passionately and worked towards self-governance, eventually leading to Nigerian independence in 1960.
Manyazewal Endeshaw	b. Date and year unknown, Ethiopia Manyazewal Endeshaw is an Ethiopian writer known for his plays The Father and The Guest.
Rebecca Enonchong	b. 1967, Cameroon Rebecca Enonchong, from Cameroon, is the founder and CEO of IT service management company AppsTech, and the founder and Chairperson of the Africa Technology Forum, a non-profit dedicated to helping technology startups in Africa. She was named a Global Leader for Tomorrow (GLT) by the World Economic Forum and Forbes named her one of the top 10 female founders to watch in Africa.
Okwui Enwezor	b. 23 October 1963, Calabar, Nigeria Okwui Enwezor is a Nigerian curator, art critic, writer and scholar. He is the director of the Haus der Kunst in Munich, Germany and was the first African Director of the Biennale in 2015.
Ben Enwonwu	b. 14 July 1917, Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 5 February 1994, Lagos, Nigeria Ben Enwonwu was a Nigerian artist of painting and sculpture. His work set him apart as one of the most talented artists to come from Africa, inheriting him the moniker of "Africa's Greatest Artist". He has created a number of well known pieces, including a bronze of Queen Elizabeth II and a portrait of Ife princess Adetutu Ademiluyi which sold for £1.2million.
Kadara Enyeasi	b. Date unknown, Nigeria Kadara Enyeasi is a Kenyan photographer who is known for his self portraits and for using his own body as a muse.
Mohamed Ag Erless	b. 1954, French Sudan, present-day Mali Mohamed Ag Erless is a social scientist from Mali. He is also the director of the cultural mission of Kidal-Es Souk and has written a number of books on topics such as pregnancy, childbirth and maternal health.
Safaa Erruas	b. 1976, Tétouan, Morocco Safaa Erruas is a Moroccan artist whose work is characterised by the use of the colour white. This is because it symbolises absence, transparency and fragility, allowing the artist the space to communicate.
Almaz Eshete	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Almaz Eshete is an intellectual and senior consultant at UNESCO-International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa who has written extensively on the role of gender and sexuality within Ethiopian society.
Alda Espírito Santo	b. April 30 1926, São Tomé and Príncipe, d. 9 March 2010, Luanda, Angola Alda do Espirito Santo was the first female African author in Portuguese, and a well-known figure in São Tomé and Príncipe's fight for independence from Portugal. Working as a teacher she was imprisoned in 1965 for being identified with Africa liberation, and was President of the National Assembly between 1980 and 1991. She wrote the lyrics of the São Tomé and Príncipe national anthem, as well as poetry. Her last published work was The Clock of Time in 2008.
Beji Caid Essebsi	b. 29 November 1926, Sidi Bou Said, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Beji Caid Essebsi is the 5th President of Tunisia (31 December 2014) and Prime Minister of Tunisia (27 February 2011 - 24 December 2011) prior to that. Coming from an elite family, since he has taken up the presidency he has changed inheritance law, bringing equal standing to both men and women. He has also called for Tunisian women to be able to marry non-Muslims. In addition he has won numerous awards and honours, including the Founder's Award of International Crisis Group in 2015.
Habib Essid	b. 1 June 1949, Sousse, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Habib Essid was the 22nd Prime Minister of Tunisia (6 February 2015 - 27 August 2016) and beforehand was Minister of the Interior (28 March 2011 - 24 December 2001) under Beji Caid Essebsi. He was also Executive Director for the International Olive Council.
Michael Essien	b. 3 December 1992, Accra, Ghana Michael Essien is a Ghanaian footballer who has played in the French and English premier leagues. He is nicknamed 'The Bison' and played for Ghana's national football team.
Jean-Roger Essomba	b. Date unknown, Cameroon Jean Roger Essomba is a Cameroonian writer. He has published four books.
Samuel Eto'o	b. 10 March 1981, Douala, Cameroon Samuel Eto'o is the most decorated African professional footballer having won African Player of the Year a record four times. As a member of the Cameroonian national team he won gold in the 2000 Olympics and in 2015 he received the Golden Foot Award.
Cesária Évora	b. 27 August 1941, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde, d. 17 December 2011, São Vicente, Cape Verde Cesária Évora was a Cape Verdean musician she was a Grammy award winner and known for her "morna" ballads.
Gnassingbé Eyadéma	b. 26 December 1935, Pya, French Togoland, present-day Togo, d. 5 February 2005, near Tunis, Tunisia Gnassingbé Eyadéma was born Étienne Eyadéma and held the role of 3rd President of Togo (14 April 1967 - 5 February 2005) after seizing power from Nicolas Grunitzky. After nearly 10 years in the French army he returned to Togo in 1962. He led successfully two military coups in 1963 and 1967. He became President of Togo shortly after the second one. Gnassingbé Eyadéma survived numerous assassination attempts and a plane crash. He led the country until his death in 2005 when the presidency was then handed to his son, Faure Gnassingbé. At the time of his death, Eyadéma was the longest-serving ruler in Africa.
Christine Eyene	b. 1970, Paris, France Christine Eyene was born in Paris, of Cameroonian descent. She is an art critic and curator. Among her curated work is 'All of Us Have a Sense of Rhythm,' comprising her original research into rhythmic sources in contemporary African cultures.
Bisi Ezerioha	b. 6 January 1972, Aba, Abia, Nigeria Bisi Ezerioha is a Nigerian professional race car driver and engineer, who has built some of the world's most powerful Honda and Porsche engines. He is the current CEO and Chief Engineer at Bismoto Engineering.
Moussa Faki	b. 21 June 1960, Biltine, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Moussa Faki was Prime Minister of Chad (24 June 2003 - 4 February 2005). He also held posts as Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chair of the African Union Commission.
Tiken Jah Fakoly	b. 23 June 1968, Odienné, Côte d'Ivoire Tiken Jah Fakoly is a reggae singer from Côte d'Ivoire. His music is known for being political and has commented that he wants to "wake up consciences". He lives in Mali after his political views sent him into exile from his home country.
Aminata Sow Fall	b. 1941, Saint-Louis, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Aminta Sow Fall is a Senegalese writer who writes in French. Having trained as a teacher she wrote number of novels such as L'Appel des arènes (The Call of the Arena) and Douceurs du bercail.
Marouba Fall	b. 21 December 1950, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Marouba Fall is a Senegalese playwright and writer. His work reflects social issues and he often speaks on the subject. Additionally he also created a publishing house, Ruba Éditions, to showcase work from talented emerging writers.
Rotimi Fani-Kayode	b. 20 April 1955, Lagos, Nigeria, d. 21 December 1989, London, United Kingdom Rotimi Fani-Kayode was a photographer originally from Nigeria. His work was particularly notable for stylised portraits that were themed on sexuality, race and culture.
Alioum Fantouré	b. 27 November 1938, Forécariah, Guinea Alioum Fantouré is a Guinean writer and economist who worked with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisations. His book, Tropical Circle, won the Grand Prix de Littérature d'Afrique Noire.
Kenza Farah	b. 8 July 1986, Béjaïa, Algeria Kenza Farah is a singer-songwriter. Her album Authentik achieved gold in its second week.
Mo Farah	b. 23 March 1983, Mogadishu, Somalia Mo Farah is a Somali-born, UK-naturalised, track and field athlete who won gold medals in both the 5000m and the 10000m in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Great Britain's most decorated track athlete in history, he received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013.
Nuruddin Farah	b. 24 November 1945, Baidoa, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Nuruddin Farah is a prolific writer from Somalia who has written plays for stage and radio, short stories and essays. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature several times. His novels include From A Crooked Rib (1970) and Hiding in Plain Sight (2014).
Abderrahmane Farès	b. 30 January 1911, Amalou, Béjaïa Province, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 13 May 1991, Zemmouri, Algeria Abderrahmane Farès was President of the Provisional Executive Council of Algeria (3 July 1962 - 20 September 1962),started out his career as a lawyer and then joined politics after the Second World War. He joined the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) in 1956 after the 1955 Pieds-Noir massacre of Muslim civilians and the French army did nothing to respond.
Ammar Farhat	b. 1911, Béja, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 2 March 1987, Tunis, Tunisia Ammart Farhat was a Tunisian painter who won the Young Artist Prize whilst at School of Tunis. His work depicts daily life of Tunisian civilians and workers.
Muhammed Saleh Farsy	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Muhammed Saleh Farsy was a writer in Swahili literature whose work is considered as ethnographic. He wrote books such as Kurwa na Doto - maelezo ya makazi katika kijiji cha Unguja.
Brenda Fassie	b. 3 November 1964, Langa, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 9 May 2004, Johannesburg, South Africa Brenda Fassie was a famous South African musician, also known as MaBrrr, who sang often on very controversial topics. She is often known as the 'Black Madonna' and had a number of substance abuse problems that led to her death. Her contribution to Afropop music spanned numerous decades.
Mounir Fatmi	b. 1970, Tangier, Morocco Mounir Fatmi is a Moroccan artist who lives and works in Paris. Much of his work is a direct response to the horror of the September 11 terror attacks on New York.
Danny Faure	b. 8 May 1962, Kiembe, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda Danny Faure is a politician was the President of Seychelles. A member of the People's Party, he was Minister of Finance under James Michel and worked on economic reforms to kick start the economy after economic stagnation in the 90s.
Joseph Faye	b. 1905, Sédhiou, Senegal Jospeh Faye was a Senegalese Catholic priest who was the first African to be ordained in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.
Mor Faye	b. 26 March 1947, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 6 November 1984, Dakar, Senegal Mor Faye was a painter from Senegal who was part of a movement that started at the independence of Senegal called The School of Dakar. A prolific artist he painted over 800 paintings in his lifetime.
Safi Faye	b. 22 November 1943, Dakar, Senegal Safi Faye is a film director. Her 1975 film Kaddu Beykat (Letter from My Village) was the first feature film made by a Sub-Saharan African woman to be commercially distributed.
Souleymane Faye	b. 1951, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Souleymane Faye is a Senegalese professor of linguistics, journalist and an author in the Serer and Cangin languages.
Dumile Feni	b. 21 May 1942, Worcester, South Africa, d. 1991, New York, United States of America Dumile Feni was a South African contemporary visual artist known for both his drawings, paintings and sculptures which often depicted the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa.
Mohamed Tahar Fergani	b. 9 May 1928, Constantine, Algeria, d. 7 December 2016, Paris, France Mohamed Tahar Fergani was a popular Algerian singer and musician. He was know for his role within the genre of Malouf music. In addition to singing he played the violin and was often referred to as the Nightingale of Constantine.
Abdellatif Filali	b. 26 January 1928 Beni Mellal, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 20 March 2009, Clamart, France Abdellatif Filali served as 11th Prime Minister of Morocco (25 May 1994 - 4 February 1998),having served as ambassador to numerous countries such as Spain, Algeria, the United Kingdom and China. He did many of TV broadcasts in the Moroccan Berber dialect.
Manel Filali	b. 11 December 1981, Hussein Dey, Algeria Manel Filali is a member of the Algerian pop group Milk & Honey. She is a singer and songwriter, who hold the German and Algerian citizenship.
Ruth First	b. 4 May 1925, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 17 August 1982, Maputo, Mozambique Ruth First was an outspoken critic of the Apartheid government of South Africa, a reputed scholar she was a key defendant in the Treason Trial and was listed and banned by the government. She was killed in an assassination by letter bomb in Mozambique.
Paulo Flores	b. 1 July 1972, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Paulo Flores is an Angolan musician who sings against corruption and the hardships of Angolan life. Born during the Angolan War of Independence he has released 16 albums of Semba style music.
Marc-Vivien Foé	b. 1 May 1975, Yaoundé, Cameroon, d. 26 June 2003, Lyon, France Marc-Vivien Foé was a footballer who played as a midfielder. On 26 June 2003, Foé died suddenly during an international match for Cameroon, an event which shocked the football community worldwide.
Libar M. Fofana	b. 1959, Conakry, Guinea Libar M. Fofana is a writer who has published several books, exploring themes of kinship.
Anne-Laure Folly	b. 31 March 1954, Togoland, present-day Togo Anne-Laure Folly is a Togolese film maker whose film, Femmes aux yeux ouverts (Women with eyes open),won a Silver Medel at the Monte Carlo Television Festival. She has also made a number of other films such as Les Oubliées (The lost) and Deposez les Lames.
John Ngu Foncha	b. 21 June 1916, Bamenda, Kamerun, present-day Cameroon, d. 10 April 1999, Bamenda, Cameroon John Ngu Foncha was the Premier of British Cameroons (1 February 1959 - 1 October 1961),from then he went onto be Prime Minister of West Cameroon (1 October 1961 - 13 May 1965).
Jorge Carlos Fonseca	b. 20 October 1950, Mindelo, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Jorge Carlos Fonseca was the 4th President of Cape Verde. He is a lawyer and university professor as well as a politician, and has published a number of technical books on law as well as two books of poetry.
Lydia Forson	b. 24 October 1984, Mankessim, Ghana Lydia Forson is an actress, writer and producer, playing in such films as Scorned and The Perfect Picture. She also received an African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Samuel Fosso	b. 17 July 1962, Kumba, Cameroon Samuel Fosso is a Cameroon-born, Nigerian photographer who has spent most of his career in the Central African Republic. He has received numerous awards for his work, most recently the 2010 1st Prize in Visual Arts Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds.
Fou Malade	b. 19 June 1974, Saint-Louis, Senegal Fou Malade, a Hip Hop exponent, has performed under various pseudonyms. One of these is 'Crazy Fool,' which he adopted to take a critical distance from Senegalese society. One of his songs from the album Tioukh Na Kaye was a hit right across Senegal in the summer of 2005.
Esther Franks	b. Date and year unknown, Zürich, Switzerland, d. 22 June 1972, Pretoria, South Africa Esther Franks was the first female ophthalmic surgeon in South Africa and is remembered for her pioneering work into blindness and its causes. She was named The Star Woman of the Year for her work with the black communities in rural areas.
Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi	b. 24 August 1960, Cape Town, South Africa Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi is a South African politician. She was sent into exile in 1980 for her political activities and became a part of the South African Communist Party's Central Committee, returning to South Africa when the party was unbanned. She was the Minister of Public Service and Administration for nice years.
Comfort Freeman	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Comfort Freeman is a Liberian woman who is focused on peace activism. She heads up the Liberian Women's Initiative for Peace and has worked with numerous people, particular during the Second Liberian Civil War, which they are commended as being a driving force in ending.
Akwasi Frimpong	b. 11 February 1986, Ashanti Region, Ghana Akwasi Frimpong was a skeleton racer for Ghana's 2018 Winter Olympic team and Ghana's first skeleton athlete.
Athol Fugard	b. 11 June 1932, Middelburg, Eastern Cape, South Africa Athol Fugard is a South African actor, playwright and novelist whose book, Tsotsi, was turned into a film which won an Academy Award. He was an anti-Apartheid activist and writes in South African English.
Fuse ODG	b. 2 December 1988, London, United Kingdom Fuse ODG, born Nana Richard Abiona, is a recording artist. He has won two MOBO Awards and two Ghana Music Awards.
Meschac Gaba	b. 1961, Cotonou Meschac Gaba is a Beninese conceptual artist based in Rotterdam and Cotonou. His installations of everyday objects whimsically juxtapose African and Western cultural identities and commerce.
Eddah Gachukia	b. 13 July 1936, Kenya Eddah Gachukia is a Kenyan entrepreneur and educator who co-founded a renowned group of schools called the Riara Group of Schools. She is also on the board for a number of businesses and organisations, including Kenya Airways.
Muammar Gaddafi	b. 1942, Qasr Abu Hadi, Italian Libya, present-day Libya, d. 20 October 2011, Sirte, Libya Colonel Gaddafi was the popular name for Muammar Gaddafi, he was the self-styled Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution of Libya (1 September 1969 - 20 October 2011),as well as taking on a number of other roles such as Prime Minister of Libya (16 January 1970 - 16 July 1972),Chairperson of the African Union (2 February 2009 - 31 January 2010),amongst others. Taking power from Idris, the king of Libya, in a bloodless coup, Gaddafi retained control of the oil rich Libya for many decades. In the West, Gaddafi was strongly associated with terrorism in the 1980s, accused of supporting armed groups including FARC in Colombia and the IRA in Northern Ireland. On the African continent he would be increasingly seen as a Pan-Africanist leader and admired for his opposition to the West. On 19 March 2011, a multi-state NATO-led coalition began a military intervention in Libya in support for anti-Gaddafi militia in the wake of the Arab Spring. He was killed by a Misrata militia in October 2011.
Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga	b. 1960, Kikuyu, Kenya Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, originally from Kenya, creates sculptural works made from textured sheet metal and steel wire. A range of supplementary materials are occasionally incorporated in innovative ways.
Ela Gandhi	b. 1 July 1940, Durban, South Africa Ela Gandhi is a South African politician and activist for child and family welfare. The granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, she has dedicated her life and won numerous awards for her work in areas such as preventing domestic violence and the spread of peace.
Célestin Gaombalet	b. 1 January 1942, Grimari, Ouaka, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 19 December 2017, Agen, France Célestin Gaombalet was a politician who held the role of Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (12 December 2003 - 13 June 2005) and following this the President of the National Assembly of the Central African Republic (14 June 2005 - 15 April 2013). He was a surprise placement for prime minister by the president as he had no political experience and had been a businessman and worked in banking.
John Garang	b. 23 June 1945, Twic, present-day South Sudan, d. 30 July 2005, New Cush, Sudan John Garang was a politician and leader. From 1983 to 2005 he led the Sudan People's Liberation Army during the Second Sudanese Civil War.
Hicham Gardaf	b. 1989, Tangier, Morocco Hicham Gardaf is a photographer born and based in Tangier. His work addresses urban and suburban issues, particularly in the context of Morocco's rapidly changing landscape.
Anthony W. Gardiner	b. 3 February 1820, Southampton County, Virginia, United States, d. 1885, Monrovia, Liberia Anthony W. Gardiner was elected the 9th President of Liberia (7 January 1878 - 20 January 1883) and was also acting president when Joseph Jenkins Roberts was unwell at the end of his term. He is the first Liberian president to resign from office which he did due to ill health.
Edi Gathegi	b. 10 March 1979, Nairobi, Kenya Edi Gathegi is an actor who has appeared in television series including House, Family Tools and The Blacklist, and films such as Twilight and X-Men: First Class.
Gauz	b. 1971, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Gauz is a photographer, writer, editor of a satirical Ivorian economic newspaper and the author of the novel Debout-Payé, published in 2014, Paris, by "Le Nouvel Attila". The book is the first recipient of a new award: "le prix des libraires" Joseph Gibert.
Laurent Gbagbo	b. 31 May 1945, Gagnoa, French Côte d'Ivoire, present-day Côte d'Ivoire Laurent Gbagbo, the 4th President of Côte d'Ivoire (26 October 2000 - 4 December 2010/11 April 2011 disputed as Gbagbo was in custody from December) following the downfall of Robert Guéï. In 2010 Alassane Ouattara won the presidential elections but Gbagbo refused to leave power. He was ultimately arrested and is currently being tried at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for 'crimes against humanity'. He has denied all charges.
Komla Agbeli Gbedemah	b. 17 June 1913, Place unknown, d. 11 July 1998, Place unknown Komla Agbeli Gbedemah who was also known as Afro Gbede, was a Ghanaian politician who was the founder of the National Alliance of Liberals. He received a personal apology from the U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower after being refused service in a Delaware restaurant and was subsequently invited for breakfast at the White House.
Leymah Gbowee	b. 1 February 1972, Monrovia, Liberia Leymah Gbowee is a Nobel Peace Prize winner from Liberia. She received the award in 2011 for her work with the women's peace movement that brought an end to the Second Liberian Civil War, and helped to get in a new democratically elected government. She is involved in many undertakings including producing a documentary film, Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which won best documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008.
Hage Geingob	b. 2 August 1941, Otjiwarongo, South West Africa, present-day Namibia Hage Geingob is the 3rd President of Namibia (21 March 2015 - present),prior to his election he was also Prime Minister of Namibia twice (21 March 1990 - 28 August 2002 and 4 December 2012 - 20 March 2015). In 2015, he was conferred the Order of Well-wisher Mirabilis by Former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, after his inauguration as President.
Pompílio Gemuce	b. 1963, Zambézia, Mozambique Pompílio Gemuce, originally from Mozambique, has an artistic ethos that is primarily a therapeutic one. He uses a diverse range of media to meditate on the essences of human compassion and expression. He studied Mural Paintings at Kiev Academy of Fine Arts, Ukraine and Cultural Management at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, graduating in 2001.
Finidi George	b. 15 April 1971, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Finidi George is a retired footballer who made a name for himself at Dutch club Ajax where he was a successful right winger. He was a leading member of an all-conquering team that won eight major titles, including the 1995 Champions League.
Geremi	b. 20 December 1978, Bafoussam, Cameroon Geremi is a Cameroonian former footballer. The most successful periods of his club career came at Real Madrid and Chelsea, winning two UEFA Champions League titles with the first and a full set of domestic honours with the latter.
Haile Gerima	b. 4 March 1946, Gondar, Ethiopia Haile Gerima is an Ethiopian filmmaker and member of the L.A. Rebellion film movement. His films include Sankofa in 1993 and Teza in 2009.
Jeanne Gervais	b. 6 June 1922, Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 9 December 2012, Place unknown Jeanne Gervais was a politician who was a longtime member of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire - African Democratic Rally.
Addis Gezehagn	b. 1978, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Addis Gezehagn has been a long-time artistic presence in Addis Ababa, where he is known for portraying the multifaceted characteristics of the city's residents by detailing the external facades of their homes.
Moncef Ghachem	b. 29 July 1946, Mahdia, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Moncef Ghachem is a Tunisian poetry writer who has also dabbled in journalism. His work includes publications such as One Hundred Thousand Birds and Cap Africa.
Brahim Ghali	b. 16 September 1949, Smara, Spanish Sahara, present-day Sahrawi Republic/Western Sahara Brahim Ghali the incumbent President of the Sahrawi Republic (12 July 2016 - present) and was one of the founding members of the Polisario Front. He has been a member of government since 1976.
Abdelkrim Ghallab	b. 31 December 1919, Fes, Morocco, d. 14 August 2017, El Jadida, Morocco Abdelkrim Ghallab was a Moroccan writer who was known, in particular, for his political journalism and novels. His novel, Dafann al-m'd (We Buried the Past) was hailed as the first "breakthrough" Moroccan novel written in Arabic rather than French.
Garretson W. Gibson	b. 20 May 1832, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, d. 26 April 1910 Monrovia, Liberia Garretson W. Gibson was the 14th President of Liberia (11 December 1900 - 4 January 1904) and the last to be born in the United States. He was a member of the True Whig party which was the only party to succeed in elections between 1878 and 1980.
Negasso Gidada	b. 3 September 1943, Dembidolo, Ethiopia Negasso Gidada was the 1st President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (22 August 1995 - 8 October 2001) and he left office when his term expired. He then went on to become a Member of the House of Peoples' Representatives for Dembidolo.
Simon Gikandi	b. 30 September 1956, Nyeri, Kenya Simon Gikandi is Robert Schirmer Professor of English at Princeton University where he is affiliated with the Departments of Comparative Literature and African American Studies and the Program in African Studies. He is the co-editor of The Cambridge History of African and Caribbean Literature and the author of Writing in Limbo: Modernism and Caribbean Literature.
Frene Ginwala	b. 25 April 1932, Johannesburg, South Africa Frene Ginwala is a journalist, politician and the former speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa. She used her anonymity to help leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) to escape following the Sharpeville massacre.
Antoine Gizenga	b. 5 October 1925. Bandundu Province, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo Antoine Gizenga held the role of Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (30 December 2006 - 10 October 2008) until his resignation, which he cited due to old age. He received the honor of National Hero, the highest award in the country.
Touria El Glaoui	b. 1974, Casablanca, Morocco Touria El Glaoui is a businesswoman from Morocco who has been credited with her work towards the African art industry. She created and launched the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, started in London in 2013. It has since grown to be an annual event with fairs in London, New York and Marrakech.
Sadok Gmech	b. 1940, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Sadok Gmech is a Tunisian artist whose work represents national wealth. His images are bright and colourful and filled with images of people.
Faure Gnassingbé	b. 6 June 1966, Afagnan, Togo Faure Gnassingbé is the 4th President of Togo (4 May 2005 - present),he was sworn into office following the death of his father but was made to resign and then was re-elected on the 24 April 2005. He previously held the role of Minister of Equipment, Mines, Posts and Telecommunications and was his father's financial advisor.
Loyiso Gola	b. 16 May 1983, Gugulethu, South Africa Loyiso Gola is a stand-up comedian. He is the co-creator and anchor of the late-night satirical news television series Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola.
David Goldblatt	b. 29 November 1930, Randfontein, South Africa, d. 25 June 2018 David Goldblatt was renowned for his portraits of his native South Africa, documenting the transition from its repressive Apartheid days to a modern liberal society. He has numerous publications to his name and an international reputation for his stunning photography.
Wael Gomaa	b. 3 August 1975, El-Sheen, Gharbia, Egypt Wael Gomaa is an Egyptian ex-footballer who played for Ghazl El_Mahalla and Al-Ahly as well as the Egyptian national team.
Flora Gomes	b. 31 December 1949, Cadique, Guinea-Bissau Flora Gomes, originally from Guinea-Bissau, studied film at the Instituto Cubano del Arte y la Industria Cinematográficos in Havana, Cuba. Her first fiction film, Death Denied (1988) was filmed 14 years on from her country's independence.
Francisca Pereira	b. 1942, Bolama, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau Francisca Pereira joined the Guinea-Bissau Liberation Movement as a young woman. From 1967 she was deputy director of the Escola Piloto in Conakry, a training centre for Guinea-Bissauan child soldiers and war refugees.
Alain Gomis	b. 6 March 1972, Paris, France Alain Gomis is a film director whose film, Félicité, was the entry chosen for nomination to the Academy Awards as Senegal's entry for the Foreign Language Film category. Born in France, he has also directed another feature length film called Today, back in 2012.
António Aurélio Gonçalves	b. 25 September 1901, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde, d. 30 September 1984, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde António Aurélio Gonçalves, also known as Nhô Roque, was a writer and historian from Cape Verde. As well as his own work and articles for the Claridade, he was also a well respected critic. He died following a hit run accident.
Zainunnisa Gool	b. 6 November 1897, Cape Town, Western Cape, present-day Western Province, South Africa, d. 1 July 1963, Cape Town, South Africa Zainunnissa Gool, also known as Cissie, was a political figure against Apartheid in South Africa. She had received tuition from Olive Schreiner and Mahatma Gandhi and was the first black woman to serve in local government of South Africa.
Kesaveloo Goonam	b. 1906, Durban, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 1999, Place unknown Kesavaeloo Goonam was a doctor and anti-apartheid activist. A medical doctor she was known for assisting those with reproductive needs and was jailed for her work with Indian Passive Resistance Campaign. She released an autobiography detailing her life and activism called Coolie Doctor.
Nadine Gordimer	b. 20 November 1923, Springs, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 13 July 2014, Johannesburg, South Africa Nadine Gordimer was a writer from South Africa and political activist. She received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991 specifically for her work around race issues and moral issues regarding the Apartheid regime. She wrote books such as Burger's Daughter and July's People.
Abdelaziz Gorgi	b. 2 June 1928, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 10 January 2008, Tunis, Tunisia Abdelaziz Gorgi was a renowned Tunisian artist who helped to found the Tunis School of painting and set up the Gorgi Gallery. He won a number of awards including the President's Prize in 2000.
Pierre Goudiaby Atepa	b. 30 June 1947, Baïla, Senegal Pierre Goudiaby Atepa from Senegal, is one of Africa's most respected and successful architects. His company, Atepa Group, is responsible for some of the most innovative buildings in Senegal. His West Africa Central Bank in Dakar is modelled on the baobab tree, where elders in his culture gather for discussions.
Abel Goumba	b. 18 September 1926, Grimari, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 11 May 2009, Bangui, Central African Republic Abel Goumba held numerous roles in his political career such as the Prime Minister of Ubangi-Shari (30 March 1959 - 30 April 1959) and then, 44 years later, Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (15 March 2003 - December 2003) and Vice-President of the Central African Republic (December 2003 - March 2005) before the post was abolished. He ran for the presidency in 2005 but was defeated.
Yakubu Gowon	b. 19 October 1934, Kanke, Plateau State, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Yakubu Gowon held the title of 3rd Head of State of Nigeria (1 August 1966 - 29 July 1975). He took power after a military coup d'état. It was during his presidency that the Biafran War was fought (6 July 1967 - 15 January 1970). He indefinitely suspended the handover of civilian rule in 1974 leading to an uprising and second military coup in July 1975.
Paa Grant	b. 15 August 1878, Beyin, present-day Ghana, d. 30 October 1956, Axim, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Paa Grant was the popular name for George Alfred Grant, a founder and the first president of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) in 1947. He was also one of Ghana's Founding Fathers.
Nicolas Grunitzky	b. April 5 1913, Atakpamé, French Togoland, present-day Togo, d. 27 September 1969, Paris, France Nicolas Grunitzky was installed as the 2nd President of Togo (13 January 1963 - 13 January 1967) following the coup against Sylvanus Olympio. Before Togo received its independence he also held office as the Prime Minister (12 September 1956 - 16 May 1958). He himself was overthrown in a coup, that was bloodless, and died following complications received from a car accident.
Armando Guebuza	b. 20 January 1943, Murrupula, Nampula, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique Armando Guebuza was the 3rd President of Mozambique (2 February 2005 - 15 January 2015) and was elected with 63.7% of the vote at the time. He, unlike his predecessors, held a non-Marxist ideology.
Ghislane Guedira	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Ghislane Guedira is a Moroccan business and finance woman. Thanks to the funds raised, Ghislane Guedira, the only woman member of the management committee, allowed the group to implement its African development plan: the construction of a fertilizer plant in Jorf Lasfar, whose production will be entirely intended for Africa, and a project in partnership with Gabon, for an investment of 1.7 billion euros.
Robert Guéï	b. 16 March 1941, Kabakouma, Man, French Côte d'Ivoire, present-day Côte d'Ivoire, d. 19 September 2002, Cocody, Côte d'Ivoire Robert Guéï took over the governance of Côte d'Ivoire after military coup, although he did not instigate the coup. He was first the President of the National Public Salvation Committee and then took the role as 3rd President of Côte d'Ivoire (24 December 1999 - 26 October 2000). He was killed within the first hours of the civil war that started in 2002.
Ismail Omar Guelleh	b. 27 November 1946, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia Ismail Omar Guelleh is the 2nd President of Djibouti (8 May 1999 - present) and is sometimes referred to as "IOG". His uncle was the 1st President of Djibouti and chose him to succeed him. He has been referred to as a dictator and has been criticised by human rights groups.
Josiah Tshangana Gumede	b. 9 October 1867, Eastern Cape, present-day South Africa, d. 6 November 1946, South Africa Josiah Tshangana Gumede was a politician who became involved in the land struggles of Dinuzulu. He was a founding member of two important African organisations in colonial Natal, Funamalungelo and the Natal Native Congress.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim	b. 17 October 1959, Surinam, British Mauritius, present-day Mauritius Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was the 6th President of Mauritius (5 June 2015 - 23 March 2018) and was the first elected woman as president. She has also been the only president of the country to be threatened with impeachment by both government and the opposition.
Danai Gurira	b. 14 February 1978, Iowa, United States of America Danai Gurira is an actress and playwright. She her roles include the television series Walking Dead and the film Black Panther. She was also a writer for the Tony Award-winning play Eclipsed.
Abdulrazak Gurnah	b. 1948, Zanzibar Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzanian novelist and professor. Specialising in postcolonial writing he has written numerous novels such as Desertion (2005) and Grave Heart (2017).
Tapfuma Gutsa	b. 1956, Salisbury, present-day Harare, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Tapfuma Gutsa is a painter and teacher from Zimbabwe. Working in abstract forms with natural materials he creates sculptures that draw inspiration and reverence for the history of enslavement. His work has appeared across the world.
Thelma Gutsche	b. 7 January 1915, Somerset West, Cape Province, South Africa, d. 5 November 1984, Montagu, Western Cape, South Africa Thelma Gutsche was a filmmaker and historian from South Africa. She created documentaries chronicling World War II and its aftermath and later on went to write books on historical events and historical figures. She is often referred to as one of the most gifted cinema historians.
Jonas Gwangwa	b. 1937, Soweto, South Africa Jonas Gwangwa is a jazz musician, songwriter and producer. He has been an important figure in South African jazz for over 40 years.
Anna Gwasa	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Anna Gwasa held the role of area commissioner in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania, and attended the Conference of African Women in Tanganyika, back in 1962.
Bertha Gxowa	b. 28 November 1934, Germiston, South Africa, d. 19 November 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa Bertha Gxowa was a political figure in South Africa that struggled against the Apartheid state. She was a co-founder of the Federation of South African Women which mobilised and organised the women's march, as well as collecting signatures in petitions. She was involved in the Treason Trial and later on, in the 1990s, served as a member of parliament.
Asamoah Gyan	b. 22 November 1985, Accra, Ghana Asamoah Gyan is a Ghanaian footballer who has played in the Ghanaian Premier League as well as the Premier League in the United Kingdom at Sunderland. He has also played for the Ghana national team since 2003.
Yaa Gyasi	b. 1989, Mampong, Ghana Yaa Gyasi is a Ghanaian novelist and author of Homecoming. She is the recipient of the American Book Award and the Audre Lorde Award for Literary Fiction & Classics.
Eva Habil	b. 1955, Komboha, Egypt Eva Habil is an Egyptian lawyer who holds the title as the first female mayor of Egypt. When she ran for office she successfully defeated give other male candidates, including her own brother.
Helon Habila	b. November 1967, Kaltungo, Nigeria Helon Habila is a Nigerian novelist and poet, whose writing has won many prizes, including the Caine Prize in 2001. He worked as a lecturer and journalist in Nigeria before moving in 2002 to England.
Hissène Habré	b. 13 September 1942, Faya-Largeau, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Hissène Habré was the 7th President of Chad (7 June 1982 - 1 December 1990),coming into power when the government was overthrown in fighting in 1982. He had previously held roles as the 1st Prime Minister of Chad (29 August 1978 - 23 March 1979) and Minister of Defence. His one party government was accused of many atrocities and had a secret police force the Documentation and Security Directorate (DDS). Yet, the United States and France supported Habré, seeing him as a bulwark against the Gaddafi government in neighbouring Libya. He was deposed in 1992 and was sentenced by a Chadian court to death in absentia in 2008, while he was in exile in Senegal. In 2015-16 he was put on trial by the Extraordinary African Chambers finding him guilty of rape, sexual slavery and the ordering of the killing of 40,000 people during his time as president. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Juvénal Habyarimana	b. 8 March 1937, Gisenyi, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda, d. 6 April 1994, Kigali, Rwanda Juvénal Habyarimana was the 2nd President of Rwanda (5 July 1973 - 6 April 1994). Prior to his political career he was an army officer and was, at one point, the head of the national guard and police for the country. He led the coup against his predecessor saying he had failed to join warring factions within the country. He, alongside Cyprien Ntaryamira, the President of Burundi, and numerous other influential political figures were killed when his plane was shot down. Although the leader of the RPF, Paul Kagame, was fingered as the instigator of the attack it has never been conclusively proven. His assassination ignited ethnic tensions in the region and helped spark the Rwandan Genocide.
Farhat Hached	b. 2 February 1914, El Abassia, Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia, d. 5 December 1952, near Radès, Tunisia Farhat Hached was a figurehead at the forefront of the Tunisia trade unions. He was unanimously elected as the first General Secretary of the UGTT, then later when tensions rose he was considered the head of anti-colonial resistance. His assassination has often been attributed to 'La Main Rouge' terrorist organisation allegedly operated by the French government.
Jean-Baptiste Hachème	b. 24 June 1929, Porto-Novo, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 3 May 1998, Cotonou, Benin Jean-Baptiste Hachème was president of Dahomey, present-day Benin, styled under the title Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee for one day (December 1967). He had a long military career but was dismissed from the military twice and later was accused of planning a coup in 1973 and imprisoned for 20 years of hard labour.
Safia Hachicha	b. 1978, Tunisia Safia Hachicha is a Tunisian businesswoman who holds the role of general manager at PGI Holdings. For her work in finance, she has been named as part of a list of influential young Africans who will play a large role in development of the continent.
Radhia Haddad	b. 17 March 1922, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. October 2003, Carthage, Tunisia Radhia Haddad is a Tunisian figure known for her feminist activism and was the chair of the National Union of Women of Tunisia. She started her career having been forced out of school by her parents at the age of 12 because she was female. She studied Arabic language courses from home and learned from her brother, Hassib Ben Ammar, who became a politician and human rights activist. She holds the title as one of the first women in Africa to be elected to a role.
Yahya Ould Hademine	b. 31 December 1953, Timbédra, French West Africa, present-day Mauritania Yahya Ould Hademine is the 13th Prime Minister of Mauritania (20 August 2014 - present). Notable moments in his incumbency include meeting the Chinese Special Envoy on the Middle East Issues and a scandal when he accused the President of the General Confederation of Employers of Mauritania of being a "terrorist".
Messali Hadj	b. 16 May 1898, Tiemcen, Algeria, d. 3 June 1974, Paris, France Messali Hadj was an Algerian politician aligned with extremely nationalist views. He was a founding member of Étoile nord-africaine, Parti du peuple algérien and the Mouvement pour le triomphe des libertés démocratiques. He has been referred to as the father of Algerian nationalism by academics.
Mustapha Hadji	b. 16 November 1971, Ifrane Atlas-Saghir, Morocco Mustapha Hadji is a Moroccan ex-footballer who is now the assistant manager for the Moroccan national team. He has played for a number of clubs including Aston Villa and Nancy.
Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah	b. 11 April 1931, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah was the head of state as the 4th Chairman of the Military Council for Justice and Democracy (4 January 1980 - 12 December 1984) and 3rd Prime Minister of Mauritania (31 May 1979 - 12 December 1980). He implemented Islamic sharia law but also abolished slavery in November 1981.
Abdoul Kader Haïdara	b. Date and year unknown, Timbuktu, Mali Abdul Kader Haïdara runs the Mamma Haïdara Memorial Library and saved numerous historic documents that were at risk of being destroyed in war and by jihadists.
Attaher Jeannette Haidara	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Attaher Jeannette Haidara is a Malian woman who was a founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation. She has a computer science centre named in her honour.
Dieudo Hamadi	b. 22 February 1984, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo Dieudo Hamadi is a documentary film-maker, director and writer. His films include Examen d'état, Atalaku and Congo in Four Acts. He is the recipient of the 2018 True Vision Award.
Fatima Hamroush	b. 14 February 1959, Benghazi, Libya Fatima Hamroush is a Libyan politician and doctor of ophthalmology. She openly opposed the Gaddafi regime and lived in Ireland from 1996. Following the 2011 revolution that deposed Gaddafi she raised the Libyan flag in Dublin city centre and, for a short time, was Minister for Health.
Chris Hani	b. 28 June 1942, Cofimvaba, Transkei, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 10 April 1993, Dawn Park, Boksburg, South Africa Chris Hani was General Secretary of the South African Communist Party, a role he held until his assassination in 1993. An outspoken critic of Apartheid, he was considered very charismatic and very popular, though there are many theories regarding the circumstances around his death.
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun	b. 1961, Abéché, Chad Mahamat-Saleh Haroun is a film director. His feature film A Screaming Man won the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, making him the first Chadian director to enter, as well as win, an award in the main Cannes competition.
Abdiqasim Salad Hassan	b. 1 January 1941, Galdogob, British Somaliland, present-day Somalia Abdiqasim Salad Hassan was the 5th President of Somalia (27 August 2000 - 14 October 2004),he put himself forward as a candidate for the Transitional National Government and was sworn in after receiving 145 votes to Abdullahi Ahmed Addou's 92. Despite actions to try and join the factions of a split country together in a new government, Hassan left talks and was accused of trying to extend his term by the Prime Minister Hassan Abshir Farah. He subsequently dismissed Farah.
Ahmed Hassan	b. 1 May 1947, Segu, French Sudan, present-day Mali Ahmed Hassan is a midfield footballer player having played for the Egyptian national team. He is one of the most renowned players in the history of African football and holds the title as the most capped international male in history.
Hossam Hassan	b. 10 August 1966, Cairo, Egypt Hossam Hassan is a retired footballer who played as a striker. He was a prolific goal scorer and is regarded as one of the best players in African football history.
Salah Hassan	b. 1964, Khartoum, Sudan Salah Hassan is Director of the African Studies and Research Centre and Professor of Art History at Cornell University. He is the founder of Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art.
Issa Hayatou	b. 9 August 1949, Garoua, Cameroon Issa Hayatou is a former athlete and was the fifth president of the Confederation of African Football.
Muhammad Husayn Haykal	b. 1888, Mansoura, Ad Daqahliyah, Egypt, d. 8 December 1956, Cairo, Egypt Muhammad Husayn Haykal was an Egyptian writer and journalist who became a politician. He held the role as Minister of Education for the Egyptian government and Minister of State for the Interior Ministry.
Hadda Hazem	b. 1960, Guelma, Algeria Hadda Hazem is an Algerian journalist and director of the Algerian Arabic newspaper Al-Fadjr. In 2017 Hadda went on a hunger strike to protest against the withdrawal of state advertising from the Algerian daily newspaper.
Romuald Hazoumè	b. 1962, Porto-Novo, Benin Romuald Hazoumè's astute and sardonically political oeuvre is realised in a diverse range of media, including multi-media installation, sculpture, video, photography and painting.
Bessie Head	b. 6 July 1937, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 17 April 1986, Serowe, Botswana Bessie Head was a writer born in South Africa and granted citizenship of Botswana. She is considered an extremely important writer with her collections of fiction and short stories. She was posthumously awarded the South African Order of Ikhamanga and has also had a trust and awards set up in her name.
Mohamed Hassanein Heikal	b. 23 September 1923, Cairo, Egypt, d. 17 February 2016, Cairo, Egypt Mohamed Hassanein Heikal was an Egyptian journalist and editor. In addition to his writing he also ghostwrote President Nasser's speeches.
Ellen Hellmann	b. 25 August 1908, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 6 November 1982, Johannesburg, South Africa Ellen Hellmann was a South African social anthropologist and social historian. She is credited with her work of documenting the conditions of the populous in inner-city areas, particularly within the black population.
Oliver Hermanus	b. 1983, Cape Town, South Africa Oliver Hermanus is a South African film director and writer. His work has achieved critical acclaim winning the Queer Palm Award at Cannes. His films include Shirley Adams, Beauty (Skoonheid) and The Endless River.
Barbara Hogan	b. 28 February 1952, Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa Barbara Hogan is a South African politician who is also known for her political activities during the Apartheid. She was arrested for high treason in 1981 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison and has also survived an assassination attempt.
Med Hondo	b. 4 May 1936, Atar, Mauritania Med Hondo is a director, film producer and screenwriter from Mauritania. He directed films including Soleil O and Les 'bicots-Nègres' vos voisins.
Luís Bernardo Honwana	b. 1942, present-day Maputo, Mozambique Luís Bernardo Honwana is an author. He has published a single book, Nós Matámos o Cão-Tinhoso (1964) which has been hugely influential and can be considered the touchstone of the contemporary Mozambican narrative.
Pat Horn	b. 1951, Pretoria, South Africa Pat Horn has worked for a number of trade unions and established the Self-Employed Women's Union (SEWU) in South Africa and also StreetNet International which assists street vendors.
Africanus Horton	b. 1835, Gloucester Village, British Sierra Leone, d. 15 October 1883, Freetown, Sierra Leone Africanus Horton, who was born James Beale Horton, was a surgeon, scientist, soldier, and a political thinker. He was a vocal nationalist who suggested ideologies for African-self governance. His philosophies and writings were used as the basis for future independence.
Abdelkader Houamel	b. 17 August 1936, N'Gaous, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abdelkhader Houamel is an artist and political activist from Algeria. His work is highly influenced by his socialist and anti-colonial viewpoints and was a member of the National Liberation Front in the 1950s.
Kojo Tovalou Houénou	b. 25 April 1887, Porto-Novo, present-day Benin, d. 13 July 1936, Dakar, Senegal Kojo Tovalou Houénou, from present-day Benin, was a prominent African critic of the French colonial empire in Africa.
Paulin J. Hountondji	b. 11 April 1942, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Paulin J. Hountondji is an Ivorian philosopher, politician and academic. He is currently director of the African Centre for Advanced Studies in Porto-Novo in Benin
Félix Houphouët-Boigny	b. 18 October 1905, Yamoussoukro, French Côte d'Ivoire, present-day Côte d'Ivoire, d. 7 December 1993, Côte d'Ivoire Félix Houphouët-Boigny, also known as Papa Houphouët, was the 1st President of Côte d'Ivoire (3 November 1960 - 7 December 1993) and served for over 30 years, until his death. The country built close ties with France (he coined the term Françafrique but in a positive sense),who had previously colonised the country, and the country prospered financially.
Djimon Hounsou	b. 24 April 1964, Cotonou, Benin Djimon Housnou is an actor and model. His films include Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond and In America. He has received two Black Reel Awards, Two NAACP Awards and has been nominated for two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
Chenjerai Hove	b. 9 February 1956, Mazvihwa, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 12 July 2015, Stavanger, Norway Chenjerai Hove was a poet, novelist and essayist. His novels offer an intense examination of the psychic and social costs of the war of liberation in Zimbabwe.
Daniel Edward Howard	b. 4 August 1861, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia, d. 9 July 1935, Monrovia, Liberia Daniel Edward Howard was the President of Liberia (1 January 1912 - 5 January 1920) during the outbreak of World War I. Although Liberia was intended to stay as neutral, allegiances were sided towards the Allies. Germany sent a submarine to attack Monrovia over a dispute with a French wireless station and he was forced to declare war against Germany.
Ebrahim Hussein	b. 1943, Tanzania Ebrahim Hussein is a writer and playwright from Tanzania. His first play Kinjeketile (1969) was written in Swahili and is regarded as a landmark of Tanzanian theatre. It soon became part of the school curriculum. Other plays include Mashetani (1971) and Arusi (1980).
Sheikh Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein	b. 1912, Xuddur, Bakool, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia, d. 12 June 2012, Nairobi, Kenya Sheikh Mukhtar Mohamed Hussein was an interim president of Somalia (15 October 1969 - 21 October 1969) after the assassination of Abdirashid Ali Shermarke. He was placed under house arrest in 1969 after the 1969 Somali coup d'état.
Kudzanai-Violet Hwami	b. 1993, Gutu, Zimbabwe, b. 1993, Gutu, Zimbabwe Kudzanai-Violet Hwami is a Zimbabwean artist whose bright works depict futuristic scenes of African life.
Kumba Ialá	b. 15 March 1953, Bula, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 4 April 2014, Bissau, Guinea Bissau Kumba Ialá, and later on Mohamed Ialá Embaló, was the 3rd President of Guinea-Bissau (17 February 2000 - 14 September 2003) and perpetrated a number of high profile sackings and policy changes that involved numerous elections being postponed. In September 2003 there was a bloodless coup in the country that led to the eventual resignation of Kumba Ialá and a ban of participating in politics for five years.
Serge Ibaka	b. 18 September 1989, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Serge Ibaka is a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association. He was a two-time NBA Blocks leader and won a silver medal playing for Spain in the 2012 Olympics.
Abdallah Ibrahim	b. 24 August 1918, Marrakech Haouz, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 11 September 2015, Casablanca, Morocco Abdallah Ibrahim was a left-wing Prime Minister for Morocco (16 December 1958 - 20 May 1960). He was dismissed as Prime Minister by King Mohammed V which, in turn, caused a cabinet crisis. King Mohammed V then placed himself as Prime Minister in order to calm the crisis.
Abdullah Ibrahim	b. 9 October 1934, Cape Town, South Africa Abdullah Ibrahim is a South African composer and pianist, specifically in the Cape Jazz genre. His music was used as part of the anti-Apartheid movement and has worked with Max Roach amongst other artists.
Hadeel Ibrahim	b. September 1983, London, United Kingdom Hadeel Ibrahim is a Sudanese billionaire businessman. She serves on the board of directors of the Clinton Foundation, the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice and the Synergos Institute.
Mo Ibrahim	b. 3 May 1946, Sudan Mo Ibrahim is a Sudanese billionaire communications entrepreneur and engineer. He was founder of the telecommunications company Celtel and established the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to encourage better governance throughout Africa.
Taiye Idahor	b. 1984, Lagos, Nigeria Taiye Idahor is a Nigerian artist who specialises in sculpture. Her work explores identity politics, using hair as a vehicle for this exploration.
King Idris I	b. 12 March 1889, Al-Jaghbub, Ottoman Cyrenaica, Libya, d. 25 May 1983, Cairo, Egypt Idris of Libya was King of Libya (24 December 1951 - 1 September 1969). When he came to power after Libya gaining its independence he outlawed political parties and opened talks with the west. He was deposed a coup d'état by Muammar Gaddafi in 1969.
Emmanuel Iduma	b. 1989, Nigeria Emmanuel Iduma is a respected Nigerian writer. He studied law before embarking on a literary careers. His first novel Farad was published in 2012, and reproduced in the USA as The Sound of Things to Come.
Amaka Igwe	b. 2 January 1954, Enugu, Nigeria, d. 28 April 2014, Enugu, Nigeria Amaka Igwe was a Nigerian filmmaker and broadcasting executive. She was the owner of Top Radio 90.9 Lagos and founder and CEO of Amaka Igwe Studios. She directed several Nollywood films, including Violated.
Osita Iheme	b. 20 February 1982, Mbaitoli, Imo, Nigeria Osita Iheme is a Nigerian actor and played in films such as Aki na Ukwa. In 2007 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards, and was awarded Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Chinedu Ikedieze	b. 12 December 1977, Nigeria Chinedu Ikedieze, originally from Nigeria, is an actor, featuring in films like Aki na Ukwa. In 2007 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards, and awarded Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2010.
Alvan Ikoku	b. 1 August 1900, Arochukwu, Nigeria, d. 18 November 1971, Aba, Nigeria Alvan Ikoku was a renowned educator, statesman, activist and politician. He put forward the 'Education Bill of Rights' for primary school education to free in Nigeria which was then implemented in 1976.
Victor Ikpeba	b. 12 June 1973, Benin City, Nigeria Victor Ikpeba is a Nigerian footballer who has participated in two football World Cups. He also was the recipient of a gold medal in Olympic football and was a member of the winning team at the 1994 African Nations Cup.
Rikki Ililonga	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Rikki Ililonga is a Zambian musician and member of Musi-o-Tunya whose work and music has been accredited to the genre of Zamrock, a psychedelic rock and funk heavily influenced by traditional African music.
Tom Ilube	b. July 1963, Isleworth, United Kingdom Tom Ilube is a tech entrepreneur and founder of the African Gifted Foundation, an education charity focused on science and technology in Africa. He additionally launched the African Science Academy, Africa's first all-girls science and maths academy.
Norbert Ilunga	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Norbert Ilunga is an artist who specialty is in traditional style African art. He paints with oil on paper and his work has appeared in Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris.
Iman	b. 25 July 1955, Mogadishu, Somalia Iman is a Somalian fashion model, actress and entrepreneur. She is also a pioneer in the ethnic-cosmetics market and is noted for her philanthropy.
Dorcus Inzikuru	b. 2 February 1982, Vurra, Arua District, Uganda Dorcus Inzikuru, sometimes spelt Docus, is an international athlete from Uganda. She has represented Uganda in both the World Championships, where she won Gold for her 3000m steeplechase and the Commonwealth Games in 2006, where she also won the Gold in the 300m steeplechase.
Fally Ipupa	b. 14 December 1977, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer and songwriter. He was conductor of the orchestra for the Quartier Latin International. As a solo artist, he won two MTV African Music Awards and a 2013 Trace Award for Best African Artist.
Moses Isegawa	b. 10 August 1963, Kampala, Uganda Moses Isegawa is an author. He has written novels set against the political turmoil of Uganda.
Elizabeth Isichei	b. 22 March 1939, Tauranga, New Zealand Elizabeth Isichei is a Nigerian author and academic educated in New Zealand. She has been a professor in the Department of History in University of Jos, Nigeria. She edits Jos Oral History and Literature Texts.
Sherif Ismail	b. 6 July 1955, Cairo, Egypt Sherif Ismail was the Prime Minister for Egypt (19 September 2015 - 7 June 2018),a role he stepped into after serving as Minister of Petroleum for two years. He is an independent candidate with no political party ties.
Aguila Saleh Issa	b. 11 January 1944, Al Qubbah, Libya Aguila Saleh Issa is the President of the House of Representatives of Libya (5 August 2014 - present) which is the current head of state. His home and town were targeted by ISIL in 2015 which led to numerous deaths.
M'hamed Issiakhem	b. 17 June 1928, Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, d. 1 December 1985, Algiers, Algeria M'hamed Issiakhem was an artist who was one of the founders of the modern Algerian painting.
Mahamadou Issoufou	b. 1951, Dandaji, French West Africa, present-day Niger Mahamadou Issoufou is Nigerien politician who served as the president of Niger from 7 April 2011 to 2 April 2021. He previously led the country in the role of Prime Minister (17 April 1993 - 28 September
Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet	b. 2 April 1961, Makokou, Gabon, d. 11 June 2020, Libreville, Gabon Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet was a Gabonese diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Gabon from 2016 to 2019. Before he assumed his role in Gabonese government he was the Gabon's Permanent Representative to the United Nations for a period.
Eyo Ita	b. 1903, Creek Town, Nigeria, d. 1972, Calabar, Nigeria Eyo Ita was a respected politician and educator that was responsible for founding the Nigerian Youth Movement. The movement is often credited as being the catalyst for Nigerian independence from British rule.
Fernand Iveton	b. 12 January 1926, Algiers, Algeria, d. 11 February 1957, Algiers, Algeria Fernand Iveton was a supporter of the National Liberation Front in Algeria, a group committed to the overthrown of French colonialism. He was guillotined in Barberousse prison.
Noni Jabavu	b. 20 August 1919, Middledrift, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 19 June 2008, East London, South Africa Noni Jabavu was a South African writer, journalist and intellectual. She was the first African woman to be editor of The Strand Magazine, and is renowned for her books Drawn in Colour and The Ochre People.
António Jacinto	b. 28 September 1924, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 23 June 1991, Lisbon Portugal António Jacinto, also known under the pseudonym of Orlando Tavora, was an Angolan poet and politician. He initially began his political career with very vocal political opinions with his poetry which led to a number of arrests and a stint in a concentration camp. He then joined the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) after escaping and served as Minister for Education and Culture, amongst other roles.
Said Mohamed Jaffar	b. 14 April 1918, French Comoros, present-day Comoros, d. 22 October 1993, Place unknown Said Mohamed Jaffar was the 2nd President of Comoros (August 1975 - January 1976) until he handed over the role of government to Ali Soilih.
Zubeida Jaffer	b. 26 January 1958, Cape Town, South Africa Zubeida Jaffer is an award-winning South African journalist who was heavily involved in the resistance against the Apartheid government and is currently one of the most senior black women in the South African media industry.
Salah Jahin	b. 25 December 1930, Cairo, Egypt, d. 21 April 1986, Cairo, Egypt Salah Jahin was an Egyptian musician, cartoonist and poet. Working as a cartoonist he became editor-in-chief for a magazine Sabah el-Khai and worked on Al-Ahram, he later on went to write a number of plays for the puppet theatre. His influence heavily developed colloquial Egyptian poetry.
Emmanuel Jal	b. 1 January 1980, Tonj, Sudan, present-day South Sudan Emmanuel Jal was young when the Sudanese civil war broke out. He channelled his experiences into music, releasing albums mixing hip hop and African beats. His third album War Child featured a stellar line-up including Will Smith, Amy Winehouse and Eddy Grant.
Mustafa Abdul Jalil	b. 1952, Bayda, Libya Mustafa Abdul Jalil who was the transitional head of state as the Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya (5 March 2011 - 8 August 2012) during and after the Libyan Civil War. He had previously served as Minister of Justice under Gaddafi. Prior to his political career he was a judge and had previously tried to reform Libya's criminal code and had spoken out against Gaddafi publicly before the war.
Almerindo Jaka Jamba	b. 21 March 1949, Place unknown, d. 1 April 2018, Angola Almerindo Jaka Jamba was a member of UNITA and was Secretary of State during the transition government in 1975. He has also held the role as Angolan ambassador to UNESCO.
Yahya Jammeh	b. 25 May 1965, Kanilai, Gambia Yahya Jammeh became the 2nd President of Gambia (22 July 1994 - 21 January 2017) following the ousting of Dawda Jawara. He withdrew Gambia from the Commonwealth of Nations and tried to exit the International Criminal Court (later rescinded by the Barrow government). He lost the presidential election against Adama Barrow.
Chrissie Jasson	b. 1928, Place unknown, d. 1999, Place unknown Chrissie Jasson was a South African political activist who was part of the Rivonia Trial, accused of high treason. She was placed in the infamous 'Fort'.
Dawda Jawara	b. 16 May 1924, Barajally, MacCarthy Island Division, British Gambia, present-day Gambia Dawda Jawara holds the title as the 1st President of Gambia (24 April 1970 - 22 July 1994) after his time as Prime Minister of Gambia (12 June 1962 - 24 April 1970) when the country gained its independence. He was overthrown in a coup d'état led by Yahya Jammeh.
Mohamed Osman Jawari	b. 7 December 1945, Afgooye, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Mohamed Osman Jawari was an acting president of Somalia (28 August 2012 - 16 September 2012) whilst they elected a new leader. He is currently the 10th Speaker of Somali Parliament (28 August 2012 - present).
Tahar Ben Jelloun	b. 1 December 1944, Fes, French Protectorate of Morocco, present-day Morocco Tahar Ben Jelloun is a Moroccan author who writes in French. Shortlisted for the Nobel Prize for literature his books, including The Sand Child and The Blinding Absence of Light, have received international acclaim.
Driss Jettou	b. 24 May 1945, El Jadida, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Driss Jettou was the 13th Prime Minister of Morocco (9 October 2002 - 19 September 2007),a seasoned businessman he was able to lead the Moroccan coalition government to a groundbreaking free trade agreement with the United States.
Olalekan Jeyifous	b. 1977, Lomé, Togo Olalekan Jeyifous is a Togolese artist who explores the concept of 'Urban Africa' in a multi-form environment.
Patricia Jobodwana	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Patricia Jobodwana holds the title of not only being the first black woman to graduate from a South African university, but also the youngest beginning her studies in 1955 at the age of 14.
Gail Johnson	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Gail Johnson is the adoptive foster mother of Nkosi Johnson, a young boy who lost his mother to HIV and was a sufferer himself. She has since set up Nkosi's Haven and offers holistic care and support for destitute HIV/AIDS infected mothers, children and the orphans of AIDS.
Hilary R. W. Johnson	b. 1 June 1837, Monrovia, Liberia, d. 1901, Monrovia, Liberia Hilary R. W. Johnson was the 11th President of Liberia (7 January 1884 - 4 January 1892) and the first to be born in Liberia itself. He was supported by the then President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, but when requested for support during an internal uprising was refused held by the U.S. Secretary of State.
Joseph William de Graft-Johnson	b. 1860, Place unknown, d. 1928, Cape Coast, Ghana Kwesi Johnson was the popular name for Joseph William de Graft-Johnson, He was one of the founding members of Aborigines' Rights Protection Society, as well as a notable icon in Cape Coast civic affairs and a business owner.
Goodluck Jonathan	b. 20 November 1957, Ogbia, Bayelsa, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan has held office in Nigeria first as Vice-President (29 May 2007 - 5 May 2010) under Umaru Yar'Adua, and then as President of Nigeria (5 May 2010 - 29 May 2015) following the death of the incumbent. He lost the 2015 election and was the first to do so democratically. It is under his presidency that Boko Aram started multiplying attacks in Northern Nigeria leading to the 2014 striking abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok. Most of the girls have still not been found yet. In 2017 it was revealed that Goodluck had rejected British offer to rescue the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.
Ingrid Jonker	b. 19 September 1933, Douglas, Kimberley, Cape Province, present-day Northern Cape, South Africa, d. 19 July 1965, Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town, South Africa Ingrid Jonker was a notable South African writer and poet, often compared to Sylvia Plath. She wrote poems in Afrikaans and was very outspoken against her father's stance in politics. She lived a very intense life, culminating in her suicide at the age of 32.
Archibald Campbell Jordan	b. 30 October 1906, Transkei, South Africa, d. 20 October 1968, United States Archibald Campbell Jordan was a novelist, literary historian and intellectual pioneer of African studies in South Africa.
Paulo Teixeira Jorge	b. Date and year unknown, Benguela, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 26 June 2010, Luanda, Angola Paulo Teixeira Jorge was a Foreign Minister of Angola and the president of the National Assembly of Angola. He was one of the earliest leaders in the struggle for independence against the Portuguese.
Elsa Joubert	b. 19 October 1922, Paarl, Western Cape Elsa Joubert is a Sestigers Afrikaans-language writer. She rose to prominence with her novel Die swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, which was translated into 13 languages.
Anerood Jugnauth	b. 29 March 1930, La Caverne, British Mauritius, present-day Mauritius Anerood Jugnauth has served as President of Mauritius (7 October 2003 - 31 March 2012) and Prime Minister of Mauritius (16 June 1982 - 22 December 1995, 17 September 2000 - 30 September 2003 and 17 December 2014 - 23 January 2017). He has worked in politics for many years and holds the title of Sir, one of the last Mauritian Knights of the United Kingdom.
Calestous Juma	b. 19 June 1953, Kenya, d. 15 December 2017, Boston, United States of America Calestous Juma was a scientist and professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. He founded the African Centre for Technology Studies, Africa's first independent policy research institution designed to advance research on technology in development. He has made significant contributions to understanding the dynamic role of technological innovation in economic transformation in developing countries and contributed to biodiversity conservation on a global level.
Miftah Muhammed K'eba	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Miftah Muhammed K'eba was the Secretary General of the General People's Congress of Libya (3 March 2008 - 5 March 2009),this role was a head of state role and he also held the role of Secretary of Justice for Libya in the 80s.
K'naan	b. 1 February 1978, Mogadishu, Banaadir, Somalia K'naan, born Keinan Abdi Warsame, is a Somali-Canadian poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist. He rose to prominence with the success of his single "Wavin' Flag", which was chosen as Coca-Cola's promotional anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Abdou Anta Ka	b. 1931, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 1999, Place unknown Abdou Anta Ka is a celebrated Senegalese writer and playwright. One of his most famous works is a collection of plays called Quatre pièces.
Nadia Kaabi-Linke	b. 1978, Tunis, Tunisia Nadia Kaabi-Linke is a Tunisian visual artist best known for her conceptual art and 2011 sculpture Flying Carpets.
Haroun Kabadi	b. 29 April 1949, Place unknown Haroun Kabadi was Prime Minister of Chad (June 2002 - June 2003) and has also held the office of President of the National Assembly of Chad. He has held a number of different roles within government such as Minister of State for Agriculture and Secretary-General of the Presidency.
Sylvestre Kaballa	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sylvestre Kaballa is a Congolese artist whose work appeared in a retrospective exhibition dedicated to artists from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His work portrays bright colours and birds from the Congolese landscape.
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah	b. 16 February 1932, Pendembu, Kailahun District, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. 13 March 2014, Freetown, Sierra Leone Ahmad Tejan Kabbah was elected to office as President of Sierra Leone (29 March 1996 - 25 May 1997 and 10 March 1998 - 17 September 2007). In his inauguration speech he promised to end the civil war which he managed to achieve in his second term.
Joseph Kabila	b. 4 June 1971, Fizi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Joseph Kabila is the current President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (26 January 2001 - present) and the son of Laurent-Désiré Kabila. Following his father's assassination he inherited the presidency and was the first world leader to be born in 1970s.
Laurent-Désiré Kabila	b. 27 November 1939, Moba, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 16 January 2001, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Laurent-Désiré Kabila was the 3rd President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (17 May 1997 - 16 January 2001) and was a known revolutionary prior to his presidency. He was assassinated in 2001 by one of his bodyguards.
Gaston Kaboré	b. 1951, Bobo-Dioulasso, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Gaston Kaboré is a Burkinabé film director and an important figure in Burkina Faso's film industry. He has won awards for his films Wend Kuuni and Buud Yam.
Roch Marc Christian Kaboré	b. 25 April 1957, Ouagadougou, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kaboré is the President of Burkina Faso (29 December 2015) having won the general election held in November 2015 in the first round. He is the first non-interim president in 49 years without any connections to the military, since coming to power he personally took charge of defence and veteran affairs until February 2017. In addition to his presidency he was the 2nd Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (22 March 1994 - 6 February 1996).
Theresa Kachindamoto	b. Date unknown, Malawi Theresa Kachindamoto is the Inkosi (paramount Chief) of the Dedza District within Malawi. Since she was assigned the role she has made it her work to annul child marriages and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Her changes to customary laws have assisted with an increase of children remaining in education and her methods are being replicated by the United Nations and UNICEF in other rural areas.
Nancy Kacungira	b. 11 October 1986, Tanzania Nancy Kacungira is a Ugandan journalist, news anchor and television personality. She has won numerous awards for her journalism and became the presenter of BBC World News' Focus on Africa in 2017.
Rebecca Kadaga	b. 24 May 1956, Kamuli, Uganda Rebecca Kadaga is a politician and lawyer from Uganda. She has two roles within the government both as Member of Parliament for the Kamuli District and as the first female to be elected Speaker. She has been criticised for her pushing of the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill which was passed in 2014 but has been deemed invalid.
Clements Kadalie	b. April 1896, Chifara village, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi, d. 1951, Place unknown Clements Kadalie was the first black national trade union leader in South Africa. After settling in Cape Town in 1918 he founded the Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union of Africa, which eventually grew to over 100,000 members, making it Africa's largest labour union.
Eddie Kadi	b. 18 May 1983, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Eddie Kadi is a comedian and actor. He also served as a presenter on BBC 1Xtra, in addition to being a voiceover in the animated TV series Tinga Tinga Tales.
Michel Kafando	b. 18 August 1942, Ouagadougou, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Michel Kafando was a transitional president of Burkina Faso (23 September 2015 - 29 December 2015) following the uprising in 2015. He was temporarily ousted in the September 2015 coup but returned to his position within a week. He handed the presidency to Roch Marc Christian Kaboré after the November 2015 general election.
Ali Kafi	b. 7 October 1928, El Harrouch, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 16 April 2013, Geneva, Switzerland Ali Kafi held the role of Chairman of the High Council of State for Algeria (2 July 1992 - 31 January 1994) after his predecessor Mohamed Boudiaf was assassinated. Because of a military intervention, he was considered head of state. Having fought for Algerian independence in the underground he had a long military career before taking on the role within the Council of State.
Alexis Kagame	b. 15 May 1912, Kiyanza, German East Africa, present-day Rwanda, d. 2 December 1981, Nairobi, Kenya Alexis Kagame was a historian and philosopher, specifically in the field of ethnophilosophy and ethnohistory. He was also a political spokesperson and was often representative of the Tutsi class.
Paul Kagame	b. 23 October 1957, Tambwe, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda Paul Kagame is the 4th President of Rwanda (22 April 2000 - present). He was involved with a number of conflicts including the Ugandan Bush War and the Rwandan Civil War. During the Rwandan genocide he warned that the civil war would resume if the murders did not cease, and led the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) army to takeover the country in July 1994, assuming his role as vice-president of the country. After standing in as interim president, he was voted in as President. He has since then been re-elected numerous times and changed policy in the country so there is no limit to his term. Under his presidency Rwanda has experienced an economic miracle. Yet human rights groups accuse him of political repression.
Allen Kagina	b. 1961, Rukungiri District, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda Allen Kagina is an administrator from Uganda. She has held numerous roles in government of Uganda, most notably as the director general of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and her position as the executive director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA).
Grégoire Kayibanda	b. 1 May 1924, Tare, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda, d. 15 December 1976, Place unknown Grégoire Kayibanda was the 1st President of Rwanda (1 July 1962 - 5 July 1973),taking over from the interim presidency of Dominique Mbonyumutwa when he was democratically elected. As Rwanda was a colony of Belgium, Kayibanda created the Parmehutu or Party of the Hutu Emancipation Movement. An advocate of the 'Hutu emancipation' he authored a manifesto in 1957, entitled 'Bahutu Manifesto'. In 1973 there was a military coup by the defence minister Major General Juvénal Habyarimana, and although it was deemed "bloodless", it is believed Kayibanda and his wife were starved to death whilst being held by the new government.
Barbara Kaija	b. 1976, Uganda Barbara Kaija is the Editor-in-Chief of the Vision Group of newspapers in Uganda. Her journalism career kick started in 1992, when she started out as a sub-editor. She was the first Ugandan woman to become a chief editor on a Ugandan major newspaper.
Moussa Kalapo	b. 1983, Bamako, Mali Moussa Kalapo is a photojournalist who has carried out work for several NGOs. He was the winner of the 2nd Innovation Prize at the 3rd edition of Quinzaine de la Photographie in Benin in 2016 for his series "Modern Slavery".
Noerine Kaleeba	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Noerine Kaleeba is a physiotherapist from Uganda who helped to found The AIDS Support Organisation following the death of her husband who had contracted the illness through his work.
Raphaël Kalela	b. 10 February 1970, Casablanca, Morocco Raphaël Kalela was an artist whose work was closely aligned with traditional art of the Congo. His work was exhibited in the Beauté Congo - 1926-2015 - Congo Kitoko, held by the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris.
Esther Kalenzi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Esther Kalenzi is a Ugandan philanthropist and activist who has set up a charity to help orphans and disadvantaged children of Uganda. The charity 40 - 40 provides living accommodation and education to improve the lives and continue development in Uganda.
Jean-Bosco Kamba	b. 1939, Democratic Republic of the Congo Jean-Bosco Kamba is an artist who paints bright and vibrant scenes of Congolese life.
Bakari Kamian	b. 1928, San, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 11 December 2016, Tunisia Bakari Kamian was a Malian historian and writer. He won a number of awards including Commander of the National Order of Guinea and National Order of the Lion Senegal.
Mahamat Kamoun	b. 13 November 1961, N'Délé, Central African Republic Mahamat Kamoun is a Central African politician who was the Prime Minister of the Central African Republic in an interim capacity (10 August 2014 - 2 April 2016). He was the country's first Muslim Prime Minister.
Admire Kamudzengerere	b. 1981, Harare, Zimbabwe Admire Kamudzengerere is a contemporary artist. His work addresses the political violence and upheaval in his home country, while tying into more universal themes, such as relationships, identity politics and displacement.
Daniel Kamwa	b. 14 April 1943, Nkongsamba, Cameroon Daniel Kamwa studied in Paris before producing his debut film Boubou-cravate in 1973. His film Our Daughter was entered into the 12th Moscow International Film Festival.
Peterson Kamwathi	b. 1980, Nairobi, Kenya Peterson Kamwathi is a Kenyan artist who in his work explores African culture and contemporary issues.
Abdoulaye Élimane Kane	b. 6 October 1941, Kayes, French Sudan, present-day Mali Abdoulaye Élimane Kane is a Malian politician and philosophy professor. He held the role of Ministry of Education in Mali's government and then went onto hold the role of Minister of Culture.
Cheikh Hamidou Kane	b. 2 April 1928, Matam, Senegal Cheikh Ahmidou Kane is an author, best known for L'Aventure ambiguë (Ambiguous Adventure),a tale of a Senegalese boy who loses touch with his African heritage and Islamic roots when he goes to study in France. It won the prestigious Grand Prix Littéraire d'Afrique Noire in 1962.
Selly Raby Kane	b. Date and year unknown, Dakar, Senegal Selly Raby Kane is a Senegalese fashion designer and a member of an up and coming movement of Senegalese creatives. She uses an eclectic mix of traditional West African fabrics with things such as PVC and fake hair for her work.
Atandwa Kani	b. Date and year unknown, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Atandwa Kani is an actor from South Africa. He is a Shakespearean actor, performing in The Tempest and has appeared in both Life is Wild and Wild at Heart.
John Kani	b. 30 August 1943, New Brighton, Eastern Cape, South Africa John Kani is a director, actor and playwright. He co-wrote and acted in Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island. He won Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play for both productions. He was also in the film Black Panther.
Frédéric Kanouté	b. 2 September 1977, Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon, France Frédéric Kanouté is a retired Malian professional footballer who played as a striker for several top-tier clubs in Europe, enjoying his greatest success with La Liga side Sevilla FC. Kanouté was named the 2007 African Footballer of the Year.
Anne Kansiime	b. 13 April 1986, Rukiga District, Uganda Anne Kansiime is a comedian and actress. She has won several awards including Outstanding Female Comedian in 2016 and the African Oscar Award for favourite comedian in 2015.
Mory Kanté	b. 29 March 1950, Albadaria, French Guinea, present-day Guinea Mory Kanté is a Guinean musician and singer who is known for playing the kora harp. He reached international chart success with his single Yé ké yé ké in the 1980s, the single also sold over a million copies and was the first African single in history to do so.
Nwankwo Kanu	b. 1 August 1976, Imo, Nigeria Nwankwo Kanu is a retired footballer who played as a forward. He was a member of the Nigerian national team.
Yahya Kanu	b. Date unknown, Magburaka, Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone, d. 29 December 1992, Sierra Leone Yahya Kanu was a colonel that played a part in the 1992 coup in Sierra Leone. Many have said that he was the lead instigator but then spoke out saying that he was trying to resolve the crisis. He was taken hostage by Valentine Strasser who executed him.
Simon Kapwepwe	b. 12 April 1922, Chinsali, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 26 January 1980, Chinsali, Zambia Simon Kapwepwe was the second vice-president of Zambia. He fought alongside Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president, for independence from colonial rule.
Tahir Carl Karmali	b. 1987, Nairobi, Kenya Tahir Carl Karmali is a Kenyan visual artist who uses photography and digital mediums. His interests lie in narrating outlier communities.
Nabil Karoui	b. 1 August 1963, Bizerte, Tunisia Nabil Karoui is a businessman and one of the main actors in the Tunisian advertising world. He is head of Karoui & Karoui World and Nessma TV.
Martha Karua	b. 22 September 1957, Kirinyaga County, Kenya Martha Karua is a Kenyan politician who served as the MP for the Gichugu constituency and is an advocate for the High Court of Kenya. In her legal career she was appointed a magistrate at 24 and has specialised in the development of family law, and in human rights cases during uncertain times. She ran for the presidency of Kenya but had to give her parliament seat up to run.
Jackie Karuti	b. 1987, Nairobi, Kenya Jackie Karuti is an artist from Kenya who works with installation, video and performance to explore themes of death, sexuality, identity and urban culture.
Joseph Kasa-Vubu	b. Date and year unknown, Mayombe, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 24 March 1969, Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo Joseph Kasa-Vubu was the 1st President of the Republic of the Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, (1 July 1960 - 1 August 1964) working with Prime Minister Patrice Lumbaba when he first came to office.
Dorothy Kashaija	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Dorothy Kashaija was an attendee and founding member at the first ever Pan-African Women's Organisation (PAWO) in 1962 held in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania.
Paulo Kassoma	b. 6 June 1951, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Paulo Kassoma was the 5th Prime Minister of Angola (20 September 2008 - 5 February 2010) and also the final one as a change of constitution abolished the position. He has then served as the President of the National Assembly of Angola (9 February 2010 - 27 September 2012).
Florence Kasumba	b. 26 October 1976, Kampala, Uganda Florence Kasumba is an actress who began her career performing in musicals. She played Senator Acantha in Wonder Woman and the Wicked Witch of the East in the NBC television series Emerald City.
Josephine Kasya	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Josephine Kasya is the governor of Kanungu District and is the first Ugandan woman to head a district. She has promoted education of both parents and children in the district, as well as improved childcare and nutrition.
Faraji H. H. Katalambulla	b. 1942, Tanzania Faraji H. H. Katalambulla is a Tanzanian writer. Among his work is Simu ya Kifo (Death Call),a crime thriller. He was at the forefront of the resurgence of writing in Swahili in Tanzania after the mid-1960s.
Kiripi Katembo	b. 20 June 1979, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 5 August 2015, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kiripi Katembo was a photographer, documentary filmmaker and painter. His short films and photography focused on the daily lives of the people of Kinshasa.
Odile Gakire Katese	b. Date and year unknown, Democratic Republic of Congo Odile Gakire Katese is a playwright and director. She is the creator of Ingoma Nshya, Rwanda's first women's drumming company as well as Amizero Dance Kompagnie, Rwanda's first professional contemporary dance company.
Ahmed Kathrada	b. 21 August 1929, Schweizer-Reneke, Transvaal Province, Union of South Africa, d. 28 March 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa Ahmed Kathrada, also known as Kathy, was a political activist against the South African Apartheid. He is credited for authoring a book No Bread for Mandela - Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, Prison No. 468/64, detailing the incarceration of those in the Rivonia Trial.
Bronwyn Katz	b. 1993, Kimberley, South Africa Bronwyn Katz is a South African artist whose work incorporates sculpture, installation, video and performance.
Kenneth Kaunda	b. 28 April 1924, Chinsali, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, also known as 'KK', was the 1st President of Zambia (24 October 1964 - 2 November 1991). When he came into power he sought to improve the education system and created opportunities for free supplies so more students could go through education. He banned all other political parties in 1972 and in 1973 there was an economic crisis in Zambia due to an oil crisis. On 28 May 1975 was made Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry.
Joanita Kawalya	b. 1 May 1967, Uganda Joanita Kawalya is a Ugandan musician and activist. Her father was also a well known singer and following a career in teaching, she left to pursue music full time. She is a member of Afrigo Band and has supported a number of programmes including a mentorship programme and HIV/AIDS organisations.
Legson Kayira	b. 1942, Mpale, present-day Malawi, d. 14 October 2012, London, United Kingdom Legson Kayira was a novelist. His early works focused on Malawi's rural life, while his later writings satirised the Hastings Banda regime.
Specioza Kazibwe	b. 1 July 1954, Iganga, Uganda Specioza Kazibwe is a Ugandan politician and held the role of Vice-President of Uganda between 1994 and 2003. She also a trained surgeon and the United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Liya Kebede	b. 1 March 1978, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Liya Kebede is a supermodel and actress. She has modelled for Gucci, Vogue and Estée Lauder, and starred in the film Desert Flower. She also appointed the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and founded the Liya Kebede Foundation, whose mission is to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality in Ethiopia and around the world.
Ponatshego Kedikilwe	b. 7 July 1938, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Ponatshego Kedkilwe was the 7th Vice-President of Botswana (31 July 2012 - 12 November 2014) under the presidency of Ian Khama. He has worked as the minister of Minerals, Energy, and Water Resources. He was first elected to the National Assembly as the Member of Parliament for Mmadinare in 1984.
Aoua Kéita	b. 1912, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 1980, Bamako, Mali Aoua Kéita was an award-winning Malian independence activist, writer and politician. She obtained a diploma in midwifery before working for the French colonial government. Marriage to Dr. Daouda Diawara kindled her interest in politics and she joined the African Democratic Rally (RDA). In 1959 she became a Member of Parliament, the first woman in French-speaking Africa to be elected to the assembly governing her country.
Fatou Keïta	b. 1965, Soubré, Côte d'Ivoire Fatou Keïta is an Ivorian writer of children's books and novels, having studied in the USA and England. She has won awards for her writing for children. Her debut novel Rebelle (1998) deals with female genital cutting.
Fodéba Keïta	b. 19 January 1921, Siguiri, Guinea, d. 27 May 1969, Camp Boro, Guinea Fodéba Keïta published the poetry collection Poèmes africains (1950),the novel Le Maître d'école (1952),and in 1957, Keïta wrote and staged the narrative poem African Dawn as a theatre-ballet based on the shooting by French troops of protesting Africans who had served in the French army during World War II.
Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta	b. 29 January 1945, Koutiala, French Sudan, present-day Mali Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is the current President of Mali (4 September 2013 - present). Previously he was Prime Minister of Mali (4 February 1994 - 15 February 2000) and held the role as President of the National Assembly of Mali as well.
Mama Keïta	b. 1956, Dakar, Senegal Mama Keïta is a Senegalese filmmaker. He has directed and produced a documentary and several long feature films.
Modibo Keita	b. 4 June 1915, Bamako Coura, Upper Senegal and Niger, present-day Mali, d. 16 May 1977, Bamako, Mali Modibo Keïta was the 1st President of Mali (20 November 1960 - 19 November 1968). A Pan-Africanist, with the President of Senegal Senghor, they formed the Mali Federation consisted of French Sudan and Senegal. General Moussa Traoré overthrew Modibo Keïta in a military coup d'état in 1968 and sent him to prison in the northern Malian town of Kidal.
Modibo Sounkalo Keita	b. 1948, French Sudan, present-day Mali Modibo Sounkalo Keita is a Malian writer and journalist. His novels are mainly crime fiction written in French about African cases.
Salif Keïta	b. 8 December 1946, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali Salif Keïta, also known as Keita, is a Malian footballer who played the position of striker during his career. As well as a nine year career on the Mali national team he played for clubs such as Marseille and New England Tea Men, as well as Real Bamako.
Seydou Keita	b. 16 January 1980, Bamako, Mali Seydou Keita is a Malian footballer who plays in a number of positions. Playing for international clubs such as Lens, Barcelona and Marseille, Keita represented Mali on the national team for over 102 matches.
Mary Jepkosgei Keitany	b. 18 January 1982, Kabarnet, Kenya Mary Jepkogei Keitany is a Kenyan long-distance runner and set the world record in the women's marathon of 2:17:01, at the 2017 London Marathon.
Tunde Kelani	b. 26 February 1948, Lagos, Nigeria Tunde Kelani is a filmmaker known for his literary and theatrical adaptations to cinema. He is the founder of Mainframe Films and Television Productions and produced movies such as Ti Oluwa Nile.
Gaston Kelman	b. 1 September 1953, Douala, Cameroon Gaston Kelman entered seminary on September 15, 1965. Originally from Cameroon, he finally obtained a master's degree in literature in England. He is a regular speaker of the radio show Les Grandes Gueules on RMC.
Tirunesh Dibaba	b. 1 June 1985, Bekoji, Ethiopia Tirunesh Dibaba Kenene is an Ethiopian long-distance runner and track and field athlete. She has 14 gold medals, 3 of which are Olympic golds, and is the current world record holder for the outdoor 5000m race.
William Kentridge	b. 1955, Johannesburg, South Africa William Kentridge is a South African artist who works in print and animation. His animation style is meticulous through erasing and filming images in charcoal and pastels.
Jomo Kenyatta	b. 1897, Gatundu, British East Africa, present-day Kenya, d. 22 August 1978, Mombasa Coast, Kenya Jomo Kenyatta was the 1st President of Kenya (12 December 1964 - 22 August 1978) following its independence from the British. He was the first black head of state and also held the role of the 1st Prime Minister of Kenya (1 June 1963 - 12 December 1964) before the republic.
Margaret Kenyatta	b. 16 February 1928, Nairobi, Kenya, d. 5 April 2017, Nairobi, Kenya Margaret Kenyatta was a Kenyan politician. She served as the Mayor of Nairobi from 1970 to 1976 and as Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1976 to 1986.
Uhuru Kenyatta	b. 26 October 1961, Nairobi, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta is the current President of Kenya (9 April 2013 - present) and the son of Jomo Kenyatta who was the first president of the independent country. His election was challenged by Raila Odinga and a new election had to be undertaken. He won but the turnout was low.
Francis Kéré	b. 1965, Gando, Burkina Faso Francis Kéré is an architect from Burkina Faso and founder of the Association Schulbausteine für Gando. He is known for his architectural projects in Gando as well as the Zhou Shan Harbour Development in China. He is the recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture.
Mathieu Kérékou	b. 2 September 1933, Kouarfa, French Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 14 October 2015, Cotonou, Benin Kérékou served as the 4th and 6th President of Benin (26 October 1972 - 4 April 1991 and 4 April 1996 - 6 April 2006). He came to power following a military coup and until he was stripped of his powers, led the country for 19 years. He was later re-elected for two terms and considered his political leanings at Marxist-Leninist.
Ahmed Keshta	b. 1978, Giza, Egypt Ahmed Keshta is an Egyptian self-professed "Renaissance" artist with a contemporary edge.
Euphrase Kezilahabi	b. 13 April 1944, Ukerewe, Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania Euphrase Kezilahabi is a novelist and poet from Tanzania. A writer in Swahili, he has delivered talks on subjects such as 'The Concept of the Hero in African Fiction.' His works include Rosa Mistika (1988) and Mzingile (1991).
Lebohang Kganye	b. 1990, Katelhong, South Africa Lebohang Kganye is an artist and photographer who has had several exhibitions in South Africa.
Theo Kgosinkwe	b. 15 August 1973, Kagiso, South Africa Theo Kgosinkwe is a South African singer, songwriter and member of the group Mafikizolo. Mafikizolo won ten South African Music Awards including Album of the Year in 2014.
Mohammed Khadda	b. 14 March 1930, Mostaganem, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 4 May 1991, Algiers, Algeria Mohammed Khadda was an Algerian artist and writer. His work reflected both traditional Arabic calligraphy and cubism and the influence made him one of the most known and respected contemporary painter and sculptors in Algeria.
Khaled	b. 29 February, 1960, Oran, Algeria Khaled is an Algerian musician who has achieved international success and performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His most well-known songs are C'est la vie and Didi.
Basma Khalfaoui	b. 1971, Tunisia Basma Khalfaoui is a Tunisian personality who became well-known following the assassination of her ex-husband Chokri Belaïd, prior to the revolution in Tunisia. She has since become a vocal activist in pro-democracy.
Ian Khama	b. 27 February 1953, Chertsey, United Kingdom Ian Khama was the 4th President of Botswana (1 April 2008 - 31 March 2018) and son of Seretse Khama, 1st President of Botswana. Under his presidency he set up the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) which is the Botswana equivalent to the FBI. He stood against the Zimbabwean government by not recognising the government until Mugabe was made to resign.
Seretse Khama	b. 1 July 1921, Serowe, Bechuanaland, present-day Botswana, d. 13 July 1980, Gaborone, Botswana Seretse Khama was born into the royal bloodline of the Bamangwato people. He married a British woman named Ruth Williams alarming both the Union of South Africa and the elders of his tribe with their interracial marriage. They were exiled but by the time Botswana gained its independence they had returned as private citizens, and then automatically became its first President (30 September 1966 - 13 July 1980).
Said Ahmed Mohamed	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Said Ahmed Mohammed Khamis is a reputed writer in the Swahili language. He wrote a number a books such as Asali Chungu (Bitter Honey) and Duniani Kuna Watu. He also held the role as professor of African Literature in a German university.
Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa	b. 1 August 1957, Inhaminga, Mozambique Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa is a writer from Mozambique. He started his career as a writer with the publication of several short stories and was one of the founders of the magazine Churrua.
Leleti Khumalo	b. 30 March 1970, KwaMashu, South Africa Leleti Khumalo is a South African actress who starred in the Broadway production and film Sarafina! and films such as Hotel Rwanda, Yesterday and Winnie Mandela.
Doctor Khumalo	b. 26 June 1967, Soweto, South Africa Doctor Khumalo is best know for his midfield role with Kaizer Chiefs, as well as the South African national team whom he represented at the 1998 World Cup. As a star player for the Chiefs he made almost 400 appearances.
Joseph Ki-Zerbo	b. 21 June 1922, Nayala, Burkina Faso, d. 4 December 2006, Burkina Faso Joseph Ki-Zerbo was a historian, politician and writer from Burkina Faso. He is recognised as one of Africa's foremost thinkers.
Mwai Kibaki	b. 15 November 1931, Gatuyaini, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Mwai Kibaki was the 3rd President of Kenya (30 December 2002 - 9 April 2013) and had also been the Vice-President of Kenya in the 70s and 80s (14 October 1978 - 24 March 1988).
Mwenze Kibwanga	b. July 1925, Kilmba, Katanga, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 1999, Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo Mwenze Kibwanga was an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo who specialised in a style of indigenous art. He painted in oils and some of his work is held in the Rockefeller Museum in New York City.
Angélique Kidjo	b. 14 July 1960, Cotonou, Dahomey, present-day Benin Angélique Kidjoe is a singer songwriter and activist. She is a three-time Grammy Award winner, was recipient of the Ambassador Of Conscience Award from Amnesty International in 2016 and The Guardian listed her as one of its Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World.
Kidum	b. 28 October 1974, Kinama, Burundi Kidum is a musician from Burundi who performs throughout Africa. He was named Best Male Artist of East Africa at the 2012 Kora Awards. He has also been named as Ambassador for Peace.
Maggie Kigozi	b. 5 July 1950, Fort Portal, Uganda Maggie Kigozi is a medical doctor from Uganda and also works as a consultant to the United National Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the executive director for the Uganda Investment Authority. She is also the president of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.
Wanjiru Kihoro	b. 9 September 1953, Kenya, d. 12 October 2006, Nairobi, Kenya Wanjiru Kihoro was a prolific Kenyan economist and feminist activist. She was a founder of the Pan-African women's group Akina Mama wa Afrika and worked to free political prisoners during the governance of Daniel arap Moi. She died following a plane crash which led to her being in a four year coma.
Laetitia Kikonyogo	b. 2 September 1950, Uganda, d. 23 November 2017, Mulago, Kampala, Uganda Laeticia Kikonyogo was a Ugandan lawyer and judge. She held the role of Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda and was called to the Bar in the United Kingdom as well.
Jakaya Kikwete	b. 7 October 1951, Msoga, Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete was the 4th President of Tanzania (21 December 2005 - 5 November 2015). In some of his other roles within government, such as his time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he and his office were credited with being a huge part of bringing peace in the Great Lakes region.
Oscar Kilima	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Oscar Kilima is a Congolese artist who attended the Elisabethville School. His work takes traditional African art and mixes it with a contemporary twist, placing him alongside other artists such as Norbert Ilunga and Pilipili Mulongoy.
Dennis Kimetto	b. 22 January 1984, Kenya Dennis Kimetto is a Kenyan long-distance runner who held the world record in the men's marathon of 2:02:57, set at the Berlin Marathon in 2014.
Charles D. B. King	b. 12 March 1875, Monrovia, Liberia, d. 4 September 1961, Monrovia, Liberia Charles D. B. King served Liberia as the 17th President (5 January 1920 - 3 December 1930) and was able to gain a loan from the American government and get the Firestone Rubber Company to start exporting from Liberia, bolstering their struggling economy.
Bodys Isek Kingelez	b. 1948, Kimbebele-Ihunga, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 14 March 2015, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Bodys Isek Kingelez was a self-taught artist and sculptor from the Democratic Republic of Congo who achieved international repute for his work. He would create cities from recyclable materials called Extreme Models, some of which would be true to life and some of which would be more fantastical and futuristic.
Sylvie Kinigi	b. 1952, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Sylvie Kinigi was acting president of Burundi (27 October 1993 - 5 February 1994) and Prime Minister of Burundi (10 July 1993 - 7 February 1994),the first and only female to hold these positions. When Melchior Ndadaye was assassinated she took refuge in the French embassy and was able to survive the violence, bringing together a group of ministers build an interim government. Parliament elected Cyprien Ntaryamira as the new president in January 1994, a Hutu. Kinigi respected the election of Cyprien Ntaryamira, but resigned as prime minister and left the country.
Eliud Kipchoge	b. 5 November 1984, Kapsisiywa, Kenya Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner and 2016 Olympic gold medallist in the marathon. In 2017 he was a part of the Nike Breaking2 project and ran a 2:00:25 marathon on the Monza racetrack in Italy.
Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon	b. 10 January 1994, Bomet, Kenya Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon is a track and field athlete who won a gold medal for Kenya in the 2016 Olympics with a world record time in the 1500 m of 3:56:41.
Muthoni wa Kirima	b. 1931, Kenya Muthoni wa Kirima was a top-ranking member of the Land Freedom Army (Mau Mau),Kenya's liberation movement in the final days of British colonial rule. She was the only female fighter to attain the rank of field-marshal. She served as a councilor in 1990 and was awarded the Head of State Commendation by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2014.
Norma Kitson	b. 18 August 1933, Berea, Durban, South African, d. 12 June 2002, Harare, Zimbabwe Norma Kitson was a political activist, most notable in her actions pertaining to South African's Apartheid. She joined the South African Communist Party in the 1950s but was exiled after her husband was jailed, and fought for the cause from London where she would often protest outside South Africa House.
Alice Mbenya Kivuvani	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Alice Mbenya Kivuvani was a founder of the Pan-African Women's organisation, hailing from Kenya. She was an attendee at the Conference of African Women in Tanganika, present-day Tanzania in July 1962.
Maria Kiwanuka	b. 12 May 1955, Kampala, Uganda Maria Kiwanuka is a politician from Uganda, as well as a well-respected economist. She is a senior advisor in financial matters to the president and has also held roles as the managing director of Radio One and Radio Two in Uganda.
Thandi Klaasen	b. 27 September 1931, Sophiatown, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 15 January 2017, Place unknown Thandi Klaasen was a South African jazz musician and received international praise and acclaim for her work. She received the lifetime achievement award for her services to the industry at the South African Music Awards in 2006.
Komi Sélom Klassou	b. 10 February 1960, Notsé, Togoland, present-day Togo Komi Sélom Klassou is the Prime Minister of Togo (10 June 2015 - present). He has held roles as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and was the First Vice President of the National Assembly of Togo.
Richardene Kloppers	b. 5 January 1926, Keetmanshoop, Namibia, d. 16 May 2009, Place unknown Richardene Kloppers was the first qualified black female teacher in Namibia and the first one to start a multi-racial school in the Apartheid era.
Assetou Koité	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Assetou Koité held the role of President of the Pan-African Women's Organisation (PAWO) and spoke at the 2013 anniversary of the founding of the group.
Habib Koité	b. 27 January 1958, Thiès, Senegal Habib Koité is a Malian musician, singer, songwriter based in Mali. His band, Bamada, is a supergroup of West African musicians, which included Kélétigui Diabaté on balafon until his death in 2012.
Susanna Helena Kok	b. 4 July 1911, Brandfort, Orange Free State, present-day Free State, South Africa, d. 4 November 1985, Pretoria, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Susanna Kok was a medical missionary and having worked extensively with leprosy patients discovered a new skin disease called Mkar. Her work and publications dispelled many of the myths regarding leprosy and led to the treatment and advancement against the disease.
Jems Robert Koko Bi	b. 1966, Sifra, Côte d'Ivoire Jems Koko Robert Bi is an Ivorian sculptor who uses wood in his sculptures. His work also includes performances.
André Kolingba	b. 12 August 1936, Bangui, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 7 February 2010, Paris, France André Kolingba was the 4th President of the Central African Republic (21 September 1985 - 22 October 1993),replacing David Dacko after gaining the position in a bloodless coup. He was renowned for being very close to the French and submitted a new constitution to be voted for at referendum. He lost his position after Ange-Félix Patassé beat him in a general election.
Souleymane Koly	b. 18 August 1944, N'Zérékoré, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 1 August 2014, Conakry, Guinea Souleymane Koly was a famous choreographer, director and producer from Guinea. After moving to Côte d'Ivoire he set up the Kotéba Group of Abidjan and the "3 Go" group.
Sunjata Koly	b. 1971, Parus, France Sunjata Koly is a French-Guinean writer, musician and filmmaker. He has released a number of films and documentaries such as Gaou and wrote novels such as Kalashnikov Blues.
Linda Komape	b. 1949, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Linda Komape is a South African trade unionist who started out in the Metal and Allied Workers Union, moving on to founding the Transport and General Workers Union.
Adame Ba Konaré	b. 1 May 1947, Segu, Mali Adame Ba Konaré is a Malian historian and former First Lady of Mali (26 March 1999 - 8 June 2002). She co-wrote a history book with her husband, Alpha Oumar Konaré, Grande Dates Du Mali, and has gone on to write a number of other works and also set up Muso Kunda, a women's museum.
Alpha Oumar Konaré	b. 2 February 1946, Kayes, French Sudan, present-day Mali Alpha Oumar Konaré was the 3rd President of Mali (8 June 1992 - 8 June 2002). Along with his political career he was also a dedicated scholar. He founded a newspaper and Mali's first free radio station. He was Chairperson of the African Union Commission from 2003 to 2008.
Abdoulaye Konaté	b. 1953, Diré, Mali Abdoulaye Konaté is a Malian artist whose work primarily takes the form of textile-based installations that explore socio-political and environmental issues.
Dialiba Konaté	b. 1942, Senegal Dialiba Konaté is an author and illustrator of Soninke origin (an ethnic group found in eastern Senegal and its capital, Dakar). His works include 2005's The Story of Origins.
Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konaté	b. Date unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konaté is an Ivorian business leader and founder of Poultry d'Or. Poultry d’Or is a company that produces and distributes fresh poultry products and agro-foods.
Kadiatou Konaté	b. Date unknown, Bamako, Mali Kadiatou Konaté is a Malian film director and screenwriter. Her most notable work is L'Enfant terrible, which is an animated short based on African myths.
Moussa Konaté	b. 3 April 1993, Mbour, Senegal Moussa Konaté is a footballer from Senegal who has played as a forward for clubs such as Amiens and Krasnodar, as well as the Senegal national team.
Sékouba Konaté	b. 6 June 1964, Conakry, Guinea Sékouba Konaté is a Brigadier General in the Guinean army and held the role as acting President of Guinea (3 December 2009 - 21 December 2010) after the attempted assassination of Moussa Dadis Camara. He is nicknamed "El Tigre" for his military record and arranged democratic elections in 2010.
Ernest Bai Koroma	b. 2 October 1953, Makeni, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma has held the post of President of Sierra Leone (17 September 2007 - present) since winning the 2007 election. There have been accusations of police brutality during his presidency and there have been a number of incidents of violence during elections.
Johnny Paul Koroma	b. 9 May 1960, Tombodu, Kono District, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. Declared dead 1 June 2003, Place unknown Johnny Paul Koroma held the rank of major in the Sierra Leone military and assumed the role of Head of State of Sierra Leone (25 May 1997 - 6 February 1998) following a military coup. He suspended the constitution, banned demonstrations and banned all political parties. He was declared dead on the 1 June 2003 however rumours still circulate that he is alive.
Wosene Worke Kosrof	b. 1950, Ethiopia Wosene Worke Kosrof is an Ethiopian painter and mixed-media artist. He is best known for his inventive renderings of the Amharic script.
Maurice Kouandété	b. 22 September 1932, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 7 April 2003, Natitingou, Benin Maurice Kouandété held the role of President of Dahomey (10 December 1969 - 13 December 1969 and 17 December 1967 - 19 December 1967),present-day Benin, on two occasions following him leading military coups on both occasions. He then attempted a third coup in 1972 but was unable to gain power. He was arrested and tried, receiving the death penalty but was pardoned when Mathieu Kérékou seized power in 1972.
Moro Naba Kougri	b. 1930, Place unknown, d. 8 December 1982, Ouagadougou, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Moro Naba Kougri was a ruler and king of the Mossi people in present-day Burkina Faso. He reigned under his official title of Mogho Naba of Ouagadougou between 1957 to 1982.
Delwa Kassiré Koumakoye	b. 31 December 1949, Bongor, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Delwa Kassiré Koumakoye was the Prime Minister of Chad (6 November 1993 - 8 April 1995 and 26 February 2007 - 16 April 2008) on two occasions. Prior to his political career he was a judge and had once sentenced Hissène Habré to death, only to later be a minister under his government later on. He has tried to run for the presidency but has not been successful.
Youssouf Koumbassa	b. Year and date unknown, Conakry, Guinea Youssouf Koumbassa is a teacher of dance and music from Guinea. His Dance & Drum workshops are a way of carrying on the tradition of Guinea's rhythmical traditions, dance technique and cultural history.
Seyni Kountché	b. 1 July 1931, Fandou, French West Africa, present-day Niger, d. 10 November 1987, Paris, France Seyni Kountché held the title as the 2nd President of Niger (17 April 1974 - 10 November 1987) having overthrown Hamani Diori in a coup. He held the role as a military head of state. He suspended the constitution, dissolved the assembly and banned all political parties though he did free political prisoners and end exile for many.
Koyo Kouoh	b. 1967, Cameroon Koyo Kouoh is a Cameroonian independent exhibition maker, cultural producer and the founding artistic director of RAW Material Company in Dakar.
Ahmadou Kourouma	b. 24 November 1927, Boundiali, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 11 December 2003, Lyon, France Ahmadou Kourouma is a writer that spoke out against the colonialism of Côte d'Ivoire and was imprisoned and exiled. His novels, such as Les soleils des indépendances (The Suns of Independence, 1970),have been well received with their themes surrounding war, nationalism and post-colonial Africa.
Bassekou Kouyaté	b. 1966, Garana, Mali Bassekou Kouyaté is a Malian musician who performs in the band Ngoni ba. He plays the ngoni and has won awards such as the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards for Album of the Year and African artist of the Year.
Dani Kouyaté	b. 4 June 1961, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Dani Kouyaté is a filmmaker from Burkina Faso, described by the BBC as 'Africa's most important film-making country.' His films have received Junior Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and include the feature films Soleils (2013) and Medan vi lever (2016).
Seydou Badian Kouyaté	b. 1928, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali Seydou Badian Kouyaté is a politician and writer from Mali. He wrote the words for Mali's national anthem and was a member of the cabinet before the 1968 coup. He has written a number of books such as Noces sacrées and Le Sang des masques.
Sotigui Kouyaté	b. 19 July 1936, Bamako, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 17 April 2010, Paris, France Sotigui Kouyaté was an actor who was one of the first to come from Burkina Faso, where he was adopted to as a young child. As well as his work in theatre and film he was also a footballer from the Burkina Faso football team.
David D. Kpormakpor	b. 28 September 1935, Bomi County, Liberia, d. 19 August 2010, New York City, United States David D. Kpormakpor was the first Chairman of the Council of State (7 March 1994 - 1 September 1995) that took governance over Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War. However after a year of negotiations that got nowhere, the Council of State was disbanded and reformed in order to end the stalemate.
Fadika Kramo-Lanciné	b. 1948, Côte d'Ivoire Fadika Kramo-Lancine is an Ivoirian film director, known for his movie Wariko, The Jackpot, a satire about a policeman who loses his lottery ticket.
Antjie Krog	b. 23 October 1952, Kroonstad, South Africa Antjie Krog is a South African academic, best known for her poetry and writing. She has authored numerous books, articles and is best known for her book Country Of My Skull.
Hannah Kudjoe	b. 28 September 1935, Bomi County, Liberia, d. 9 March 1986, Ghana Hannah Kudjoe, née Hannah Dadson, was a prominent activist for Ghanaian independence in the 1940s and 1950s. She was one of the first high-profile female nationalists in the movement, and was the National Propaganda Secretary for the Convention People's Party. After independence in 1957 she founded the All-African Women's League.
Merhawi Kudus	b. 23 January 1994, Asmara, Eritrea Merhawi Kudus is a professional cyclist from Eritrea. Riding for MTN-Qhubeka in 2015, he became one of the first two Black Africans under African team to race in the Tour de France.
Sammy Kuffour	b. 3 September 1976, Kumasi, Ghana Sammy Kuffour is a retired professional footballer from Ghana. Playing as a defender he was in Ghana's national team for 13 years and played for clubs such as Ajax and Bayern Munich.
John Kufuor	b. 8 December 1938, Kumasi, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana John Kufuor was the President of Ghana's 4th Republic (7 January 2001 - 7 January 2009). In 2001, his victory over John Evans Atta Mills after the end of Jerry Rawlings' second term in office marked the first peaceful democratic transition of power in Ghana since independence in 1957.
Marie-Claire Kuja	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Marie-Claire Kuja is a Cameroonian journalist, activist and the founder of the KujaPads Initiative which brings basic sanitary products to those in rural areas. She is committed to the empowerment of women and runs a number of workshops as well as writing for a number of magazines, online zines and authoring books.
Bernadette Kunambi	b. 1934, Place unknown Bernadette Kunambi is an activist and politician who has held posts such as YWCA National General Secretary and Chair of the Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania, Council of Women. She was also a member of parliament and a founding member of the Pan-African Woman's Organisation.
Ibrahim al-Koni	b. 1948, Fezzan, present-day Libya Ibrahim Kuni is a Libyan author who has been hailed a magical realist, Sufi fabulist and poetic novelist.
Thérèse Kuoh-Moukouri	b. 7 February 1938, Yaoundé, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon Thérèse Kuoh-Moukouri is a feminist author from Cameroon. She wrote a number of French language novels, her best known Rencontres essentials, which was the first novel published by an African francophone female.
Marcia Kure	b. 1970, Kano, Nigeria Marcia Kure is a Nigerian artist with a keen awareness of modern artistic forms. Her recent works in drawing, photomontage and sculpture imagine alternative worlds as a critical response to postcolonialism.
Mamadu Ture Kuruma	b. 26 April 1947, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau Mamadu Ture Kuruma, also known as 'N'Krumah', was a major general in the Guinea-Bissau army that took power following a coup against acting President Raimundo Pereira. His role as Chairman of the Military Command of Guinea-Bissau (12 April 2012 - 11 May 2012). He was banned from travelling by the UN Security council after handing over the presidency to Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo.
Fela Kuti	b. 15 October 1938 Abeokuta, Nigeria, d. 2 August 1997, Lagos, Nigeria Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician, composer, activist and pioneer of the Afrobeat music genre.
Femi Kuti	b. 16 June 1962, London, United Kingdom Femi Kuti was born in London and raised in Lagos, the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and a grandchild of political campaigner Funmilayo Ransome Kuti. Keen to crossover different genres, he toured with rock band Jane's Addiction.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti	b. 25 October 1900, Abeokuta, Southern Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 13 April 1978, Lagos, Nigeria Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was a women's right activist, teacher and political campaigner in Nigeria. Referred to as 'The Mother of Africa' and 'Lioness of Lisabi' due to her championing of Nigerian female rights she won the Lenin Peace Prize, let various trade unions and appointed to the native House of Chiefs.
Seun Kuti	b.11 January 1983, Lagos, Nigeria Seun Kuti is a saxophonist and singer from Nigeria. His father and brother are also accomplished musicians of the Afrobeat genre. He is also very politically motivated and took part in the Occupy Nigeria protests.
Saara Kuugongelwa-Amathila	b. 12 October 1967, Otamanzi, South West Africa, present-day Namibia Saara Kuugongelwa is the 4th Prime Minister of Namibia (21 March 2015 - present) and is the first female to serve in the role. She was exiled with SWAPO as a teenager and lived for a time in the United States.
Ellen Kuzwayo	b. 29 June 1914, Orange Free State, South Africa, d. 19 April 2006, Soweto, South Africa Ellen Kuzwayo was a politician and political activist who served on the first post-Apartheid South African Parliament. She has written a number of books including her autobiography, Call Me Woman.
Koffi Kwahulé	b. 1956, Côte d'Ivoire Koffi Kwahulé is an Ivorian writer who has won the Prix Ahmadou Kourouma and the Grand Prix Ivoirien des Lettres.
Atta Kwami	b. 1956, Accra, Ghana Atta Kwami is a Ghanaian painter and printmaker. His work examines architecture and West African woven textiles alongside themes of migrancy, acceptance, assimilation and acculturation.
Mpule Kwelagobe	b. 14 November 1979, Gaborone, Botswana Mpule Kwelagobe is a businesswoman and former beauty pageant winner, having won the titles of Miss Botswana in 1997 and later on Miss Universe in 1999. She has worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations tackling HIV/AIDS and has won numerous awards including being selected as a Global Leader for Tomorrow (GLT).
Bonga Kwenda	b. 5 September 1942, Bengo, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Bonga Kwenda, the stage name for José Adelino Barceló de Carvalho, is an Angolan musician who has spoken out over the years for independence for Angola. As well as being a musician he was a renowned athlete and used this freedom of movement to transfer messages from exiled fighters. When this was realised by the Portuguese police he was exiled to Holland and he started releasing political music which earned him arrest warrants for his lyrics. Bonga has long been the sound of peace and spoken out against the fighting in Angola.
Joy Kwesiga	b. 1943, Kabale, Uganda Joy Kwesiga is an activist from Uganda, who also works in academia focusing on gender. She is also the Vice-Chancellor of Kabale University.
Amelia Kyambadde	b. 30 June 1955, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom Amelia Kyambadde is a Ugandan politician and a member of the Ugandan Cabinet. She is the current minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and is the Patron of the Twezimbe Development Foundation (TDF).
Cécile Kyenge	b. 28 August 1964, Kambove, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo Cécile Kyenge is an Italian politician and member of the European Parliament, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was the Minister of Integration from 2013 to 2014 and is also a trained ophthalmologist. She is the first black cabinet minister in Italy's history.
Alex La Guma	b. 20 February 1925, District Six, South Africa, d. 11 October 1985, Havana, Cuba Alex La Guma was a novelist and leader of the South African Coloured People's Organisation. He was a member of the South African Communist Party, helped draw up the Freedom Charter and was arrested during the Treason Trials of 1956.
Ali La Pointe	b. 14 May 1930, Miliana, Algeria, d. 8 October 1957, Algiers, Algeria Ali la Pointe was the name that Ali Ammar was best known as. A revolutionary and guerrilla leader of the National Liberation Front (FLN),Ali became known as one of the most trusted members of the organisation. He was involved in a number of high profile incidents including a nightclub bombing and suspected as the murderer of the Mayor of Boufarik.
Abdellatif Laâbi	b. 1942, Fes, Morocco Abdellatif Laâbi is a Moroccan poet who spent time imprisoned due to "crimes of opinion". He also founded Souffles, a magazine and literary review which was subsequently banned.
Nadia Labidi	b. 18 July 1954, Aïn Madhi, Algeria Nadia Labidi is an Algerian film producer and director, as well as a politician. She has directed and produced at least four French films, a mixture of documentary and feature films. She also served as the Minister of Culture for Algeria between 2014 and 2015.
Manouchka Kelly Labouba	b. Date and year unknown, Gabon Manouchka Kelly Labouba is a director and writer, best known for directing the short film Le Divorce in 2008, which made her the first woman in Gabon cinema history to direct a fictional film.
Aamito Lagum	b. 3 December 1992, Kampala, Uganda Aamito Lagum is a Ugandan model and personality. She was in the first series of Africa's Next Top Model, winning it and gaining a modelling contract. She has appeared in various international editions of Vogue, i-D and the cover of Elle in the UK.
Lucy Lameck	b. 1932, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, d. 21 March 1993, Tanzania Lucy Lameck was a politician and was the first woman to hold a ministerial post in government in Tanzania. She is considered a role model for women, in particular female politicians, within Tanzania.
King Muhammad VIII al-Amin	b. 4 September 1881, Carthage, Tunisia, d. 30 September 1962, Tunis, Tunisia King Muhammad VIII al-Amin, who was the final Bey of Tunisia (15 May 1943 - 25 July 1957). He attempted to support the anti-colonial Tunisian national movement in opposition of the French, however with a number of setbacks and reforms toward the French government, his power was removed piece by piece leading to Tunisian independence.
Sangoulé Lamizana	b. 31 January 1916, Dianra, Tougan, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 26 May 2005, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Sangoulé Lamizana was the 2nd President of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso (3 January 1966 - 25 November 1980) and held the role of Prime Minister (8 February 1974 - 7 July 1978). His presidency was in the wake of Upper Volta gaining complete independence from the French Union. He came to power after protestors sought and achieved the resignation of Maurice Yaméogo and installed him as leader. As a general he was the head of a "provisional military government" until the new constitution was finalised. There was a five-year drought that caused economic and domestic issues leading to Lamizana using military intervention again and dissolving the parliament. He was overthrown in a bloodless military coup in November 1980.
Koulsy Lamko	b. 1959, Dadouar, Chad Koulsy Lamko is a playwright, novelist, poet and university lecturer from Chad. He has won many prizes for his writing.
Odartey Lamptey	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 28 February 1948, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Odartey Lamptey was a military private shot dead by Major Imray alongside two other veterans. They were taking a petition to Sir Gerald Creasy, Governor of the Gold Coast at the time.
Mohammed Karim Lamrani	b. 1 May 1919, Fes, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Mohammed Karim Lamrani has served as Prime Minister of Morocco on three separate occasions (6 August 1971 - 2 November 1972, 30 November 1983 - 30 September 1986 and 11 August 1992 - 25 May 1994). The last government he led was a caretaker government and he is a renowned businessman, serving as an economic advisor to the governments of Morocco.
Saïda Karim Lamrani	b. 30 August 1946, Fez, Morocco Saïda Karim Lamrani is a Moroccan lawyer and daughter of a former Prime Minister of Morocco. In addition to her legal career she has sat on a number of boards for companies such as SMEIA and Holding Safari Sofipar.
Alda Lara	b. 9 June 1930, Benguela, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 30 January 1962, Cambambe, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Alda Lara was a poet from Angola. In addition to her poetry she had a degree in medicine and wrote for numerous papers and magazines. Her poetry and writings focused on motherhood, children and also dissatisfaction with the colonial powers in Angola at the time. She died aged 31 and a prize has been set up in her honour.
Ahmed Laraki	b. 15 October 1931, Casablanca, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Ahmed Laraki was Prime Minister of Morocco (7 October 1969 - 6 August 1971) and also Minister of Foreign Affairs and the renamed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Azzeddine Laraki	b. 1 May 1929, Fes, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 1 February 2010, Rabat, Morocco Azzeddine Laraki was the 10th Prime Minister of Morocco (30 September 1986 - 11 August 1992) having previously fulfilling the role of Minister for Education. He switched over the education system from French to Arabic and authored numerous books.
Larbi Ben M'hidi	b. 1923, Aïn M'lila, Algeria, d. 4 March 1957, Algiers, Algeria Larbi Ben M'hidi, who was also known as Si Larbi or Ben M'hidi, was one of the founding members of the National Liberation Front (FLN). A strict Muslim, he became involved with the underground Algerian People's Party and was involved with numerous accounts of dissidence and rioting. He was arrested and held, holding up against interrogation and was finally executed, though this was only admitted to in 2000.
Fouad Laroui	b. 12 August 1958, Oujda, Morocco Fouad Laroui is a Moroccan economist and writer. After studying in the Lycée Lyautey he joined the prestigious École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (Paris, France) and studied engineering.
Latifa	b. 14 February 1961, Manouba, Tunisia Latifa is a Tunisian pop singer who has had huge success throughout the Arab world.
Lauren	b. 19 January 1977, Kribi, Cameroon Lauren is a retired footballer who played as a right back for the Cameroonian national team.
Camara Laye	b. 1 January 1928, Kouroussa, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 4 February 1980, Dakar, Senegal Camara Laye was a Guinean author who wrote L'Enfant noir and Le Regard du roi. He won the Prix Charles Veillon in 1954 and then worked for the government before leaving Guinea for political reasons.
Cheik Ledy	b. 1962, Kinto M'Vuila, Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 1997, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Cheik Ledy was a Congolese artist who began his career in painting as an apprentice to his elder brother Chéri Samba, one of Africa's foremost contemporary artists. Notable works include Arrosage (Watering) (1995),and Absence de morale (Moral Absence) (1990). He died in 1997.
Joseph Legwaila	b. 2 February 1937, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Joseph Legwaila is a politician from Botswana and has held a number of important diplomatic roles in his time in government. He has worked alongside countries such as Cuba as ambassador (1981 - 2001) and Consul General in Jamaica. He has also held the title of Vice-President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Edward Lekganyane	b. 1922, Place Unknown, d. 21 October 1967, Place Unknown Edward Lekganyane, popularly known as 'King Eddy,' was head of the Zion Christian Church. His charismatic sermons saw the membership rise to some 600,000 worshippers. He became one of the wealthiest individuals in Apartheid-era South Africa.
Mohamed Lekleti	b. 1965, Taza, Morocco Mohamed Lekleti is a Moroccan artist. With his large-scale drawings and mixed-media work, he offers subverts the canon of Western art history.
Lawrence Lemaoana	b. 1982, Johannesburg, South Africa Lawrence Lemoana is an artist who produces graphic fabric works that critically engage with mass media in present-day South Africa.
Aklilu Lemma	b. 18 September 1934, Jijiga, Ethiopia, d. 5 April 1997, United States of America Akilu Lemma was an Ethiopian physician and was co-awarded the 1989 Right Livelihood Award for his work and discoveries on how to prevent the parasitic disease Bilharzia.
Aïcha Lemsine	b. 30 August 1945, Tébessa, Algeria Aïcha Lemsine is an Algerian novelist and essayist whose real name is Aicha Laidi. She began writing articles on Algeria's ethnic conditions and joining women's literary organisations at a young age. She wrote three novels, all in French, in which she describes the antipolygamy struggles of generations of Algerian women.
Thenjiwe Virginia Lesabe	d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 11 February 2011, Place unknown Thengiwe Virginia Lesabe was a distinguished liberation fighter for Zapu, an educationist, mother and farmer.
King Letsie III	b. 17 July 1963, Morija, Basutoland, present-day Lesotho King Letsie III of Lesotho is the reigning monarch of Lesotho (12 November 1990 - 25 January 1995 and 7 February 1996 - present) after taking the title when his father was forced into exile. He then returned the crown but again inherited the title following his father's death in a car crash.
Werewere Liking	b. 1950, Cameroon Werewere Liking is a Cameroonian-born, Côte d'Ivoire-based, writer and performer. She has written a number of novels and plays, as well as forming a theatre troupe and a co-operative village.
Cristina Fontes Lima	b. 18 May 1958, Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde Cristina Fontes Lima is a Cape Verdean politician for the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde. She was brought into the cabinet January 2001 as the Minister of Justice and has since served as Minister of Local Administration and Minister of Interior.
Hilla Limann	b.12 December 1934, Gwollu, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 23 January 1998, Accra, Ghana Hilla Limann was President of Ghana's 3rd Republic (24 September 1979 - 31 December 1981). He was a member of the Constitution Commission which drafted the 1969 Constitution of Ghana. He was deposed by a coup led by Jerry Rawlings.
Faustin Linyekula	b. 27 February 1974, Ubundu, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Faustin Linyekula is a dancer and choreographer of contemporary dance from present-day Democratic Republic of Congo. His works are structured along the lines of the dance form Ndombolo and its associated music and address "the legacy of decades of war, terror, fear and the collapse of the economy for himself, his family and his friends."
Jeanine Mabunda	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Jeannine Mabunda Lioko is a politician from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2012, she was appointed special advisor on the fight against sexual violence.
Gabriel Lisette	b. 2 April 1919, Portobelo, Panama, d. 3 March 2001, Port-de-Lanne, France Gabriel Lisette was a Chadian politician who rose to Vice-President and, eventually, President of Chad (1958-1959). His coalition government failed when the traditional African rulers of the country rescinded support of his government and a motion of no confidence was put through by his successors Gontchomé Sahoulba and Ahmed Koulamallah.
Pascal Lissouba	b. 15 November 1931, Tsinguidi, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo Pascal Lissoub was the first democratically elected President of the Republic of the Congo (31 August 1992 - 25 October 1997) following years of coups and ousted governments. He played a key role in the decolonization of Chad but was overthrown in 1997 by Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Ekila Liyonda	b. 16 October 1948, Leopoldville, present-day Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 23 June 2006, Brussels, Belgium Ekila Liyonda was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, and ambassador to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. She was the country's first female Foreign Minister.
Cheikh Lô	b. 1955, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso Cheikh Lô demonstrated his musical prowess at an early age. His first band, Orchestre Volta Jazz, played Congolese and Cuban pop, as well as indigenous Burkinabé music. His debut album Ne La Thiass (1996),produced by Youssou N'Dour, was a global success.
Ismaël Lô	b. 30 August 1956, Dogondoutchi, Niger Ismaël Lô is a musician and actor from Niger who plays the guitar and harmonica.
Ndary Lo	b. 1961, Tivaouane, Senegal, d. 8 June 2017, Lyon, France Ndary Lo was a Senegalese artist who was best known for his cast sculptures of willowy trees and lithe bodies.
Rose Lokissim	b. c.1955, Chad, d. 15 May 1986, Chad Rose Lokissim was an elite female soldier and opponent of Hissène Habré, the dictator who ruled Chad from 1982-90. Imprisoned by the regime's secret police in 1984 she was tortured for eight months, although she managed to record and smuggle out prisoners' names and accounts of abuses committed by the guards. She was executed in 1986. In 2015 a documentary film was made about Lokissim, entitled Talking about Rose (director Isabel Coixet).
Bertina Lopes	b. 11 July 1926, Maputo, Mozambique, d. 10 February 2012, Rome, Italy Bertina Lopes was a world-renowned Mozambican painter and sculptor who used her art as a vehicle for the expression of social criticism of Portuguese colonial domination.
Carlos Lopes	b. 7 March 1960, Place unknown Carlos Lopes is a respected economist and teacher from Guinea Bissau. He has lectured at the University of Oxford and the University of Cape Town, as well as working with the United Nations Development programme.
Henri Lopes	b. 12 September 1937, Léopoldville, Belgian Congo, present-day Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Henri Lopès is a Congolese writer, diplomat, and political figure. He was Prime Minister of Congo-Brazzaville from 1973 to 1975, and became the Congo-Brazzaville's Ambassador to France in 1998.
Leila Lopes	b. 26 February 1986, Benguela, Angola Leila Lopes was crowned Miss Universe in 2011. Born in Angola she studied business management at the University of Suffolk, where she entered and won Miss Angola UK in 2010. She currently works in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Manuel Lopes	b. 23 December 1907, São Vicente, Cape Verde, d. 25 January 2005, Lisbon, Portugal Manuel Lopes was a novelist, poet and essayist. He was one of the founders of the journal Claridad, which contributed to the rise in Cape Verdean literature.
Tegla Loroupe	b. 9 May 1973, Kutomwony, Kenya Tegla Loroupe is a Kenyan athlete and the first African woman to win the New York Marathon. Using her fame as a decorated long-distance runner she set up the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation and devotes her life to humanitarian work.
João Lourenço	b. 5 March 1954, Lobito, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola João Lourenço is the 3rd, and current, President of Angola (26 September 2017 - present). He was a member of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and held the role of Vice-President. His political career started as keeping morale high for guerrilla soldiers and later became Minister of Defence.
Jansie Lourens	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Jansie Lourens was the second white woman to be convicted during the Treason Trials in South Africa. She, along with her then fiancé Carl Niehaus, were found guilty for actions such as planting bombs, assisting people fleeing the country.
Jean-Baptiste Tati Loutard	b. 15 December 1938, Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo, d. 4 July 2009, Paris, France Jean-Baptiste Tati Loutard was a politician and poet. He served as Minister of Higher Education and Minister of Arts and Culture and was Minister of Hydrocarbons in the government of Congo-Brazzaville from 1997 to 2009.
Albert Lubaki	b. 1895, Place unknown, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Albert Lubaki was a Congolese painter who started his career as an ivory carver. His works are a juxtaposition between traditional pictorial images based on mythology and folklore often mixed with modern day elements such as cars, footballers and colonial individuals.
Antoinette Lubaki	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Antoinette Lubaki was a visual artist from the Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her works, along with her husband Albert Lubaki, are mixtures of traditional works mixed with modern elements.
Wendy Luhabe	b. 29 May 1957, Daveyton, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Wendy Luhabe is a South African social entrepreneur and author. She has spent much of her career working to empower previously disadvantaged people, especially women.
Paulo Lukamba	b. 13 May 1954, Huambo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Paulo Lukamba led UNITA from 3 March 2002, after the death of António Dembo, until the leadership election in 2003. He led the negotiations that ended the Angolan Civil War.
Yusuf Lule	b. 10 April 1912, Kampala, Uganda Protectorate, Uganda, d. 21 January 1985, Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom Yusuf Lule was an interim president of Uganda (13 April 1979 - 20 June 1979). He was placed in the post after Tanzania forces overthrew his predecessor Idi Amin. He led the Uganda Freedom Fighters (UFF) resistance.
Patrice Lumumba	b. 2 July 1925, Katakokombe, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 17 January 1961, Élisabethville, Katanga, present-day Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Patrice Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo (24 June 1960 - 5 September 1960) after the country gained their independence.
Franck Lundangi	b. 1958, Angola Franck Lundangi is an Angolan former footballer and now works as an artist. He participated in the international exhibition, Africa Remix in 2004.
Lungiswa Gqunta	b. 1990, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Gqunta Lungiswa, a South African, graduated with a BTech Degree in Fine Art in 2012. In 2014, selected works from The Home of Residue were exhibited in Greatest Hits 2014: The Domestic Odyssey, curated by Mathew Blackman at The AVA Gallery, Cape Town.
Edgar Lungu	b. 11 November 1956, Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia Edgar Lungu is the 6th President of Zambia (25 January 2015 - present) and appointed Zambia's first ever female vice-president, Inonge Wina. He also changed death sentences of inmates to life imprisonments and spoken out against overcrowding in Zambia's prisons.
Albert Lutuli	b. ca. 1898, Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 21 July 1967, Stanger, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Albert Lutuli, who was also known as 'Mvumbi', was a Nobel Prize winning teacher and political. He was an anti-Apartheid activist and was president of the African National Congress.
Ibrahima Ly	b. 1936, Kayes, Mali, d. 1 February 1989, Place unknown Ibrahima Ly was a politician and prominent Malian revolutionary, committed to fighting imperialism and colonialism.
Oumar Ly	b. 1943, Podor, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 29 February 2016, Podor, Senegal Oumar Ly was a Senegalese photographer who started his work when Senegalese people required their portraits to be taken for their identity cards. From here his black and white portraits shots, a collection that is in excess of over 5,000, depict rural West African people in a way like no other has managed to.
Léon M'ba	b. 9 February 1902, Libreville, French Gabon, present-day Gabon, d. 27 November 1967, Paris, France Léon M'ba was the 1st Prime Minister of Gabon (21 May 1957 - 21 February 1961) during the provisional government and then the 1st President of Gabon (12 February 1961-28 November 1967) of Gabon. He became ill during his term and the constitution was amended in order to appoint a successor in the event of ill health or his death.
Sonia M'barek	b. 1969, Sfax, Tunisia Sonia M'barek is a Tunisian singer who sings Arabic classical music. She has released six albums and was the first female director of the Festival de la Chanson Tunisienne.
Fatimata M'Baye	b. 1957, Mauretania, present-day Algeria Fatimata M'Baye was forcibly married to a 45-year-old man aged 12, but fought for the right to attend school. After the association's report on the widespread use of slavery in Mauretania was aired on French TV she was sentenced to 13 months in prison.
Patrick M'Boma	b. 15 November 1970, Douala, Cameroon Patrick M'Boma is a Cameroonian footballer who played internationally and for the national team for his career. He played for Paris SG and Tokyo Verdy and also holds the record for the highest amount of goals scored for Cameroon.
Elikia M’Bokolo	b. 23 December 1944, Leopoldville, present-day Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Elikia M'Bokolo is a Congolese historian specialising in the social, political and intellectual history of Africa. He has published numerous educational tracts and was awarded Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2012.
Baaba Maal	b. 12 November 1953, Podor, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Baaba Maal is a Senegalese songwriter who sings in the Pulaar language. He has released 11 albums, performed with Mumford & Sons and his work has featured in the soundtrack to the Black Panther film.
Atef Maatallah	b. 1981, Al Fahs, Tunisia Atef Maatallah is a Tunisian artist whose paintings and drawings evoke the existence of those he encounters in his daily life.
Wangari Maathai	b. 1 April 1940 Nyeri, Kenya, d. 25 September 2011, Nairobi, Kenya Wangari Maathai was an environmental and political activist from Kenya who founded the Greenbelt Movement. In 2004 she was awarded Nobel Peace Prize.
Alain Mabanckou	b. 24 February 1966, Republic of the Congo Alain Mabanckou is a French journalist and writer, born in the Republic of Congo, who writes both fiction and non-fiction around the daily lives of modern-day Africa. Some of his books are Black Moses, Red-White-Blue and Broken Glass.
Brigitte Mabandla	b. 23 November 1948, Johannesburg, South Africa Brigitte Mabandla is a politician from South Africa. She has held numerous roles including Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Minister of Public Enterprise and is co-founder of the National Committee for the Rights of the Child.
Gonçalo Mabunda	b. 1975, Maputo, Mozambique Gonçalo Mabunda is an artist who is interested in the collective memory of his country, Mozambique.
Herbert Macaulay	b. 14 November 1864, Lagos, Nigeria, d. 7 May 1946, Lagos, Nigeria Herbert Macaulay was a Nigerian politician, engineer, architect, journalist and musician. He initially spoke out against the British rule of Nigeria and founded the Nigerian Daily News.
Osborne Macharia	b. Date and year unknown, Nairobi, Kenya Osborne Macharia is a self-taught photographer whose work in the commercial and advertising sector has drawn praise and critical acclaim. Working with brands such as Coca Cola, Absolut Vodka and Mercedes and is well known for his images of Afrofuturism.
Graça Machel	b. 17 October 1945, Incadine, Portuguese East Africa, present-day Mozambique Graça Machel is a Mozambican politician and humanitarian. She is the widow of both South African president Nelson Mandela and of Mozambican president Samora Machel. Machel is an international advocate for women's and children's rights and in 1997 was made an honorary British dame for her humanitarian work.
Samora Machel	b. 29 September 1933, Gaza Province, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique, d. 19 October 1986, Mbuzini, Lebombo Mountains, South Africa Samora Machel was the 1st President of Mozambique (25 June 1975 - 19 October 1986) following the independence of Mozambique from Portuguese rule. He was a committed socialist and was killed when his plane crashed.
Alick Macheso	b. 10 June 1968, Shamva, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Alick Macheso, also known as 'Extrabasso' and 'Chikopokopo' amongst other names, is a solo musician and is Zimbabwe's best-selling musician in history. He can sing and speak five languages and plays the bass guitar.
Francisco Macías Nguema	b. 1 January 1924 Nsegayong, Rio Muni, Spanish Guinea, present-day Equatorial Guinea, d. 29 September 1979, Bioko, Equatorial Guinea Francisco Macías Nguema was 1st President of Equatorial Guinea (12 October 1968 - 3 August 1979) and his presidency was marred with numerous human rights violations including executing or exiling the educated and killing entire villages. It has been suggested he may have been a psychopath linked to the trauma of seeing his father punched to death by a Spanish administrator and his mother's subsequent suicide as a result. He was overthrown and executed.
Abassi Madani	b. 28 February 1931, Sidi Okba, present-day Biskra Province, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abbasi Madani is an Algerian political activist and co-founder of the Algerian Islamic Salvation Front. He was imprisoned for his involvement in, what became, a banned party and has spoken out to overthrow a secular government.
Hamada Madi	b. 1965, Mohéli, French Comoros, present-day Comoros Hamada Madi, also known as 'Boléro', has held the roles of interim president (21 January 2001 - 26 May 2001) and Prime Minister of the Comoros (29 November 2000 - 15 April 2002). Because of where he was born he was unable to run for presidency but was kept on as a special advisor. He left Comoros in exile to France.
Rabah Madjer	b. 15 December 1958, Hussein Dey, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Rabah Madjer is an ex-footballer from Algeria, who currently (2018) manages the national Algerian team. He played for Algeria's national team for 19 years and was the nation's top goal scorer.
Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe	b. 15 April 1956, Hudur, Bakool, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe was briefly the acting president of Somalia (29 December 2008 - 31 January 2009) after Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed resigned from office. After this he came to blows with the Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke. This led him to resign and parliament voted him out of office, however in 2014 he was reappointed back into government as Minister of Industry and Commerce.
Thuli Madonsela	b. 28 September 1962, Johannesburg, South Africa Thuli Madonsela is a politician and the Public Protector of South Africa (19 October 2009 - 14 October 2016). A member of the African National Congress, she was involved in putting together the final constitution for South Africa. She has won many awards including South African of the Year from the ANN7 in 2014.
Elizabeth Mafekeng	b. 18 September, 1918, Tarkastad, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 28 May 2009, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa Elizabeth Mafekeng joined the trade union 1941, became a shop steward and then served, between 1954 and 1959 "as President of the African Food and Canning Workers Union (AFCWU) and branch secretary in Paarl." Mafekeng was known as 'Rocky' among the workers in Paarl. A striking woman, she always began "her speeches with a song or two, singing in a clear, rich and well-organised voice." Her speeches were "fiery, militant and witty." In order "to connect the workers" struggle for liberation to their struggle for better working conditions, she joined the Paarl branch of the African National Congress (ANC).
Hubert Maga	b. 10 August 1916, Parakou, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 8 May 2000, Cotonou, Benin Hubert Maga was both the President (1 August 1960 - 22 October 1963 and Premier (22 May 1959 - 1 August 1960) of Dahomey, present-day Benin. During his time the economy collapsed and by 1963 there were numerous riots and eventually a coup d'état.
Sindiwe Magona	b. 27 August 1943, Transkei, South Africa Sindiwe Magona is a South African writer who has published autobiographies and short story collections. She also worked for the United Nations in various capacities, retiring in 2003.
John Magufuli	b. 29 October 1959, Chato, Geita, Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania, d. 17 March 2021, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania John Magufuli was the 5th President of Tanzania. He ran many initiatives to stop corruption and implementing measures for austerity. One major act was to cancel Independence Day celebrations in a bid to prevent the overly-lavish spending, he also banned foreign travel for officials, first-class air tickets and reduced his own monthly salary from $15,000 to $4,000 per month.
Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana	b. 21 June 1964, Nosy Be, Madagascar Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana became Prime Minister of Madagascar (13 April 2016 - 6 June 2018) after he was named by the president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, to replace Jean Ravelonarivo. He announced his resignation in June 2018.
John Dramani Mahama	b. 29 November 1958, Damongo, Ghana John Mahama was the President of Ghana (24 July 2012 - 7 January 2017) following the death of John Atta Mills. He is the first vice-president of Ghana to have ascended to the presidency.
Nja Mahdaoui	b. 1937, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Nja Mahdaoui is a Tunisian artist who uses traditional Arabic calligraphy as an art form. He has won many awards including the UNESCO Crafts Prize for the Arab States and has exhibited all over the world.
Naguib Mahfouz	b. 16 November 1971, Ifrane Atlas-Saghir, Morocco, d. 30 August 2006, Cairo, Egypt Naguib Mahfouz was an Egyptian writer and novelist who was renowned for his work in existentialism. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988 and his work has been adapted into a number of films, both in Egypt and the international market.
Aïssa Maïga	b. 25 May 1975, Dakar, Senegal Aïssa Maïga is a French-Senegalese comedic actress. She has appeared in a number of films such as Les poupées russes and Bamako, as well as appearing on stage and television.
Bello Bouba Maigari	b. 1947, Baschéo, British Cameroons, present-day Cameroon Bello Bouba Maigari is a Cameroonian politician who was the 2nd Prime Minister of Cameroon (6 November 1982 - 22 August 1983). There was an expectation he would run for the presidency however he did not participate in the race, he was then placed as Minister of State for Tourism and Leisure.
Sankie Maimo	b. 1930, Place unknown, d. 4 September 2013, Place unknown Sankie Maimo was a writer from Cameroon who was the first to publish a Cameroonian fiction book in the English language. First published in 1959 he went on to publish a number of books in English including a children's book, Adventuring with Jaja.
Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara	b. 9 May 1949, Dogondoutchi, French West Africa, present-day Niger, d. 9 April 1999. Niamey, Niger Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara staged a coup and took office as the 5th President of Niger (27 January 1996 - 9 April 1999) having justified his actions because of a difficult political situation following the elections in 1995. He was killed in an ambushed attacked whilst trying to board a helicopter, though originally reported as an accident it was generally accepted that it was an assassination as details were released.
Kassim Majaliwa	b. 22 December 1961, Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania Kassim Majaliwa is the Prime Minister of Tanzania (20 November 2015 - present) a role he was appointed by John Magufuli when he won the presidency. He is also the Member of Parliament for Ruangwa (November 2010 - present).
Nelson Makamo	b. 1982, Modimolle, South Africa Nelson Makamo is a South African artist known for his vibrant portraits set in African urbanised landscapes.
Antoinette Badila Makaya	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Antoinette Badila Makaya is a Congolese woman who was one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Miriam Makeba	b. 4 March 1932, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 9 November 2008, Castel Volturno, Italy Miriam Makeba was an ethno-jazz singer and political activist. She changed nationality a number of times to Guinean and Algerian, however she was a vocal anti-Apartheid activist. She was also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations for their Food and Agricultural Organisation.
Makhaya Ntini	b. 6 July 1977, Mdingi, South Africa Makhaya Ntini was the first black player to play for the South African cricket team. He received the South African Silver Order of Ikhamanga.
Caesarina Kona Makhoere	b. 1955, Pretoria, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Ceasarina Kona Makhoere was arrested and held under the Terrorism Act for gaining military training to go against a ruling that schools must be taught only in Afrikaans. She spent three years in prison and wrote a book about her time in prison, No Child's Play: In Prison Under Apartheid.
Mary Malahlela	b. 2 May 1916, Pietersburg, South Africa, d. 8 May 1981, Johannesburg, South Africa Mary Malahlela was a South African medical doctor, the first black female to become one in South Africa. In addition she also founded the Young Women's Christian Association. In addition to her trailblazing medical career she was also an active member of the anti-Apartheid movement.
Nise Malange	b. 1960, Cape Town, South Africa Nise Malange is a scriptwriter and trade union activist from South Africa. Her career is vast and has worked on many projects, in particular working with young people and children who are victims of domestic violence. She currently runs the BAT Centre Trust in Durban and is dedicated to helping women and children, specifically refugees and street children.
Soungalo Malé	b. 1920, Ségou, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 2002, Mali Soungalo Malé was a photographer from Mali who specialised in photographing rural life in the country. Moving throughout rural villages he captured images of daily life from places such as markets and festivals.
Timothée Malendoma	b. 1935, Dékoa, Kemo-Gribingui, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 12 December 2010, Bangui, Central African Republic Timothée Malendoma was a politician that held the role of Prime Minister of Central African Republic (4 December 1992 - 26 February 1993) under the presidency of André Kolingba. He had also held roles in the government under Jean-Bédel Bokassa and David Dacko in which he tried to prevent diamond smuggling but was removed from the post.
Félix Malloum	b. 10 September 1932, Fort Archambault, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad, d. 12 June 2009, Paris, France Félix Malloum was the 3rd President of Chad (15 April 1975 - 23 March 1979). He had previously been in prison on charges of conspiring against the then president, François Tombalbaye, but was released when there was a coup d'état against the government. In addition he served as Prime Minister of Chad (15 April 1975 - 29 August 1978). He was forced to resign after he was unable to smooth over clashes with rebels from the north and went into exile.
Malouma	b. 1 October 1960, Mederdra, Mauritania Malouma is a singer, songwriter and politician. Her first song Habibi Habeytou harshly criticized the way in which women were treated by their husbands.
Amina Mama	b. 19 September 1958, Kaduna State, Nigeria Amina Mama is a writer and feminist scholar. She is the founding editor of the journal Feminist Africa, author of Beyond the Mask: Race, Gender and Subjectivity and was co-producer of the documentary The Witches of Gambaga.
Djibril Diop Mambéty	b. 23 January 1945, Gueule Tapée-Fass-Colobane, Senegal, d. 23 July 1998, Paris, France Djibril Diop Mambéty was a film director and actor known for his experimental cinematic style.
Mahmood Mamdani	b. 23 April 1946, Mumbai, India Mahmood Mamdani is a Ugandan academic, author and political commentator. He specialises in the study of African and international politics, colonialism and post‐colonialism, and the politics of knowledge production.
James Mancham	b. 11 August 1939, Victoria, British Seychelles, present-day Seychelles, d. 8 January 2017, Glacis, Seychelles James Mancham was the 1st President of the Seychelles (29 June 1976 - 5 June 1977),elected to power as the leader of the Democratic Party, a party which he founded when heard that Britain was to give Seychelles independence. In addition to this he also served as the 1st Prime Minister of Seychelles (1 October 1975 - 28 June 1976) and is often cited as being responsible for encouraging tourism to Seychelles and building the airport. He was ousted by a coup in June 1977 by his Prime Minister France-Albert René. Mancham was also one of the recipients of the Gusi Peace Prize in 2011.
Nelson Mandela	b. 18 July 1918, Mvezo, South Africa, d. 5 December 2013, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Nelson Mandela was the 1st President of South Africa (10 May 1994 - 16 June 1999) and was a prominent figurehead in the South African anti-apartheid movement. He was incarcerated for many years for his political activities and when the Apartheid government was ousted in democratic elections, he became the first black head of state.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela	b. 26 September 1936, Bizana, Pondoland, Transkei, South Africa, d. 2 April, 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a South African activist and politician who held several government positions, as well as heading the African National Congress Women's League. She was married to political revolutionary and first post-Apartheid President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. She received a Doctor Of Laws degree from Makerere University, Uganda, in recognition of her role in the struggle against Apartheid.
Boubacar Touré Mandémory	b. 1956, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Boubacar Touré Mandemory is a Senegalese street photographer. His work of images in and around Dakar, shot mostly from the hip or from the ground have been praised for their unusual snapshot into daily life in the capital.
Orie Rogo Manduli	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Orie Rogo Manduli is the first female head of the Kenya Non Governmental Organisation council (NGO council). Starting out as a beauty pageant queen she is now known for her striking headwear, as an influencer in African fashion.
Jean Manga-Onguene	b. 12 June 1946, Ngoulemekong, Cameroon Jean Manga-Onguene is a Cameroonian former footballer. He was the 1980 African Footballer of the Year.
Alfred Mangena	b. 16 March 1943, Maranda, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 28 June 1978, Place unknown Alfred Nikita Mangena was heavily involved with the Rhodesian Bush War. He was in charge of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army.
Anna Victoria Mangena	b. Date unknown, Natal, present-day South Africa, d. 1961, Klipspruit, Johannesburg, South Africa Anna Victoria Mangena was the first qualified black nurse in Transvaal and was dedicated to helping the sick. She first worked with improving the conditions of care for mine workers and then worked throughout the great influenza epidemic of 1918.
Mary Mangwiza Manyusa	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Mary Mangwiza was a deputy chief of police in Malawi and founder of Mother Mary's Children's Centre. The centre looks after orphans, street children and also poor children in the district providing free meals and support.
Cécile Manorohanta	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Cécile Manorohanta held the role of acting Prime Minister of Madagascar (18 December 2009 - 20 December 2009) during the political crisis that occurred in 2009. She had held roles such as the Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior. She was the first female to hold the role of defense minister.
Adly Mansour	b. 23 December 1945, Cairo, Egypt Adly Mansour was the acting president of Egypt (4 July 2013 - 8 June 2014) after the resignation of Mohamed Morsi. An Egyptian judge, he has also held the post of President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt (1 July 2013 - 30 June 2016) and was in power when the Egyptian system of governance received an overhaul to its new constitution.
Vincent Mantsoe	b. 1971, Soweto, South Africa Vincent Mantsoe is a South African dancer and choreographer. Raised in the Soweto township outside Johannesburg, he combines the street dance of his childhood with traditional and contemporary dance styles.
Sarah Ladipo Manyika	b. 7 March 1968, Nigeria Sarah Ladipo Manyika is a British-Nigerian writer who writes short stories and essays, amongst other works. Her books include In Dependence and Like A Mule Bringing Ice Cream To The Sun.
Zaituni Maola	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Zaituni Maola was a member of the African Renaissance and founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation when she attended the 1962 Conference of African Women in her home country of Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania.
Jack Mapanje	b. 25 March 1944, Mangochi, Malawi Jack Mapanje is a writer and a poet. He was imprisoned in 1987 for his collection Of Chameleons and Gods, which indirectly criticized the administration of President Hastings Banda.
Thomas Mapfumo	b. 3 July 1945, Mazowe, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Thomas Mapfumo is a musician from Zimbabwe who created a separate genre called Chimurenga after he introduced Shona music and language into his compositions. Known as the 'Lion of Zimbabwe', he has been an outspoken critic of Robert Mugabe and was imprisoned whilst the country was still Rhodesia.
Wallen Mapondera	b. 1985, Harare, Zimbabwe Wallen Mapondera is a Zimbabwean artist whose work merges art and protest.
Gill Marcus	b. 10 August 1949, Johannesburg, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Gill Marcus was the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and the first woman to hold this position. She was an elected member of parliament and held the role of Deputy Minister of Finance under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.
Dambudzo Marechera	b. 4 June 1952, Rusape, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 18 August 1987, Harare, Zimbabwe Dambudzo Marechara was a prolific writer compared to James Joyce and Henry Miller. He was the first and the only African to have won the Guardian Fiction Prize in its 33 years. His most renowned works include The House of Hunger (1978) and Black Sunlight (1980).
Milton Margai	b. 7 December 1895, Gbangbatoke, Moyamba District, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. 28 April 1964, Freetown, Sierra Leone Milton Margain was the 1st Prime Minister of Sierra Leone (14 August 1958 - 28 April 1964) and was the head of state that oversaw the country's independence in 1961. In addition he was a member of the Privy Council and had received a knighthood in 1959.
Lutchmee Marie	b. 1923, Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Lutchmee Marie, also known as Aunty Doris, was an activist and had dalliances with the South African Communist Party and many friends within the United Democratic Front. Her son was a trade unionist and activist and led to her being harassed. She became involved with the Ratepayers' Association of Merebank and worked to improve living conditions in terms of the state of the roads and the general environmental factors.
Ana Clara Guerra Marques	b. 2 November 1962, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Ana Clara Guerra Marques is an Angolan dancer and took charge of Angola's only dancing school in 1978. She has won numerous awards such as the IDENTITY prize by the UNAC (Union of Artists and Composers). Her work is often related to social commentary and she is an executive of the Angolan Ministry of Education and Culture.
Rafael Marques	b. 31 August 1971, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Rafael Marques was imprisoned for an article he wrote in 1999 called the 'The Lipstick of Dictatorship' accusing President Dos Santos of being a dictator and various corruption and other violations. He was arrested for defamation and held until the United Nations Human Rights Committee took up his case and in 2005 ruled that Angola had violated his human rights. He has gone on to win numerous awards for courage and runs Maka Angola a news website dedicated to fighting corruption.
Tshilidzi Marwala	b. 28 July 1971, Duthuni South Africa Tshilidzi Marwala is a scientist and inventor. He has made fundamental contributions to engineering science including the development of the concept of pseudo-modal energies. He is also the co-inventor of the innovative methods of radiation imaging in addition to the artificial Larynx.
Moncef Marzouki	b. 7 July 1945, Grombalia, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Moncef Marzouki was the 4th President of Tunisia (13 December 2011 - 31 December 2014). He spent some time as a teenager in Morocco, as his father was a supporter of Salah Ben Youssef. He was elected by Constituent Assembly of Tunisia as interim president. He was able to lift the state of emergency that had been in place since 2011 in March 2014.
Florence Masebe	b. 14 November 1972, Limpopo, South Africa Florence Masembe is an actress who received an Africa Movie Academy Award for her role in Elelwani. She also stars in the television series Muvhango.
Hugh Masekela	b. 4 April 1939, Witbank, South Africa, d. 23 January 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa Hugh Masekela is a musician, composer and singer. He is considered the father of South African Jazz. He is a three time Grammy nominee and was also nominated for a Tony Award for Best Music Score for his work with the musical Sarafina.
Zola Maseko	b. 1967, Swaziland, present-day eSwatini Zola Maseko is a film director and screenwriter from eSwatini. He is noted for his documentary films related to xenophobia.
Emma Mashinini	b. 21 August 1929, Rosettenville, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 10 July 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa Emma Mashinini was a political figure and trade unionist in South Africa. She was arrested under the Terrorism Act and was held in solitary confinement and had her basic human rights removed. Her work highlighted and pushed forward not just trade unionists, but female unionists.
Quett Masire	b. 23 July 1925, Kanye, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana, d. 22 June 2017, Gaborone, Botswana Quett Masire was the 2nd President of Botswana (13 July 1980 - 31 March 1998),a teacher he had excelled in schooling and received a scholarship to study at university. Helping to found the Botswana Democratic Party, he served as Vice-President of Botswana (30 September 1966 - 13 July 1980) when Seretse Khama the president died automatically making him leader. He was voted in secretly a few days later. His plane was shot at accidently by the Angolan Air Force but he and all aboard survived with injuries.
Mokgweetsi Masisi	b. 1963, Moshupa, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi is 5th President of Botswana (1 April 2018 - present) following the resignation of Ian Khama. He is only the third head of state to not be from the Khama family and trained as a teacher and education officer for the United Nations.
Alphonse Massamba-Débat	b. 11 February 1921, Nkolo, Boko District, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo, d. 25 March 1977, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo Alphonse Massamba-Débat was the 2nd President of the Republic of the Congo (16 August 1963 - 4 September 1968) and also held the role of Prime Minister (16 August 1963 - 19 December 1963) for six days. He was ousted in a bloodless coup and was forced under house arrest. He was executed in 1977 following the assassination of Marien Ngouabi who overthrew his government.
Charles Massi	b. 25 July 1952, Baboua, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Charles Massi served in the government of the Central African Republic under numerous roles in the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2008 he became a rebel leader for Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR). It is rumoured that he was killed in January 2010 however an official legal investigation deemed in 2010 that they had no evidence that he was dead.
Souad Massi	b. 23 August 1972, Algiers, Algeria Souad Massi is an Algerian singer and guitarist who sings in the Berber language, as well as mixing in other languages and dialects. She has covered a number of genres in her career including political music as well as Portuguese Fado, Rock and Country.
Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde	b. 1933, Anjouan, French Comoros, d. 29 February 2004, Place unknown Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde was an interim president of the Comoros (6 November 1998 - 30 April 1999) following the death of Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim, but was overthrown by military coup. He had also held the office of Prime Minister (27 March 1996 - 27 December 1996).
Dorothy Masuka	b. 3 September 1935, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Dorothy Masuka is a South African jazz singer having come to acclaim by the time she was 16. She has sung for a number of high profile people, including a song about Patrice Lumumba which led to her exile.
Augustin Matata Ponyo	b. 5 June 1964, Maniema, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo Augustin Matata Ponyo Mapon is a Congolese political figure who was Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (18 April 2012 - 17 November 2016). Prior to his role as Prime Minister he was the Minister of Finance.
Flaviana Matata	b. 9 June 1988, Shinyanga, Tanzania Flaviana Matata is a Tanzanian model and personality, who rose to fame having taken part in Miss Universe 2007. She also competed in the pageant with a shaved head, something quite unusual for the circuit. She has worked on campaigns for Topshop, Clarins and appeared in magazines such as Nylon, Grazia and Dazed & Confused.
Miria Matembe	b. 28 August 1953, Place unknown Miria Matembe is a Ugandan activist who is known for her fight for gender equality and attempts to rid corruption from Ugandan governance and daily life. She has won numerous awards including the Women Heroine Award, one of 100 awarded in New York City.
Sœur Gertrude Mathutha	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sœur Gertrude Mathutha was a founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation and attended the 1962 African Women's Conference as a delegate from the South Africa Pan African Congress.
Florence Matomela	b. 1910, Place unknown, d. 1969, Place unknown Florence Matomela was a South African political activist and civil rights campaigner. She was involved in the Defiance Campaign and had her movements restricted on numerous occasions because of her activism.
Alex Mawimbi	b. 1981, Kenya Alex Mawimbi, born Ato Malinda, is a Kenyan artist based in Holland. Her work portrays a number of elements and influences drawing from the African identity, mixed in with elements of female sexuality and experiences from the LGBTQ community.
Charlotte Maxeke	b. 7 April 1874, Ramokgopa, present-day Polokwane District, South Africa, d. 16 October 1939, Johannesburg, South Africa Charlotte Maxeke was the first woman from South Africa to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and founder of the Bantu Women's League of South Africa. She is known as the 'Mother of Black Freedom in South Africa'.
Salva Kiir Mayardit	b. 13 September 1951, Bahr el Ghazal, Sudan, present-day South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayard is the 1st President of South Sudan (9 July 2011 - present) following its independence in a referendum. During its trial five year autonomy before independence he held the role of First Vice President of South Sudan (2005 - 2011).
Martha Mayisela	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Martha Mayisela attended the 1962 Conference of African Women and was a founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation. She went to the event as a representative of the Pan African Congress from South Africa.
Tandi Mayisela	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Tandi Mayisela was a member of the Pan African Congress from South Africa who attended the Conference of African Women. These women went onto create the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Safaa Mazirh	b. 1989, Rabat, Morocco Safaa Mazirh is a Moroccan artist and photographer who is particularly drawn to images of movement and dancers. Through her work she has exhibited across the world in places such as Dakar and Paris.
Pamela Mbabazi	b. 6 April 1969, Mbara, Uganda Pamela Mbabzi is a Ugandan academic and dean of the Faculty of Development Studies at Mbarara University. She has studied a range of disciplines including economics and political science, as well as development planning.
Ba Mamadou Mbaré	b. 1946, Waly Diantang, Colony of Mauritania, present-day Mauritania, d. 10 January 2013, Paris, France Ba Mamdou Mbaré was acting president of Mauritania (15 April 2009 - 5 August 2009) having taken over during the transitional period before the 2009 elections so Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz could run for office. Ba Mamadou Mbaré was the first black president of Mauritania.
Ousmane William Mbaye	b. 1952, Paris, France Ousmane William Mbaye is a French-Senegalese film director and son of a well known Senegalese writer. His film credits include Président Dia and Dial Diali.
Govan Mbeki	b. 9 July 1910, Mpukane Location, Nqamakwe district, South Africa, d. 30 August 2001, South Africa Govan Mbeki was the longest-living senior member of the African National Congress and a one-time member of the Communists. He was sent to prison for 24 years as part of the Rivonia Trial.
Thabo Mbeki	b. 18 June 1942, Mbewuleni, Cape Province, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa Thabo Mbeki was the 2nd President of South Africa (16 June 1999 - 24 September 2008) and was the Deputy President of South Africa (10 May 1994 - 14 June 1999) under the presidency of Nelson Mandela. He was responsible for a growth in the economy and an increase in employment opportunities, however his presidency was also overshadowed by some outspoken ideas on the HIV/AIDS situation and some corruption charges of some of his government.
Achille Mbembe	b. 27 July 1957, Otélé, French Cameroon, present-day Cameroon Achille Mbembe is a philosopher, political theorist and author of Critique of Black Reason and On the Postcolony. He is currently a member of the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Baleka Mbete	b. 24 September 1949, Claremont, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Baleka Mbete is a South African politician and has held the office as Deputy President of South Africa (25 September 2008 - 9 May 2009). She is the current Speaker of the National Assembly in South Africa (21 May 2014 - present).
Maurice Mbikayi	b. Date and year unknown, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Maurice Mbikayi is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was a finalist in the Luxembourg Art Prize and is a member of the Africa South Art Initiative.
Dominique Mbonyumutwa	b. January 1921, Gitaram, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda, d. 26 July 1986, Brussels, Belgium Dominique Mbonyumutwa was the President of Rwanda (28 January 1961 - 26 October 1961) after overthrowing the monarchy of King Kigali V Ndahindurwa and declaring Rwanda a republic. The emergence of the republic was, in part, triggered by a vicious attack on him by a group of Tutsi youth and caused the "social revolution" of 1959. After his stint as interim president he retained his presence in Rwandan politics by becoming the Vice President of the Rwandan Court of Appeals.
Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo	b. 18 April 1955, Franceville, Gabon Marie-Madeleine Mborantsuo is a Gabonese magistrate. She has been President of the Constitutional Court since 1991.
Lassy Mbouity	b. 15 October 1988, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Lassy Mbouity is a Congolese writer who writes using the pen name Lassy Bouity. He was one of the most popular community leaders in Africa and Republic of the Congo for organizing campaigns for young people across Africa.
Penda Mbow	b. 1955, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Penda Mbow is a politician and historian from Senegal. Serving as the Minister of Culture for a number of months in 2001, she has focused her work and historical studies on African intellectuals as well as Islamic gender studies. She was also the recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship to Michigan State University.
Renée Mboya	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Renée Mboya is a Kenyan writer, filmmaker and curator. Her particular focus is the use of autobiography to correct incorrect relaying of historical events and representation. She is also a writer and journalist with her work and interviews appearing on sites such as I've Been Working on Some MAGIC.
Tom Mboya	b. 15 August 1930, Kilima Mbogo, Kenya Colony, d. 5 July 1969, Nairobi, Kenya Tom Mboya was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of Kenya. In addition he was also a trade unionist, education advocate and served as a Cabinet Minister amongst many other accolades. He spoke out frequently to promote Kenya's independence from British rule and worked with John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to create opportunities for African students in US colleges.
Letta Mbulu	b. 23 August 1942, Soweto, South Africa Letta Mbulu is a South African jazz singer who found fame in the United States. She left South African due to the Apartheid and achieved success with her voice appearing in programmes and films such as Roots, The Color Purple and A Warm December.
Mary Mc Critty-Fisko	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mary Mc Critty-Fisko was a Liberian delegate to the Conference of African Women held in 1962. She was, along with two other delegates from Liberia, among the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
MC Solaar	b. 5 March 1969, Dakar, Senegal MC Solaar, born Claude M'Barali, is a Senegalese-Chadian rap artist who has received international acclaim, including in English speaking countries. One of his songs, La Belle et Le Bad Boy, appeared in American TV shows such as Sex & The City and The Hills.
Benni McCarthy	b. 12 November 1977, Cape Town, South Africa Benni McCarthy is an ex-footballer from South Africa. Having played for clubs such as Ajax and West Ham, as well as the South African national team, he now currently coaches the Cape Town City club.
Mary McDee	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mary McDee is listed as one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation and was a representative from Tanzania, at the 1962 Conference of African Women.
Chris McGregor	b. 24 December 1936, Somerset West, South Africa, d. 26 May 1990, Ager, France Chris McGregor was a musician, bandleader and composer. In his youth he was exposed to the local Xhosa music, which remained an influence. Enrolling in the South African College of Music he developed an interest in various styles, especially jazz.
Buyaphi Mdledle	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Buyaphi Mdledle is a South African photographer and photojournalist who describes himself as the 'unknown photographer'. Through works exhibited at the Market Photo Workshop and various projects, his aim is to celebrate and encourage the rich wealth of talent and culture from Africa and eradicate the colonial past.
Fouad Mebazaa	b. 15 June 1933 Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Fouad Mebazza was the 3rd President of Tunisia (15 January 2011 - 13 December 2011),after Ben Ali was exiled to Saudi Arabia following the protests and Tunisian revolution.
Abdelwahab Meddeb	b. 17 January 1946, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 5 November 2014, Paris, France Abdelwahab Meddeb was a Tunisian writer. His work, in the French language, is rich with imagery and has won him numerous prizes including the Prix Max Jacob for his work Matière des oiseaux.
Thebe Medupe	b. 1973, South Africa Thebe Medupe is an astrophysicist and founding director of Astronomy Africa. He is also the associate producer of Cosmic Africa, a feature documentary about traditional African astronomy released in 2002.
Fatima Meer	b. 12 August 1928, Durban, South Africa, d. 12 March 2010, Durban, South Africa Fatima Meer was a political activist, author and academic from South Africa. She organised night vigils and avoided an assassination attempt. She wrote numerous books, screenplays and also articles on human women's rights. She appeared on the Top 100 Great South Africans list.
Julie Mehretu	b. 1970, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Julie Mehretu is an Ethiopian artist. Her work conveys layering and compression of time, space and place with art historical references.
Thameur Mejri	b. 1982, Tunis, Tunisia Thameur Mejri is a Tunisian painter who currently lives and works in Nabeul, Tunisia. Some of exhibitions include Disaster pieces and Male (God) scarecrow.
Rachid Mekhloufi	b. 12 August 1936 in Sétif, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Rachid Mekhloufi is an Algerian former striker, ex-manager and coach for the Algerian national football team. He played for the national team of Algeria, France and the FLN team, which was an amalgamation of French and Algerian players.
Fawzi Mellah	b. 1946, Damascus, Syria Fawzi Mellah is a writer and journalist born in Syria of Tunisian nationality. His novels include Elissa, la reine vagabonde and plays such as Néron ou les oiseaux.
Albert Memmi	b. 15 December 1920, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Albert Memmi is a Jewish-Tunisian author and writer. He has written a number of books, including La statue de sel, Agar and The Colonizer and the Colonized. He was held in a forced labour camp during the Nazi occupation of Tunisia but was able to escape.
Emperor Menelik II	b. 17 August 1844, Angolalla, Shewa, present-day Ethiopia, d. 12 December 1913, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Menelik II was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1889 until his death in 1913. He is particularly renown for leading an army against the Italians in the First Italo-Ethiopian War.
Sara Menker	b. 14 November 1982, Ethiopia Sara Menker is a data analyst, founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence, a technology company that uses data analysis to help create a more productive global agriculture industry.
John Mensah Sarbah	b. 3 June 1864, Anomabu, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 27 November 1910, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana John Mensah Sarbah was the first person from the Gold Coast to be called to the English bar. In addition he helped to found the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society, which became the main political organisation that led organised and sustained opposition against the colonial government, laying the foundation for Ghanaian independence.
Mekatilili Wa Menza	b. 1860, Mutsara wa Tsatsu, Bamba, Kilifi County, Kenya, d. 1914, Magarini, Malindi District, Kenya Mekatilili Wa Menza led the Giriama people in a rebellion against the British Colonial administration in Kenya from 1913-14. Arrested by the British in 1913, she was reputed to have escaped prison and walked over 1,000 kilometers to return home.
Mompati Merafhe	b. 6 June 1936, Serowe, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana, d. 7 January 2015, Gaborone, Botswana Mompati Merafhe was the 6th Vice-President of Botswana (1 April 2008 - 31 July 2012) under the presidency of Ian Khama. He was given Botswana's greatest honour in 2011, Naledi ya Botswana.
Mounia Meslem	b. 24 June 1961, Tébessa, Algeria Mounia Meslem is an Algerian politician and holds the role of Minister of National Solidarity, the Family and Women Affairs in Algerian government. She caused controversy in 2016 stating that "women who are married do not need a monthly wage to live, of course, as they live off their husband's salaries." in order to raise funds for public spending.
Edna Mgabaza	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Edna Mgabaza is a South African nurse, member of ANC in exile, founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Nontsizi Mgqwetho	b. Date unknown, Place unknown, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Nontsizi Mgqwetho was a poet from South Africa who wrote specifically in isiXhosa language. Her poetry is a great indicator and descriptor of life in the city as a Christian black woman of her time and has often been deemed controversial for its honest content. Not much is known about her and her life, she vanished after 1929.
Trinitas Mhango Kunashe	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Trinitas Mhango Kunashe is an activist and charity coordinator from Malawi who founded and runs Tina Pads. Working with the University of Malawi, she helps to distribute reusable sanitary products to the poorest of communities so that girls can remain in education, as over a million Malawian girls will miss school due to their period.
MHD	b. 10 September 1994, La Roche-sur-Yong, Vendée, France MHD is a French rapper who is credited as one of the early adopters of the Afro Trap sound, sometimes referred to as Afro Bashment.
Raymond Mhlaba	b. 12 February 1920, Mazoka, Fort Beaufort district, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 20 February 2005, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Raymond Mhlaba was leader of the African National Congress (ANC). Part of the Rivonia Trial, Mhlaba spent 25 years of his life in prison for his actions in relation to anti-Apartheid. After his release from prison he went onto gain posts such as the High Commissioner to Uganda and Rwanda.
Gcina Mhlophe	b. 24 October 1958, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Gcina Mhlope is a South African activist and creative, that has written and directed numerous books and films. Her main focus was against the Apartheid state and has also advocated her work to making books available to poor rural communities in South Africa.
Léonora Miano	b. 12 March 1973, Douala, Cameroon Léonora Miano is an author from Cameroon who has won several literary awards for her work.
James Michel	b. 16 August 1944, Mahé, British Seychelles, present-day Seychelles James Michel was the 3rd President of Seychelles (16 April 2004 - 16 October 2016) having previously served as Vice-President under France-Albert René (August 1996 - 16 April 2004). He resigned from the post less than a year into his third term.
Majid Michel	b. 20 September 1980, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana Majid Michel is an actor who was nominated over six times for an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor. In 2012 he received the Best Actor for his role in Somewhere in Africa.
Michel Micombero	b. 26 August 1940, Rutovu, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 16 July 1983, Mogadishu, Somalia Michel Micombero was the 1st President of Burundi (28 November 1966 - 1 November 1976) and 8th Prime Minister of Burundi (11 July 1966 - 26 November 1966) prior to that when he led two coup d'états against the monarchy. His governance was a one-party state and considered a military dictator. He was president during government-backed genocide of the Hutu people. He was ousted in a coup d'état by Jean-Baptiste Bagaza.
Asha-Rose Migiro	b. 9 July 1956, Songea, Tanzania Asha-Rose Migiro is a Tanzanian politician and served as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations for five years under Ban Ki-moon.
JP Mika	b. 1980, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo JP Mika is a Congolese artist who has had a range of styles over the years but has, since 2013, been known for his portraits. His work contains highly colourful backgrounds and retro imagery of important figures.
John Obi Mikel	b. 22 April 1987, Jos, Nigeria John Obi Mikel is a footballer who plays for the national Nigerian team.
Roger Milla	b. 20 May 1952, Yaoundé, Cameroon Roger Milla played in three World Cups for the Cameroon national team, and at age 42 during the 1994 World Cup, he became the oldest scorer in World Cup history. He is a two time African Footballer of the Year and received the Golden Foot Legends Award in 2014.
John Atta Mills	b. 21 July 1944, Tarkwa, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 24 July 2012, Accra, Ghana John Atta Mills was elected to President of Ghana (7 January 2009 - 24 July 2012) and had also held the role of Vice-President of Ghana (7 January 1997 - 7 January 2001). He is the first Ghanaian head of state to die in office.
Rachid Mimouni	b. 20 November 1945, Boudouaou, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 12 February 1995, Paris, France Rachid Mimouni was an Algerian writer and human rights activist. His work was controversial and led to him receiving threats from Islamic militants because of his criticism and comments on an Islamic movement being archaic. He wrote many books including Une paix à vivre and Tombéza.
Aïchatou Mindaoudou	b. 1959, Place unknown Aïchatou Mindaoudou is a politician and diplomat from Niger. She has held numerous roles in government, being reappointed following a number of military coups within the country, and held the role of Foreign Minister from 2001 till 2010.
Grace Minor	b. 31 May 1942, Liberia Grace Minor is a politician from Liberia who has appeared on the United Nations Security Council's list of leaders who are banned from travelling outside of Liberia and her assets have been frozen. She held the role in the Senate, the only woman in government though later on she was wanted by the government for the illegal demolition of family homes and properties.
Benjamin Mkapa	b. 12 November 1938, Ndanda, Masasi, Tangankiya, present-day Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa was the 3rd President of Tanzania (23 November 1995 - 21 December 2005). His rise to popularity was based upon being heavily involved in anti-corruption activity. In addition he privatised many nationalised sections of industry and tried to stimulate external foreign investment and development. Since the end of his term he has been accused of corruption himself.
Bertha Mkhize	b. 6 June 1889, Embo, Mkhomazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 3 October 1981, Inanda, KwZulu-Natal, South Africa Bertha Mkhize was a prolific activist and was legally emancipated in 1909 which was highly unusual position for her time. She was able to create her own business and was a pioneer for women's rights in South Africa.
Florence Mkhize	b. 1932, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 10 July 1999, Place unknown Florence Mkhize, also known as 'Mama Flo', was a South African political figure heavily involved in the trade unions and anti-Apartheid activities. She was banned from political activity after a photo was taken of her burning her pass book, an image that is now revered as both historically important as well as an artistic image. She educated people who were refused education for political reasons and won numerous awards for her political work.
Penina Muhando	b. 1948, Berega, Tanganyika Territory, present-day Tanzania Penina Mlama, also known as Penina Muhando, is a playwright and theorist, specialising in Swahili-language works. She, along with a number of other notable African playwrights, pioneered the Theatre for Development. This initiative uses plays and acting to help those who are cast out and marginalised, to express their thoughts and share wider issues with their communities.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka	b. 3 November 1955, Transkei, South Africa Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a politician hailing from South Africa and a United Nations official. She has held the role of Deputy President of South Africa (22 June 2005 - 23 September 2008) and is currently the Under-Secretary-General-of the United National and the Executive Director of UN Women (13 August 2013 - present).
Sabelo Mlangeni	b. 1980, Driefontein, South Africa Sabelo Mlangeni is a South African photographer. A street photographer, in his series Invisible Women he would go out into the streets of Johannesburg at night and snap photos of the women sweeping the streets.
Emmerson Mnangagwa	b. 15 September 1942, Shabani, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, known as 'The Crocodile', is the 3rd President of Zimbabwe. He was a guerrilla fighter in the Zimbabwe War of Independence, coming from Zambia where his parents had fled against persecution. After being sworn in as the new incumbent he has opened up to speak to the west again and inviting the UN, EU and Commonwealth to monitor the upcoming 2018 election. He has also expressed an interest in Zimbabwe rejoining the Commonwealth.
Margaret Mncadi	b. Date and year unknown, Eastern Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Margaret Mncadi was a physician and anti-Apartheid activist. She became Vice President of the ANC Women's League in Natal. Mncadi was named in the Treason Trial, although not prosecuted. In 1960 she went into exile. There is a street named after her in Durban.
Felix Mnthali	b. 1933, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Felix Mnthali is a Malawian writer educated at the National University of Lesotho. His works include a book of poetry, When Sunset Comes to Sapitwa (1980),and a novel, My Dear Anniversary (1992).
Ida Mntwana	b. 1903, Place unknown, d. 1960, Place unknown Ida Mntwana first president of the African National Congress Women's League and a leader of many mass women's demonstrations from Western Native Township. She was one of the defendants in the 1956 Treason Trial.
Chilala Moco	b. 8 May 1977, Caála, Huambo Province, Angola Chilala Moco is a photographer and the son of Marcolino Moco, former Prime Minister of Angola. He is a full-time photography editor for the Angolan newspaper O PAIS and additional titles at the group. He has won numerous awards including a shared award with Rogerio Tutty for the Angolan national award for photojournalism in 2009.
Marcolino Moco	b. 19 July 1953, Chitue, Ekunha, Huambo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Marcolino Moco was the 3rd Prime Minister of Angola (2 December 1992 - 3 June 1996). A member of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). He was fired from the role by the president José Eduardo dos Santos, along with the whole government, in a power move.
Mohau Modisakeng	b. 1986, Soweto, South Africa Mohau Modisakeng is a South African artist whose works are about the bringing together of communities and people in post-colonial Africa. His works are mainly sculptures but has also been known to do performance art.
Joe Modise	b. 23 May 1929, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 26 November 2001, Pretoria, South Africa Joe Modise was a South African politician and guerrilla fighter identified as being part of the Freedom Charter movement, however no charges were brought against him at the time. He was instrumental in the creation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military arm of the African National Congress and became the first black Minister for Defence.
Thandi Modise	b. 25 December 1959, Huhudi township, Vryburg, North West Province, South Africa Thandi Modise is the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (21 May 20014 - present) and was also the Premier of the North West of South Africa (19 November 2010 - 20 May 2014). A South African politician she was the first woman to be imprisoned in 1979 for receiving military training in Angola and underground work against the government of the time.
Inna Modja	b. 19 May 1984, Bamako, Mali Inna Modja is a Malian singer and model. She released her first album Everyday is a New World in 2009.
Connie Mofokeng	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Connie Mofokeng was a member of the Soweto Student Representative Council during the Soweto Uprising and then was a founding member of the Vaal Organisation of Women. During clashes with police during a march she was arrested and tortured. She was later exiled to Russia and found that she had been poisoned.
Festus Mogae	b. 21 August 1939, Serowe, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Festus Mogae was the 3rd President of Botswana (1 April 1998 - 1 April 2008) and was a member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). During his presidency he swore to tackle poverty and unemployment, as well as working on stopping the spread of HIV-AIDS. He has won a number of awards such as 2008 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
Flora Mogano	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Flora Mogano is a philanthropist who runs a clinic, crèche and orphanage dealing with HIV/AIDS patients and their families called the Good Hope Home in Tembisa.
Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed	b. 1 July 1951, Souali, French Somaliland, present-day Djibouti Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed is the present Prime Minister of Djibouti (1 April 2013 - present) and the head of the People's Rally for Progress party. Other roles he has held in the government include Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Defence.
Amina Mohamed	b. 5 October 1961, Kakamega, Kenya Amina Mohamed is a politician, lawyer and diplomat. She is currently the Cabinet Secretary for Education in Kenya and has won numerous awards for her political and philanthropic work.
Bibi Titi Mohamed	b. 1926, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, d. 5 November 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa Bibi Titi Mohamed was one of the leaders of the Tanzanian nationalist movement. Entering politics in 1955, she became the first female member of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU),an independent party led by Julius Nyerere. As a singer and a musician in community dancing groups, she helped recruit more than 6,000 women for the TANU. From 1962 to 1967 she was president of the national organisation of women's groups, Umoja waa Wananawake wa Tanzania, before falling into political disgrace and becoming the centre of Tanzania's first treason trial.
Martam Mohamed	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Martam Mohamed was a delegate of the first Conference of African Women in 1962 and is considered to be one of the founding members of the Pan-African Women's Organisation. She attended the summit on behalf of Zanzibar.
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed	b. 11 March 1962, Mogadishu, Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed was the 9th President of Somalia, also known as 'Farmajo' from the Italian name for cheese. His family are strongly political, with both parents actively connected to the Somali Youth League (SYL). He was appointed 14th Prime Minister of Somalia (14 October 2010 - 19 June 2011) but had to resign due to political tensions and for what he believed was for the best of the Somali people". He ran for president in 2012 but was eliminated early on, he then ran again in 2017 and was successful calling on those who worked with al Qaeda, al Shabaab and IS (Islamic State) to surrender.
Sittou Rashadat Mohamed	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sittou Rashadat Mohamed was the first female parliamentarian in the Comoros. She held the role of Minister of Social Affairs and Labour.
Mohamed Suleiman Mohamed	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mohamed Suleiman Mohamed is an author from Zanzibar who has written books such as Kiu and Nyota ya Rehema. His texts are part of the curriculum in Kenya.
King Mohammed V	b. 10 August 1909, Fes, Morocco, d. 26 February 1961, Rabat, Morocco Mohammed V of Morocco was both Sultan of Morocco (30 October 1955 - 14 August 1957) and King of Morocco (14 August 1957 - 26 February 1961) when he successfully negotiated independence for Morocco from France and Spain. He is known for blocking extradition orders to deport 250,000 Moroccan Jews during the holocaust and is respected for protecting their community.
King Mohammed VI	b. 21 August 1963, Rabat, Morocco Mohammed VI of Morocco is the reigning King of Morocco (23 July 1999 - present) having taken over the throne after the death of his father, King Hassan II. He is considered more liberal and has taken action creating a new Mudawana (family code) granting women more power. He also made the Berber language an official state language alongside Arabic. His regime has been accused of alleged corruption, a number of Mohammed VI's close political advisors having being named in WikiLeaks documents and the Panama papers. In 2017 Mohammed VI successfully led the country to rejoin the African Union after it left the Union in 1984 over a row re the status of Western Sahara. He also announced a bid to join the West African regional organisation ECOWAS, which has been accepted in principle by the member states, although they requested a detailed report on the political and economic implications of this membership.
Bala Mohammed	b. 5 October 1958, Bauchi State, Nigeria Bala Mohammed is a Nigerian politician and was in the cabinet of Goodluck Jonathan. He is the current Minister of Federal Capital Territory (8 April 2010 - present).
Murtala Mohammed	b. 8 November 1938, Kano City, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. February 13 1976, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria Murtala Mohammed was the 4th Head of State of Nigeria (20 July 1975 - 13 February 1976) and was assassinated whilst travelling by car in what was an attempted coup by Lt. Col Buka Suka Dimka.
Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo	b. 1930, Burao, British Somaliland, present-day Somalia Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud, sometimes referred to as 'Silanyo', was the 4th President of Somaliland (27 July 2010 - 13 December 2017),a role and state that considers themselves autonomous from Somalia.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud	b. 29 November 1955, Jalalaqsi, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was the 8th President of Somalia (10 September 2012 - 16 February 2017). Mohamud, during the outbreak of civil war liaised with NGOs, UN bureaus and worked as an education officer for UNICEF. He founded the Peace and Development Party, which is he is the leader of and was representing when he was elected. He was named in TIME magazine's 2013 Time 100, a list of some of most influential people in the world.
Martha Mohlakoane	b. 1906, Place unknown, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Martha Mohlakoane joined the African National Congress in 1939 and was one of the leaders of the Orange Free State women in the Anti-Pass Campaign.
Linah Mohohlo	b. 13 February 1952, Botswana Linah Mohohlo is a banker who was the Governor of the Bank of Botswana from 1999-2016. She is a member of the Commission for Africa.
Daniel arap Moi	b. 2 September 1924, Sacho, Baringo, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Daniel arap Moi was the 2nd President of Kenya (22 August 1978 - 30 December 2002) and is currently the longest serving president in the country's history. He also held the role of 3rd Vice-President of Kenya (5 January 1957 - 22 August 1978) when he was elected to the presidency.
Moke	b. 1950, Ibe, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo Moke was a visual artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo whose work often led to him being referred to as a "painter reporter". His bright scenes depicted images and situations from daily life.
Mokobé	b. 24 May 1976, Vitry-sur-Seine, France Mokobé is a French-Malian rapper, musician and actor. He is known for his music as part of rap group 113 as well as his solo work such as Africa Forever.
Kate Molale	b. 2 January 1928, Place unknown, d. 9 May 1980, Tanzania Kate Molale was a South African political activist and, in particular, was known in the popular resistance in the enforced eviction of residents of Sophiatown. She was a key activist in getting support in reaction to the Anti-Pass Campaign of 1956. She died after injuries sustained in a road traffic collision.
Elizabeth Maria Molteno	b. 24 September 1852, Beaufort West, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 25 August 1927, Trevone, Cornwall, United Kingdom Elizabeth Maria Molteno was a political activist who spoke out against the Boer War and was a founding member of the South Africa Conciliation Committee, and organised many mass meetings to protest against the war. She was friends with many influential people such as Mahatma Gandhi and Emily Hobhouse and became a follower of the suffragette movement when she moved to the United Kingdom.
Georges Momboye	b. 2 April 1968, Kouibly, Côte d'Ivoire Georges Momboye is an Ivorian dancer and choreographer working in Paris. He is considered one of the most representative artists in modern African dance. He has choreographed several international, award-winning dance shows.
Joseph Saidu Momoh	b. 26 January 1937, Binkolo, Bombali District, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. 3 August 2003, Conakry, Guinea Joseph Saidu Momoh was the President of Sierra Leone (28 November 1985 - 29 April 1992) and had got to the rank of Major-General whilst in the Sierra Leone Military Forces. The economy suffered greatly under his leadership with the country unable to import fuel and gasoline leading to blackouts that went on for months. He was overthrown in a military coup.
Ruth Mompati	b. 14 September 1925, Khanyisa, South Africa, d. 12 May 2015, Cape Town, South Africa Ruth Mompati was a South African teacher and politician. In 1954, she was a founding member of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). In 1954 she joined the African National Congress (ANC) and was elected to the National Executive Committee of the Women’s League. She was elected as a member of parliament in the first democratic election in 1994. Following her career in parliament she was appointed ambassador to Switzerland from 1996 to 2000.
Edigold Monday	b. 1962, Uganda Edigold Monday comes from Uganda and is a well known and respected businesswoman in the in the financial industry. She has held roles as the managing director for The Bank of Africa (Uganda) and also the role of CEO at the Crane Bank Rwanda. She is the first Ugandan woman to hold these roles.
Eduardo Mondlane	b. 20 June 1920, Nwajahani, Mandlakazi, Mozambique, d. 3 February 1969, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Eduardo Mondlane was the founding President of the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) from 1962-1969. In addition to his political career he was a respected academic, having attended educational establishments such as Oberlin, Northwester and Harvard.
Tierno Monénembo	b. 1947, Porédaka, French Guinea, present-day Guinea Tierno Monénembo is a Guinean writer and scientist, specialising in biochemistry. His novels deal with the subject of African intellectuals who have been exiled to France and deals with other diasporas. He openly criticised the 2008 coup in Guinea by writing a piece in the French newspaper, Le Monde.
Pabé Mongo	b. 6 June 1948, Pabé Mongo, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon Pabé Mongo was the pen name of Pascal Bekolo, a Cameroonian writer. He has a large body of work including stories, plays and essays. His work includes Le roi des manchots and Nos ancêtres les baobabs.
António Mascarenhas Monteiro	b. 16 September 1944, Ribeira da Barca, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde, d. 16 September 2016, Cape Verde António Mascarenhas Monteiro was the 2nd President of Cape Verde (22 March 1991 - 22 March 2001) and was the first to be elected under multiparty politics. Prior to this he had been the president of the Supreme Court of Cape Verde and after his presidency he was appointed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, at the time, Special Envoy to East Timor.
Fabrice Monteiro	b. 1972, Belgium Fabrice Monteiro is a Belgian-Beninese visual artist, based in Senegal, who has visited some of the most polluted places in Africa and created images of a terrifying nature to highlight the plight of pollution in the modern day.
Bai T. Moore	b. 12 October 1916, Dimeh, Liberia, d. 10 January 1988, Monrovia, Liberia Bai T. Moore was a Liberian writer whose works have greatly influenced Liberian culture. His novella Murder in the Cassava Patch is still taught in Liberian high schools and he covered the Liberia office for UNESCO.
Rahima Moosa	b. 14 October 1922, The Strand, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 29 May 1993, Place unknown Rahima Moosa was a South African activist known particularly for her role in the Anti-Pass uprising of woman in South Africa on 9 August 1956. There is a hospital named in her honour.
Mohamed Morsi	b. 8 August 1951, El Adwah, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt Mohamed Morsi was the 5th President of Egypt (30 June 2012 - 3 July 2013) and changed the constitution temporarily giving him absolute power over law in the country. Morsi was removed from office in the 2013 Egyptian coup d'état after the June 2013 Egyptian protests where millions of Egyptians called for his immediate resignation. He was put on trial for inciting murder of his opposition and leaking state secrets, he was found guilty and given the death sentence but that has since been overturned. He was still in prison as of March 2018.
Banjo Mosele	b. 1 April 1960, Kanye, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Banjo Mosele is a well known musician from Botswana. He has played Glastonbury Festival and WOMAD whilst in Bushmen Don't Surf, a group formed when he attended Goldsmiths College in south London. He has released a number of solo albums and also founded and toured with the Kalahari Band.
King Moshoeshoe II	b. 2 May 1938, Morija, Basutoland, present-day Lesotho, d. 15 January 1996, Maloti Mountains, Lesotho Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho was the King of Lesotho (4 October 1966 - 15 January 1996). His reign was marred with conflict when he was suspended by the Prime Minister but later reinstated, and then deposed in 1990 again being reinstated. He was killed in a car crash in 1996.
Pakalitha Mosisili	b. 14 March 1945, Waterfall, Basutoland, present-day Lesotho Pakalitha Mosisili is a politician who held the office as Prime Minister of Lesotho (17 March 2015 - 16 June 2017) after forming a coalition government following a snap election in 2015.
Ahlam Mosteghanemi	b. 13 April 1953, Tunis, Tunisia Ahlem Mostgehanemi is an Algerian writer and personality. She has written a number of works and has caused controversy in her battle against sexism. Her books are written in Arabic and deal with romance, as well as political themes throughout.
Emad Moteab	b. 20 February 1983, Sharqia, Egypt Emad Moteab is a striker who has been capped over 70 times by Egypt. His formidable three-way attack formation with Mohamed Aboutrika and Mohamed Barakat at Al-Ahly is nicknamed the 'Bermuda Triangle'.
Kgalema Motlanthe	b. 19 July 1949, Boksburg, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe was 3rd President of South Africa (25 September 2008 - 9 May 2009) and went on to be the Deputy President (9 May 2009 - 26 May 2014) following his presidency. He was a prominent member of the ANC's military wing, and an activist all of his life.
Ntlhoi Motsamai	b. 1963, Ha Pofoli, Lesotho Ntlhoi Motsamai is a Lesotho politician and teacher. She became Lesotho's first female Speaker of the National Assembly, a position she has held twice.
Clément Mouamba	b. 1944, Sibiti, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Congo Clément Mouamba is the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo (23 April 2016 - present) and is a member of the Party of Labour. Before his role as the Prime Minister he was the Minister of Finance.
Fidèle Moungar	b. 1948, Doba, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Fidèle Moungar served as Prime Minister of Chad (7 April 1993 - 28 October 1993) after being elected. He tried to speed up the process of changing the constitution to a multiparty system which caused friction between him and the president Idriss Déby. This caused the supporters of the president to call a censure motion which caused the removal of Moungar and his cabinet.
Venâncio da Silva Moura	b. 24 February 1940, Uíge Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 6 March 1999, Paris, France Venâncio da Silva Moura was an Angolan politician who held roles as the Minister of External Relations of Angola. He also spent many years as a diplomat including a year in Italy.
Baba Moustapha	b. 1952, Chad, d. November 1982, France Baba Moustapha was a Chadian playwright whose play, Commandant Chaka, was a scathing criticism of military dictatorships. It is considered to be one of his best pieces of work however, was only published following his death in 1982.
Nawal El Moutawakel	b. 15 April 1962, Casablanca, Morocco Nawal El Moutawakel is an ex-athlete from Morocco who is known for winning the 400 metres hurdles in the 1984 Olympics. Following her athletic career she was also the Minister of Sports in the Moroccan cabinet.
Dambisa Moyo	b. 2 February 1969, Lusaka, Zambia Dambisa Moyo is an economist, author and spokesperson who has specialised in working on analysing the economies of Africa and the practices of foreign aid. She has won numerous awards for her work and has been named in TIME's 100 and O's Power List.
J. Z. Moyo	b. 1927, Plumtree, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 22 January 1977, Place unknown J. Z. Moyo, Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, was the founder of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and was killed by a letter bomb.
Elizabeth Mpagi Bahigeine	b. 1942, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda Elizabeth Mpagi Bahigeine, sometimes known as Alice, was the Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda up until she retired in 2012 at age 70. She oversaw numerous proceedings, both as a lawyer and a judge, in her legal career including the dismissal of treason charges against Kizza Besigye and other accused individuals.
Josie Mpama	b. 1903, Potchefstroom, Transvaal, present-day North West Province, South Africa, d. 1979, place unknown Josie Mpama, sometimes known as 'Palmer', was a member of the Communist party of South Africa and was involved in numerous activities, including the Anti- Pass Campaign in the 1940s. She visited Moscow and gave evidence about the "factional struggle in the Communist party of South Africa." She was the common-law wife of Edwin Mofutsanyana.
Es'kia Mphahlele	b. 17 December 1919, Pretoria, South Africa, d. 28 October 2008, Limpopo, South Africa Es'kida Mphahlele was a South African writer who wrote about and developed the concept of African humanism. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature for his work. He wrote books such as The African Image and Father Come Home, as well as his autobiographies Es'kia and Es'kia Continued.
Pholile Mpofu	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Dr. Pholile Mpofu is the first black female dermatologist in South Africa. Her practice was to help those who felt that they would be able to speak to a black doctor and their skin issues would be understood and treated more effectively as a result.
Mohamed Salah Ben Mrad	b. 1881, Medina of Tunis, French Protectorate of Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 6 February 1979, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia Mohamed Salah Ben Mrad was a Tunisian journalist and academic. His works were often religiously related and in 1931 he published Mourning on Haddad's Women. This was a response to a book published a year prior by Tahar Haddad, objecting to and criticising Haddad's suggestion that rights for women should be expanded in society.
Sethembile Msezane	b. 1991, KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, South Africa Sethembile Msezane is a South African artist known for her living sculpture works and public performance practice. Extremely political her works such as Chapungu- The Day Rhodes Fell and The Charter express her frustrations of being born in the 90s but not feeling free.
King Mswati III	b. 19 April 1968, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital, Manzini, Swaziland, present-day eSwatini Mswati III was born Prince Makhosetive, is the King of eSwatini (Ngwenyama or Ingwenyama in Swazi language). As part of the HIV and AIDS pandemic he used his power to decree a period of abstinence for Swazi maidens for five years. He changed the name of the country to eSwatini in April 2018.
Fadhy Mtanga	b. 14 November 1981, Place Unknown Fadhy Mtanga is a Tanzanian creative writer, blogger, photographer, designer and social worker. His first Swahili novel, Huba, was published in 2014, followed by Fungate in 2017.
Audius Mtawarira	b. 1977, Chumbumu, Guruve, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Audius Mtawarira is a Zimbabwean musician and producer. His main genre is urban and has worked with musicians such as Delta Goodrem, Iggy Azalea and Jessica Mauboy.
Oliver Mtukudzi	b. 22 September 1952, Salisbury, present-day Harare, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Oliver Mtukudzi is a musician and human rights activist from Zimbabwe. As well as his solo career he was also a member of Wagon Wheels and South African supergroup, Mahube. He is particularly known for his human rights work and has taken on the role as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.
Hosni Mubarak	b. 4 May 1928, Kafr-El Meselha, Egypt Hosni Mubarak was the 4th President of Egypt (14 October 1981 - 11 February 2011) and also Prime Minister of Egypt (7 October 1981 - 2 January 1982),following a career in the Egyptian Air Force. He was in power when Egypt returned as a full-member of the Arab League, having being suspended after the peace treaty with Israel under Anwar Sadat's presidency. He resigned from the presidency in 2011 after protests against him and his government erupted in Cairo. He was put on trial on charges of premeditated murder of peaceful protesters and corruption. Later he was acquitted of the murders but was charged and served time on corruption and embezzlement.
Celestino Mudaulane	b. 1972, Maputo, Mozambique Celestino Mudaulane is an artist from Mozambique. He is considered to be a founding member of the Contemporary Art Movement of modern Mozambique. In addition to his artwork he also teaches at the National School of Visual Arts.
V. Y. Mudimbe	b. 8 December 1941, Jadotville, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo V. Y. Mudimbe is a philosopher and writer from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His work revolves around how African history is shaped and the various influences that it has had, particularly through linguistics.
Robert Mugabe	b. 21 February 1924, Kutama, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe was the 2nd President of Zimbabwe (31 December 1987 - 21 November 2017) and previously Prime Minister of Zimbabwe (18 April 1980 - 31 December 1987). A revolutionary, Robert Mugabe fought against the British colonies and has his ideologies in Marxism. He called for an independent, black-led state. He was ousted from power with a coup, this was swiftly followed with a motion to impeach and hold a no confidence vote but Robert Mugabe resigned. By the twenty-first century, Mugabe was regarded as one of the world's most controversial political leaders.
Jacqueline Mugo	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Jacqueline Mugo is the Executive Director at the Federation of Kenya Employers.
Lucy Mugoni	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Lucy Mugoni is a Malawian administrator who works on a project called Malawi Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (MWASH). Her supervision allows clean water to be distributed to a wide-range of families in Malawi.
Fulu Mugovhani	b. 7 September 1989, Thohoyandou, South Africa Fulu Mugovhani is an actress who received a Golden Horn Award and an Africa Movie Academy Award for her role in the film Ayanda.
Ali Mahdi Mohamed	b. 1 January 1939, Jowhar, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Ali Mahdi Muhammad was the 4th President of Somalia (26 January 1991 - 3 January 1997),he was internationally recognised however struggled to be recognised as the leader by parts of Somalia outside of Mogadishu.
Solomon Mujuru	b. 5 May 1945, Enkeldoorn, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 15 August 2011, Alamein Farm, Beatrice, Zimbabwe Solomon Mujuru, also known as Rex Nhongo, was a General and heavily involved in the Rhodesian Bush War. He was considered a formidable challenger against Mugabe in party meetings with Mugabe. He was detained under house arrest after accusations he planned to overthrow Mugabe. His death in a house fire is often viewed with suspicion.
Nesbert Mukomberanwa	b. 1969, Buhera, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Nesbert Mukomberanwa is a Zimbabwean sculptor who comes from a large family of sculptors and artists. He teaches sculpture to young people in his village of Dema.
Nicholas Mukomberanwa	b. 1940, Buhera, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 12 November 2000, Harare, Zimbabwe Nicholas Mukomberanwa was a prolific Zimbabwean sculptor and patriarch of the Mukomberanwa family of sculptors. He is considered to be one of Zimbabwe's most famous and renowned artists.
Denis Mukwege	b. 1 March 1955, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo Denis Mukwege has been granted a plethora of international prizes for his work and research in the field of gynecology, including the United Nations prize in the Field of Human Rights (2008) and the European Union's Sakharov Prize in 2014. He made Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People list in 2016.
Pilipili Mulongoy	b. 1914, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 2007, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Pilipili Mulongoy was a Congolese artist who was a member of the Elisabethville School. He was also a member of the l'Atelier de l'Art "Le Hangar" and his work has appeared all over the world.
Bakili Muluzi	b. 18 March 1943, Machinga, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi Bakili Muluzi was the President of Malawi (24 May 1994 - 24 May 2004) and the first to be freely elected, democratically. He was Malawi's first Muslim president.
Salomon Tandeng Muna	b. 1912, Place unknown, d. 22 January 2002, Douala, Cameroon Salomon Tandeng Muna was Prime Minister of West Cameroon (11 January 1968 - 2 June 1972) and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Cameroon (1970 - 1972). He was heavily involved in Scouting and received the Bronze Wolf distinction from the World Scout Committee in 1981.
Margaret Mungherera	b. 25 October 1957, Jinja, Uganda, d. 4 February 2017, Chennai, India Margaret Mungherera was a psychiatrist and served as the president of the Ugandan Medical Association for five terms and president of the World Medical Association from 2013-2014.
Charles Mungoshi	b. 2 December 1947, Zimbabwe Charles Mungoshi is known for his anti and post-colonial novels, short stories and poems. His literary works include the novel Kunyarara Hakusi Kutaura.
Mode Muntu	b. 1940, Lubumbashi, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, d. 1985, Place unknown Mode Muntu was a Congolese artist whose works depict simple figures with patterned backgrounds depict scenes from his experiences. His works are almost exclusively of rural life and society.
Henry Munyaradzi	b. 1931, Chipuriro, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 27 February 1998, Zimbabwe Henry Munyaradzi was a sculptor from Zimbabwe who was known often simply as Henry. He was part of the Shona sculpture movement. His work has been portrayed on stamps of Zimbabwe.
Florence Muranga	b. 1952, Kabuli Village, Mayuge District, Uganda Florence Muranga is a Ugandan scientist, specifically within the field of food biochemistry. Her research and actions have directly affected the economy in Uganda based on the commercialisation of Uganda's banana products. She is particularly interested in boosting the nutritional values of the matooke banana and has written numerous papers on the subject.
Anastase Murekezi	b. 15 June 1952, Nyaruguru District, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda Anastase Murekezi was the 10th Prime Minister of Rwanda (24 July 2014 - 30 August 2017). A specialist in agriculture he has also been a prominent member of Compact2025 which collects evidence and research in an attempt to end world hunger and malnutrition.
Azwinndini Muronga	b. Lwamondo, South Africa Azwinndini Muronga is a South African theoretical physicist and one of the leading scientists in the relativistic treatment of viscosity. He is currently the Dean of Science at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Janet Museveni	b. 24 June 1949, Ntungamo District, Western Uganda Janet Museveni is the First Lady of Uganda (29 January 1986 - present) and a politician. Having also served in the cabinet as the Minister of Education and Sports and Minister for Karamoja Affairs. She has also founded an organisation to help orphans in Uganda and has actively worked to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Yoweri Museveni	b. 15 September 1944, Ntungamo, Uganda Protectorate, Uganda Yoweri Museveni is the 9th President of Uganda (29 January 1986 - present),having assumed power by overthrowing the military controlled government with his National Resistance Army. Since his presidency there has been an increase in economic growth and stability in comparison to previous years.
Louise Mushikiwabo	b. 22 May 1961, Kigali, Rwanda Louise Mushikiwabo is a politician who has served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Rwanda since 2009.
Jennifer Musisi	b. Date Unknown, Mukono District, Uganda Jennifer Musisi is a well known member of the Ugandan civil service and practicing lawyer. She has held the role of the executive director of Kampala City Authority from 2011.
Monica Musonda	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Monica Musonda is an entrepreneur businesswoman from Zambia. Her company, Java Foods, specialises in making convenient, but nutritious foods that are cheap enough to afford for young people. She has been listed as one of Forbes most powerful women in Africa two years running (2013 & 2014).
Gloria Musu-Scott	b. Date unknown, Monrovia, Liberia Gloria Musu-Scott is a legal trained politician from Liberia. She served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for six years and also the chair for the Constitution Review Committee, her particular focus being on education of women and inclusiveness of females in politics.
Dorothy Musuleng-Cooper	b. 1931, Chipuriro, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 30 June 2009, Monrovia, Liberia Dorothy Musuleng-Cooper was a Liberian politician who was often known as 'D-Mus'. She became the first woman to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Liberia. Prior to this was involved in the guerilla movement of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia.
King Mutesa II	b. 19 November 1924, Makindye, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda, d. 21 November 1969, Rotherhithe, London, United Kingdom King Mutesa II of Buganda was the 1st President of Uganda (9 October 1963 - 2 March 1966) and in addition was also the Kabaka of Uganda, or 'material king' (22 November 1939 - 21 November 1969). He was deposed and forced into exile in the United Kingdom after the Battle of Mengo Hill (1966).
Peter Mutharika	b. 18 July 1940, Chisoko, Thyolo, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi Peter Mutharika is the President of Malawi (31 May 2014 - present). His presidency was questioned when accusations that he had taken United States citizenship were made, however it was ascertained he was not a US citizen but held a Green Card.
Dikembe Mutombo	b. 25 June 1966, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Dikenbe Mutombo was a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association for 18 seasons. He was a four time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, eight time NBA All Star and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Wangechi Mutu	b. 22 June 1972 Nairobi, Kenya Wangechi Mutu is a contemporary artist whose mediums include collage painting, sculpture, performance and video. Her work discusses gender constructs and cultural identity in relation to colonialism and contemporary African politics. In 2017 she received the Anderson Ranch National Artist Award.
Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa	b. 21 July 1921, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa is a writer and sangoma (traditional healer) from South Africa. Coming from a mixture of Christian and Zulu parentage his books are filled with Zulu legends mixed with his own experiences, along with a science fiction edge. In addition he has written an autobiography and a graphic novel. He is also a healer and is an advocate of traditional African healing methods and their use with diseases and ailments such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Elizabeth Muwanga	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Elizabeth Muwanga changed history when she became the first female police officer in Uganda in 1980. She has worked her way up and was instrumental in female only desks for victims of rape and abuse, increasing the number of female police officers within the force.
Paulo Muwanga	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 1 April 1991, Kampala, Uganda Paulo Muwanga was the 6th President of Uganda (12 May 1980 - 22 May 1980) for 10 days. He also held office as the 4th Vice President of Uganda (December 1980 - July 1985) and 3rd Prime Minister of Uganda (1 August 1985 - 25 August 1985) for 25 days.
Susan Muwonge	b. 1977, Uganda Susan Muwonge is a Ugandan racing driver and also known as 'Super Lady'. She won the 2011 National Rally Championship after starting her racing career in 2005. A heavily male dominated field, she has taken the world of racing by storm.
Chisenga Muyoya	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Chisenga Muyoya is a Zambian tech whizz and founded the Asikana Network. She focuses on empowering women and education in the ICT industry. She also consults at Bongo Hive which is a Zambian tech hub and equips fledgling entrepreneurs.
Engelbert Mveng	b. 9 May 1930, Ebolowa, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon, d. 23 April 1995, Yaoundé, Cameroon Engelbert Mveng was a Jesuit priest and writer on numerous subjects from Cameroon. He wrote a lot on the arts, theology and anthropology, as well as writing a number of articles and essays. He was murdered and it remains unsolved.
Kazadi Mwamba	b. 6 March 1947, Lubumbashi, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo Kazadi Mwamba was a goalkeeper who played for TP Mazembe and Zire. He was named Player of the Tournament when the Democratic Republic of the Congo won the 1968 African Cup of Nations.
King Mwambutsa IV	b. 6 May 1912, Nyabiyogi, Kingdom of Burundi, German East Africa, present-day Burundi, d. 26 March 1977, Geneva, Switzerland Mwambutsa IV of Burundi, also known as King Mwambutsa IV Bangiricenge, was the King of Burundi (16 December 1915 - 8 July 1966). When the country received independence in 1962, he retained the role as head of state of Burundi however the 1965 coup d'état overthrew the monarchy and he went into exile in the Republic of Congo and ended up in Switzerland. The monarchy was overthrown again after two following coup d'états, eventually leading the abolishment of the monarchy in 1966.
Levy Mwanawasa	b. 3 September 1948, Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 19 August 2008, Paris, France Levy Mwanawasa was the 3rd President of Zambia (2 January 2002 - 19 August 2008). Having started his career as a lawyer he then went on to win the 2001 election and the 2006 elections. In his presidency there was a lot of foreign investment due to his commitment to anti-corruption and driving tourism.
Ingrid Mwangi	b. 1975, Nairobi, Kenya Ingrid Mwangi is a Kenyan-German artist who is one half of artistic duo, Mwangi Hutter. Her work is multi-disciplinary with projects and work in photography, sculpture, installation and performance art. She is married to her artistic duo partner.
Rachel Mwanza	b. 1997, Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Rachel Mwanza is an actress who has appeared in films including War Witch and Kinshasa Kids. Prior to being cast in War Watch she was living on the streets in Kinshasa. She won Best Actress at the 1st Canadian Screen Awards in 2012.
Howard Simon Mwikuta	b. 1941, Ndola, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 1988, Place unknown Howard Simon Mwikuta was a place kicker for the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 and the first African born player in the National Football League.
Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo	b. 1981, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo is a Congolese artist who has held solo exhibitions in South Africa and Belgium. His recent work includes found photographs and collages from fashion magazines to create hybrid figures.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi	b. 8 May 1925, Kivure, Pwani Region, British Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania Ali Hassan Mwinyi was the 2nd President of Tanzania (5 November 1985 - 23 November 1995),taking an opposing view from his predecessor Julius Nyere. He reversed numerous socialist based policies, relaxed restrictions on imports and tried to stimulate and encourage private enterprise. He received the Order of Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.
Faith Mwondha	b. 16 March 1964, Uganda Faith Mwondha is a Ugandan lawyer and judge. She founded a law firm, Mwondha & Co. Advocates and has held roles such as Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda and Inspector General of Government (IGG).
Victoria Mxenge	b. 1 January 1942, King William's Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 1 August 1985, Umlazi, Durban, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Victoria Mxenge was a lawyer, nurse, midwife and South African anti-Apartheid activist. She worked tirelessly following the murder of her husband by Vlakplaas agents, to speak out and defend those who had been ill-treated in prison and those involved in various political skirmishes. She was murdered in front of her children in what has rumoured to be a government "death squad". Her death caused great disturbances and protests.
Iba N'Diaye	b. 1928, Saint-Louis, Senegal, d. 5 October 2008, Paris, France Iba N'Diaye was a painter who utilized European modernist fine art to depict his views of African realities.
Thomas N'Kono	b. 20 July 1956, Dizangué, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon Thomas N'Kono is a former footballer from Cameroon. Playing as a goalkeeper for clubs and his national team, he took part in both the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. He was one arrested for using "black magic" before the African Cup of Nations.
Yousso N’dour	b. 1 October 1959, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Yousso N'dour is a singer, songwriter and politician. He helped develop the Senegalese music known as mbalax. He was nominated as Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and served as Minister of Culture and Tourism and Special Advisor to the President of Senegal.
Edgard Naccache	b. 15 December 1917, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 27 March 2006, Paris, France Edgar Naccache was a Tunisian painter. Self-taught, he was inspired by the fertile imagination of childhood. His work was frequently displayed in arts magazines and exhibitions.
Fanta Régina Nacro	b. 4 September 1962, Burkina Faso Fanta Régina Nacro is a film director from Burkina Faso. Her films Night of Truth (2004) and Some Morning (1991) drew her international attention. She is the first woman from her country to direct a feature film and is a founding member of the African Guild of Directors and Producers.
Emmanuel Nadingar	b. 1951, Bebidja, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Emmanuel Nadingar served as the Prime Minister of Chad (5 March 2010 - 21 January 2013) and has often worked in the area of defence, holding the post of Minister of Defense, Veterans, and War Victims and speaking out about concerns with military unrest. His political part was the Patriotic Salvation Movement.
Mohammed Naguib	b. 19 February 1901, Khartoum, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 28 August 1984, Cairo, Egypt Mohammed Naguib was the 1st President of Egypt (18 June 1953 - 14 November 1954) and also 30th Prime Minister of Egypt (8 March 1954 - 18 April 1954). He assumed the role after the Revolution of 1952, which abolished the Egyptian and Sudanese monarchies and created the Republic of Egypt.
Ama Naidoo	b. November 1908, Pretoria, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 25 December 1993, Place unknown Ama Naidoo was a South African anti-Apartheid activist along with her husband Roy. From 1946, when she joined the Passive Resistance campaign, she was regularly imprisoned and incarcerated for her political activism. She was a member of the Federation of South African Women and all her children became involved with the cause.
Phyllis Naidoo	b. 15 January 1928, Estcourt, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 13 February 2013, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Phyllis Naidoo was a prominent anti-Apartheid activist who started her career as a tuberculosis nurse before rebelling against her conservative upbringing and became heavily involved in the struggle for freedom. She was banned and put under house arrest, told to flee but refused and trained to become a lawyer.
Shanti Naidoo	b. 6 March 1935, Pretoria, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Shanthivathie Naidoo, sometimes called Shanthie or Shanti, is a South African anti-Apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress. Her parents, Ama and Thambi Naidoo, were well known activists. Shanthivathie Naidoo was banned for five years and was arrested for breaking the order in 1965. A subsequent ban and an arrest led to her being put in solitary confinement and tortured, despite this she still refused to give evidence against her fellow activists.
Nakhane	b. 3 February 1988, Alice, South Africa Nakhane is a singer from South Africa who is an icon for his openness about his sexuality. He has released a number of albums including Brave Confusion and The Laughing Son.
Madina Nalwanga	b. 2000, Kampala, Uganda Madina Nalwanga is an actress, playing the lead role in the award winning film, Queen of Katwe.
Proscovia Nalweyiso	b. June 1954, Uganda Proscovia Nalweyiso is a Ugandan military official and the first female Major General in the Ugandan army. Joining the army in 1982 she has worked her way up the ranks to achieve the highest post held by a female within the military of the country. She currently acts as an advisor on defence to the government.
Rema Namakula	b. 24 April 1991, Uganda Rema Namakula is a Ugandan musician who started off singing in karaoke. She has had a lot of success and released her own solo album whilst providing back up vocals for Bebe Cool.
Adiato Djaló Nandigna	b. 6 November 1958, Guinea-Bissau Adiato Djaló Nandigna was the acting prime minister of Guinea-Bissau (10 February 2012 - 12 April 2012) and was the first woman to hold the post. Her term was cut short during a coup that deposed her and her president Raimundo Pereira, in the political unrest that followed the death of Malam Bacai Sanhá. She returned to the cabinet in 2015.
Hersheela Narsee	b. 23 March 1956, Durban, South Africa Hersheela Narsee is a South African scientist, researcher and educator. She was an activist during her time at university and was heavily involved in student politics, leading to a number of brushes with the law. She has also held roles within the Teachers' Association of South Africa and the South African Congress of Trade Unions.
Ajuma Nasenyana	b. 16 August 1984, Lodwar, Kenya Ajuma Nasenyana is a Kenyan fashion model who has worked with companies such as Victoria's Secret, Lacoste and Issey Miyake.
Gamal Abdel Nasser	b. 15 January 1918, Alexandria, Sultanate of Egypt, present-day Egypt, d. 28 September 1970, Cairo, Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein was the 2nd President of Egypt (23 June 1956 - 28 September 1970) and 31st Prime Minister of Egypt (25 February 1954 - 8 March 1954, 18 April 1954 - 29 September 1962 and 19 June 1967 - 28 September 1970). Under his presidency the Suez Crisis unfolded and political relations broke down with the United Kingdom and other nations. A socialist pan-africanist and pan-Arabist, Nasser seized control of the Suez Canal which was then attacked by the Israelis, causing several breakdowns between nations, culminating in the United States getting involved. Nasser's government then nationalised the Suez Canal.
Noureddine Naybet	b. 10 February 1970, Casablanca Morocco Noureddine Naybet is a footballer who played for a number of Moroccan and international teams. He finished his career playing at Tottenham Hotspur and for the Moroccan national team.
Mongezi Ncaphayi	b. 1983, Benoni, Eastern Gauteng, South Africa Mongezi Ncaphayi is a South African artist who works in mixed media, creating amalgams of modern art with traditional methods. He has won a number of awards including the ABSA L'Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award.
Nhlanhla Nciza	b. 15 March 1978, Schweizer-Reneke, South Africa Nhlanhla Nciza is a singer, songwriter and member of the group Mafikizolo. Mafikizolo won ten South African Music Awards including Album of the Year in 2014.
Sister Bernard Ncube	b. 1932, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 31 August 2012, Edenvale, South Africa Sister Bernard Ncube was an anti-Apartheid activist, mayor, member of parliament and Catholic nun. She was arrested a lot for her anti-apartheid activities and was often at odds with her church because she was more liberal than their usual dogma.
Themba Ndaba	b. 14 February 1965, Soweto, South Africa Themba Ndaba is an actor who won both an Africa Academy Award and a Golden Horn Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Hopeville.
Melchior Ndadaye	b. 28 March 1953, Murama, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 21 October 1993, Bujumbura, Burundi Melchior Ndadaye was the 4th President of Burundi (10 July 1993 - 21 October 1993) and was the first democratically elected to the position. He created a more balanced non-ethnic government, made up of equal Hutu and Tutsi ethnicities but was assassinated during a failed military coup. His assassination triggered like-for-like massacres between the ethnicities and led to a decade long Burundi Civil War.
Locardia Ndandarika	b. 1945, Bindura, Zimbabwe Locardia Ndandarika is a sculptor from Zimbabwe. She has exhibited and held workshops in the United States, the Netherlands, South Africa and New Zealand since 1997.
Cheik Aliou Ndao	b. 3 August 1933, Bignona, Senegal Cheik Aliouo Ndao is a renowned Senegalese author who has written in the native Wolof language as well as French. He is known for many works, including Buur Tilleen (1967) and the more recent Mbaam Aakimoo (1997).
Oumar Ndao	b. 1957, Place unknown, d. 11 May 1973, Gorée Island, Senegal Oumar Ndao was a Senegalese screenwriter and film director. He was the Director of Culture and Tourism for Dakar and created a festival called Le Ribidion, celebrating art and culture in the city of Dakar.
Domitien Ndayizeye	b. 2 May 1951, Murango, Kayanza Province, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Domitien Ndayizeye was the 8th President of Burundi (30 April 2003 - 26 August 2005),succeeding after serving as Vice-President (1 November 2001 - 30 April 2003) under Pierre Buyoya's presidency. He has worked alongside other presidents in the region to try and build links and a better relationship between the Hutu and Tutsi people. After his presidency he was arrested in 2006 on charges that he was part of an alleged coup plot, losing his immunity as a Senator. He was acquitted in 2007. He ran once more for presidency in 2010 but withdrew.
Adama Ndiaye	b. Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Adama Ndiaye, also known as Adama Paris, is a fashion designer of Senegalese origin. Daughter of diplomats, she created Dakar Fashion Week as a platform to showcase her designs which are manufactured in Morocco.
Samba Félix Ndiaye	b. 6 March 1945, Darak, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 6 November 2009, Dakar, Senegal Samba Félix Ndiaye was a documentary maker from Senegal. With a career spanning 30 years he released documentaries such as La Santé and Un fleuve dans la tête.
Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung	b. 1977, Yaoundé, Cameroon Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung is an art curator and biotechnologist from Cameroon. He founded SAVVY Contemporary Berlin and has curated projects and exhibitions all over the world. One of his other enterprises is as editor-in-chief of SAVVY|art.contemporary.african., the first bilingual online news regarding African art and artists.
Maria Ndlovu	b. Date and year unknown, Zimbabwe Maria Ndlovu is a spokesperson and public speaker for Transnet. A rape survivor and a person living with HIV, she discovered that she had contracted HIV when applying for a business loan. She counsels rape survivors and those suffering with HIV/AIDS in an attempt to end the stigma attached to sufferers.
Viviane Ndour	b. 29 September 1973, Mbour, Senegal Viviane Ndour is a Senegalese pop-star who has pursued a solo career as well as singing in a Le Jolof Band. She sings predominantly in Wolof and English but occasionally in French.
Abdoulaye Ndoye	b. 25 April 1983, Dakar, Senegal Abdoulaye Ndoye is a footballer originally from Senegal but naturalised to Equatorial Guinea. He plays the position of midfield.
Helena Ndume	b. Date and year unknown, Tsumeb, Namibia Helena Ndume is an ophthalmologist who has performed sight restoring surgery for over 30000 people for free, working with See International. She was awarded Grand Commander of the Order of Namibia, First Class, and in 2015 awarded the United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize.
Njoki Ndung'u	b. 20 September 1965, Kenya Njoki Ndung'u is a Kenyan lawyer and judge, specifically as an Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of Kenya. Of much of her work she has contributed heavily to the passing of the Sexual Offences Act of 2006 in a bid to curb rising sexual assaults and rapes in the country.
Cerinah Nebanda	b. 1988, Place unknown, d. December 2012, Kampala, Uganda Cerinah Nebanda was considered a young Ugandan politician to watch, having beaten a seasoned politician without any experience to represent the Butaleja women's district. However she was found dead and stories of how it came to be have been conflicting. Many state she was poisoned but others accuse her of a drug overdose.
Ahmed Fouad Negm	b. 22 May 1929, Sharqia, Egypt, d. 3 December 2013, Cairo, Egypt Ahmed Fouad Negm, also known as el-Fagommi, was a poet and musician and part of the Egyptian folk genre. He was an United Nations Ambassador of the poor and wont the Prince Claus Award for 'Unwavering Integrity'.
Condetto Nénékhaly-Camara	b. 10 September 1930, Guinea, d. 22 July 1972, Place unknown Condetto Nénékhaly-Camara was a poet and playwright. He is known for two plays published in France in 1970, eventually translated into English in 1975, Continent Afrique and Amazoulou. The latter was an epic drama about the Zulu King Shaka.
Agostinho Neto	b. 17 September 1922, Icolo e Bengo, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 10 September 1979, Moscow, Soviet Union, present-day Russia Agostinho Neto was the 1st President of Angola (11 November 1975 - 10 September 1979) following the war for independence against Portugal. He was the leader of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA),in addition to his political and revolutionary actions he is considered one of Angola's most celebrated poets.
Pitra Neto	b. 12 February 1958, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Pitra Neto is an Angolan political figure, as well as being a university professor in law and a lawyer. He has been a member of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) since 1974 and has been a member of the central committee from 1998 onwards.
Ruth Neto	b. Date and year unknown, Portuguese Angola Ruth Neto, sometimes known as Maria Ruth Neto, was the leader of the female wing of the MPLA during the struggle for Angola's independence. She was also Secretary General for the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
José Maria Neves	b. 28 March 1960, Santa Catarina, Portuguese Cape Verde, Portugal, present-day Cape Verde José Maria Neves was the Prime Minister of Cape Verde (1 February 2001 - 22 April 2016) and is so far the longest individual to serve in this post. He is known for establishing diplomatic relations with China and working with European Union, and is keen for Cape Verde to become a member of the EU. In addition to his political career he has written a number of books and articles.
Mimi Cherono Ng’ok	b. 1983, Nairobi, Kenya Mimi Cherono Ng'ok is a Kenyan photographer who uses her work as a way of depicting her experiences of displacement and identity from her time spent in Kenya and South Africa. She won the PhotoAfrica Award in 2010.
Ambroise Ngaimoko	b. 1949, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 1999, Place unknown Ambroise Ngaimoko was an Angolan photographer. As a refugee, his family settled in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo where he began helping out his uncle. His images, mainly in black and white, are striking portraits of individuals or pairs.
Georges Ngal	b. 23 April 1933, Bandundu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo Georges Ngal studied theology and philosophy at the Jesuit Fathers Seminary in Mayidi. His thesis was published in 1994 by the Presence Africaine Paris edition under the title Aimé Césaire, a man in search of a fatherland.
Josephine Ngale	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Josephine Ngale is a Cameroonian woman who created the Save The Children Alliance Orphanage and is also a UN peacekeeper against gender-based violence. Prior to her work she was a police inspector in the Cameroon police force.
Ida Victorine Ngampolo	b. 18 May 1942, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Ida Victorine Ngampolo is a politician from the Republic of Congo, who has been awarded several honors for her service to the nation.
Djidingar Dono Ngardoum	b. 1928, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad, d. 19 February 2000, Chad Djidingar Dono Ngardoum was the 2nd Prime Minister of Chad (19 May 1982 - 19 June 1982). He was appointed by Hissène Habré, who had previously held the role as well as the presidency.
Lauretta Ngcobo	b. 13 September 1931, Ixpo, Natal Province, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 3 November 2015, Johannesburg, South Africa Laurreta Ngcobo was a South African writer. Her writing was considered quite controversial by the government of South Africa at the time as it was heavily influenced by the experiences of oppression of black African women during the Apartheid. Her most famous book, And They Didn't Die, has been critically acclaimed as well as her collected works on exiled women, and a children's book she wrote.
Charity Ngilu	b. 1952, Mbooni, Makueni District, present-day Kenya Charity Ngilu is one of three individuals that became Kenya's first female governors. She is currently the 2nd County Governor for Kitul (22 August 2017 - present) and has held roles such as Minister of Water and Irrigation and Minister of Health.
Gift Ngoepe	b. 18 January 1990, Pietersburg, South Africa Gift Ngoepe is a Major League Baseball (MLB) player for the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2017, while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was the first African-born player in MLB history.
Ngoma	b. Date and year unknown, Limbe, Cameroon Ngoma, born as Atanga Schneider Ngomah, is a Cameroonian Hip-Hop artist and rapper. He is unusual as he raps in four different languages including Ngemba.
Marien Ngouabi	b. 31 December 1938, Ombellé, Cuvette, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Republic of the Congo, d. 18 March 1977, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Marien Ngouabi was the President of the People's Republic of the Congo (1 January 1969 - 18 March 1977). He changed the name of the country to the People's Republic of the Congo, aligning it with other Marxist-Leninist states and signed an economic aid pact with the Soviet Union. He was assassinated in 1977.
Jean-Paul Ngoupandé	b. 6 December 1948, Dékoa, Kemo-Gribingui, Ubungi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 4 May 2014, Paris, France Jean-Paul Ngoupandé served as Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (6 June 1996 - 30 January 1997) and later ran for the presidency in 1999 and 2005. He founded and was president of this own political party the National Unity Party (PUN) and deemed himself to be the enemy of corruption.
Lillian Ngoyi	b. 25 September 1911, Pretoria, South Africa, d. 13 March 1980, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa Lilian Ngoyi was a South African, anti-Apartheid activist. A member of the African National of Congress (ANC),she was elected as president of the ANC Women's League. When the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) was formed in 1954, she became one of its national vice-presidents, and in 1956 she was elected president.
Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi	b. 1977, Cape Town, South Africa Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi is a South African artist who depicts landscapes that comment on the colonisation of Africa. Highly political his images are of a somewhat surrealist form.
Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet	b. 23 May 1972, Bossangoa, Central African Republic Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet served as the temporary Head of State of the Central African Republic (10 January 2014 - 23 January 2014) and also as President of the National Transitional Council of the Central African Republic (15 April 2013 - 6 May 2016). He pleaded that the people of the country agree to the new proposed constitution in a referendum in 2015 after many years of unrest and political turmoil.
Denis Sassou Nguesso	b. 23 November 1943, Edou, French Congo, present-day Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso is the current President of the Republic of the Congo (25 October 1997 - present) having held the role beforehand as well (8 February 1979 - 31 August 1992). He has come under scrutiny for what is deemed excessive spending, particularly when the country had been receiving foreign aid.
Pricilia Nguman	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Pricilia Nguman was a member of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and attended the 1962 Conference of African Women. She, along with a number of others, is considered as a founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation.
Malangatana Ngwenya	b. 6 June 1936, Matalana, Mozambique, d. 5 January 2011, Matosinhos, Portugal Malangatana Ngwenya was a painter and poet. His work was shown throughout Africa and is in the collection of the National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C.
Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo	b. 25 March 1958, Bissau, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo was head of the transitional government following the coup against Raimundo Pereira. He held the role of acting President of Guinea-Bissau (11 May 2012 - 23 June 2014) but had also run in the 2012 elections which had been disbanded as part of the uprising.
Nialé Kaba	b. 1962, Bouko, Côte d'Ivoire Nialé Kaba is the Minister of Planning and Development in Côte d'Ivoire. She was the first woman to hold the position of Minister of the Economy and Finance.
Djibril Tamsir Niane	b. 9 January 1932, Conakry, Guinea Djibril Tamsir Niane is an honorary professor of Howard University (Washington DC) and Tokyo University. He is renowned for introducing western scholars to the Epic of Sundiata, about the 13th century founder of the Mali Empire.
Katoucha Niane	b. 23 October 1960, Conakry, Guinea, d. 2 February 2008, Paris, France Katoucha Niane was a model from Guinea who worked with Thierry Mugler, Paco Rabanne and Christian Lacroix.
Roger Nikiéma	b. 1935, Place unknown Roger Nikiéma is a Burkinabé writer whose book Dessein contraire was one of the first to be published in the 1960s. He also worked in radio, both domestically and internationally, and in newspapers.
Gloria Amon Nikoi	b. 1930, Ghana Gloria Amon Nikoi was the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana in 1979 and the first woman to hold this role. As well as her government career she worked as a diplomat, a role which complimented her late husband's roles as the Governor for the Bank of Ghana and Finance Minister.
Sow Nima	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Sow Nima was a founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation following her attendance in Dar es Salaam for the Conference of African Women with others from Guinea.
Gaafar Nimeiry	b. 1 January 1930, Wad Nubawi, Omdurman, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 30 May 2009, Khartoum, Sudan Gaafar Nimeiry was the 4th President of Sudan (25 May 1969 - 6 April 1985) and 9th Prime Minister of Sudan (28 October 1969 - 11 August 1976). He overthrew the government of Ismail al-Azhari with a military coup. He considered himself to be a socialist however later on he became an ally of the capitalist United States, but implemented Sharia law throughout Sudan causing the Second Sudanese Civil War.
Rigobert Nimi	b. 1965, Tshiela, Bas-Congo, present day Kongo Central, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Rigobert Nimi is an artist and sculptor from the Democratic Republic of Congo who creates extremely detailed and precise statuettes from rescued materials.
Khadja Nin	b. 27 June 1959, Ruandi-Urundi, present-day Burundi Khadja Nin is a Burundian singer and musician, having released numerous albums in Swahili, Kirundi and French. She is the daughter of a diplomat and is married to the motor racing driver Jacky Ickx.
Evodia Njah	b. Date and year unknown, Cameroon Evodia Njah is a Cameroonian Sightsavers volunteer who takes a census of her village to create the right numbers of treatments in the prevention of River Blindness.
Simon Njami	b. 1962 Lausanne, Switzerland Simon Njami is a writer and art critic. Founder of the Revue Noir, a publication dedicated specifically to contemporary African art, he has also written a number of novels such as African Gigolo, Les Clandestins and worked on a number of films.
Mũchiri Njenga	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mûchiri Njenga is a film maker from Kenya whose film Beyond A Craft was shortlisted in Vision Fund's short film contest. He is also the director at Studio Ang and has created films such as Kichwateli.
Isatou Njie-Saidy	b. 5 March 1952, Kuntaya, North Bank Division, Gambia Isatour Njie-Saidy is a Gambian politician and held the role as Vice-President of Gambia (20 March 1997 - 18 January 2017). Her rise to power in government was groundbreaking in the region of West Africa.
Annette Nkalubo	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Annette Nkalubo is one of the highest ranking females in the Ugandan military. She has served as a member of parliament in Uganda and has also worked on secondment the United Nations. She has been named a 'Top Woman Movers' by Uganda's Daily Monitor.
Edward Makuka Nkoloso	b. 1919, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 4 March 1989, Place Unknown Edward Makuka Nkoloso was a member of Zambia's resistance movement to colonial rule. He later went on to found the Zambia National Academy of Science, Space Research and Philosophy.
Alice Nkom	b. 14 January 1945, British Cameroons, present-day Cameroon Alice Nkom is a respected human rights lawyer from Cameroon and was the first black woman in to be called to the bar in the country. She is particularly known for her work towards to decriminalisation of homosexuality which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
Joshua Nkomo	b. 19 June 1917, Semokwe Reserve, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 1 July 1999, Harare, Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo was a politician who served as Vice President of Zimbabwe from 1987 to 1999.
Lindokuhle Nkosi	b. Date unknown, South Africa Lindokuhle Nkosi is a writer and curator from South Africa whose textual work often merges with installation and performance. She has curated exhibitions and projects at galleries and in the public space.
Zamazulu Nkosi	b. 1923, Simelane, South Africa Zamazulu Nkosi was the first ever black matron in the South African Natal Provincial Administration. She completed her initial nursing training during 1941 and 1944, winning a prize during her training as well.
Ama Nkrumah	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Ama Nkrumah was a female activist who played an active role in Ghana's struggle for independence, and also served with the nation's first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in various capacities.
Kwame Nkrumah	b. 21 September 1909, Nkroful, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 27 April 1972, Bucharest, Romania Kwame Nkrumah was the 1st President of Ghana (1 July 1960 - 24 February 1966) having already held roles as the 1st Prime Minister of Ghana (6 March 1957 - 1 July 1960) and under its pre-independence name, 1st Prime Minister of the Gold Coast (21 March 1952 - 6 March 1957). An influential advocate of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah was a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize in 1962. He was deposed in 1966 and lived the rest of his life in Sékou Touré's Guinea, of which he was named honorary co-president.
Samia Nkrumah	b. 23 June, 1960, Place unknown Samia Nkrumah was the daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana following independence in 1957. A former bank clerk and journalist, she entered Ghanaian politics, becoming chairperson of the Convention People's Party. She was elected to parliament as the MP for the Jomoro constituency at her first attempt.
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula	b. 15 January 1916, Maala, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 8 October 1983, Place unknown Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula campaigned for independence of Zambia in what was known then as Northern Rhodesia. Working as a teacher he then was elected president of the Northern Rhodesian African Congress, he was imprisoned for handing out "subversive" literature.
Pierre Nkurunziza	b. 18 December 1963, Bujumbura, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Pierre Nkurunziza is the 9th President of Burundi (26 August 2005 - present) having served a controversial three terms. There was an attempted coup in 2015 by Godefroid Niyombare which was unsuccessful and led to over 400,000 Burundians leaving the country and the independent media being complete shut down. He has won numerous awards and honours, including a peace award from a United Nations Commission on Peace Consolidation in Burundi.
Obioma Nnaemeka	b. 28 October 1948, Agulu, Nigeria Obioma Nnaemeka, from Nigeria, is the Chancellor's Distinguished Professor of French, Women's and Africana Studies at Indiana University. She is President of the Association of African Women Scholars.
Francisca Nneka Okeke	b. 14 October 1956, Onitsha, Nigeria Francisca Nneka Okeke is a scientist and professor of Physics at the University of Nigeria. Her research focuses on the ionosphere to better understand effects of climate change. In 2013 she received the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award.
Trevor Noah	b. 20 February 1984, Johannesburg, South Africa Trevor Noah is a comedian, writer and television personality. He has won two NAACP Image Awards for his book Born a Crime, in addition to a Primetime Emmy Award for hosting The Daily Show on Comedy Central.
Jeanie Noel	b. Date and year unknown, Durban, South Africa Jeanie Noel is a South African activist and anti-Apartheid campaigner. Her family were forced out of their family home when the Group Areas act came into implementation and Jeanie shortly after became involved with the African National Congress. Through her work and resistance she was incarcerated, along with Winnie Mandela.
Tu Nokwe	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Tu Nokwe is a musician and actress from South Africa. She has lived all over the world including the United Kingdom and the United States, where she recorded her first solo album.
King Ntare V Ndizeye	b. 2 December 1947, Gitega, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 29 April 1972, Gitega, Burundi King Ntare V Ndizeye was the final king (mwami) of Burundi (8 July 1966 - 28 November 1966). He took the role on from his father who was living in exile in Switzerland after a coup. He then overthrew his own father and government before being deposed by Michel Micombero in a military coup. He left Burundi and went first to West Germany and then eventually Uganda. He returned to Burundi in March 1971 and the uprising began again. He was assassinated but the details of which have never been truly discovered.
Cyprien Ntaryamira	b. 6 March 1955, Mubimbi, Bujumbura Rural Province, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 6 April 1994, Kigali, Rwanda Cyprien Ntaryamira was the 5th President of Burundi (5 February 1994 - 6 April 1994),selected as although he was of the Hutu ethnicity he was considered a moderate. His presidency was short-lived though as the plane he was travelling on with president Juvénal Habyarimana of Rwanda was shot down. The attackers have never been identified and the event sparked the Rwandan Genocide.
Sylvestre Ntibantunganya	b. 8 May 1956, Gishubi, Gitega, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Sylvestre Ntibantunganya was the 6th President of Burundi (6 April 1994 - 25 July 1996) and came into power after Cyprien Ntaryamira was killed in an assassination on the Rwandan president. He was deposed by Pierre Buyoya, the previous president in a military coup in 1996.
Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro	b. Date unknown, Hoima, Uganda, b. Date unknown, Hoima, Uganda Sarah Nyendwoha Ntiro is a Ugandan academic that was the first Central and Eastern African woman to gain a degree from Oxford University. She fought against the sexism in education having been told to go to where 'female' courses were taught. She achieved qualifications in History, Geography, English and Latin.
Nunu Ntshingila-Njeke	b. 1964, Soweto, South Africa Nunu Ntshingila-Njeke was the former chairwoman of Ogilvy and Mather and communications director of Nike South Africa. She is the current head of Facebook Africa and was inducted into the Loeries Hall of Fame in 2016 - the first woman to receive this honour.
Patrick Ntsoelengoe	b. 26 February 1952, Randfontein, South Africa, d. 8 May 2006, Lenasia, Gauteng, South Africa Patrick Ntsoelengoe, also known as 'Ace', was a professional footballer from South Africa. He played for the South Africa in the 1970s and played for a number of North American clubs in his career.
Celeste Ntuli	b. 25 August 1978, Empangeni, South Africa Celeste Ntuli is a comedian and actress from South Africa. She received a Golden Horn Award for Best Actress in a TV Soap.
Sam Nujoma	b. 12 May 1929, Ongandjera, Ovamboland, South West Africa, present-day Okahao, Namibia Sam Nujoma was the 1st President of Namibia (21 March 1990 - 21 March 2005) and is one of the founding members of the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO) presently known as SWAPO Party of Namibia. In addition to his political experience, he launched a guerrilla war against the Apartheid government of South Africa by forming the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN). He is renowned for his policy of "national reconciliation" which involved the bringing together and mediating between the different groups of ethnicities and races within Namibia, who post-independence were at struggle. He has received multiple honours and awards for his outstanding leadership including the Lenin Peace Prize, Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, and the Ho Chi Minh Peace Prize.
Flora Nwapa	b. 13 January 1931, Oguta, Nigeria, d. 16 October 1993, Enugu, Nigeria Flora Nwapa, often referred to as 'the mother of modern African literature', was the first female African novelist published in the English language in the UK. One of Africa's first women publishers, founding Tana Press, her acclaimed work includes the novels Women are Different and Efuru, and the short story anthology Wives at War and other stories.
Musa N. Nxumalo	b. 1986, Soweto, South Africa Musa N. Nxumalo is a contemporary photographer and artist from South Africa. His photography captures elements of youth culture in South Africa. He has appeared in international press for his work in magazines and publications such as Dazed Digital and LensCulture.
Nehanda Nyakasikana	b. 1840, Place unknown, d. 1898, Place unknown Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana was a female spiritualist leader from Mashonaland in present-day Zimbabwe and a key leader in the First Chimurenga (war of liberation) against British colonial settlers in 1896-97. She was considered to be the female incarnation of the oracle spirit Nehanda. After being captured by the British she predicted her spirit would lead the Second Chimurenga. Executed in 1898, she inspired freedom fighters in the 1960s and 1970s.
Dorothy Nyembe	b. 31 December 1931, Dundee, Natal Province, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 17 December 1998, Umlazi, South Africa Dorothy Nyembe was a South African politician and activist. She was heavily involved in the anti-Apartheid movement and was often under banning orders or in prison during her life. Later on she was elected to the National Assembly and won numerous prizes, specifically from the Soviet Union.
Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita	b. 22 March 1960, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita is a businesswoman from South Africa. She worked in the United States and South Africa with IBM and then went onto work in areas such as steel, finance and mining.
Sibusiso Nyembezi	b. 1919, Babanango, South Africa, d. 2000, Place unknown Sibusiso Nyembezi was a South African author and part of the African Renaissance. As a Zulu novelist, he wrote books such as Mntanami! Mntanami! and Ubudoda abukhulelwa.
Julius Nyerere	b. 13 April 1922, Butiama, Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania, d. 14 October 1999, London, United Kingdom Julius Nyerere was the 1st President of Tanzania (29 October 1964 - 5 November 1985),President of the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar (26 April 1964 - 29 October 1964),President of Tanganyika (9 December 1962 - 26 April 1964),Prime Minister of Tanganyika (1 May 1961 - 22 January 1962) and Chief Minister of Tanganyika (2 September 1960 - 1 May 1961). His long political career was driven by a wish for independence and leanings towards socialism with programmes of forced collectivisation and villagization. He won the Lenin Peace Prize, Gandhi Peace Prize and Joliot-Curie Medal. Nyerere advocated for strict government control over popular culture in order to promote his vision of African pride and unity. Nyerere is still a controversial figure in Tanzania.
Ruben Um Nyobè	b. 1913, Song Mpeck, Kamerun, present-day Cameroon, d. 13 September 1958, Boumnyébel, French Cameroun, present-day Cameroon Ruben Um Nyobè was an activist and anti-colonialist leader. He was killed by the French army for his founding and involvement with the Cameroon's People Union.
Tebello Nyokong	b. 20 October 1951, Lesotho Tebello Nyokong is a chemist from Lesotho known for her pioneering research in nanotechnology and photo-dynamic therapy, an alternative cancer treatment method to chemotherapy. She received the bronze Order of Mapungubwe (OMB),the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science and in 2013 the National Research Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lupita Nyong'o	b. 1 March 1983, Mexico Lupita Nyong'o is an actress, playing in several films including 12 Years a Slave, Queen of Katwe and Black Panther. She was the first Kenyan to win an Academy Award.
Filipe Nyusi	b. 9 February 1959, Mueda, Cabo Delgado, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique Filipe Nyusi is the 4th President of Mozambique (15 January 2015 - present) having previously held the role of Minister of Defence. He has also held the role as President of a top Mozambique football club.
Boris Nzembo	b. 1979, Port-Gentil, Gabon Boris Nzebo is an artist from Gabon who works in Cameroon. He is known for his work on hairstyles and has featured in a number of exhibitions of up and coming young artists.
Alice Nzomukunda	b. 12 April 1966, Bujumbura, Burundi Alice Nzomukunda held the post of 2nd Vice-President of Burundi (29 August 2005 - 5 September 2006). She was responsible for social and economic affairs but resigned in September 2006 citing human rights abuses and corruption.
Clémentine Faïk-Nzuji	b. 21 January 1944, Tshofa, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo Clémentine Faïk-Nzuji is a Congolese writer who has been described as "the first poet of real significance" among the African writers emerging in the 1960s. She was her country's first female writer and her notable works include Lianes (The Creepers) and Lenga et autres contes d'inspiration traditionnelle (Lenga and other traditional stories).
Olusegun Obasanjo	b. 5 March 1937, Abeokuta, Western Region, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Ogun, Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo has held the role of Head of State as military leader (13 February 1976 - 30 September 1979) and President of Nigeria (29 May 1999 - 29 May 2007). He was responsible for the handover of to a democratically elected, civilian, government following numerous coups.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo	b. 5 June 1942, Acoacán, Spanish Guinea, present-day Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is the 2nd President of Equatorial Guinea (3 August 1979 - present) having ousted his uncle from office in a military coup. He has the right to rule by decree which means that the governance is, in effect, a dictatorship. His son Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, known as 'Teodorin', is at the centre of the French case of "ill-gotten goods". His trial in France is ongoing.
Catherine Obianuju Acholonu	b. 26 October 1951, Orlu, Nigeria, d. 18 March 2014, Imo State, Nigeria Catherine Obianuju Acholonu was a poet, writer and lecturer of African Cultural and Gender Studies. She was the former Senior Special Advisor to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Arts and Culture, and foundation member of the Association of Nigerian Authors.
Milton Obote	b.28 December 1925, Apac District, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda, d. 10 October 2005, Johannesburg, South Africa Milton Obote was the 2nd President of Uganda (15 April 1966 - 25 January 1971 and 17 December 1980 - 27 July 1985),he was also the 2nd Prime Minister of Uganda (30 April 1962 - 15 April 1966). Obote was accused of a plot to smuggle gold with a commander of the Ugandan armed forces. When the government called for him to be investigated he suspended the constitution and declared himself president, attacking the then president Mutesa's palace and sending him fleeing into exile. When an assassination attempt was made on him in 1969 he banned all rival political parties and making him absolute ruler. He was overthrown in 1971 whilst overseas. He was then re-elected in 1980 and accusations of rigging led to a guerrilla war and his launch of Operation Bonanza. He was eventually deposed again in 1985 by his own military commanders.
Miria Obote	b. 16 July 1936, Kawempe, Uganda Miria Obote is a Ugandan politician and former First Lady of Uganda. She ran for the presidency in 2006, after being elected the candidate by the Uganda People's Congress. She had only recently returned to the country having spent 20 years in exile in Zambia following the deposing, and later death, of her husband Milton Obote.
Abe Odedina	b. 1960, Ibadan, Nigeria Abe Odedina is an artist originally from Nigeria who began painting in 2007. His work uses bold colour and symbology, and has been referred to as Brixton Baroque. He draws inspiration from places such as Haitian Voodoo practitioners and African rural arts and crafts.
Segun Odegbami	b. 27 August 1952, Lagos, Nigeria Segun Odegbami is a Nigerian footballer nicknamed 'Mathematical' for his precise style of play and running down the touchline with the ball. He is regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian players of all-time.
Henry Odera Oruka	b. 4 June 1944, Kenya, d. 9 December 1995, Nairobi, Kenya Henry Odera Oruka was a philosopher best known for the "Sage Philosophy": a project which attempted to preserve the knowledge of the indigenous thinkers in traditional African communities.
Thomas R. Odhiambo	b. 4 February 1931, Nyanza Province, Kenya, d. 26 May 2003, Nairobi, Kenya Thomas R. Odhiambo is an entomologist and environmental activist. He founded the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, an international insect research centre renowned for giving African farmers low-cost solutions for pest control and developing solutions to increase food production and improve health in rural communities.
Karl Offmann	b. 25 November 1940, Port Louis, British Mauritius, present-day Mauritius Karl Offmann was the 3rd President of Mauritius (25 February 2002 - 7 October 2003) and came to power after the previous two incumbents refused to sign a controversial anti-terrorism bill. He was also president of the National Assembly.
Abraham Oghobase	b. 1979, Lagos, Nigeria Abraham Oghobase is a Nigerian photographer who specialises in a particular style of candid street art style and portrait work. He has exhibited internationally in Finland and the United Kingdom.
Grace Ogot	b. 15 May 1930, Asembo, Nyanza, Kenya, d. 18 March 2015, Nairobi, Kenya Grace Ogot was a nurse, journalist, politician, diplomat and author, credited as being the first Kenyan female writer to be published in English. One of the first members of parliament post-independence, her written work included the short story anthologies The Island of Tears and Land Without Thunders.
Olu Oguibe	b. 14 October 1964, Aba, Nigeria Olu Oguibe is an art historian, art curator and professor of Art and African-American Studies at the University of Connecticut. He is also a senior fellow of the Vera List Center for Art and Politics at the New School, New York City, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. His published works include The Culture Game, Uzo Egonu and Cross/ing: Time.Space.Movement.
Lakin Ogunbanwo	b. 1987, Nigeria Lakin Ogunbanwo is a Nigerian photographer who found his calling to art whilst studying law in the United Kingdom. His work is often described as almost erotic and has featured in places such as the New York Times and i-D magazine.
Temitayo Ogunbiyi	b. 1984, Rochester, New York Temitayo Ogunbiyi is an artist from the United States who currently works out of Lagos. She has held a number of solo exhibitions, including one of her earliest at Princeton University. She works in mixed mediums, merging digital imagery with textiles, acrylics and other materials.
Hubert Ogunde	b. 10 July 1960, Ososa, Ogun State, Nigeria, d. 4 April 1990, London, United Kingdom Hubert Ogunde was an actor and playwright who founded the Ogunde Theatre in 1945, the first contemporary theatrical company in Nigeria. During his career he wrote over 50 plays.
Molara Ogundipe-Leslie	b. 1940, Lagos, Nigeria, b. 1940, Lagos, Nigeria Omolara Ogundipe is a Nigerian poet, editor and feminist scholar. Her works include Re-Creating Ourselves: African Women and Critical Transformation and Sew the Old Days and Other Poems.
Wura-Natasha Ogunji	b. 1970, Place unknown Wura-Natasha Ogunji is a Nigerian based artist. She who works in audio-visual and performance pieces and was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2012.
Chika Okeke-Agulu	b. 1966, Umuahia, Nigeria Chika Okeke-Agulu is an artist, art historian and professor of African and African Diaspora Art at Princeton University, New Jersey. He is the author of Postcolonial Modernisms and Contemporary African Art Since 1980.
Emeka Okereke	b. 1980, Nigeria Emeka Okereke is a Nigerian visual artist and writer who lives and works between Lagos and Berlin. He has exhibited at arts festivals around the world. He employs photography, video, poetry and performative interventions in the exploration of the central theme of borders.
Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo	b. 16 August 1932, Ojoto, Anambra State, British Protectorate of Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1967, Nsukka, Igboland, Nigeria Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo was a Nigerian poet and activist. He is one of the most well known English-language African poets of the 20th century. He was killed fighting for the independence of the Biafra state.
Jay-Jay Okocha	b. 14 August 1973, Enugu, Nigeria Jay-Jay Okocha is a former Nigerian footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.
Theodosia Okoh	b.13 June 1922, Effiduase, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 19 April 2015, Tema, Ghana Theodosia Okoh was a Ghanaian politician and artist. Following the independence of Ghana from Britain a new flag was required and Theodosia Okoh's design was the one that was selected. The three colours were to represent Ghana's diverse geography and the emancipation. She was an avid fan of sports, particularly hockey.
Ory Okolloh	b. 1977, Kenya Orly Okolloh is an activist, blogger and lawyer from Kenya. She is behind a number of websites including helping to co-found Ushahidi, a site that collected and reported eyewitness statements of violence during the 2007 presidential election disputes. She also runs Mzalendo and Kenyan Pundit, a parliamentary watchdog site and her own persona blog.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala	b. 13 June 1954, Ogwashi Ukwu, Nigeria Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist who was the first black female to hold the role of Managing Director of the World Bank. In addition, she is also is a Nigerian politician and was the first ever female Minister for Finance.
Nnedi Okorafor	b. 8 April 1974, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Nnedi Okrafor is a Nigerian-American writer who writes novels and shorts stories for adults and children. She is particularly known for her work in the fantasy and science fiction genres. She has won numerous awards and has also published essays regarding racism, following her receipt of the World Fantasy Award which is a statuette of H. P. Lovecraft, a known racist.
Nnenna Okore	b. 1975, Australia Nnenna Okore is an artist who works both in Nigeria and the United States. Her largely abstract sculptures are inspired by textures, colors and forms within her immediate milieu.
Josephine Okot	b. 1970, Gulu, Uganda Josephine Okot is a Ugandan entrepreneur who founded, and is managing director, of Victoria Seeds. The thought process behind the company is to improve the quality of the seeds provided to farmers and thus prevent loss of crops. She has won a number of awards for the work she has done including the Yara Prize.
Festus Okotie-Eboh	b. 1919, Benin River, Nigeria, d. 15 January 1966, Lagos, Nigeria Festus Okotie-Eboh was a Nigerian politician and Minister of Finance under Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He served in various capacities but when Nigeria was plunged into the chaos of a military coup in 1966 he was assassinated along with Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
Christian Okoye	b. 16 August 1961, Enugu, Nigeria Christian Okoye was a former NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. He was selected to the Pro-Bowl both in 1989 and 1992, and was the NFL rushing leader in 1989.
Chinelo Okparanta	b. 1981, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Chinelo Okparanta is a writer whose works include Happiness, Like Water and Under the Udala Trees. In 2016 she was the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award for General Lesbian Fiction.
Ben Okri	b. 15 March 1959, Minna, Nigeria Ben Okri is a poet and writer whose publications include The Famished Road, A Way of Being Free and Starbook. In 1991 he received the Booker Prize and in 2001 was honoured with the Order of the British Empire.
Mary Okwakol	b . 1951, Iganga District, Uganda Mary Okwakol is a zoologist and professor from Uganda. As well as holding the role of Vice-Chancellor of Busitema University, she also undertakes work supporting organisations that look to empower and support women and girls, specifically the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE).
Niyi Olagunju	b. 1981, Sagamu, Nigeria Niyi Olagunju is a Nigerian artist who takes everyday objects and reinterprets them into unusual and unexpected forms. Some of his works are created from items such as pallets for his Structures of Trade exhibition, and hand-gilded copper for his piece for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation auction in 2017.
Hakeem Olajuwon	b. 21 January 1963, Lagos, Nigeria Hakeem Olajuwon was a professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association from 1984-2002, playing for the Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He was a two time NBA Champion, twelve time NBA All Star and won a gold medal with the US Olympic team in 1996. He was also inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Bazilio Olara-Okello	b. 1929, Place unknown, d. 9 January 1990, Khartoum, Sudan Bazilio Olara-Okello was briefly the head of state for Uganda as the chairmen of the Military Council (27 - 29 July 1985) after overthrowing Milton Obote's second term as president in a military coup d'état. He was then replaced as chairman by Tito Okello and was made head of the army until the Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Party seized power in 1986.
Babajide Olatunji	b. 1989, Okitipupa, Nigeria Babajide Olatunji is a Nigerian artist who works using charcoal to create hyper realistic portraits. His work reflects a study of facial scarification and the stories behind the marks on the individuals' faces.
Babatunde Olatunji	b. 7 April 1927, Ajido, Nigeria, d. 6 April 2003, California Babatonde Olatunji was a drummer, percussionist, social activist and educator. He composed the music for the Broadway theatrical and Hollywood production of A Raisin in the Sun and in 1991, received a Grammy for Best World Music Album for his participation on the Planet Drum album.
Sylvanus Olympio	b. September 6, 1902, Lomé, Togoland, present-day Togo, d. January 13, 1963 Lomé, Togo Sylvanus Olympio was the Prime Minister (27 April 1960 - 12 April 1961) and then the 1st President of Togo (27 April 1960 - 13 January 1963). He promoted close links between Togo, Britain and the US but was assassinated in 1963 during a coup d'état.
Francois Omam-Biyik	b. 21 May 1966, Sackbayene, Cameroon François Omam-Biyik is a former Cameroonian football player who played as a striker. He also has French nationality. He was one of the most important players of the Cameroonian national team in the 1990s, playing at the three World Cups in 1990, 1994 and 1998.
Abdelkader Taleb Omar	b. 27 March 1951, Laayoune, Spanish Sahara, present-day Western Sahara Abdelkader Taleb Omar was Prime Minister of the Sahrawi Republic (29 October 2003 - 4 February 2018) and was the Wali (Governor) of the Smara refugee camp. He is known for being more liberal than many of his contemporaries in the Polisario Front.
Akuoma Omeoga	b. 22 June, 1992, Irondale, United States of America Akuoma Omeoga is a track and field athlete and member of the first Nigerian bobsled team, competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Akin Omotoso	b. 27 June 1974, Ibadan, Nigeria Akin Omotoso is a Nigerian film director, writer and actor. He was involved in films such as Blood Diamond and directed the television series Jacob's Cross. In 2017, his film Vaya won an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Director.
Nengi Omuku	b. 1987, Delta State, Nigeria Nengi Omuku is a Nigerian artist whose art is vibrant, bright and representative of the human figure. She has won the British Council CHOGM award and the Nancy Balfour Art Scholarship.
Daniel Ona Ondo	b. 10 July 1945, Oyem, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Gabon Daniel Ona Ondo is a Gabonese politician and held the role as the 9th Prime Minister of Gabon (27 January 2014 - 29 September 2016). He has held a number of roles within the cabinet including the Minister of Culture, Arts, Popular Education, Youth and Sports.
Olumide Onadipe	b. 1982, Lagos, Nigeria Olumide Onadipe is a contemporary Nigerian visual artist. He has had a number of solo exhibitions including Connecting the Dots in Lagos with over 40 upcycled plastics and other materials.
Pascaline Bongo Ondimba	b. 10 April 1956, Franceville, Gabon Pascaline Bongo Ondimba is a politician from Gabon. Her background, in particular her family, is very political with her father being a president of Gabon. He gave her the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1991 - 1994. She has had numerous relationships, including with Bob Marley.
Paul Onditi	b. 1980, Kenya Paul Onditi is a Kenyan artist based in Nairobi. His works are normally on digital polyester inkjet plate and show scenes, figures and cities in chaotic colour splashes and patches.
Oluchi Onweagba	b. 1 August 1980, Lagos, Nigeria Oluchi Onweagba is a Nigerian model who has modelled and been on the catwalk for many international names such as Christian Dior, Nina Ricci and GAP. She is also volunteers for an NGO called LEAP Africa and NIPRO.
Ngozi Onwumere	b. 23 January 1992, Mesquite, United States of America Ngozi Onwumere is a track and field athlete and member of the first Nigerian bobsled team, competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Yvonne Orji	b. 2 December 1983, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Ynonne Orji is an actress who is best known for her role in the HBO series Insecure, she is originally from Nigeria.
Teddy Osei	b. 17 December 1937, Kumasi, Ghana Teddy Osei is a musician and saxophone player from Ghana, who is best known as the leader of the Afro-pop band Osibisa, founded in 1969.
Asisat Oshoala	b. 9 October 1994, Ikorodu, Nigeria Asisat Oshoala is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Chinese side Dalian Quanjian F.C. in the Chinese Women's Super League. She was named best player and was the highest goal scorer at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. In 2014 she was made a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
Yemi Osinbajo	b. 8 March 1957, Lagos, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo was the acting President of Nigeria (6 June 2016 - 19 June 2016, 19 January 2017 - 13 March 2017, 7 May 2017 - 19 August 2017) three times in during his career. During this time he also held the role as Vice President of Nigeria (29 May 2015 - present).
Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe	b. March 1936, Atani, Anambra, Nigeria, d. 11 May 2007, Connecticut, United States of America Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe was renowned for his 1984 single Osondi Owendi. This established him as a leader in the highlife genre and was one of Nigeria's most popular records ever.
Ahmed Osman	b. 3 January 1930, Oujda, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Ahmed Osman was the 8th Prime Minister of Morocco (2 November 1972 - 22 March 1979),and was the brother-in-law of the King Hassan II from 1964 to 1977 until his wife, Princess Lall Nuzha of Morocco died in a car crash. He has held numerous roles within Moroccan government including Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States.
George Osodi	b. 1974, Lagos, Nigeria George Osodi is a Nigerian photographer and photojournalist. His images have been used internationally in titles such as the New York Times, The Guardian and Time Magazine. He has also won a number of awards, including the Fuji Africa Photojournalist of the Year award.
Femi Osofisan	b. 16 June 1946, Ogun State, Nigeria Femi Osofisan is a Nigerian writer noted for Kolera Kolej (1975) and Once Upon Four Robbers (1991). He is currently Vice President (West Africa) of the Pan African Writers' Association.
E C Osondu	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria E C Osondu is a Nigerian short story writer. One of his stories, Waiting won the 2009 Caine Prize for African Writing. His debut anthology Voices of America was published in 2010.
Saadeddine Othmani	b. 16 January 1956, Inezgane, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Saadeddine Othmani is the 16th Prime Minister of Morocco (5 April 2017 - present) and a Doctor of Medicine. He has written numerous books on psychology and Islamic law, worked in magazines. He was appointed Prime minister by King Mohammed VI.
Wambui Otieno	b. 21 June 1936, Place unknown, d. 30 August 2011, Nairobi, Kenya Wambui Otieno, from Kenya, fought for the legal right to choose where to bury her husband in a case in 1986 against the brothers of her husband and his clan. She later went on to be an activist and politician, having lost the case and highlighting the struggle between uniting countries in a single system of law and the traditions of tribes and clans.
Driss Ouadahi	b. 1959, Casablanca, Morocco Driss Ouadahi is a Moroccan artist whose work is of large scale landscapes looking at the urban landscape with many of the elements of humanity removed.
Nassour Guelendouksia Ouaido	b. 1947, Gounou, Gaya, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Nassour Guelendouksia Ouaido was a Prime Minster of Chad (17 May 1997 - 13 December 1999). He was a member of the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party, the party of president Idriss Déby. He was appointed after predecessor Koibla Djimasta's government resigned. He was eventually replaced as well, in part due to a failure to stop an insurgency by another minister and also due to issues with an oilfield project.
Alassane Ouattara	b. 1 January 1942, Dimbokro, French Côte d'Ivoire, present-day Côte d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara won the election to become 5th President of Côte d'Ivoire (4 December 2010 - present),his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo challenged the vote and called it a fraud while refusing to leave power. However Alassane Ouattara was declared the winner, and with the help of French troops dislodged Gbagbo and took office.
Goukouni Oueddei	b. 1944, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Goukouni Oueddei was the 6th President of Chad (3 September 1979 - 7 June 1982) and was son of Oueddei Kichidemi who was derde of the Teda. He was interim head of state and became the president of the Transitional Government of National Unity (GUNT). He was renowned for being close with Libya and Colonel Gaddafi. He, along with the government, were overthrown in 1982 and went into exile in Libya.
Gérard Kango Ouédraogo	b. 19 September 1925, Ouagadougou, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 1 July 2014, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Gérard Kango Ouédraogo served as Prime Minister of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso (13 February 1971 - 8 February 1974). He was then President of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso (1978 - 25 November 1980).
Idrissa Ouédraogo	b. 21 January 1954, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 18 February 2018, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Idrissa Ouédraogo was a filmmaker. His work often explored the conflict between rural and city life and tradition and modernity in his native Burkina Faso and elsewhere in Africa.
Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo	b. 30 June 1942, Kaya, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo was the President of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso (9 November 1982 - 4 August 1983) after participating in the November 1982 coup d'état. Considered more ideologically moderate he was not the most popular choice and was eventually removed in another coup in August 1983 by Thomas Sankara.
Joséphine Ouédraogo	b. 22 December 1949, Koudougou, Burkina Faso Joséphine Ouedraogo is a Burkinabé sociologist and politician. From 2014 to 2016 she was her country's Minister of Justice.
Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo	b. 1953, Boussouma, Sanmatenga, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo held the office of Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (6 February 1996 - 7 November 2000). On his appointment he was not affiliated with a particular party and went onto hold office as the Minister of Finance and Ambassador to Belgium after his time as prime minister.
Youssouf Ouédraogo	b. 25 December 1952, Tikaré, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 18 November 2017, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Youssouf Ouédraogo was a Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (16 June 1992 - 22 March 1994),the first since 1983 and the new name for the country. He worked in finance but also worked as the ambassador to Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Luxembourg and European Union.
Sadikou Oukpedjo	b. 1975, Kétao, Togo Sadikou Oukpedjo is a Togolese artist who has travelled and portrayed life from around West Africa. Some of his work includes the Book of the dead, portraits drawn in old books found in an old Dakar courthouse.
Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Louly	b. 1 January 1943, Tidjikja, Tagant Region, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania Mohamed Mahomoud Ould Louly held the rank of Lieutenant colonel in the Mauritanian Army and held office as head of state for Mauritania (3 June 1979 - 4 January 1980) under the role of Chairman of the Military Committee for National Salvation.
Mustafa Ould Salek	b. 1936, Kiffa, Assaba Region, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania, d. 18 December 2012, Paris, France Mustafa Ould Salek was the head of state of Mauritania (10 July 1978 - 3 June 1979) under the role as Chairman of the Military Committee for National Recovery following the ousting of Mokhtar Ould Daddah. He was seen to be very pro-French and keen to keep allegiances with Morocco.
Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya	b. 28 November 1941, Atar, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya was the 5th President of Mauritania (12 December 1984 - 3 August 2005) and had been the prime minister of the country as well (25 April 1981 - 8 March 1984). He was overthrown whilst overseas in 2005, the military dictatorship that took control promising to hold democratic elections after two years.
Abdou Ouologuem	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Abdou Ouologuem is a Malian actor and artist. He uses numerous mediums and toured with Peter Brook's theatre company for ten years.
Yambo Ouologuem	b. 22 August 1940, Bandiagara, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 14 October 2017, Sévaré, Mali Yambo Ouologuem was a Malian writer. His work included historical fiction such as Le devoir de violence which was a scathing criticism on African nationalism. It was initially well received but then there were accusations of plagiarism and the novel was banned in France. He is still considered to be an important figure in post-colonial literature and his books have been re-published with notes included.
Mahamane Ousmane	b. 20 January 1950, Zinder, French West Africa, present-day Niger Mahamane Ousmane was the 4th President of Niger (16 April 1993 - 27 January 1996) having been the first to be democratically elected. He was ousted in a military coup by Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara but has continued to run for presidency in every election since.
Thierry Oussou	b. 1988, Allada, Benin Thierry Oussou is a Beninese artist who works in acrylics, collage and pencil with dark black backgrounds. His series, The Traces, always include a figure of a burnt mask symbolically reflecting the political landscape of Benin at the time.
Owanto	b. 13 December 1953, Paris, France Owanto is an artist who spent much of her life in Gabon. Her work has straddled a number of styles including pop and minimal, and works in painting, video, sculpture and photography.
Nkem Owoh	b. 7 February 1958, Udi, Nigeria Nkem Owoh is a Nigerian actor and comedian who played in films including Things Fall Apart, Stronger than Pain and Ghana Must Go. In 2008 he received the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Sylvia Owori	b. 1976, Uganda Sylvia Owori is a Ugandan entrepreneur and fashion designer. Her fashion company has provided costumes and outfits for a number of high profile television shows and films, including the Last King of Scotland. She also owns her own modelling agency, magazine and created the Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant.
Walé Oyéjidé	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Walé Oyéjidé is a Nigerian attorney, recording artist and designer/creative director at Ikiré Jones.
David Oyelowo	b. 1 April 1976, Oxford, United Kingdom David Oyelowo is an actor who has featured in several films, including Queen of Katwe, The Butler and Selma. He is a three-time Black Reel Award winner and a three-time NAACP Image Award winner.
Seyi Oyesola	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Seyi Oyesola is a medical doctor and co-inventor of CompactOR, a solar-powered portable operating theatre known as the "hospital in a box". This revolutionary device includes a defibrillator, EKG monitoring, suction, an anesthetic machine, and surgical lighting. The award-winning invention was launched in 2007 and is used in rural areas of Africa.
Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí is a Nigerian feminist scholar and professor of Sociology at Stony Brook University. Her publications include The Invention of Women and Gender Epistemologies in Africa: Gendering Traditions, Spaces, Social Institutions and Identities.
Helen Oyeyemi	b. 10 December 1984, Ibadan, Nigeria Helen Oyeyemi is a Nigerian novelist and short story writer whose works include White is for Witching and Boy, Snow, Bird.
Ferdinand Oyono	b. 14 September 1929, Ebolowa, Cameroon, d. 10 June 2010, Yaoundé, Cameroon Ferdinand Oyono is a Cameroonian writer whose anti-colonialist novels are considered classics of 20th century African literature. His 1956 debut Une vie de boy (Houseboy) is regarded as particularly important. He was also Chairman of UNICEF from 1977-78.
Kachi A. Ozumba	b. Date unknown, Nigeria Kachi A. Ozumba is a novelist and short story writer from Nigeria. He was shortlisted for the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize for a distinguished work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry, evoking the spirit of a place.
Okot p'Bitek	b. 7 June 1931, Gulu, Northern Region, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda, d. 20 July 1982, Kampala, Uganda Okot p'Bitek was a Ugandan poet who wrote in Acholi, but also self-translated much of his work. His most celebrated work was a length poem from the perspective of a rural African wife whose husband has relocated them to the city and westernising their life. Song of Lawino was then followed up with Song of Ocol, the husband's response.
Albert Pahimi Padacké	b. 15 November 1966, Gouin, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Albert Pahimi Padacké is the currently Prime Minister of Chad (15 February 2016 - present) having been involved in government since the 1990s. He holds a number of degrees including a Master's in Public Law.
Lucrecia Paim	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Lucrecia Palm was one of five Angolan heroines who founded OMA in 1962. OMA was the largest political organisation in the MPLA (The peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola) that works on mobilising, raising and educating women since the beginning of the national liberation struggle.
Naledi Pandor	b. 7 December 1953, Durban, Natal, present-day Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa Naledi Pandor was elected to the first democratically elected South African parliament after the Apartheid in 1994. The daughter and granddaughter of well-respected anti-Apartheid activists, she converted to Islam after marrying. She is the current Minister for Higher Education and Training.
Papa Mfumu’eto 1er	b. 1963, Matadi, Bas-Congo, present-day Kongo Central, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Papa Mfumu'Eto 1er, born Jaspe Saphir Mfumu'Eto, is a painter and creator of comics and graphic novels. His comics are in the language of Kinois and were political and critical of the Mobutu government.
Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya	b. 7 October 1939, Mongobele, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya is a religious figure as the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kinshasa and primate of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a position placed upon him in by the Pope in 2007. He has been tipped as a successor to the current Pope Benedict XVI.
Ange-Félix Patassé	b. 25 January 1937, Paoua, Ouham-Pendé, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 5 April 2011, Douala, Cameroon Ange-Félix Patassé was the 1st Prime Minister of the Central African Empire (8 December 1976 - 14 July 1978) and the 5th President of the Central African Republic (22 October 1993 - 15 March 2003). He suffered many mutinies and coup attempts and was eventually ousted in 2003 by General François Bozizé.
Shailja Patel	b. Date and year unknown, Nairobi, Kenya Shailija Patel is a performance artist, poet, playwright and author of Migritude. She is also the founder of Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice.
Alan Paton	b. 11 January 1903, Pietermartizburg, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 12 April 1988, Durban, South Africa Alan Paton was a South African anti-Apartheid activist and reputed author of novels. His novel Cry, the Beloved Country has been turned into a Broadway musical and filmed as a feature length film twice.
Helen Paul	b. 29 January 1978, Lagos, Nigeria Helen Paul is a Nigerian comedian, singer and actress. She hosts the radio show Comedy Drive Time With Tatafo, and in 2014 she opened the Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy.
Samantha Paxinos	b. 25 February 1988, Gaborone, Botswana Samantha Paxinos is a famous swimmer from Botswana. She has competed in the 2008 Olympics, specialising in sprint freestyling and carried the nations flag during the opening ceremony.
James Spriggs Payne	b. 19 December 1819, Richmond, Virginia, United States, d. 31 January 1882, Monrovia, Liberia James Spriggs Payne held the role of President of Liberia twice (6 January 1868 - 3 January 1870 and 3 January 1876 - 7 January 1878). He increased foreign trade following the withdrawal of economic support after the American Civil War.
Gnonnas Pedro	b. 10 January 1943, Lokossa, Benin, d. 2004, Cotonou, Benin Gnonnas Pedro, was a singer and musician from Lokossa, Benin. He is perhaps best known as the lead singer of Africando between 1995 and his death in 2004, but had been well known in his home country of Benin and beyond since the 1960s.
Abedi Pelé	b. 5 November 1964, Kibi, Eastern Region, Ghana Abdei Pelé is a Ghanaian footballer who has a record as one of the most successful African footballers in history. He played for, amongst others, Marseille, Lyon and Lille, as well as the Ghana national team from 1982 to 1998.
Alimotu Pelewura	b. 1865, Lagos, Protectorate of Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1951, Place unknown Alimotu Pelewura was the head of the Lagos Market Women's Association and was instrumental in speaking out against the changes in taxation and legislation by the British. She led a number of protests and was considered a great threat by the colonial administration.
Omar Pene	b. 1956, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, b. 1956, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Omar Pene is a Senegalese musician and composer. He is known both for his solo work but also as the lead singer for the band Super Diamano. The band's music was particularly known for its political lyrics dealing with the issues faced by those living in Dakar.
Pepetela	b. 29 October 1941, Benguela, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Pepetela is the pen name of Artur Carlos Maurício Pestana dos Santos, a famous writer of fiction from Angola. He was a member of the MPLA during the guerrilla independence war. His writing is primarily focused on the political history of Angola, particularly the 20th century. He has won awards for his work including the Camões Prize in 1997 and Prince Claus Award in 1999.
Aristides Pereira	b. 17 November 1923, Boa Vista, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde, d. 22 September 2011, Coimbra, Portugal Aristides Pereira was the 1st President of Cape Verde (8 March 1975 - 22 March 1991) following the country's independence from Portugal. He fought for the independence of Cape Verde under a nomme de guerre Alfredo Bangura. He allied Cape Verde with Libya and China.
Carmen Pereira	b. 1937, Bissau, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 4 June 2016, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau Carmen Pereira held the office as acting President of Guinea-Bissau (14 May 1984 - 16 May 1984) for only three days, she was also the first woman in Africa to hold the role of an acting president. She had previously fought on the frontline during the struggle for independence.
Fernando Pereira	b. 1963, Place unknown Fernando Pereira, also known as 'Cobo', led a coup and military junta in São Tomé and Príncipe against Fradique de Menezes government installing himself as president (16 July 2003 - 23 July 2003) for a week. The coup was deemed bloodless and he relinquished his power back to de Menezes government after an agreement.
Lesliana Pereira	b. 9 October 1987, Soyo, Angola Lesliana Pereira is an actress and model. In 2007 she was crowned Miss Angola and competed in the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant. She won an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Njinga: Queen of Angola.
Raimundo Pereira	b. 28 August 1956, Quinara Region, Portuguese Guinea, Guinea-Bissau Raimundo Pereira was acting President of Guinea (9 January 2012 - 12 April 2012 and 3 March 2009 - 8 September 2009) twice after João Bernardo Vieira was assassinated and after Malam Bacai Sanhá required medical attention and died. He was forced out of office in a coup d'état.
Ruth Perry	b. 16 July 1939, Grand Cape Mount, Liberia, d. 8 January 2017, Columbus, Ohio, United States Ruth Perry held the role of Chairman of the Council of State of Liberia (3 September 1996 - 2 August 1997) and was the first female leader of Liberia, and also of modern Africa. It was on notice of her appointment that the warring factions of the country agreed peace.
Dawit L. Petros	b. Date unknown, Asmara, Eritrea Dawit L. Petros is an artist, born in Eritrea, living and working in Chicago, Montreal and New York, working with installations, photography and research.
Catherine Phiri	b. 1 January 1987, Lusaka, Zambia, b. 1 January 1987, Lusaka, Zambia Cathy Phiri is a Zambian boxer that achieved the World Boxing Council bantam weight title. In her boxing career she has won fourteen matches, five by knockout.
Esther Phiri	b. 14 June 1987, Zambia Esther Phiri is a Zambian boxer who became the world champion after defeating Beinda Laracuente of Puerto Rico. She has revolutionized female boxing in her home country.
Willem Essuman Pietersen	b. 1844, Elmina, Dutch Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 6 January 1914, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Willem Essuman Pietersen was one-time president of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society. In addition to this he was a merchant, strong advocate for education and a goldsmith.
Thayanayagie Pillay	b. 15 August 1907, South Africa, d. 19 December 1991 Thayanayagie Pillay, a member of the well known South African activist family the Naidoos, is most often remembered as the political activist who voluntarily provided breakfast and lunch to a 156 Treason Trialists everyday for a period of four years. She was arrested at 80 years old continuing to protest.
Manuel Pinto da Costa	b. 5 August 1937, Água Grande District, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe Manuel Pinto da Costa was the 1st President of President of São Tomé and Príncipe, a position he has held twice (12 July 1975 - 4 March 1991 and 3 September 2001 - 3 September 2016). Initially he ran as the candidate for Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD) and then as an independent candidate in 2011.
Mauro Pinto	b. 1974, Maputo, Mozambique Mauro Pinto is a Mozambican photographer. Working out of Maputo, he spent the 1990s learning in South Africa at the Monitor International School and an internship with José Machato. He is a renowned photojournalist and his contrast tweaked portraits and group shots are a accurate and beautiful account of modern day Mozambique.
Jean-Pierre Dikongué Pipa	b. Date unknown, Cameroon Jean-Pierre Dikongué Pipa is a film director and writer. He produced Cameroon's first full-length feature film, Muna-Moto, in 1975.
Pedro Pires	b. 29 April 1934, Fogo, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Pedro Pires was the 3rd President of Cape Verde (22 March 2001 - 9 September 2011) and also held the role of Prime Minister of Cape Verde (8 July 1975 - 4 April 1991),gaining the role just three days after Cape Verde's independence from Portugal.
Sol Plaatje	b. 9 October 1876, Orange Free State, present-day Free State Province, South Africa, d. 19 June 1932, Soweto, South Africa Sol Plaatje was a writer, linguist and notable South African intellectual. He founded the South African Native National Congress and his writings included books such as The Boer War Diary of Sol T. Plaatje and Native Life in South Africa: Before and Since the European War and the Boer Rebellion.
Cameron Platter	b. 1978, Johannesburg, South Africa Cameron Platter is a visual artist born and based in South Africa. His work is across a number of different disciplines and focuses on excess and consumption, as well as his identity as a South African. His work is known to be quite divisive for its unusual and unorthodox approach and feel.
Jean Pliya	b. 21 July 1931, Djougou, Benin, d. 14 May 2015, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Jean Pliya was a playwright and short story writer. His work often considers colonial history and issues of values.
Romaine Ekouya Poaty	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Romaine Ekouya Poaty was a founding member of the Pan African Women's Organisation. She was a representative from the Congo and was still active in the organisation until she was at least 82.
Hifikepunye Pohamba	b. 18 August 1935, Okanghudi, South West Africa, present-day Namibia Hifikepunye Pohamba was the 2nd President of Namibia (21 March 2005 - 21 March 2015),he was a founding member of the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO) presently known as SWAPO Party of Namibia. He has a number of awards including the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership and the Omugulugwombashe Medal for Bravery and Long Service.
Laurent Pokou	b. 10 August 1947, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 13 November 2016, Abdijan, Côte d'Ivoire Laurent Pokou was a footballer, who was part of the Côte d'Ivoire national team. He was twice the highest goal scorer of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Princess Elizabeth Bagaya	b. 1936, Uganda Princess Elizabeth Bagaya is a princess, model, lawyer and diplomat. She was called to the English bar and later on became Minister of Foreign Affairs after General Amin overthrew the government that had disbanded her monarchy. She then escaped the country again but was able to return and become ambassador to the United States.
Rajkeswur Purryag	b. 12 December 1947, Camp Fouquereaux, Mauritius Rajkeswur Purryag was the 5th President of Mauritius (21 July 2012 - 29 May 2015). He had also held the office as Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius (22 December 1997 - 17 September 2000) and was a member of the Labour Party.
Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso	b. 28 April 1941, Tebang, Maefeteng, Lesotho, d. September 2003, Mantsonyane, Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso was the queen of Lesotho and was often referred to as 'Mother of the Nation'. She spent most of her life undertaking charity work and improving education and conditions for vulnerable children in the country.
Queen Sylvia Nagginda	b. 9 November 1964, London, United Kingdom Queen Sylvia Nagginda, also known as Queen Sylvia of Buganda, is the monarch of a historic tribe within Uganda. She is well educated and has used her position to develop women's rights, education for children (specifically for young girls). She has also worked on immunisation campaigns and with HIV/AIDS sufferers.
Coralie Coco Rabadan	b. Date and year unknown, France Coralie Rabadan was born in France but spent time in Africa and England. She became an avid photographer following her time in London and has worked specifically in fashion and photo production.
Gisèle Rabesahala	b. 17 May 1929, Antananarivo, Madagascar, d. 27 June 2011, Place unknown Gisèle Rabesahala devoted her life to her country's independence and human rights. The first woman to hold a ministerial post in the Madagascar government, she is regarded as a pioneer in Malagasy politics. Remaining unmarried and without children, she stated wanted to serve her country rather than one person.
Mohamed Racim	b. 24 June 1986, Algiers, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 30 March 1975, Algiers, Algeria Mohamed Racim was an artist from Algeria. His work depicts a past he had imagined, prior to the French colonisation of the country. His work in miniature led him to found the Algerian school of miniature painting.
Bridgette Radebe	b. 26 February 1960, South Africa Bridgette Radebe is a notable South African businesswoman, as one of the first black females in the country to own a and run a mining company, Mmakau Mining. She has received a number of awards including 'International Businessperson of the Year Award' in 2008.
Lucas Radebe	b. 12 April 1969, Soweto, South Africa Lucas Radebe is a former footballer who played primarily as a centre-back. He was captain of the South African national team.
Muhammad az-Zaruq Rajab	b. 1940, Italian Libya, present-day Libya Muhammad az-Zaruq Rajab held the post of Prime Minister (16 February 1984 - 3 March 1986),he also held posts as the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (4 January 1987 - 6 October 1990 and 2 April - August 2011) and Secretary-General of the General People's Congress (7 January 1981 - 15 February 1984).
Hery Rajaonarimampianina	b. 6 November 1958, Antananarivo, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar Hery Rajaonarimampianina is the incumbent President of Madagascar (25 January 2014 - present) after running in 2013 and being sworn in in 2014. However in 2015 the parliament tried to impeach him due to "alleged constitutional violations and general incompetence." However it was refused.
Elie Rajaonarison	b. 15 November 1951, Ambatondrazaka, Madagascar, d. 27 November 2010, Antananarivo, Madagascar Elie Rajaonarison was a prolific poet and a strong advocate for traditional Malagasy culture and the arts. In the 1990s he served as Secretary General to the Minister of Culture under President Albert Zafy
Andry Rajoelina	b. 30 May 1974, Antananarivo, Madagascar Andy Rajoelina was the President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar (17 March 2009 - 25 January 2014) and acted as head of state in that time. Prior to his political career he started off as a music and media entrepreneur and undertook some large constitutional changes when he came to power.
Gabriel Ramanantsoa	b. 13 April 1906, Antananarivo, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar, d. 9 May 1979, Paris, France Gabriel Ramanantsoa was the President of Madagascar (11 October 1972 - 5 February 1975) and Prime Minister of Madagascar (18 May 1972 - 5 February 1975),having become Prime Minister following political unrest and later assuming the presidency when Philibert Tsiranana gave up power.
Cyril Ramaphosa	b. 17 November 1952, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa is the current President of South Africa (15 February 2018 - present),following the resignation of Jacob Zuma. His political career started following his years as an anti-Apartheid activist and trade union leader.
Abane Ramdane	b. 10 June 1920, Larbaâ Nath Irathen, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 27 December 1957, Tétouan, Morocco Abane Ramdane was an Algerian political activist who was a key figure during the Algerian war for independence. He was murdered by the National Liberation Front (FLN) because his charismatic ways allegedly were overriding the collective leadership.
Mamphela Ramphele	b. 28 December 1947, Bochum District, Northern Transvaal present-day Limpopo, South Africa Mamphela Ramphele is a politician, medical doctor and ex-managing director of the World Bank from South Africa. She was involved within the political sphere against the Apartheid government and was once voted 55th in the 100 Greatest South Africans.
Mary Goitsemang Ranta	b. 1922, South Africa Mary Goitsemang Ranta was a trade unionist and activist in South Africa. She was a member of the Garment Workers' Union, Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) and the African National Congress Women's league. She was heavily involved in the anti-pass protests, in which she was arrested and charged. The charged against her were dropped in December 1957.
Alfred Raoul	b. 15 December 1938, Pointe-Noire, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo, d. 16 July 1999, Paris, France Alfred Raoul served as the acting president of Republic of the Congo (5 September 1968 - 1 January 1969) after Massamba-Débat resigned. As Prime Minister he assumed the role until it was handed over to The National Revolutionary Council, led by Marien Ngouabi.
Dolly Rathebe	b. 2 April 1928, Johannesburg, South Africa, d, 16 September 2004, Pretoria, South Africa Dolly Rathebe was a South African musician, often referred to as a 'Blues Queen'. She also appeared in films and later on worked in philanthropy.
Richard Ratsimandrava	b. 21 March 1931, Antananarivo, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar, d. 11 February 1975, Antananarivo, Madagascar Richard Ratsimandrava was the President of Madagascar (5 February 1975 - 11 February 1975) for six days before being assassinated. He was shot when driving home and his death almost sparked civil war in 1975.
Didier Ratsiraka	b. 4 November 1936, Vatomandry, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar Didier Ratsiraka was the 2nd President of Madagascar (9 February 1997 - 6 May 2002). He was nicknamed the 'Red Admiral' for his socialist ideologies which he abandoned due to a poor economic climate.
Marc Ravalomanana	b. 12 December 1949, Imerinkasinina, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana was the 4th President of Madagascar (6 May 2002 - 17 March 2009) and stood for the I Love Madagascar party. He had previously been the mayor of the capital Antananarivo.
Jean Ravelonarivo	b. 17 April 1959, Sakadomo, Madagascar Jean Ravelonarivo was the Prime Minister of Madagascar (17 January 2015 - 13 April 2016). Before his political career he served as a pilot and left office after the president named Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana in his role.
Jerry Rawlings	b. 22 June 1947, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Jerry Rawlings, a Flight Lieutenant, retired from the military and set up the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He twice held the role of Head of State of Ghana (4 June 1979 - 24 September 1979 and 31 December 1981 - 7 January 1993) then as President of Ghana (7 January 1993 - 7 January 2001) first by a military coup, following which many people were purged. In 1994-96 he was Chairperson of ECOWAS. In October 2010, Rawlings was named African Union Envoy to Somalia.
Karim Abdul Razak	b. 18 April 1956, Kumasi, Ghana Karim Abdul Razak is a football coach and former midfielder. He played for the Ghana national team, helping it win the 1978 African Cup of Nations.
Selma Elloumi Rekik	b. 5 June 1956, Tunis, Tunisia Selma Elloumi Rekik is a Tunisian businesswoman and politician. A member of Nidaa Tounes and the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, she had to deal with the fall-out from the 2015 Sousse attack and how that affected tourism.
Youssef Rekik	b. 1940, Mahrès, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 13 May 2012, Tunis, Tunisia Youssef Rekik was a Tunisian painter and comedian. He was known for his work in glass painting, a field he was considered to be one of the best. Much of his work was influenced by eastern mythology and Kairouan calligraphy. He also founded the International Festival of Plastic Arts and wrote a number of comedic plays.
Btihal Remli	b. 1987, Germany Btihal Remli is a Moroccan photographer, born in Germany, whose work has won a number of awards and enjoyed exhibits around the world. Her work particularly focuses on the cultural clash between her Moroccan roots and German identity.
France-Albert René	b. 16 November 1934, Victoria, British Seychelles, present-day Seychelles France-Albert René was the 2nd President of Seychelles (5 June 1977 - 14 April 2004) after successfully ousting James Mancham whilst he held the role of Prime Minister. Known within his party and government as 'The Boss' and considered himself as an "Indian Ocean Socialist". He led the country as a single-party state and also managed to avoid a number of coups and planned invasions by those against him. Under his rule literacy, infant mortality and economic well-being all improved dramatically.
Florence Barbara Ribeiro	b. 3 November 1933, South Africa, d. 1 December 1986, South Africa Florence Barbara Ribeiro was an activist and anti-apartheid campaigner. She attended the World Women's Conference in Central Africa and was inspired to collect and document evidence of atrocities of the Apartheid regime. They also offered refuge to those who had been victimised and became targets of the government, with their house burning down and a number of attempts on their family's lives. She and her husband were shot to death in the courtyard of their house in December of 1986, a crime which has since been attributed to agents of the state.
Alifa Rifaat	b. 5 June 1930, Cairo, Egypt, d. 1 January 1996, Cairo, Egypt Alifa Rifaat, born Fatimah Rifaat, was an Egyptian author of short stories. Her works were highly controversial, depicting realistic and often taboo, with female sexuality and the treatment of women in Arabic society.
Veerasamy Ringadoo	b. 20 October 1920, Port Louis, British Mauritius, present-day Mauritius, d. 9 September 2000, Port Louis, Mauritius Veerasamy Ringadoo was both the President of Mauritius (12 March 1992 - 30 June 1992) and the Governor-General of Mauritius (17 January 1986 - 12 March 1992). He was knighted in 1975.
Richard Rive	b. 1 March 1931, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 4 June 1989, Cape Town, South Africa Richard Rive was a writer from South Africa. Starting in short stories, some of his most well known works were Emergency, based on events surrounding the Sharpeville massacre and Buckingham Palace District Six, which was turned into a musical by a Cape Town production.
Shaaban Robert	b.1 January 1909, Tanga, German East Africa, present-day Tanzania, d. 20 June 1962, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Shaaban Robert was a poet and author from Tanzania. His works were created as a representation and preservation of Tanzanian verse traditions, written in Swahili. He has been referred to both as the 'Father of Swahili' and 'Poet Laureate of Swahili'.
Holden Roberto	b. 12 January 1923, São Salvador, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 2 August 2007, Luanda, Angola Holden Roberto was founder and leader of the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA),the first of its kind which wanted the total independence from the Portuguese colonials. Jonas Savimbi was a member but left to start UNITA when they differed on their opinions. The FNLA failed in their attempts but later on went to win seats in parliament, though they never took these up.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts	b. 15 March 1809, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, d. 24 February 1876, Monrovia, Liberia Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the 1st President of Liberia (3 January 1848 - January 1856 and 1 January 1872 - 3 January 1876) and was also the first black Governor in the Commonwealth.
Deolinda Rodrigues	b. 10 February 1939, Catete, Angola,, d. 2 March 1967, Kinhuzu, Democratic Republic of the Congo Deolinda Rodrigues de Almeida, nicknamed 'Mother of the Revolution' was an Angolan nationalist. She was a member of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and co-founder of its women's wing. She was captured by a rival guerilla group and executed
Rose Francine Rogombé	b. 20 September 1942, Lambaréné, French Gabon, present-day Gabon, d. 10 April 2015, Paris, France Rose Francine Rogombé took over as acting president of Gabon (10 June 2009 - 16 October 2009) following the death of Omar Bongo. As the President of the Senate, the role automatically put her into succession. She was the first female head of state until she passed over power to Ali Bongo Ondimba after he was elected. She distributed 23,000 toys in the area of her birth to children as a belated Christmas gesture.
Henrique Rosa	b. 18 January 1946, Bafatá, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 15 May 2013, Porto, Portugal Henrique Rosa took the role as acting President of Guinea-Bissau (28 September 2003 - 1 October 2005) and his main role was to reinstate democratic elections and return to the country running under a constitution. His presidency is noted with a return to a calmer period of time and the number of human rights violations dropping dramatically.
Tracey Rose	b. 1974, Durban, South Africa Tracey Rose is a South African artist who lives and works in Johannesburg. Rose is best known for her performances, video installations, and photographs.
Ola Rotimi	b. 13 April 1938, Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria, d. 18 August 2000, Ife, Nigeria Ola Rotimi was a playwright and theatre director. His plays include If: A Tragedy of the Ruled and The Gods Are Not To Blame.
Edward James Roye	b. 3 February 1815, Newark, Ohio, United States, d. 11 February 1872, Liberia Edward James Royce was the 5th President of Liberia (3 January 1870 - 26 October 1871) and was also the first one to be overthrown. His death is shrouded in mystery with many believing he was assassinated and others that he drowned following an escape from prison. He had tried to extend his term in direct conflict with the constitution.
David Rubadiri	b. 19 July 1930, Liuli, Malawi David Rubadiri is ranked as one of Africa's most celebrated poets in the post-colonial era. He was Malawi's first ambassador to the USA and the United Nations. His only novel No Bridge Price is a critique of the Malawi regime under President Hastings Banda.
David Rudisha	b. 17 December 1988, Kilgoris, Kenya David Rudisha is a track and field athlete and current world record holder in the 800m with a time of 1:40:91. He has won gold for the 800m in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, in addition to winning gold in the 2011 and 2015 World Championships, and 2008 and 2010 African Championships.
Athi-Patra Ruga	b. 1984, Mthatha, South Africa Athi-Patra Ruga is a South African artist who reflects the history and story, both of the modern day and the Apartheid era, as portraits filled with parody and lore.
Ruhakana Rugunda	b. 7 November 1947, Kabale, Uganda Protectorate, present-day Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda is the 10th Prime Minister of Uganda (18 September 2014 - present) and has been in the cabinet since 1986. He also held the post of Permanent Representative to the United Nations for two years.
Valentine Rugwabiza	b. 25 July 1963, Rwanda Valentine Rugwabiza is a Rwandan businesswoman and representative to the United Nations. She has also held the role of Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Gabriel Ruhumbika	b. 1938, Ukerewe Island, Tanzania Gabriel Ruhumbika is a Tanzanian novelist, short story writer, translator and academic. His first novel, Village in Uhuru, was published in 1969. He has written several subsequent novels in Swahili.
Manuel Rui	b. 4 November 1941, Huambo Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Manuel Rui is an Angolan writer. He is famed for writing poetry, romances, short stories and plays. His general themes are post-independent Angola, dashed with humour and irony about the events that unfolded. He helped to found the Angolan Writers' Union and also penned the lyrics for the national anthem of Angola.
Alfred Francis Russell	b. 25 August 1817, Lexington, Kentucky, United States, d. 4 April 1884, Liberia Alfred Francis Russell was elected to President of Liberia (20 January 1883 - 7 January 1884) was marred with the loss of territory to the British. By the end of his term Liberia was struggling to pay for the cost of imports into the country with the income they generated from their own exports.
Jeanne-Marie Ruth-Rolland	b. 17 June 1937, Bangassou, Ubangi Shari, present-day Central African Republic, d. 4 June 1995, Paris, France Jeanne-Marie Ruth-Rolland ran as a candidate in the 1993 Central African Republic general election, being the first woman in Africa to run for president.
Prince Louis Rwagasore	b. 10 January 1932, Ibwami, Gitega, Kingdom of Burundi, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi, d. 13 October 1961, Usumbura, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Burundi Louis Rwagasore was the Crown Prince Louis Rwagasore, or Crown Prince of Burundi. In addition to his royal title, he was also a politician and served as prime minister of the kingdom. He was an outspoken nationalist and anti-colonialist. He was assassinated whilst eating at a hotel by a Greek national.
Nawal El Saadawi	b. 27 October 1931, Kafr Tahal, Egypt Nawal El Saadawi is a writer and doctor from Egypt. She is particularly known for her feminist work and her anti-female genital mutilation stance. She has been described as "the Simone de Beauvoir of the Arab World".
Tom Saater	b. 1985, Nigeria Tom Saater is a Nigerian photographer who begun his career asking tourists if he could snap images with their camera and asking them to send them off. He reached out to Time Out magazine when they launched in Nigeria and has since become a world renowned photojournalist and filmmaker.
Anwar al-Sadat	b. 25 December 1918, Monufia, Sultanate of Egypt, present-day Egypt, d. 6 October 1981, Cairo, Egypt Anwar al-Sadat was the 3rd President of Egypt (15 October 1970 - 6 October 1981) and journalist. He was initially considered to have been a puppet for Nasser, but was able to retain his presidency with some strong political moves. He launched the October War (Yom Kippur) against Israelis and Syrians in 1973, and later led to peace with Israel. He was then assassinated in October 1981 under a fatwaā.
Reinata Sadimba	b. 1945, Homba, Portuguese Mozambique Reinata Sadimba is a famous sculptor and ceramist from Mozambique. A lot of her work represents the role of women and she came out of her retirement specifically for an exhibition to show how far the women of Mozambique had developed in that time.
Abdoulaye Sadji	b. 1910, Rufisque, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 25 December 1961, Rufisque, Senegal Abdoulaye Sadji was a Senegalese writer, most notable for his novels and children's books but also his struggle for the independence of Senegal. A forefather of the Négritude Movement he wrote many works that were at the core of the movement.
Gontchomé Sahoulba	b. 16 October 1909, Place unknown, d. 1963, Place unknown Gontchomé Sahoulba was a Chadian politician during the time of French colonial rule, speaking out in favour for autonomous governance. He joined politics in 1948 when political parties were officially accepted by the Chadian Democratic Union (UDT). When the coalition government headed by Lisette crumbled prior to full independence, Sahoulba succeeded as temporary President (1959),however he was voted out in a motion of no confidence in 1959.
Ali Saibou	b. 17 June 1940, Ouallam, French Niger, present-day Niger, d. 31 October 2011, Niamey, Niger Ali Saibou became the 3rd President of Niger (14 November 1987 - 16 April 1993) having taken over from Seyni Kountché who had died of a brain tumour.
Mgeni Saidi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mgeni Saidi attended the founding of the Pan-African Women's Organisation as a delegate of the Conference of African Women. She was from the country hosting the event, Tanzania.
Abdourahmane Sakaly	b. 1926, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 1988, Place unknown Abdourahmane Sakaly comes from a merchant family of Saint-Louis, Senegal, originally from Morocco. He was introduced to photography in his youth and decided to open his studio in Medina Coura, facing one of the major markets of the Sudanese (now Malian) capital.
Baba Sala	b. 1936, Ilesha, Osun State, Nigeria Baba Sala, born Moses Olaiya, is a comedian and actor and known as the father of modern Nigerian Comedy.
Ali Ben Salem	b. 1931, Bizerte, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Ali Ben Salem is anti-colonial, human-rights activist. His political root follow his father being shot and killed by police during a nationalist demonstration. He helped to found the Tunisian League of Human Rights (LTDH).
Tayeb Salih	b. 12 July 1929, Al Dabbah, Sudan, d. 18 February 2009, London, United Kingdom Tayeb Salih was a writer whose works include the novel Season of Migration to the North.
Mohammed Ali Salim	b. 1935, Place unknown Mohammed Ali Salim was the acting President of the General National Congress of Libya (8 August 2012 - 9 August 2012) for one day as he was the oldest member of the government.
Charity Salima	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Charity Salima is a retired midwife and nurse who opened her own birth clinic in Malawi, struck by the high number of infant mortality. She has been referred to as Malawi's 'Florence Nightingale'.
Amadou Lamine Sall	b. 26 March 1951, Kaolack, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Amadou Lamine Sall is a famous Senegalese poet and founder of the African House of International Poetry. He has written a number of anthologies of poetry and his works appear on curriculums across the world.
Macky Sall	b. 11 December 1961, Fatick, Senegal Macky Sall won the 2012 election defeating Abdoulaye Wade to become the 4th President of Senegal (2 April 2012 - present). He has since reversed the change to the constitution meaning that presidents can only run for two terms, a maximum of five years, however The Constitutional Council refused to apply the ruling to Macky Sall.
Thierno Seydou Sall	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Thierno Seydou Sall is a Senegalese poet who is working with an organisation called Ashoka's Changemakers, is looking at developing a new method of social communications that is rooted in the oral tradition of African culture. Having published works in both French and Wolof, he is using modern technology and platforms to spread the traditions of Africa.
Barkire Salmon	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Barkire Salmon was one of the women who founded the Pan-American Women's Organisation. She along with Dante Aminata came from Niger.
Issa Samb	b. 31 December 1945, Dakar, Senegal, d. 25 April 2017, Place unknown Issa Samb was a Senegalese painter, sculptor, performance artist, playwright and poet.
Catherine Samba-Panza	b. 26 June 1956, Fort Lamy, present-day N'Djamena, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad Catherine Samba-Panza, also known as 'Mother Courage', held the role as interim president of the Central African Republic (23 January 2014 - 30 March 2016). As the first woman to hold the head of state role in the Central African Republic her presidency was during a time of great unrest and a risk of becoming "the next Rwanda", but encouraged peace talks on both sides of the troubles.
Chéri Samba	b. 30 December 1956, Kinto M'Vuila, Democratic Republic of the Congo Chéri Samba is one of the most renowned contemporary African artists, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His works are displayed in the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi	b. 15 April 1956, Hudur, Bakool, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi, also known as 'Ayatollah', was President of the Comoros (26 May 2006 - 26 May 2011). He came to power winning over half the vote in an election and was the first president of Comoros to hand over power peacefully to a successor.
Wilton Sankawulo	b. 26 July 1937, Haindii, Liberia, d. 21 February 2009, Monrovia, Liberia Wilton Sankawulo took over as the new Chairman of the Council of State of Liberia (1 September 1995 - 3 September 1996) following the political stalemate that occurred with the preceding council. A writer by profession, he was known for publishing stories about Liberia.
Oumou Sangaré	b. 25 February 1968, Bamako, Mali Oumou Sangaré, often referred to as the 'Songbird of Wassoulou', is a Malian singer and musician. Her music is reflective and often talks about freedom, particularly freedom of who to love and who to marry. She has won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals.
Malam Bacai Sanhá	b. 5 May 1947, Quinara Region, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 9 January 2012, Paris, France Malam Bacai Sanhá was the 4th President of Guinea-Bissau (8 September 2009 - 9 January 2012) and promised on his election that he would investigate the murders of João Bernardo Vieira and Batista Tagme Na Waie. He died due to complications brought on by diabetes.
Thomas Sankara	b. 21 December 1949, Yako, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 15 October 1987, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Thomas Sankara was President of Burkina Faso (4 August 1983 - 15 October 1987) and is often referred to as 'Africa's Che Guevara'. He came to power in the 1983 coup with the aim of eliminating corruption and ridding the country of ties with the French colonial power that still remained dominant. He renamed the country to Burkina Faso. His policies involved preventing famine, promoting literacy and vaccinating against disease. He also outlawed female genital mutilation, forced marriages, polygamy and promoted women to high offices in the government. He also banned free press and unions. He was assassinated in October 1987 by an armed group in a coup d'état organised by his former colleague Blaise Compaoré. In 2015, his family finally succeeded in convincing the government to re-open the assassination case and to verify his remains.
Sory Sanlé	b. 1943, Nianiagara, Republic of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Sory Sanlé is a photographer from Burkina Faso who took a number of portraits of individuals and created a number of music album covers for West African artists. He was brought to attention when a French record producer found his work.
Amadou Sanogo	b. Date and year unknown, Ségou, Mali Amadou Sanogo is a military leader and held the role as temporary head of state off Mali (22 March 2012 - 12 April 2012) following the 2012 coup d'état. He was arrested in 2013 for his involvement in a number of his rivals in the military vanishing and being kidnapped.
Maria Judith Santos	b. Date unknown, Place unknown, d. 1 November 2015, Lisbon, Portugal Maria Judith Santos was one of the founders of the women's wing of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola.
Toyin Saraki	b. 6 September 1964, Lagos, Nigeria Toyin Saraki is a healthcare philanthropist and the Founder-President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Through partnerships and policy advocacy, she develops strategies and creates recourses to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Nigeria.
Simplice Sarandji	b. 4 April 1955, Baoro, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Central African Republic Simplice Sarandji is the current Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (2 April 2016 - present). He previously acted as the chief of staff for Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadera, and the campaign manager during Touadera's successful Presidential campaign.
Felwine Sarr	b. 11 September 1972, Sine Saloum, Senegal Felwine Sarr is a Senegalese writer and economics professor who has been awarded the Grand Prix of Literary Associations 2016 (Research Category) for his work Afrotopia. His novels include Dahij (2009).
Mohamed Mbougar Sarr	b. 1990, Dakar, Senegal Mohamed Mbougar Sarr is a Senegalese author whose book Terre Ceninte (Earth Girdle) won the French Voices Award for literature, as well as a number of other awards.
Williams Sassine	b. 1944, Kankan, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 9 February 1997, Conakry, Guinea Williams Sassine was a French language writer, originally from Guinea. He wrote novels such as Le jeune homme de sable as well as editing the satirical newspaper Le Lynx.
Michael Sata	b. 6 July 1937, Mpika, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 28 October 2014, London, United Kingdom Michael Sata was the 5th President of Zambia (23 September 2011 - 28 October 2014),often referred to as 'King Cobra', ran for presidency four times before winning. He is famed for denouncing the Chinese involvement in Africa and criticised their actions at not giving as much as they took from the country.
Jonas Savimbi	b. 3 August 1934, Munhango, Bié, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 22 February 2002 Lucusse, Moxico Province, Angola Jonas Savimbi was the founder and leader of National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). UNITA waged a guerrilla war against the Portuguese and then People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) during the Angolan Civil War. His official title was the President and Supreme Commander of UNITA (1966 - 2002) and held the role until he was killed fighting government troops.
Gambo Sawaba	b. 15 February 1933, Zaria, Nigeria, d. October 2001, Place unknown Gambo Sawaba was a Nigerian politician and activist, born to migrant parents, she campaigned against under-age marriages and to institute a westernised style of schooling in the north of the country. She is deemed the voice of the women of northern Nigeria.
Amos Sawyer	b. 15 June 1945, Greenville, Sinoe County, Liberia Amos Sawyer took charge of the interim government as president (22 November 1990 - 7 March 1994) following Samuel Doe's government being overthrown. He was awarded the Gusi Peace Prize in 2011.
José Sayovo	b. 3 March 1973, Bié Province, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola José Sayovo is an Angolan Paralympian and the first two win a medal for the Republic of Angola at the Paralympic Games. He has won 4 gold medals, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals in athletics for the 100m, 200 and 400m sprints.
Ophelia Hoff Saytumah	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Ophelia Hoff Saytumah is a Liberian politician who previously held the role of Mayor of Monrovia, the country's capital city. Prior to her political career she worked within the travel industry and has since moved into petrochemicals.
Johanna Hendrina Scheepers	b. 1915, Place unknown, d. 1976, Place unknown Johanna Hendrina Scheepers, also known as Joey, was a South African trade unionist. She headed up a chapter of the Garment Workers' Union (GWU) and was involved in a number of industrial actions for her industry, as well as in support of others. She once chained herself to a fence in Johannesburg in protest of a contemporary being arrested and held.
Guy Scott	b. 1 June 1944, Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia Guy Scott was an acting president of Zambia (29 October 2014 - 25 January 2015),handling the role after Sata's death. However when it came to the election because of his parentage, he was unable to run for the presidential race.
Veríssimo Correia Seabra	b. 17 February 1947, Bissau, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 6 October 2004, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau Veríssimo Correia Seabra was known for leading a coup that deposed Kumba Ialá on 14 September 14 2003. He held the head of state for Guinea-Bissau under the title of Chairman of the Military Committee for the Restoration of Constitutional and Democratic Order (14 September 2003 - 28 September 2003).
Mosadi Seboko	b. 7 June 1950, Ramotswa, Botswana Mosadi Seboko is the kgosikgolo (hereditary leader) of the Balete people in Botswana, she is also the first female to hold this role in Botswana. Her leadership has been remarkably different from previous, she argued that she should be the kgosikgolo based on birth order and not gender, she has also spoken out about the HIV/AIDS issues in the country.
Julia Sebutinde	b. 28 February 1954, Kampala, Uganda Julia Sebutinde is a Ugandan judge and academic. She is currently in the International Court of Justice and has worked on a number of special commissions into corruption in the police and Ugandan Revenue authority.
Cheick Tidiane Seck	b. 11 December 1953, Ségou, Mali Cheick Tidiane Seck is a respected Malian musician and composer. He has worked with numerous prestigious African musicians, including Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Mory Kante and Youssou N'Dour, as well as jazz exponents Hank Jones and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Thione Seck	b. 11 December 1953, Ségou, Mali Thione Seck is a singer from Senegal. He is particularly known for his music of the mbalakh genre and has been a member of bands such as Orchestre Baobab and Raam Daan.
Fatima Seedat	b. 14 October 1922, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 2003, Durban, South Africa Fatima Seedat was a member of the Communist Part of South Africa and was actively involved in the resistance against the Apartheid segregation laws. She was arrested following the passive resistance in Durban and the arrested again and sentenced to hard labour. She was involved in the 1956 Women's March.
Benjamin Sehene	b. 1959, Kigali, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda Benjamin Sehene is a Rwandan writer and commentator. His work is heavily influenced by the Rwandan Genocide and the socio-political influences that led to the event. Some of his books include Le Piège ethnique (The Ethnic Trap) and the play Un sentiment d'insécurité.
Joseph Brahim Seid	b. 1927, N'Djamena, Chad, d. 1980, Place unknown Joseph Brahim Seid was a writer and politician. He is known for the works Au Tchad sous les étoiles (In Chad under the stars) and Un enfant du Tchad (A child of Chad),based on his own life.
Thabiso Sekgala	b. 1981, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 15 October 2014, Place unknown Thabiso Sekgala was a photographer from South Africa who works, mainly in portraits, were centred around feelings of abandonment and the human experience. He committed suicide at age 33.
Ahmed Sékou Touré	b. 9 January 1922, Faranah, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 26 March 1984, Cleveland, Ohio, United States Ahmed Sékou Touré was the first elected President of Guinea (2 October 1958 - 26 March 1984) and in 1960 banned all other political parties making him, in effect, a dictator. Politically isolated by France on the international scene, Touré's primary allies in the region were presidents Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Modibo Keita of Mali. In 1982 he led the delegation sent by the Islamic Conference Organization to mediate in the Iran-Iraq War. As a Pan-africanist leader, Touré virulently criticized colonial powers. He befriended African American activists such as Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, to whom he offered asylum. He also supported freedom fighters in neighbouring Portuguese Guinea against Portugal which ultimately launched a failed attack against Conakry in 1970. Over time and as his paranoia against alleged coups grew, more than 50,000 people are believed to have been killed in concentration camps such as Camp Boiro. His heritage is still very disputed in Guinea today.
Taiye Selasi	b. 2 November 1979, London, United Kingdom Taiye Selasi was named one of Granta's 20 Best Young British Writers in 2013. The following year she was added to the Hay Festival's Africa 39 (a list of 39 Sub-Saharan African writers under the age of 40 "with the potential and talent to define trends in African literature.") Her works include the novel Ghana Must Go and the short story anthology The Sex Lives of African Girls.
Abdelmalek Sellal	b. 1 August 1948, Constantine, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abdelmalek Sellal was Prime Minister of Algeria (3 September 2012 - 13 March 2014, 29 April 2014 -25 May 2017) and also served as the Ambassador to Hungary whilst he was working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Josephine Finda Sellu	b. Date unknown, Sierra Leone Josephine Finda Sellu is the deputy nurse matron at the government hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone. She is one of the two original nurses at the Ebola treatment centre who has survived or not fled their post.
Ousmane Sembène	b. 1 January 1923, Ziguinchor, Senegal, d. 9 June 2007, Dakar, Senegal Ousmane Sembène was a film director, producer and writer. In 2005, he received National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Foreign Language Film for the film Moolaadé and the 1988 Venice Film Festival Silver Lion for Camp de Thiaroye.
Caster Semenya	b. 7 January 1991, Polokwani, South Africa Caster Semenya is a track and field athlete who won gold medals in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games in the 800m. In 2014 she received the South African Bronze Order of Ikhamanga.
Fatou Kandé Senghor	b. 9 January 1971, Dakar, Senegal Fatou Kandé Senghor is a multidisciplinary artist, photographer and filmmaker. Between 1998 and 2000 she was responsible for the visual and print monitoring, the content of the site and the publication of documents and project assistant for the cultural program at the Gorée Institute.
Lamine Senghor	b. 15 September 1889, Joal, Senegal, 25 November 1927, Fréjus, France Lamine Senghor was a political activist who was committed to an independent Senegal.
Léopold Sédar Senghor	b. 9 October 1906, Joal, French Senegal, present-day Senegal,, d. 20 December 2001, Verson, France Léopold Sédar Senghor took to office as the 1st President of Senegal (6 September 1960 - 31 December 1980) and was also known as a poet and cultural theorist. He co-funded with Aimé Césaire the Négritude movement. Ideologically a socialist, as President of Senegal he nonetheless favoured the maintenance of close ties with France and the western world. He is revered as one of the most important African intellectuals of the 20th century. He was the first African to be elected at the Académie française (1983).
Margaret Sentamu-Masagazi	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Margaret Sentamu-Masagazi is the Executive Director of Uganda's Media Women's Association (UMWA). She has worked in many areas of the media, particularly to the empowerment and benefit of gender equality. She has always worked as a lecturer on journalism at the Uganda Management Institute and multiple news agencies as an editor and reporter.
Dulcie September	b. 20 August 1935, Athlone, South Africa, d. 29 March 1988, Paris, France Dulcie September was an outspoken opponent of the Apartheid system in South Africa, joining the African National Congress in 1976. She had been investigating arms trafficking when an assailant shot her five times from behind, killing her instantly, in 1988.
Salviano de Jesus Sequeira	b. 31 December 1945, Place unknown Salviano de Jesus Sequeira is the Minister of National Defence in Angola (October 2017 - present) and had a long military career, attaining the rank of General, in Angola prior to his appointment by president João Lourenço.
Mongane Wally Serote	b. 8 May 1944, Johannesburg, South Africa Mongane Wally Serote is a poet, writer and activist from South Africa. He is known for his involvement with the anti-Apartheid movement and was detained by the government for his membership to the African National Congress (ANC). His novels and poems include A Tough Tale and Scatter the Ashes and Go.
Robert Serumaga	b. 1939, Buganda, Uganda, d. 1980, Nairobi, Kenya Robert Serumaga is a playwright and writer. His plays include Majangwa: A Promise of Rains and has written the novel Return to the Shadows.
Mobutu Sese Seko	b. 14 October 1930, Lisala, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 7 September 1997, Rabat, Morocco Mobutu Sese Seko, born Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, was the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (24 November 1965 - 16 May 1997) though he renamed the country Zaire in 1971. He established a one-party state effectively leading a military dictatorship.
Prince Twins Seven-Seven	b. 3 May 1944, Ogidi, North Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 16 June 2011, Ibadan, Nigeria Prince Twins Seven-Seven, born Olaniyi Osuntoki, was a Nigerian artist from the Oshogbo School. Starting as a singer and dancer he became an artist drawing inspiration from Yoruba myths and legends.
Jacob Wilson Sey	b. 10 March 1832, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 22 May 1902, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Jacob Wilson Sey was the one-time president and co-founder of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society. He was once part of a delegation sent to England to speak directly with the British government.
Kobina Sekyi	b. 1 November 1892, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 1956, Place unknown Kobina Sekyi was a notable Elmina-Cape Coast businessman and one-time President of the Aborigines' Rights Protection Society. He is often credited with his satirical comedy The Blinkards.
Huda Shaarawi	b. June 23 1879, Place unknown, d. 12 December 1947, Place unknown Huda Shaarawi was a pioneer feminist leader and Egyptian nationalist. She helped to organise Mubarrat Muhammad Ali, a women's social service organisation in 1909, and the Union of Educated Egyptian Women in 1914. She became the first president of the Egyptian Feminist Union in 1923; after returning from a women's suffrage congress in Rome she removed her face veil in public for the first time, a turning point in Egyptian feminist history.
Joseph Shabalala	b. 28 August 1941, Ladysmith, South Africa Joseph Shabalala is the founder and musical director of the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Shafi Adam Shafi	b. 1940, Zanzibar Shafi Adam Shafi is a novelist from Zanzibar who has written a number of works, specifically in the romantic and historic genre. His book Haini is specifically about political prisoners and his autobiography Mbali na Nyumbani.
Shehu Shagari	b. 25 February 1925, Shagari, Sokoto State, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Shehu Shagari was the first democratically elected President of Nigeria (October 1 1979 - December 31 1983) following the handover from a military led government. There were many accusations of corruption, particularly regarding his election to second term in 1983. He was overthrown in a military coup in December 1983.
Imbarek Shamekh	b. 15 May 1952, Benghazi, Libya Imbarek Shamekh has held numerous roles in Libyan government. He was Secretary-General of General People's Congress of Libya, the Head of State (5 March 2009 - 26 January 2010) and both Deputy Prime Minister (2 March 2008 - 5 March 2009) and Prime Minister (1 March 2000 - 14 June 2003). He defected to Egypt during the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
Dorothy Shanley	b. 1920, Place unknown, d. 4 April 2001, Place unknown Dorothy Shanley was a South African activist who was held, along with a number of other women and her husband, in prison following the Treason Trial against the Apartheid regime.
Mahjoub Sharif	b. 1 January 1948, Musalamiyya, Sudan, d. 2 April 2014, Omdurman, Sudan Mahjoub Sharif was a Sudanese poet, teacher and activist. He was known for his colloquial poetry and his public engagement, both committed to further the causes of democracy, freedom, general well-being and national identity.
Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke	b. 19 June 1960, Mogadishu, British Somaliland, present-day Somalia Shehu Shagari was the first democratically elected President of Nigeria (October 1 1979 - December 31 1983) following the handover from a military led government. There were many accusations of corruption, particularly regarding his election to second term in 1983. He was overthrown in a military coup in December 1983.
Sheeba Karungi	b. 11 November 1989, Kampala, Uganda Sheebah Karungi is a recording artist and actress. She is a two-time Uganda Entertainment Awards winner and a four-time Zzinna Awards winner. Her film performances include Queen of Katwe.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed	b. 25 July 1965, Mahaday, Middle Shebelle, Somalia Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was the 7th President of Somalia (31 January 2009 - 20 August 2012). A well known civil and political activist, he was also Chairman of the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia and Commander in Chief of the Islamic Courts Union. Sheikh Sharif is beneficiary of the former-Presidents-In-Residence fellowship initiated by Boston University in Massachusetts, USA.
Abdirashid Ali Shermarke	b. 8 June 1919, Harardhere, Mudug, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia, d. 15 October 1969, Las Anod, Somalia Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was the 2nd President of Somalia (10 June 1967 - 15 October 1969) and the 3rd Prime Minister of Somalia (12 July 1960 - 14 June 1964). He beat an assassination attempt in 1968 when a grenade was thrown near the car he was driving in, however in 1969 he was assassinated by one of his own bodyguards.
Ernesto Shikhani	b. 1934, Muvesha, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique, d. 2010, Maputo, Mozambique Ernesto Shikhani was an artist from Mozambique. His work, often in primary colours, is filled with curious figures that resemble monsters. He also occasionally worked in sculpture and is revered as a founder of contemporary African art.
Kura Shomali	b. 1979, Kananga, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kura Shomali is a Congolese artist who participated in the creation of the Eza Possibles group. He works predominantly on paper, combining bold charcoal, pen, gouache, ink, marker and collage to create unique textures.
Ernest Shonekan	b. 9 May 1936, Lagos, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria Ernest Shonekan has held both the office of President of Nigeria (26 August 1993 - 17 November 1993) and Prime Minister of Nigeria (4 January 1993 - 26 August 1993),having been made head of the transitional government. Tensions in the country were high at the time and he struggled to control the military which, after only three months, led to a military coup that overthrew him.
Yinka Shonibare	b. 9 August 1962, London, United Kingdom Yinka Shonibare MBE RA is a British-Nigerian artist living in the United Kingdom. His work explores cultural identity, colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalisation.
Pashukeni Shoombe	b. 12 December 1936, Ohangwena Region, Namibia Pashukeni Shoombe is politician and teacher from Namibia. Her political views led her into exile where she assisted other exiles in Angola. She was a member of the 2nd National Assembly.
Gertrude Shope	b. 15 August 1925, Johannesburg, South Africa Gertrude Shope is a South African educator and previously president of the ANC's Women's League, a position she held until 1993. She then went on to become a member of parliament of South Africa and held the role within the Government of National Unity.
Akua Shorshorshor	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. Date unknown, Place unknown Akua Shorshorshor was a "market queen" of Ghana, who used her business profits to finance liberation groups in the pursuit for independence in Ghana.
Monsengo Shula	b. 1959, Niokoi, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Monsengo Shula is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His work started after apprenticing for his uncle, the artist Moke. His work is themed with modern days issues with his hyper bright colours making them seem other-worldly and far from reality.
Fatima Siad	b. 17 December 1986, Mogadishu, Somalia Fatima Siad experienced a traumatic childhood, suffering genital mutilation and the loss of her two sisters to Somali soldiers during the country's civil war. Her photoshoots have appeared across the globe, including Vogue, Cosmo Girl and Harper's Bazaar.
Mary Sibande	b. 1982, Baberton, South Africa Mary Sibande is a multi-disciplinary artist from South Africa. She explores the nature and ownership of the black female body in modern South African society with works in ceramics, photography and visual artistry.
Bambo Sibiya	b. 1986, Springs, South Africa Bambo Sibiya is a visual artist who specialises in using traditional printmaking techniques as part of his work. His work often depicts daily scenes from the streets of Johannesburg.
Malick Sidibé	b. 1936, Soloba, Mali, d. 14 April 2016, Bamako, Mali Malick Sidibé was a photographer noted for his black and white studies of popular culture in the 1960s in Bamako.
Titina Silá	b. 1943, Guinea-Bissau, d. 30 December 1973, Farim River, Guinea-Bissau Titina Ernestina Silà joined Guinea-Bissau's freedom fighters, the PAIGC, in the 1960s. She was killed by Portuguese colonial troops during a skirmish.
Annie Silinga	b. 1910, Nqamakwe, Butterworth district, Transkei, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 1984, Langa, Cape Town, South Africa Annie Silinga was a female South African activist who was heavily involved in the Anti-Pass and anti-Apartheid movements. She was the only African woman implicated in the Treason Trials of 1956. She successfully managed to evade having a pass all of her life during the Apartheid regime.
Bisi Silva	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Bisi Silva is a curator and founding director of the Centre for Contemporary Art in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2015 she was appointed Artistic Director of the 10th Bamako Encounters in Mali.
Ulisses Correia e Silva	b. 4 June 1962, Praia, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Ulisses Correia e Silva is the current Prime Minister of Cape Verde (22 April 2016 - present) with his previous career being in banking and teaching at a university. He has held roles as Secretary of State for Finance and mayor of Praia, where he is from. During his tenure he has also met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sabrina Simader	b. 13 April 1998, Kenya Sabrina Simader was an Alpine skier during the 2018 Winter Olympics, becoming Kenya's first female Winter Olympic athlete.
Uria Simango	b. 15 March 1926, Sofala Province, Portuguese Mozambique, present-day Mozambique, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Uria Simango was a founding member and leader of the organisation Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). Following years of turmoil and political unrest he was abducted from Malawi and forced to read out a 20-page public confession involving murder and espionage. He was then secretly executed at some point in the late 70s.
Elias Sime	b. 1968, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Elias Sime is an Ethiopian artist who creates intricate works, on a giant scale, using repurposed items such as circuit boards, wire and more. His work is a commentary on the waste that is left behind in Ethiopia by other cultures.
Aron Simeneh	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Aron Simeneh is an Ethiopian photographer who specialises in concert photography and portraits.
Amon Simutowe	b. 1982, Mbala, Zambia Amon Simutowe is a chess Grandmaster from Zambia and economist, with degrees from Texas and Oxford. He is the first grandmaster to hail from sub-Saharan Africa.
Jean Sinclair	b. 2 July 1908, Place unknown, d. 6 June 1996, Place unknown Jean Sinclair was one of the founding members of The Black Sash organisation in South Africa. The group was a non-violent white women's resistance organisation against the Apartheid government. Jean Sinclair led the organisation and received the Order of the Baobab in Silver for her work.
Théodore Sindikubwabo	b. 1928, Butare, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda, d. 1998, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo Théodore Sindikubwabo was the interim president of Rwanda (9 April 1994 - 19 July 1994) during the 100 days of genocide in Rwanda. He was installed into the post after the assassination of Juvénal Habyarimana, and although he was head of state during the atrocities there are many theories it is believed that he was a puppet of a group of military officers. He made an infamous speech regarding the murder of Tutsis, that criticised those not "working" as a euphemism for the killings. He was overthrown by the Rwandese Patriotic Front and fled into exile in Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, where he died without receiving any charges.
Margaret Singana	b. 1 January 1938, Queenstown, South Africa, d. 22 April 2000, Queenstown, South Africa Margaret Singana, also known as 'Lady Africa' was a famous South African musician. She was particularly famous in the 1970s but had a stroke towards the end of the decade. She was able to return to fame though and one of her songs, Shaka Zulu achieved a number one spot internationally.
Ansuyah R. Singh	b. 12 June 1917, Durban, South Africa, d. 27 November 1978, South Africa Ansuyah Ratipul Singh was a doctor and medical author from South Africa. One of her most known works was a survey of the hospitals, clinics and social services in the Indian community of Durban and her work on foetal development in regard to emotional influences was highly regarded in the Unites States. On top of her medical accomplishments she also holds the title as the first Indian South African to have a fiction book published, Behold the Earth Mourns was released in 1960.
Penny Siopis	b. 5 February 1953, Vryburg, Northern Cape Province, South Africa Penny Siopis is an artist from South Africa. Her works are eclectic and eccentric with Pinky Pinky, a collective visualisation of a South African creature of legend, as well as her later Shame paintings.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf	b. 29 October 1938, Monrovia, Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first elected female President of Liberia (16 January 2006 - 22 January 2018) as well as being the first elected female head of state in Africa. She has won many awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
Abderrahmane Sissako	b. 13 October 1961, Kiffa, Mauritania Abderrahmane Sissako is a filmmaker and producer from Mauritania who has gained international acclaim for his work. His film Waiting For Happiness (Heremakono) was well received at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and his film Timbuktu was nominated for an Academy Award.
Cheick Oumar Sissoko	b. 1945, San, Mali Cheikh Omar Sissoko is a Malian film director. He directed The Tyrant in 1995, which won prizes at film festivals. His 1999 feature Genesis won the Etalon de Yennenga and Battù won him the 2001 RFI Prize for Cinema. He was nominated Malian Minister of Culture in 2001.
Albertina Sisulu	b. 2 October 1918, Transkei, South Africa, d. 2 June 2011, Linden, Johannesburg, South Africa Albertina Sisulu, sometimes known as 'Mother of the Nation' was a nurse who became one of the most important leaders of anti-Apartheid resistance in South Africa. She acted on her ideal of human rights throughout her life and war married to Walter Sisulu, another prominent figure in the anti-Apartheid movement.
Lindiwe Sisulu	b. 10 May 1954, Johannesburg, South Africa Lindiwe Sisulu is a South African politician and daughter of Albertine Sisulu. She has served as a South African member of parliament since 1994 and is a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC). Before she became an MP she was detained for her activities against the Apartheid government and specialised in intelligence gathering for the ANC.
Walter Sisulu	b. 18 May 1912, Ngcobo, Transkei, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 5 May 2013, Place unknown Walter Sisulu was a key figure in the fight against South African Apartheid and also served as the Secretary-General and Deputy President of the African National Congress.
Maniben Sita	b. 1926, Pretoria, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa Maniben Sita was an anti-apartheid activist and daughter of the artist Nana Sita. Her work has particularly focused on the role of the Indian community within the struggles in South Africa. She told the High Commissioner of India to South Africa that the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi should provided to all schoolchildren in South Africa.
Buhlebezwe Siwani	b. 1987, South Africa Buhlebezwe Siwani is a South African artist who works in a number of disciplines such as performance, photography and video. Her work is about a number of different things but she considers herself as a Sangoma, or traditional medicine healer, and works a lot with the female form.
Ian Smith	b. 8 April 1919, Selukwe, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 20 November 2007, Cape Town, South Africa Ian Smith was a politician, farmer and fighter who served as 8th Prime Minister of Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe (13 April 1964 - 1 June 1979).
James Skivring Smith	b. 26 February 1825, Charleston, South Carolina, United States, d. 1892, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia James Skivring Smith was the President of Liberia (4 November 1871 - 1 January 1872) however his presidency was so short that it's often not acknowledged at all in history books.
Smockey	b. 24 October 1971, Republic of Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Smockey, born Serge Bambara, is a hip hop artist, actor and political activist. In 2013 he co-founded Le Balai Citoyen, a grassroots political movement, together with the reggae musician Sams'K Le Jah. The movement participated in the 2014 Burkinabé uprising, a wave of protests which forced President Compaoré to resign and flee the country.
Camara Snoba	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Camara Snoba was a Guinean founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organisation and attended the 1962 conference in Dar es Salaam in Tanganyika, present-day Tanzania.
Aïcha Snoussi	b. 1989, Tunis, Tunisia Aïcha Snoussi is an artist from Tunisia who started her career as an engraver. She is particularly known for her large graphic ink murals drawn directly onto walls.
King Sobhuza II	b. 22 July 1899, Zombodze, Swaziland, present-day eSwatini, d. 21 August 1982, Mbabane, Swaziland, present-day eSwatini King Sobhuza II, also known as 'Nkotfotjeni' or 'Stone Lizard', started as the Paramount Chief and became King of Swaziland, present-day eSwatini (10 December 1899 - 21 August 1982). Although he came to power when he was four months old, he wasn't coronated until he was 21. During his reign Swaziland gained its freedom from the United Kingdom in 1968, after spending many years of his reign liaising with the British Crown over lands and borders. He was initially the head of the country in a constitutional monarchy but dissolved parliament in 1973 returning to an absolute monarchy. Since then the governance has changed to a system involving tribal councils called tinkhundla.
Robert Sobukwe	b. 5 December 1924, Graaff-Reinet, Cape Province, Union of South Africa, d. 27 February 1978, Kimberley, Cape Province, South Africa Robert Sobukwe, also known as 'Prof', was a South African dissident that was, at one point, considered so dangerous the Apartheid government created the 'Sobukwe clause' to prevent his release from prison. He led a march against the implementation of the Pass Law which ended in bloodshed and he was convicted of incitement. He lived out his days in exile.
Christophe Soglo	b. 28 June 1909, Abomey, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 7 October 1983, Place unknown Christophe Soglo took control as Head of the Provisional Government of Dahomey (28 October 1963 - 25 January 1964),in order to prevent a civil war. He dismissed cabinet and suspended the constitution and reorganised the government before handing over power to Sourou-Migan Apithy. He then overthrew the government again and took role as President of Dahomey (22 December 1965 - 19 December 1967) after the president of the National Assembly was unable to form a government following the coup. He was then deposed himself.
Nicéphore Soglo	b. 29 November 1934 Lomé, French Togoland, present-day Togo Nicéphore Soglo was the 5th President of Benin (4 April 1991 - 4 April 1996),following the country becoming a democracy. He is the cousin of Christophe Soglo who also took the presidency of the country.
Ali Soilih	b. 1 April 1960, Kanye, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana, d. 29 May 1978, Comoros Ali Soilih was head of state (3 January 1976 - 28 October 1977) and then President of the Comoros (28 October 1977 - 13 May 1978). An atheist and Maoist, he took power following a coup six months after Comoros gained its independence and instilled a number of radical socialist aligned laws - lowering the age of voting to 14 and legalising cannabis. He was deposed in a coup.
Rigobert Song	b. 1 July 1976, Nkenglicock, Cameroon Rigobert Song is a Cameroonian ex-footballer. He played for a number of well known clubs including Liverpool and Lens, as well as spending 17 years on the Cameroon national team.
Himla Soodyall	b. 1963 Durban, South Africa Himla Soodyall is a human geneticist and Director of Human Genomic Diversity and Disease Research Unit at the National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand. Her research focuses on evolutionary genetics and In 1999, received the President's Award from South Africa's National Research Foundation.
Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi	b. 1900, Morocco, d. 1963, Rabat, Morocco Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi was a writer and politician who was particularly influential in the run-up to Morocco's independence from France. He held the office of Minister of Religious Affairs from 1956 to 1963.
Alfa Ibrahima Sow	b. 8 October 1934, Tougué, French Guinea, d. 21 January 2005, Conakry, Guinea Alfa Ibrahima Sow was a diplomat and the Guinean ambassador to the United Nations. In addition to his political career he was also a professor of philosophy, economics and political ideology.
Ousmane Sow	b. 10 October 1935, Dakar, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 1 December 2016, Dakar, Senegal Ousmane Sow was a sculptor from Senegal. His work was of large sculptures of people, particularly those of various cultures such as the Maasai, Zuus, Fulani and Peul.
Wole Soyinka	b. 13 July 1934, Abeokuta, Nigeria Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian writer, playwright and poet, who in 1986, was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Ashraf Ssemwogerere	b. 1 February 1932, Kassala, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, present-day Sudan Ashraf Ssemwogerere is an actor and director from Uganda. Appearing both in film and on stage he has appeared in critically acclaimed films such as Mukajanga and Murder in the City.
Siaka Stevens	b. 24 August 1905, Moyamba, British Sierra Leone, present-day Sierra Leone, d. 29 May 1988, Freetown, Sierra Leone Siaka Stevens was the 2nd President of Sierra Leone (21 April 1971 - 28 November 1985) and had his presidency marred by numerous scandals and accusations of fraud. There were also a number of high profile murders. The reasons for the Sierra Leone Civil War has been largely blamed on the way he mismanaged the economy.
Marlene Steyn	b. 1989, Cape Town, South Africa Marlene Steyn is a South African artist. Her first solo exhibition was called How Cannibals Cuddle and was held in South London. She works in a number of mediums and sometimes works in bronze and ceramics as well as her painting.
Valentine Strasser	b. 26 April 1967, Freetown, Sierra Leone Valentine Strasser was a captain in the Sierra Leone military that seized power during a military coup leading to him taking the role as head of state (29 April 1992 - 16 January 1996). At 25 years old he was the youngest head of state in the world. He was overthrown by another coup in 1996.
Efua T. Sutherland	b. 27 June 1924, Cape Coast, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 2 January 1996, Accra, Ghana Efua Theodora Sutherland was a celebrated Ghanaian playwright, director, children's author, poet and Pan-African cultural activist who founded the Drama Studio in Accra and established the literary magazine Okyeame. An internationally-renowned pioneer dramatist, she is best known for Foriwa, Edufa and The Marriage of Anansewa.
Helen Suzman	b. 7 November 1917, Germiston, South Africa, d. 1 January 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa Helen Suzman was a South African politician who was vocally against the Apartheid government, she was elected into the House of Assembly however went on to leave her party, along with eleven other members to form the Progressive Party in 1959. She was actively against racial discrimination and worked to further women's rights.
Fred Swaniker	b. 1976, Ghana Fred Swaniker is the Ghanaian founder of the African Leadership Academy, which aims to develop youth in ethical and entrepreneurial leadership in order to accelerate Africa's growth trajectory.
Chérif Sy	b. 17 May 1960, Néma, Mauritania Chérif Sy was a transitional head of state of Burkina Faso under the title President of the National Transitional Council of Burkina Faso (27 November 2014 - 30 December 2015) and transitional president of Burkina Faso (17 September 2015 - 23 September 2015) during the coup led by Gilbert Diendéré. He attempted to oust the coup leaders via social media with much of the army getting behind him. He was awarded a journalism award for his role in ending the coup.
Oumou Sy	b. 1952, Podor, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Oumou Sy is a fashion designer frequently referred to as 'Senegal's Queen of Couture'. She often designs wardrobes for singers from Senegal such as Baabar Maal.
Khady Sylla	b. 27 March 1963, Dakar, Senegal, d. 8 October 2013, Dakar, Senegal Khady Sylla was a Senegalese writer of two novels. She also wrote short works and was a filmmaker.
Ahmat Taboye	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Ahmat Taboye is a literary critic and published author from Chad. His book Anthologie de la littérature tchadienne, covers forty years of Chadian literature and has held the role as head of the Department of Letters at the University of N'Djamena.
Yeshi Tadesse	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Yeshi Tadesse is an Ethiopian music star who has released songs such as Anigo and Mesohaniya.
Véronique Tadjo	b. 1955, Paris, France Véronique Tadjo is a French-Ivorian writer and artist who was brought up in Abidjan. She has written many novels both for adults and children, and her novel Mamy Wata et le Monstre won the UNICEF Prize in 1993 and was selected as one of the Africa's Best Books of the 20th Century.
Theresa Tagoe	b. December 13, 1943, Place unknown, d. 25 November, 2010, Accra, Ghana Theresa Amereley Tagoe was a Ghanaian female politician who served as the deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister and deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines under President Kufuor. A national women's organiser for the New Patriotic Party and a lifelong member of the Council for Women World Leaders, she was also known for starting charities for orphans and street girls.
Moffat Takadiwa	b. 1983, Karoi, Zimbabwe Moffat Takadiwa is a Zimbabwean artist specialising in mosaic-like sculptures made from recycled found objects. Using items such as bottle caps and computer keys he creates unique pieces as a comment on post-colonialism and the environment.
Patrice Talon	b. 1 May 1958, Ouidah, Dahomey, present-day Benin Patrice Talon is the 8th President of Benin (6 April 2016) and ran as an independent candidate in the March 2016 election. He has tried to change policy to limit the amount of time a president can serve as a single five-year term. He lost a vote that would have put it to referendum but took the defeat and said that he respected it due to his commitment to democracy.
Sylvia Tamale	b. 1967, Uganda Sylvia Tamale is an internationally acclaimed Ugandan human rights activist and academic, specialising in gender equality and law. She was the first ever female dean for the Law department at Makerere University in Uganda. She is also the recipient of the Fulbright-MacArthur Scholarship for studying at Harvard.
Adelaide Tambo	b. 18 July 1929, Top Location, Vereeniging, South Africa, d. 31 January 2007, Johannesburg, South Africa Adelaide Tambo, often referred to as 'Mama Tambo', was a South African anti-Apartheid campaigner, activist and prominent individual in the struggle against the Apartheid regime. A nurse, her political career started when her elderly grandfather was arrested by police following a riot that caused the death of a police officer. She later served as a member of parliament and has won numerous awards including the Order of the Baobab in Gold.
Oliver Tambo	b. 27 October 1917, Nkantolo, Bizana, South Africa, d. 24 April 1993, Johannesburg, South Africa Oliver Tambo, along with Nelson Mandela, opened the first black law firm in South Africa. He was a key anti-Apartheid politician and served as President of the African National Congress.
Mamadou Tandja	b. 1938, Maïné-Soroa, French West Africa, present-day Niger Mamadou Tandja was President of Niger (22 December 1999 - 18 February 2010) following the elections that were arranged by the transitional government. He attempted to tweak the constitution in order to remain in power longer than was constitutionally allowed causing a crisis and leading to him being overthrown by the military.
Henry Tayali	b. 22 November 1943, Serenje, Northern Rhodesia, present-day Zambia, d. 22 July 1987, Aachen, Germany Henry Tayali was a multi-lingual Zambian fine artist, sculptor, printmaker, raconteur and lecturer. He has been described as Zambia's most famous painter, and most revered and pre-eminent artist.
Charles Taylor	b. 28 January 1948, Arthington, Montserrado County, Liberia Charles Taylor was elected President of Liberia (2 August 1997 - 11 August 2003) in the aftermath of the First Liberian Civil War. Whilst in office he was accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity and, due to this, the Second Liberian Civil War broke out. He resigned and fled to Nigeria in exile.
Jewel Howard-Taylor	b. 17 January 1963, Zorzor, Lofa, Liberia Jewel Howard-Taylor is the Vice-President of Liberia (22 January 2018 - present),and former First Lady of Liberia. Her career background is one of the financial industry and she has received criticism for her support of a bill which would have made homosexuality a crime punishable by death penalty.
Sami Tchak	b. 1960, Bowounda, Togo Sami Tchack is a Francophone writer from Togo. His novels and essays include works such as Hermina, Femme infidèle and La sexualité féminine en Afrique.
Jean-Pierre Thystère Tchicaya	b. 7 January 1936, Pointe-Noire, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo, d. 20 June 2008, Paris, France Jean-Pierre Thystère Tchicaya was an acting head of state for the People's Republic of the Congo (5 February 1979 - 8 February 1979) and later on the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of the Congo (10 August 2002 - 2007). He later spoke out on the way elections had been conducted before his death in 2008.
Jeannette Balou-Tchichelle	b. 1947, Republic of the Congo, d. 2005, Place unknown Jeannette Balou-Tchichelle was a writer. In works such as her 1989 Coeur en exile (A Heart in Exile) she expresses a since of homesickness for her native country, the Republic of Congo.
Esteri Tebandeke	b. 16 May 1984, Kampala, Uganda Esteri Tebandeke is a Ugandan theatre and film actress. Her theatrical performances include Cooking Oil and Maria Kizito. Her film performances include Her Broken Shadow and Queen of Katwe.
Henrique Teixeira de Sousa	b. 19 September 1919, São Lourenço, Fogo, Cape Verde, d. 3 March 2006, Oeiras, Portugal Henrique Teixeira de Sousa graduated in 1945 in Lisbon with a degree in Medicine, having attended in the following year the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Porto. Later on, he worked on the island of São Vicente, until he emigrated shortly before the independence of the archipelago from Portugal, and moved to Oeiras, Portugal.
Daniel Teklehaimanot	b. 10 November 1988, Debarwa, Eritrea Daniel Teklehaimanot is a professional cyclist who, during the 2012 Olympics, became the first athlete to compete for Eritrea in a sport other then track and field. Riding for MTN-Qhubeka in 2015 he became one of the first two black Africans under African team to race in the Tour de France.
Mohamed Temam	b. 23 February 1915, Algiers, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 15 July 1988, Algiers, Algeria Mohamed Temam was an Algerian painter who was a specialist in the genre of miniature painting and illuminating manuscripts.
Anna Tempo	b. 23 September 1867, Cape Town, South Africa, d. 30 May 1946, South Africa Anna Tempo, often referred to as 'Nannie Tempo' or 'Sister Annie', was the daughter of enslaved parents. She dedicated her life to protecting and looking after destitute girls and Nanny House was set up by her to protect some of the most vulnerable.
Jean-Marie Teno	b. 14 May 1954, Bandjoun, Cameroon Jean-Marie Teno is a film director, editor and producer from Cameroon.
Paul Tergat	b. 17 June 1969, Riwo, Baringo District, Kenya Paul Tergat is a long distance runner and Olympian from Kenya. He won two silver medals for the 10,000 metres at the Atlanta and Sydney games.
Mulatu Teshome	b. 1 January 1955, Arjo, Ethiopia Mulatu Teshome is the President of Ethiopia (7 October 2013 - present). He had been a member of the cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development back in the early 2000s and was an ambassador to numerous countries before his appointment to the presidency.
Awa Thiam	b. April 1950, Senegal Awa Thiam is a politician from Senegal who has been an outspoken campaigner against the practice of female genital mutilation. She has also published a number of books such as Black Sisters, Speak Out: Feminism and Oppression in Black Africa, on feminist theory.
Thiat	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Thiat is a Senegalese rapper who is a founding member of the group Y'en a Marre (Fed Up). The group, made up of rappers and journalists from Senegal was created in an attempt to mobilise the young people of the country to vote and comment on, in their opinion, ineffectiveness of the government.
Rama Thiaw	b. 30 April 1978, Nouakchott, Mauritania Rama Thiaw is a Senegalese-Mauritanian filmmaker and screenwriter. She has directed two well known documentaries Boul Fallé, la Voie de la lutte and The Revolution Won't Be Televised.
Paul Kaba Thieba	b. 28 July 1959, Bobo-Dioulasso, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Paul Kaba Thieba rose to office as Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (13 January 2016 - present) on the appointment of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. He had previously worked in finance at the Central Bank of Western African States and West African Monetary Union. During his time Al Qaeda attacked Hotel Splendid in Ouagadougou in January 2016.
Jo Thorpe	b. 1921, Fishoek, Cape Town, South Africa, d.18 February 1995, Place unknown Jo Thorpe was a South African who founded the African Arts Centre. Her interest in African crafts and art was a lifelong passion and helped her to assist the running of numerous workshops, exhibitions and classes. She won numerous awards for her work and authored a number of books.
Gabriel Tiacoh	b. 9 February 1963, Côte d'Ivoire Gabriel Tiacoh (February 9, 1963 - April 2, 1992) was a sprinter from Côte d'Ivoire who specialised in the 400m. He is best known for winning his nation's first Olympic medal, in the 400m in 1984.
Nicolas Tiangaye	b. 13 September 1956, Bocaranga, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic Nicolas Tiangaye was the Prime Minister of Central African Republic (17 January 2013 - 10 January 2014) and ran as an independent politician. He started his career out as a lawyer and has represented both Jean-Bédel Bokassa and François Bozizé at their trials.
Luc-Adolphe Tiao	b. 2 June 1954, Tenkodogo, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Luc-Adolphe Tiao held the office of Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (18 April 2011 - 30 October 2014). Originally training to be a priest, his left-wing views were at odds with the church and went on to be a journalist, renowned for being open with reporting. He was appointed the role of prime minister by in the light of protests by students, military and the police. He resigned on the 27 December 2012 but was reappointed on the 31 December 2012. He fled to exile in Cote d'Ivoire but returned to Burkina Faso and was arrested on murderer charges relating to suppressing protests.
Anna Tibaijuka	b. 12 October 1950, Tanzania Anna Tibaijuka is a respected Tanzanian politician and academic in economics. In addition to her time in Tanzanian government she also held the role of Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations.
Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza	b. 1961, Iganga District, Uganda Lilian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza is a judge and lawyer from Uganda. Since 2015 she has served as Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda and prior to this she sat on the Ugandan Court of Appeal.
Edward Saidi Tingatinga	b. 1932, Namochelia, Tanzania, d. 1972, Tanzania Edward Saidi Tingatinga was an artist from rural Tanzania whose paintings made the most of available materials, sometimes recycled. He frequently used iconic African images, such as wildlife or savannah landscapes.
Filomena Mascarenhas Tipote	b. 1 March 1969, Guinea-Bissau Filomena Mscarenhas Tipote is a politician from Guinea-Bissau and has served under numerous roles in government such as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence, of which she was the first female to serve in the role.
Titica	b. 26 June 1987, Luanda, Angola Titica is an Angolan singer and dancer of the kudoro genre. She is particularly known for her work as a goodwill ambassador for UNAIDS as a notable trans performer.
Mustapha Tlili	b. 17 October 1937, Fériana, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 20 October 2017, Place unknown Mustapha Tlili was a Tunisian writer who also worked for the United Nations. He wrote a number of books such as La bruit dort and Gloire des sables.
Thomas Tlou	b. 1 June 1932, Gwanda, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 28 June 2012, Place unknown Thomas Tlou was a Motswana academic that once represented Botswana at the United Nations. He received Botswana Presidential Order of Honour, and was made a Chevalier dans L'Ordre des Palmes académiques by France.
Barthélémy Toguo	b. 1967, Cameroon Barthélémy Toguo is a Cameroonian artist who creates in photography and watercolour, as well as installation and art performances. His work investigates the movement between cultures from the between the West and the developing world.
William R. Tolbert Jr.	b. 13 May 1913, Bensonville, Liberia, d. 12 April 1980, Monrovia, Liberia William R. Tolbert Jr. was elected the 20th President of Liberia (23 July 1971 - 12 April 1980) and following the Rice Riots he was assassinated in a coup d'état led by Samuel Doe.
N'Garta Tombalbaye	b. 15 June 1918, Moyen-Chari, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad, d. 13 April 1975, N'Djamena, Chad N'Garta Tombalbaye, also known as François Tombalbaye, was the 1st President of Chad (11 August 1960 - 13 April 1975) and Colonial Prime Minister of Chad (26 March 1959 - 11 August 1960),and was the first head of government when Chad when it gained its independence. He was killed by soldiers and buried in Faya during a military coup d'état during a severe drought across Africa.
Vicente Ehate Tomi	b. 1968, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea Vicente Ehate Tomi was the Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea (21 May 2012 - 23 June 2016) and has since become the First Vice President of Equatorial Guinea (5 May 2018 - present).
Faustin-Archange Touadéra	b. 21 April 1957, Bangui, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadéra is the 8th President of the Central African Republic (30 March 2016 - present) and prior to that held the role of Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (22 January 2008 - 17 January 2013). After he started his presidency, France removed their military intervention meaning he had to immediately replace and deal with security in the country's cities.
Marie-Joséphe Zani-Fé Touam-Bona	b. 12 September 1933, Ippy, present-day Ouaka, Central African Republic, d. 7 December 2001, Paris, France Marie-Joséphe Zani-Fé Touam-Bona was a politician in the Central African Republic, and the first woman to be in the country's government. She was involved in the government of David Dacko and remained in government after Jean-Bédel Bokassa took over power. He appointed her to cabinet and she looked after a number of areas during her time. She later ran again in the 1993 general election and won her seat. She died whilst in office.
Massiré Tounkara	b. 2 March 1979, Kéniéba, Mali Massiré Tounkara is a Malian cartoonist and writer. He has written a number of BDs (comic books) including some with a science-fiction theme, but also a number on Malian politics.
Aïda Touré	b. 1973, Gabon Aïda Touré is an artist, poet and composer from Gabon. She has exhibited works across the world, including the United States as well as releasing a number of poetry books. She has also released her own line of jewellery.
Ali Farka Touré	b. 31 October 1939, Timbuktu, French Sudan, present- day Mali, d. 6 March 2006, Bamako, Mali Ali Farka Touré was a reputed Malian musician and guitarist. He won three Grammy Awards and his album, Talking Timbuktu, is one of the most commercially successful African albums of all time.
Amadou Toumani Touré	b. 4 November 1948, Mopti, French Sudan, present-day Mali Amadou Toumani Touré held the role of 4th President of Mali (8 June 2002 - 22 March 2012). Before his presidency he was head of the presidential guard and arrested Moussa Traoré and temporarily took over as acting head of state before handing power over to a democratically elected leader in 1992. He was almost deposed in 2012 following a military coup led by Ahmadou Sanogo following the handling of rebel activity in the northern part of the country. He eventually resigned, handing over to a junta who promised to pass power to a civilian government.
Aminata Touré	b. 12 October 1962, Senegal Aminata Touré was Prime Minister of Senegal (3 September 2013 - 6 July 2014) under the presidency of Macky Sall. She is the second female to hold the office and her main legacy was to tackle corruption and reformed the judicial system.
Bachir Touré	b. 8 March 1929, Ziguinchor, French West Africa, present-day Senegal, d. 2 September 2006, Drancy, Seine-Saint-Denis, France Bachir Touré was a respected Senegalese actor of stage and screen. He appeared in plays such as Jean Genet's The Negroes and dubbed voices of people such as Sidney Poitier in Hollywood films.
Kolo Touré	b. 19 March 1981, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire Kolo Touré is an Ivorian former footballer and is currently a member of the coaching staff for the Côte d'Ivoire national team.
Mamadou Touré	b. Date unknown, Guinea Mamadou Touré is a film director and screenwriter from Guinea. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of African cinema.
Moussa Touré	b. 1958, French West Africa, present-day Senegal Moussa Touré is a film maker and director from Senegal. His first feature length film, Toubab Bi, was about the lives of Senegalese immigrants living in Paris.
Yacouba Touré	b. 1981, Burkina Faso Yacouba Touré is a stone sculptor and bronze artist from Burkina Faso. He learned how to sculpt bronze from a family tradition passed down from his grandfather.
Yaya Touré	b. 13 May 1983, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire Yaya Touré is a professional footballer for the Premier League club Manchester City where he won Player of the Year twice. He also played for the Côte d'Ivoire national team where he was Player of the Year in 2009, and was also four time African Footballer of the Year.
Baba Traoré	b. 13 October 1992, Pierrfitte-sur-Seine, France Baba Traoré is a French footballer, of Malian descent, who plays as a defender for Le Havre. Before his current club he also played for Auxerre and Le Poiré-sur-Vie.
Boubacar Traoré	b. 1942, Kayes, French Sudan, present-day Mali Boubacar Traoré is a self-taught guitarist and musician from Mali. He shot to fame with his unique sound following the country's independence but shortly went out of favour following the ousting of the government.
Dioncounda Traoré	b. 23 February 1942, Kati, French Sudan, present-day Mali Dioncounda Traoré was an acting president of Mali (12 April 2012 - 4 September 2013) following the 2012 Malian coup d'état and handover from Amadou Sanogo.
Falaba Issa Traoré	b. 1930, Bougouni, Mali, d. 8 August 2003, Rabat, Morocco Falaba Issa Traoré was a Malian writer, comedian and film director. From 1969 to 1973 he directed the Yankidi troupe for folklore and the dramatic arts. He studied cinema direction in Germany in 1973, returning to his native country in 1976 to direct the cinema division of the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture. As a comedian he has starred in various Malian films, as well as directing First Gleam of Hope in 1979. He was awarded the prix Afrique de Poésie de la Francophonie in 1972.
Honoré Traoré	b. 28 September 1957, Dédougou, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Honoré Traoré was one of the two soldiers claiming to be the new head of state after Blaise Compaoré's resignation in the wake of the 2014 Burkinabé uprising. The military however declared Isaac Zida was the new head of state.
Ismaïla Samba Traoré	b. 25 April 1949, Bamako, Mali Ismaïla Samba Traoré is a Malian politician and a writer. In 2012, he became the president of PEN-Mali.
Moussa Traoré	b. 25 September 1936, Kayes, French Sudan, present-day Mali Moussa Traoré was 2nd President of Mali (19 November 1968 - 26 March 1991). He overthrew Modibi Keïta whilst acting as a lieutenant in the Malian army. He was overthrown in a coup and condemned to death twice but received pardons both times.
Rokia Traoré	b. 26 January 1974, Kati, Mali Rokia Traoré is a Malian singer and musician. She has achieved international acclaim with her music and has played WOMAD as well as winning a number of awards.
Adjoavi Trenou	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 3 November 2008, Lomé, Togo Adjoavi Trenou was a politician and activist from Togo. Starting out as a teacher and principal, she was elected to parliament in 1979 and was a prominent member of the National Union of Women of Togo.
Gouider Triki	b. 1949, Nabeul, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Gouider Triki is a Tunisian born painter and engraver. He studied at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Tunis and his work presents a lot of symbology and signage from Islam and Berber tradition and history.
Miguel Trovoada	b. 27 December 1936, São Tomé, Portuguese São Tomé and Príncipe, present-day São Tomé and Príncipe Miguel Trovoada was the 2nd President of São Tomé and Príncipe (3 April 1991 - 3 September 2001) and also held the role of Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe (12 July 1975 - 9 April 1979). Although he was the second president, he was the first to be elected in a multiparty election, and went on to be re-elected by the people in 1996. His government was overthrown by a military coup for six days in 1995.
Michael Tsegaye	b. 1975, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Michael Tsegaye is a photographer and artist from Ethiopia. He won first prize in 2011 at the European Union-African Union Professional Photography Competition and his work documents life in Ethiopia, as well as an archive of his travels around the world.
Pathy Tshindele	b. 1976, Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Pathy Tshindele is a Congolese artist who works in a number of different materials and mediums. In 2003, working with a collective, Eza Possibles, he and his contemporaries reclaimed and reimagined a number of wrecked cars from the city of Kinshasa in a project entitled Kinshasa Wenze Wenze.
Philibert Tsiranana	b. 18 October 1912, Ambarikorano, French Madagascar, present-day Madagascar, d. 16 April 1978, Antananarivo, Madagascar Philibert Tsiranana was the 1st President of Madagascar (1 May 1959 - 11 October 1972) following on from his time as Prime Minister of Madagascar (14 October 1958 - 1 May 1959). A socialist, initially the reforms he made were positive but he started to become under more scrutiny as the changes were not enough for long-term gains. He also banned the wearing of mini-skirts which was in conflict with their push on tourism.
William Tubman	b. 29 November 1895, Harper, Liberia, d. 23 July 1971, London, United Kingdom William Tubman held the longest presidency in Liberian history becoming the 19th President of Liberia (3 January 1944 - 23 July 1971) for 27 years. During his presidency he turned the nation round into economic prosperity.
Flavia Tumusiime	b. 11 February 1989, Kampala, Uganda Flavia Tumusiime is a Ugandan television personality and actress who is considered one of the most influential women in Ugandan media. Starting on a children's show during her teens, she has since gone on to be a TV news anchor, author her own book, 30 Days of Flavia, and has presented Big Brother Africa.
Mega Mingiedi Tunga	b. 1976, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Mega Mingiedi Tunga is an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo who is sensitive to the environment around him and works on the urban environment, on imaginary cities and maps, producing drawings, collages and installations. He is a member of the Eza-POSSIBLES, a group of artists whose aim is to bring contemporary art closer to the day-to-day existence of the people of Kinshasa.
Josiah Tungamirai	b. 8 October 1948, Gutu, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 25 August 2005, South Africa Josiah Tungamirai also known as 'Muzamani', was a fighter for the independence of Zimbabwe. He became commander of the Air Force and also served as Minister of State for Indigenization and Empowerment in Mugabe's government.
Samori Ture	b. 1830, Manyambaladugu, present-day Guinea, d. 2 June 1900, Gabon Samori Ture gave up his independence to save his mother after she was captured during skirmishes. He then created a personal army and was instrumental in resisting the French forces for 17 years, as well as becoming renowned for his war strategies.
Hedi Turki	b. 1922, Tunis, Tunisia Hedi Turki is considered the pioneer of abstract painting in Tunisia and has been an influential member of the School of Tunis was instrumental in the founding of the School of Tunis, the establishment of the National Union of plastic and graphic arts of Tunisia, and the General Union of Arab Plastic Artists.
Yahia Turki	b. 1903, Istanbul, Turkey, d. 1 March 1969, Place unknown Yahia Turki was a Tunisian-naturalised painter who has been referred to as the 'Father of Tunisian painting'. He was the president of the Tunisian School and whilst in Paris would visit the studios of artists such as Matisse.
Zoubeir Turki	b. 1923, Medina of Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 23 October 2009, Tunis, Tunisia Zoubeir Turki was a painter and sculptor from Tunisia. His work includes a bronze statue of Ibn Khalkun situated where the first School of Tunis was. As well as his artistic work he was also a senior official at the Ministry of Culture and worked as the president of a number of associations and unions.
Catherine Turpin	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Catherine Turpin was an attendee at the 1962 Conference of African Women in 1962. She was a representative of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, both of which were still under colonial rule at the time.
Desmond Tutu	b. 7 October 1931, Klerksdorp, South Africa Desmond Tutu is a veteran campaigner for human rights in South Africa. He was the first black man to hold either post, using his influential position to be an outspoken critic of the Apartheid regime.
Amos Tutuola	b. 20 June 1920, Abeokuta, Southern Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 12 September 1977, Pretoria, South Africa Amos Tutuola was a writer from Nigeria. His writing and novels are loosely based on traditional Yoruba folk-tales and include books such as The Palm-Wine Drinkard and The Wild Hunter in the Bush of the Ghosts.
Ada Udechukwu	b. 1960, Nigeria Ada Udechukwu is a Nigerian-American artist and poet. She has written a collection of poems, Woman, me and creates artwork in the medium of ink and watercolour.
Obiora Udechukwu	b. 1946, Onitsha, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Obiora Udechukwu was a Nigerian poet and artist. Among many of his achievements he has served on the editorial board of Okike: African Journal of New Writing, and was a highly regarded member of the Nsukka School.
Mifta al-Usta Umar	b. 1935 Derna, Derna District, Italian Libya, present-day Libya, d. 22 March 2010, Libya Mifta al-Usta Umar was officially Libya's Head of State (15 February 1984 - 7 October 1990) however Gaddafi still had total overriding authority.
Chika Unigwe	b. 12 June 1974, Enugu, Nigeria Chika Unigwe is a Nigerian author who writes in English and Dutch. Formerly based in Belgium, she is now a resident of the USA. Notable works include Tear Drops (1993) and The Phoenix (2007).
Cassam Uteem	b. 22 March 1941, British Mauritius, present-day Mauritius Cassam Uteem was the 2nd President of Mauritius (30 June 1992 - 15 February 2002) and resigned following his refusal to sign off a controversial anti-terrorism bill. He has since worked in a number of international political roles, including the Secretary-General's Special Envoy and Head of the United Nations Electoral Observation Mission in Burundi.
Ahmed ‘Urabi	b. 31 March 1841, Hirriyat Razna, Egypt, d. 21 September 1911, Cairo, Egypt Colonel Ahmed 'Urabi was an Egyptian nationalist and an officer in the Egyptian army. He participated in a mutiny in 1879 against Anglo-French colonial influence, and was later promoted to the Egyptian cabinet.
Victor Uwaifo	b. 1 March 1941, Benin City, Nigeria Sir Victor Uwaifo is celebrated as a pioneer Nigerian highlife musician, famous for songs like Guitar Boy (Mami Water). Another hit, Joromi, won the first Golden record in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa in 1996.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana	b. 23 May 1953, Nyaruhengeri, Ruanda-Urundi, present-day Rwanda, d. 7 April 1994, Kigali, Rwanda Agathe Uwilingiyimana, also known as 'Madame Agathe', was the 4th Prime Minister of Rwanda (18 July 1993 - 7 April 1994) and, presently, the only female to hold that office. She was assassinated at the beginning of the Rwandan Genocide.
Louise Vale	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Louise Vale is a South African figure who is the director for the Association of Independent Publishers. She has dedicated much of her life to the research and development of education for all and has been called a "lifelong rescuer of NGOs and communities in crisis".
Ely Ould Mohamed Vall	b. 1953, Nouakchott, French Mauritania, present-day Mauritania, d. 5 May 2017, Zouérat, Tiris Zemmour Region, Mauritania Ely Ould Mohamed Vall took the role as transitional leader of Mauritania as the Chairman of the Military Council for Justice and Democracy (3 August 2005 - 19 April 2007) following a military coup. He handed over power to a newly elected government in 2007.
Thillaiyadi Valliammai	b. 22 February 1898, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 22 February 1914, South Africa Thillaiaadi Valliammai was a young South African Tamil woman who was involved in devising non-violent methods against the Apartheid government. Having worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, she travelled with her mother to speak out regarding changes to the law that affected inheritance tax and marriages that were conducted out of the country, and by ethnicity. She was arrested and imprisoned and died shortly after her release.
Wayde Van Niekerk	b. 15 July 1992, Kraaifontein, South Africa Wayde Van Niekerk is a track and field athlete who won a gold medal in the 400m in the 2016 Olympics. He is the current world record holder in the men's 400m at 43:03 set at the 2016 Olympics.
Fernando José de França Dias Van-Dúnem	b. 24 August 1934, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Fernando José de França Dias Van-Dúnem was the 2nd Prime Minister of Angola (3 June 1996 - 29 January 1999 and 3 June 1996 - 29 January 1999). In addition he has also held the role of Vice-President of the African Union's Pan-African Parliament.
Neide Van-Dúnem	b. 4 July 1986, Luanda, Angola Neide Van-Dúnem is an Angolan singer, songwriter and actress. She has appeared in a television soap Sede de Viver and has released a number of albums, reaching number two on the MTV Africa Video Chart.
M. G. Vassanji	b. 30 May 1950, Kenya M.G. Vassanji is a Kenyan novelist and editor. His work explores themes of migration, diaspora, citizenship, gender and ethnicity.
José Mário Vaz	b. 10 December 1957, Calequisse, Cacheu, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau José Mário Vaz, popularly known as 'Jomav', is the incumbent President of Guinea-Bissau (23 June 2014 - present) and won the election with promises to reduce poverty and increasing of agricultural investment.
Carlos Veiga	b. 21 October 1949, Mindelo, Portuguese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Carlos Veiga was Prime Minister of Cape Verde (4 April 1991 - 29 July 2000) and also practiced law. He attempted to stand for the presidency twice but lost both times to Pedro Pires.
Fátima Veiga	b. 22 June 1957, Mindelo, Cape Verde Fátima Veiga was the foreign minister of Cape Verde from 2002-2004. She was the first female in Cape Verde's history to hold this role in office.
Yvonne Vera	b. 19 September 1964, Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 7 April 2005, Toronto, Canada Yvonne Vera was a Zimbabwean writer of fiction and editor. Her works are often studied as part of African literature because of the awkward subject matter of gender representation and Zimbabwe's political past.
Manuel Vicente	b. 15 May 1956, Luanda, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Manuel Vicente was the 2nd Vice-President of Angola (26 September 2012 - 26 September 2017) and a renowned international businessman. A member of people's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and has participated in international summits, including the United States - African Leaders Summit held by Barack Obama and at the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Arménio Vieira	b. 29 January 1941, Praia, Cape Verde Arménio Vieira is a writer and journalist in the Portuguese language from Cape Verde. He has won awards such as the Camões Prize and has published a number of works over a 30 year period.
José Luandino Vieira	b. 1978, Portugal José Luandino Vieira is an Angolan author who has written novels and short stories mainly focused on the struggles and lives of the poorest in Angola. His strong views and expression on the subject led to him being imprisoned for eleven years. His most notable publication is Luuanda - Short Stories of Angola.
Patrick Vieira	b. 23 June 1976, Dakar, Senegal Patrick Vieira is a football team manager and ex-footballer from Senegal. He was heavily involved in the English Premier League and played over 100 times for France's national team. He has managed Manchester City Reserves and New York City and had been tipped to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
Paulino Vieira	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Paulino Vieira is a Cape Verdean musician who came to notability in the 1970s. When a ship container filled with electronic keyboards and synthesizers washed up in Cape Verde, the instruments were distributed to the schools. This led to a rise in electronic music of which, Paulino Vieira was one of the brightest talents.
João Bernardo Vieira	b. 27 April 1939, Bissau, Portuguese Guinea, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 2 March 2009, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau João Bernardo Vieira took the post as 2nd President of Guinea-Bissau (1 October 2005 - 2 March 2009) but was killed whilst in office. After a bomb killed a political rival he was shot dead by a group of soldiers in retaliation.
Paulin Soumanou Vieyra	b. 31 January 1925, Porto-Novo, French Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 4 November 1987, Paris, France Paulin Soumanou Vieyra was a film director from Benin, naturalised in Senegal and then later France. His filmography spans almost 30 years and all his films are based upon Africa and African culture. He was director of the first Francophone African film, Afrique sur Seine.
Benedict Wallet Vilakazi	b. 6 January 1906, Kwadusa, Natal, present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, d. 26 October 1947, Johannesburg, South Africa Benedict Wallet Vilakazi was a South African poet, writer and teacher. He was specifically known for writing Zulu fiction and poetry. He was also the first black African to gain a Ph.D.
Bingu wa Mutharika	b. 24 February 1934, Thyolo, Nyasaland, present-day Malawi, d. 5 April 2012, Lilongwe, Malawi Bingu wa Mutharika was the President of Malawi (24 May 2004 - 5 April 2012) and his two terms in office were marred with domestic issues. There was a fuel shortage, currency shortage and the international community stopped aid to the country. He died in office of a heart attack.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o	b. 5 January 1938, Kamirithu, Kenya Ngūgī wa Thiong'o is the author of Weep Not, Child and Decolonize the Mind. Formerly writing in English, he now writes in the Kenyan language, Gikuyu. A recipient of the 1973 Lotus Prize for Literature, he was Booker-shortlisted in 2009.
Abdourahman A. Waberi	b. 20 July 1965, French Somali Coast, present-day Djibouti Abdourahman Waberi is a writer from Djibouti who has written novels, poetry and articles in the French language.
Charity Waciuma	b. 1936, Naaro, Fort Hall, Kenya Charity Waciuma is celebrated writer of several children's novels as well as an autobiographical novel, Daughter of Mumbi. Along with Grace Ogot she was one of the first Kenyan women writers to be published in English and was writing about female genital excision as long ago as the 1960s. Her works also included Mweru, The Ostrich Girl and Who's Calling.
Abdoulaye Wade	b. 29 May 1926, Kébémer, French Senegal, present-day Senegal Abdoulaye Wade ran for office a number of times before he was eventually successful at becoming the 3rd President of Senegal (1 April 2000 - 2 April 2012). When he pledged to run for a third term the National Assembly had to approve the amendment to the constitution. Because of this constitutional amendment he encountered overwhelming street contestation and ultimately lost the election against Macky Sall.
Susan Waffa-Ogoo	b. 4 October 1960, Banjul, Gambia Susan Waffa-Ogoo has held a number of roles in Gambian government and international diplomacy. She was Foreign Minister and the United Nations representative for Gambia before she was removed from the post following some issues with the U.S. Department of State.
Binyavanga Wainaina	b. 18 January 1971, Nakuru, Kenya Binyavanga Wainaina is a Kenyan author, journalist and 2002 winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing. In April 2014, Time magazine included Wainaina in its annual TIME 100 as one of the "Most Influential People in the World."
Eric Wainaina	b. 28 August 1973, Nairobi, Kenya Eric Wainaina is a singer and songwriter. He is a two-time Kora Award winner and was also appointed Ambassador for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights for his commitment to fighting the abuses to justice through music.
Beatrice Wanjiku	b. 1978, Nairobi, Kenya Beatrice Wanjiku is a Kenyan artist who has had four distinct phases. Her works explore the nature of being human and have included things such as X-ray prints, weeping teeth and collages with political messages.
Daouda Malam Wanké	b. 6 May, year unknown, Niamey, French West Africa, present-day Niger, d. 15 September 2004, Niamey, Niger Daouda Malam Wanké took over as 6th President of Niger (11 April 1999 - 22 December 1999) in the aftermath of Ibrahim Hassane Mayaki's death. He took over the transitional government and pledged, and succeeded, at holding elections later that year.
Angelina Wapakhabulo	b. 24 March 1949, Tanzania Angelina Wapakhabulo, known as 'Mama Angelina' in Uganda, is a community activist and social leader. She is well revered and particularly renown for her work with victims of HIV/AIDS and orphans.
Mohammed Wardi	b. 19 July 1932, Saward, French West Africa, present-day Sudan, d. 18 February 2012, Khartoum, Sudan Mohammed Wardi was a musician from Sudan who was well loved and respected. Towards the end of his life a fan donated their kidney to try and save his life. He was a musician and singer, specialising in playing the oud and tanbur.
Daniel Bashiel Warner	b. Date unknown, Baltimore County, Maryland, United States, d. 1 December 1880, Liberia Daniel Bashiel Warner took over the mantle and became the 3rd President of Liberia (4 January 1864 - 6 January 1868) and is credited with writing the words to the Liberian national anthem.
Ouattara Watts	b. 1957, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Outtara Watts is a painter from Côte d'Ivoire whose work as a contemporary artist falls into the school of abstractism. He has exhibited consistently, both in solo shows and group shows, from 1986.
Olivia Wawire	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Olivia Wawire is a Superintendent of Police in Uganda and has also worked with the Fire Brigade as the only female as Community Liaison Officer, in Child and Family Protection Unit, among other deployments.
Adamu Waziri	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Adama Waziri is a cartoonist, animator and head of EVCL: an independent animation and VFX studio based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is also the founder and producer of Bino and Fino educational cartoon.
George Weah	b. 1 October 1966, Monrovia, Liberia George Weah took office as the President of Liberia (22 January 2008 - present) after a long career as a footballer, where he played for Chelsea and Manchester City. He slashed his presidential salary and has called to end a clause that restricts citizenship of the country based on the colour of a person's skin.
Trineke Weijdema	b. Date unknown, Place unknown Trineke Weijdema was an activist who, along with a number of others, formed the Angola Committee in 1961. The goal of the committee was initially to move against the repression by the Portuguese in Angola. This then broadened across Africa to South Africa, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau to become the Komitee Southern Africa.
Sheila Weinberg	b. 1 October 1945, Johannesburg, Transvaal, present-day Gauteng, South Africa, d. 11 November 2004, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Sheila Weinberg was a South African activist, trade union member and member of the South African Communist Party. Specifically, when she was arrested and held in 1964 she was South Africa's youngest detainee at just 17. Her mother was also held at the same time.
Alek Wek	b. 16 April 1977, Wau, Sudan, present-day South Sudan Alek Wek is a Sudanese model who was scouted after moving to London following the outbreak of civil war. She was the first African model to feature on the front page of Elle magazine and has catwalk modelled for many famous fashion houses including Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Oscar De La Renta.
Papa Wemba	b. 14 June 1949, Lubefu, Belgian Congo, present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, d. 24 April 2016, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Papa Wemba, born Jules Shungu Wembadio Pene Kikumba, was a singer, musician who was labelled the 'King of Rumba Rock'. He was a member of the band Zaiko Langa Langa, in addition to creating the groups Isifi Lokole, Yoka Lokole and Viva la Musica. He is also known for his contributions to the La Sape fashion movement.
Zoë Wicomb	b. 23 November 1948, Western Cape, South Africa Zoë Wicomb is a South African writer who is based in Scotland. She had written numerous novels, such as You Can't Get Lost in Cape Town which is set during Apartheid. She has worked as Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Strathclyde and won the first Windham-Campbell Literature Prize for her books.
Sophia Williams-De Bruyn	b. 1938, Villageboard, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Sophia Williams-De Bruyn was an anti-Apartheid activist from South Africa. She was a founding member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU) as well as the last living leader of the Women's March.
Hendrik Witbooi	b. 1830, Pella, Northern Cape, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 29 October 1905, Tses, near Vaalgras, Namibia Hendrik Witbooi is considered a national hero of Namibia, his face adorning the N$50, N$100 and N$200 banknotes. The sub-tribe he was chief of, Khowesin, was attacked by Germans with many killed. He fought a campaign against the Germans for two years until they came to a conditional surrender. Despite fighting alongside them later relations with the Germans broke down and he was killed in action fending them off.
Ken Saro-Wiwa	b. 10 October 1941, Bori, Nigeria, d. 10 November 1995, Nigeria Ken Saro-Wira was a Nigerian writer, television producer, environmental activist and winner of the Right Livelihood Award and the Goldman Environmental Prize.
Girma Wolde-Giorgis	b. 28 December 1924, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Girma Wolde-Giorgis was the 2nd President of Ethiopia (8 October 2001 - 7 October 2013). Before his role as president, although it's a largely symbolic role, he was in the Ethiopian Air Force and a member of Ethiopian parliament.
Legesse Wolde-Yohannes	b. Date and year unknown, Ethiopia, d. 1997, Place unknown Legesse Wolde-Yohannes was a horticultural scientist and was co-awarded the 1989 Right Livelihood Award for his work and discoveries on how to prevent the parasitic disease Bilharzia.
Melaku Worede	b. 1936, Ethiopia Melaku Worede is a horticultural scientist and influential in seed conservation in Ethiopia. He was the first Chair of the African Committee for Plant and Genetic Resources and has served as Chair of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's Commission on Plant Genetic Resources. He is currently a Board member of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI). He was co-awarded the 1989 Right Livelihood Award.
Etta Wright	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Etta Wright was a Liberian politician, Secretary of Defense, founding member of the Pan-African Women's Organization. She served as assistant secretary minister of defense from 1946 to 1956.
Andimba Toivo ya Toivo	b. 22 August 1924, Omangundu, Ovamboland, South West Africa, present-day Namibia, d. 9 June 2017, Windhoek, Namibia Andimba Toivo ya Toivo was a key icon in the fight against Namibian Apartheid. Despite being incarcerated for 16 years for convictions relating to terrorism he was apprehensive to leave prison. However, when he did, he had a long political career holding ministerial positions from 1990 till 2006 when he retired.
Saadi Yacef	b. 20 January 1928, Algiers, Algeria Saadi Yacef is currently a Senator in the Algeria's Council of Nation. Prior to this he was a member of the Algerian People's Party, the National Liberation Front (FLN) and a member of the Organisation Secrete which rose from the Special Organisation being split up. In addition he is also a writer and film producer of a film based on the experiences of battle.
Kateb Yacine	b. 6 August 1929, Constantine, Algeria, d. 28 October 1989, Grenoble, France Kateb Yacine was an Algerian writer notable for his novels and plays. He was also known for his advocacy of the Berber cause.
Rama Yade	b. 13 December 1976, Ouakam, Dakar, Senegal Rama Yade is a French politician, originally from Senegal. She has held a number of high profile offices including Secretary State for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights and Ambassador of France to UNESCO. She is currently the Regional Advisor for Île-de-France.
Béchir Ben Yahmed	b. 2 April 1928, Djerba, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Béchir Ben Yahmed is a journalist of dual French and Tunisian nationality. He was CEO and editor for the Jeune Afrique news and writes columns for publications such as La Revue.
Amira Yahyaoui	b. 6 August 1984, Tunis, Tunisia Amira Yahyaoui is a Tunisian blogger and political activist. Yahyaoui helped to organise Nhar 3la 3mmar, a protest against censorship that took place in Tunisia in May 2010.
Maurice Yaméogo	b. 31 December 1921, Koudougou, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 15 September 1993, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Maurice Yaméogo held the office as the 1st President of Upper Volta (5 August 1960 - 3 January 1966),in what is present-day Burkina Faso. He was victim to numerous protests and unrest which led to his resignation which he made over the radio.
Kofi Yamgnane	b. 11 October 1945, Bassar Togo Kofi Yamgnane is a politician and engineer. He has campaigned on improving health in Togo.
Christiane Yandé Diop	b. 27 August 1925, Doula, Cameroon Christiane Yandé Diop is the first black woman to run a large publishing house in Paris. She now runs Presence Africain, founded in 1947 by her late husband Alioune Diop. She was awarded the Legion of Honor. She was originally from Cameroon.
Philémon Yang	b. 14 June 1947, Jikejem-Oku, British Cameroons, present-day Cameroon Philémon Yang is the current Prime Minister of Cameroon (30 June 2009 - present) under the presidency of Paul Biya. Between the years of 1984 and 2004 he was the Ambassador of Cameroon to Canada.
Pascal Yoadimnadji	b. 1950, Béboto, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Chad, d. 23 February 2007, Paris, France Pascal Yoadimnadji became Prime Minister of Chad (3 February 2005 - 23 February 2007) and the same year announced that anybody who had been in the government of Hissène Habré would be removed from office. He extended a state of emergency due to violent skirmishes in Eastern Chad.
Régina Yaou	b. 1955, Dabou, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 4 November 2017, Place unknown Regina Yaou was an Ivorian writer who won the 2014 Excellence Award from the president of Côte d'Ivoire. She wrote 35 books over a 50 year career including La Révolte d'Affiba and Les Germes de la mort.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua	b. 16 August 1951, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Protectorate, present-day Nigeria, d. 5 May 2010, Abuja, Nigeria Umaru Musa Yar'Adua held the office of President of Nigeria (29 May 2007 - 5 May 2010) until his death. His election was contested with two petitions being filed to declare the results invalid.
Abd al-Salam Yasin	b. 1928, Marrakesh, French Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 13 December 2012, Rabat, Morocco Abd al-Salām Yāsīn was a Moroccan religious leader and head of Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane. A Sufi Muslim he became increasingly involved in the political side of Islam. He wrote a letter to King Hassan II calling the King unIslamic and that Morocco should become an Islamic state, this led him to be incarcerated in a mental institution and then kept under house arrest. He wrote many books in both French and Arabic.
Rachid Yazami	b. 15 April 1953, Fez, Morocco Rachid Yazami is a Moroccan scientist and invented the lithium graphite anode, now used in commercial Li-ion batteries.
Yéanzi	b. 1988, Katiola, Côte d'Ivoire Yéanzi is a painter from Côte d'Ivoire that is known for his "paintless" paintings. Originally a portraitist he honed his own style which uses melted plastic to create forms.
Rashidi Yekini	b. 23 October 1963, Kaduna, Nigeria, d. 4 May 2012, Ibadan, Nigeria Rashidi Yekini was a Nigerian footballer. He played for the Nigerian national team for 14 years as well as a number of clubs both in Nigeria and internationally. He received the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1993.
Bachir Yellès	b. 12 September 1921, Tlemcen, Algeria Bachir Yellès is a celebrated Algerian painter who has worked in disciplines such as Cubism, Expressionism and Fauvism. His works reflect life in Algeria and are a rich palette of colours.
Joachim Yhombi-Opango	b. 12 January 1939, Fort Rousset, present-day Owando, French Congo, present-day Republic of Congo Joachim Yhombi-Opango was the President of the People's Republic of the Congo (4 April 1977 - 5 February 1979) and was also the first military general in the Congo army. He later on went on to become Prime Minister for the Republic of the Congo (23 June 1993 - 27 August 1996) before heading into exile from 1997 to 2007.
Joseph Yodoyman	b. 1950, Place unknown, d. 22 November 1993, Place Unknown Joseph Yodoyman was the Prime Minister of Chad (20 May 1992 - 7 April 1993) but was ejected from his party the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (ANDD) and he founded a new party National Alliance for Democracy and Renewal.
Breeze Yoko	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Breeze Yoko is a Johannesburg based multidisciplinary artist specialising in video and graffiti.
Samba Yonga	b. Date and year unknown, Lusaka, Zambia Sama Yonga is a renowned Zambian media personality and journalist. She runs her own media consultancy, Ku-Atenga Media and was editor for Big Issue in Zambia.
Paramanga Ernest Yonli	b. 31 December 1956, Tansarga, Tapoa Province, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Paramanga Ernest Yonli was a Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (6 November 2000 - 3 June 2007) and then went on to be the Burkinabe Ambassador to the United States (23 January 2008 - 2 September 2011). His legacy from office is that of innovation and the fundamental values of Burkinabé society.
Mamady Youla	b. 1961, Conakry, Guinea Mamady Youla was the Prime Minister of Guinea (29 December 2015 - 24 May 2018) and a notable managing director of Guinea Alumina Corporation.
Fulbert Youlou	b. 19 July 1917, Madibou, French Congo, present-day Republic of the Congo, d. 6 May 1972 Madrid, Spain Fulbert Youlou became the 1st President of Republic of the Congo (15 August 1960 - 15 August 1963) following the country's independence. He resigned from power and was imprisoned at a military camp.
Dhafer Youssef	b. 19 November 1967, Teboulba, Tunisia Dhafer Youssef is a Tunisian musician. He developed a passion for music from a young age, secretly listening to jazz during his time at Qur'anic school. He now works in a diverse range of styles, including Indian and Nordic music.
Abderrahmane Youssoufi	b. 8 March 1924, Tangier, French protectorate in Morocco, present-day Morocco Abderrahmane Youssoufi was the 12th Prime Minister of Morocco (4 February 1998 - 9 October 2002),he originally aligned himself with the left-wing National Union of Popular Forces and went to prison for this. Later on, after he returned from Paris on a self-imposed exile, he joined the newly renamed Socialist Union of Popular Forces. When appointed to Prime Minister by King Hassan II he instilled a greater freedom of the media. He won the North-South Prize in 1999.
Youssoupha	b. 29 August 1979, Kinshasa, Zaire, present-day Democratic Republic of Congo Youssoupha is a French rapper who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has released a number of albums such as Frères Lumières with other musicians and has appeared in French reality TV.
Mohamed Zafzaf	b. 1945, Souk Larbaa El Gharb, Morocco, d. 13 July 2001, Casablanca, Morocco Mohamed Zafzaf was a Moroccan writer whose work is considered some of the most important in contemporary Moroccan literature. His books such as The Woman, A Night in Casablanca and Monarch of the Square, are now being translated into other languages for their striking and shocking content.
Saad Zaghloul	b. July 1859, Ibyana, Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Eyalet of Egypt, d. 23 August 1927, Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt Saad Zaghloul was an Egyptian revolutionary nationalist and statesman and served as the 17th Prime Minister of Egypt (6 January 1924 to 24 November 1924). Prior to this his actions led him to be exiled to Malta by the British government. This then led to a series of events that led to the Egyptian Revolution of 1919.
Bernard Zadi Zaourou	b. 1938, Soubré, Côte d'Ivoire, d. 20 March 2012, Place unknown Bernard Zadi Zaourou was an Ivorian writer and politician. He wrote a number of books and plays, particularly on feminist issues and was also Minister for Culture.
Zapiro	b. 27 October 1958, Cape Town, South Africa Zapiro, the pen name of Jonathan Shapiro, is a cartoonist from South Africa. His work has been shown around the world and features regularly in the South African press. He was the first cartoonist to win a prize in the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.
Paul Tiyambe Zeleza	b. 1955, Salisbury, present-day Harare, Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Paul Tiyambe Zeleza is a Malawian writer, blogger and historian. Attributed to be one of the most notable authorities on African economic history, he has written award winning books on the subject. He is also a blogger for his site, The Zeleza Post, and has written a number of books of fiction.
Meles Zenawi	b. 9 May 1955, Adwa, Ethiopia, d. 20 August 2012, Brussels, Belgium Meles Zenawi was an acting president of Ethiopia (28 May 1991 - 22 August 1995) and then the 10th Prime Minister of Ethiopia (23 August 1995 - 20 August 2012) until his death. He took the role of acting presidency following the seizure of government from the Communist-led People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Mussie Zerai	b. 1975, Asmara, Eritrea Mussie Zerai is a Roman Catholic priest from Eritrea. He has worked in Italy with refugees who have fled across the Mediterranean Sea during the European Migrant Crisis. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 however in 2017 he was investigated by the Italian police for aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.
Saye Zerbo	b. 27 August 1932, Tougan, Sourou Province, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 19 September 2013, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Saye Zerbo held the office of President of Upper Volta (25 November 1980 - 7 November 1982) having overthrown Sangoulé Lamizana who although had originally taken the country by coup, had been re-elected democratically. Saye Zerbo was in turn overthrown by Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo in 1982.
Nouria Yamina Zerhouni	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Nouria Yamina Zerhouni is an Algerian politician and has held the title of the Governor of Boumerdès Province and the Minister of Tourism.
Liamine Zéroual	b. 3 July 1941, Batna, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Liamine Zéroual was acting president of Algeria (30 January 1994 - 16 November 1995) before being formally elected as the 4th President of Algeria (16 November 1995 - 27 April 1999). He was the president during the hijacking of Air France Flight 8969, in which three civilians were murdered. He was urged to run for the 2009 presidency but released a statement saying he would not, but also openly criticising President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Ahmed Zewail	b. 10 June 1920, Larbaâ Nath Irathen, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2 August 2016, Pasadena, California, United States Ahmed Zewail was an Egyptian-American scientist who specialised in the field of femtochemistry and received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, along with many other awards in his career. He was also involved in political work, visiting Egypt as part of a science envoy to Islamic countries.
Empress Zewditu	b. 29 April 1876, Werreyimenu, Wollo, present-day Amhara region, Ethiopia, d. 2 April 1930, Place unknown Zewditu was the Empress of Ethiopia, the final in her line of the House of Solomon before it was passed to Haile Selassie. Her official title given was 'Queen of Kings' and although in power at first she was not allowed to exercise her regent powers and eventually handed the crown to her cousin.
Yacouba Isaac Zida	b. 16 November 1965, Yako, Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Yacouba Isaac Zida was the temporary head of state of Burkina Faso (1 November 2014 - 18 November 2014) after the 2014 Burkinabé uprising, beating off Honoré Traoré for the title. When Michel Kafando was chosen to take over as transitional head of state he was then appointed Prime Minister of Burkina Faso (19 November 2014 - 17 September 2015 and 23 September 2013 - 29 December 2015). He briefly lost this role for a week during the September 2015 coup, but was reinstated.
Martin Ziguélé	b. 12 February 1957, Paoua, Ubangi-Shari, present-day Central African Republic Martin Ziguélé took the role of Prime Minister of the Central African Republic (1 April 2001 - 15 March 2003) when he was appointed by Ange-Félix Patassé. He later on attempted to run for the presidency in 2005 but was barred by a court, but then reinstated. He has since run for the 2015 presidential election placing fourth.
Dominique Zinkpè	b. 1969, Cotonou, Benin Dominique Zinkpè is one of the most recognisable contemporary artists to have emerged from Benin. His country's rich history is a key influence in his work, and many of his paintings have a surreal quality - loose figures seem to swim or are in conflict on the canvas.
Émile Derlin Zinsou	b. 23 March 1918, Ouidah, Dahomey, present-day Benin, d. 28 July 2016, Cotonou, Benin Émile Derlin Zinsou was a politician and President of Dahomey, (17 July 1968 - 10 December 1969) present-day Benin, having been handed the position following Alphonse Alley's handover after an electoral boycott. Émile Derlin Zinsou then launched a number of charges against his predecessor, one of which caused another coup for his behaviour. His chief of staff, Maurice Kouandété, deposed him.
Lionel Zinsou	b. 23 October 1953, Paris, France Lionel Zinsou is a French-Beninese economist and investment banker who was Prime Minister of Benin from 2015 to 2016. Since June 2017, he has been the president of Terra Nova, a centre-left French think tank.
Norbert Zongo	b. 31 July 1949, Koudougou region, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, d. 13 December 1998, Ziro Province, Burkina Faso Norbert Zongo, also known as Henri Segbo as his pen name, was an investigative journalist from Burkina Faso. His newspaper printed reports he published detailing corruption and extortion of the government of Blaise Compaoré and he was assassinated following an investigation into murder of a driver who worked for a family member of the president.
Tertius Zongo	b. 18 May 1957, Koudougou, French Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso Tertius Zongo was Prime Minister for Burkina Faso (11 June 2007 - 18 April 2011) and also held a number of financial roles at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Islamic Bank of Development.
Mahmoud Abdou Zouber	b. Date unknown, Mali Mahmoud Abdou Zouber is a historian from Mali. He works for the preservation, restoration and inventory of manuscripts (texts produced between the 12th and 18th centuries) of Timbuktu.
Jacob Zuma	b. 12 April 1942, Nkandla, South Africa Jacob Zuma was the 4th President of South Africa (9 May 2009 - 14 February 2018) following his time as Deputy President of South Africa (14 June 1999 - 14 June 2005) under Thabo Mbeki, though he was dismissed due to his financial adviser's conduct. He resigned from office before a vote of no confidence was taken, and he has since been charged with numerous accusations of corruption and 700 counts of money laundering.
Mohammed Ben Brahim	b. 1897, Morocco, d. 1955, Marrakesh, Morocco Mohammed Ben Brahim was a Moroccan poet. His poetry was so well regarded he wrote for the Sultan of Morocco and his poems are still used in contemporary Moroccan society.
Abdoulaye Mamani	b. 1932, Zinder, Niger, d. 3 June 1993, Niger Abdoulaye Mamani was a poet, novelist and trade unionist. He is best-known for his historical novel, Sarraounia, which explored the Battle of Lougou between the Azra people of Lougou and French Colonial Forces.
Abdulai Silá	b. 1 April 1958, Catió, Guinea-Bissau Abdulai Silá, also known as Silla, is a novelist, playwright, engineer and economist. His novel, Eterna Paixão, was the first to be written and published in Guinea-Bissau, and criticises the political regime in Guinea-Bissau since its independence.
Ahdaf Soueif	b. 23 March 1950, Cairo, Egypt Ahdaf Soueif is a novelist and political and cultural commentator who has written about Egyptian history and politics, including reporting on the Egyptian revolution. Her fiction and non-fiction work also features Palestinian life.
Ahmed Ibrahim al-Fagih	b. 28 December 1942, Mizda, Libya, d. 30 April 2019, Cairo, Egypt Ahmed Ibrahim al-Fagih was a writer, journalist and diplomat who wrote plays, essays and novels spanning multiple genres. He co-founded the Union of Libyan Writers and established the Arab Cultural Trust, serving as the editor of its magazines, The Cultural Weekly and Azure.
Aïcha Fofana	b. 1957, Bamako, Mali, d. 10 August 2003, Bamako, Mali Aïcha Fofana was a writer, activist and translator who was the first women to be published in Mali. Many of her writing works, such as Mariage and La fourmilière, focused on advancing social conditions for women in Mali.
Amata Giramata	b. 29 January 1996, Rwanda Amata Giramata is a poet, blogger and feminist activist. She describes herself as a social Pan-Afrikanist and Black Afrikan Womanist, who creates work in oral and written traditions that seeks to challenge traditions and rules which disempower African women.
Amina Saïd	b. 1953, Tunis, Tunisia Amina Saïd is an author and poet who has published works across genres, including short stories, poetry, essays and Tunisian folk tales.
Ananda Devi	b. 23 March 1957, Trois-Boutiques, Mauritius Ananda Devi is a writer of novels and short stories, as well as an ethnologist. Her works explore themes such as otherness and inequality, and her depiction of cities, from Port Louis to London, have been particularly praised.
Angèle Rawiri	b. 29 April 1954, Port-Gentil, Gabon, d. 15 November 2010, Paris, France Angèle Rawiri was a writer, translator, actress and model. She published her first novel, G'amarakano, under the pen name Ntyugwetondo Rawiri, which explored the relationship between Gabonese youth and the more traditional values of the older generation.
Antoine Abel	b. 27 November 1934, Anse Boileau, Seychelles, d. 19 October 2004, Seychelles Antoine Abel was a writer of novels, short stories, poems and plays who is regarded the father of Seychelles literature. His work often drew on the life experiences of Seychellois people as well as the archipelago's traditional folklore.
Barolong Seboni	b. 27 April 1957, Kanye, Botswana Barolong Seboni is a poet, academic and journalist. His poetry is often political and is influenced by the urban protest movements of the 1980s. He is a founding member of the Writers' Association of Botswana.
Binwell Sinyangwe	b. 1956, Zambia Binwell Sinyangwe is a novelist whose work explores the experiences of people living in poverty. He has published two novels, Quills of Desire and A Cowrie of Hope.
Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo	b. 12 December 1950, Niefang, Equatorial Guinea Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo is a writer, journalist and historian. His non-fiction work has helped bring the history and literary work of Equatorial Guinea to the forefront - notably in his work Historia y tragedia de Guinea Ecuatorial. His novels often explore the experience of immigration.
Ebou Dibba	b. 10 August 1943, present-day Banjul, The Gambia, d. 29 December 2000, Kent, United Kingdom Ebou Dibba was a novelist and teacher. He is particularly known for his young-adult novella, Olu and the Smugglers and his novel Chaff on the Wind, which is set in Gambia as WW2 is approaching.
Étienne Goyémidé	b. 1942, Central African Republic, d. 17 March 1997, Place unknown Étienne Goyémidé was an author, playwright, poet and politician. He is best-known for his novels, Le silence de la forêt and Le dernier survivant de la caravane. The latter explored the history of black African slavery by North African Muslims.
Farida Nabourema	b. 19 April 1990, Lomé, Togo Farida Nabourema is a writer and human rights activist. She advocates for democracy in Togo and founded the Faure Must Go movement. Her collection of essays, La Pression de l'Oppression, encourages resistance to political oppression.
Gaarriye	b. 1949, Hargeisa, Somalia, d. 30 September 2012, Norway Gaarriye was a writer and teacher best remembered for his poetry including Hagarlaawe. His poetry was often political, and he was one of the first poets to use metrical patterns.
Galesiti Baruti	b. Date and year unknown, Botswana Galesiti Baruti is a novelist and academic. His book, Ditso le Dingwao tsa Batswapong, on Batswapong history and culture has been celebrated as an important step towards preserving tribal languages and cultural practice.
Goretti Kyomuhendo	b. 1 August 1965, Hoima, Uganda Goretti Kyomuhendo is a writer and activist best-known for her novel, Waiting: A Novel of Uganda's Hidden War. She is a founding member of FEMRITE - Uganda Women's Writers' Association and she also founded the African Writers' Trust.
Habib Selmi	b. 1951, El Alâa, Tunisia Habib Selmi is a novelist, short story writer, journalist and teacher. His bibliography includes The Scents of Marie-Claire, Bayya's Lovers and Sand Labyrinth.
Haddis Alemayehu	b. 15 October 1910, Debre Markos, Ethiopia, d. 6 December 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Haddis Alemayehu was a politician and a novelist. He is best-known for writing the love story Love to the Grave, which is considered a classic of Ethiopian literature.
Immaculée Ilibagiza	b. 1972, Rwanda Immaculée Ilibagiza is an author and motivational speaker. As a young woman, she survived the Rwandan genocide and has since written about her experiences in various autobiographical works including Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.
Ishmael Beah	b. 23 November 1980, Mogbwemo, Sierra Leone Ishmael Beah is an author and human rights activist. He is best-known for his memoir A Long Way Gone, which details his experience during the civil war in Sierra Leone, when he was forcibly made a child solider.
Janis Otsiemi	b. 1976, Franceville, Gabon Janis Otsiemi is a writer whose novels often explores the dark underside of Gabonese society, set in and around the city of Libreville. His style brings together oral tradition with Gabonese slang within the framework of novelistic thriller.
Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo	b. 4 March 1901/1903, Antananarivo, Madagascar, d. 22 June 1937, Antananarivo, Madagascar Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo was a poet, critic and author who is often regarded as Africa's first modern poet. While his early poetry was influenced by symbolism and romanticism, his later work was more experimental and showed influence from surrealism and modernism.
Joseph Diescho	b. 10 April 1955, Andara, present-day Namibia Joseph Diescho is a writer and political analyst. He is well-known for writing a number of academic political texts and novels including Born of the Sun.
Lenrie Peters	b. 1 September 1932, present-day Banjul, The Gambia, d. 28 May 2009, Dakar, Senegal Lenrie Peters was a writer, poet, educator and surgeon. His work is informed by Pan-Africanist politics and his semi-autobiographical novel, The Second Round, explores West African society directly following colonialism.
Malcolm de Chazal	b. 12 September 1902, Vacoas, Mauritius, d. 1 October 1981, Curepipe, Mauritius Malcolm de Chazal was a writer and artist. He is particularly known for his Sens-Plastique, a surrealist multi-volume collection of aphorisms and philosophical thought. He also published a number of essays elaborating on his approach and philosophy.
Mbarek Ould Beyrouk	b. 1957, Atar, Mauritania Mbarek Ould Beyrouk is a novelist, journalist and founder of Mauritania's first ever independent newspaper, Mauritanie Demain. He is best-known for his novel The Desert and the Drum, which explores modern and traditional Mauritania.
Modison Salayedvwa Magagula	b. 1958, present-day Eswatini Modison Salayedvwa Magagula is a writer whose novels, short stories, poems and plays often feature themes of postcolonialism, relationships, sectarianism and AIDS. He founded the first traveling theatre in Swaziland, the Siphila Nje Drama Society.
Mohamed Mesrati	b. 1990, Tripoli, Libya Mohamed Mesrati is an author, journalist and activist who has been publishing works since the age of 16. His writing is overtly political, and he often speaks out about his experience as a writer during the Libyan revolution.
Mohamed Toihiri	b. 20 August 1955, Mitsoudjé, Comoros Mohamed Toihiri is a writer, politician and teacher. He is known for becoming the first published Comorian author with his novel La République des Imberbes.
Mordecai A. Hamutyinei	b. 1934, Zimbabwe, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mordecai A. Hamutyinei was a writer, teacher and editor. His bibliography includes Kusasana Kunoparira and Maidei, and he published a one-act play. titled Chakachenjedza Ndechakatanga.
Mouna-Hodan Ahmed	b. 1972, Djibouti Mouna-Hodan Ahmed is a writer and teacher. Her first novel, Les enfants du khat, deals with the problematic effects of dependency on 'khat', a herbal stimulant widely used in sections of Djiboutian society.
Moussa Ould Ebnou	b. 1956, Boutilimit, Mauritania Moussa Ould Ebnou is an academic and writer of novels and short stories, particularly science fiction. He has translated his own novels from their original French into Arabic for publication.
Namwali Serpell	b. 1980, Lusaka, Zambia Namwali Serpell is a writer and educator. She is well-known for her short story The Sack, and her debut novel The Old Drift, which explores diversity and racism.
Neshani Andreas	b. 1964, Walvis Bay, present-day Namibia, d. 2011, Windhoek, Namibia Neshani Andreas was a writer and educator best-known for her novel The Purple Violet of Oshaantu, which explores the experience of women in Namibian society. It was one of the first post-independence novels to be published.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o	b. 5 January 1938, Kamirithu, present-day Kenya Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is a writer and academic of short stories, novels, plays and essays. His early published work was written in English, but after his imprisonment for the political criticism present in his plays, he began writing all his works in his native language of Gikuyu.
Olinda Beja	b. 8 December 1948, Guadalupe, São Tomé and Príncipe Olinda Beja is a writer, poet, narrator and educator. She is particularly known for her numerous poetry collections including À Sombra do Oká.
Paul Lomami-Tshibamba	b. 17 July 1914, Brazzaville, present-day Republic of Congo, d. 12 August 1985, Place unknown Paul Lomami-Tshibamba was a journalist and author. His journalism criticised Belgian colonialization, which led to his imprisonment and exile from 1950 to 1959. He is well remembered for his novella Ngando, which is often seen as the start of Congolese literary in French.
Paulina Chiziane	b. 4 June 1955, Manjacaze, Mozambique Paulina Chiziane is a writer of short stories and novels, who was the first woman to publish a novel in Mozambique. Her work shines a light on politically divisive social issues, in particular around gender inequality and regional differences in her homeland.
Roland Rugero	b. 1986, Burundi Roland Rugero is an author, journalist and a director. His fiction and journalism are deeply concerned with language, politics and culture, which can be seen in his novel, Baho!.
Ryad Assani-Razaki	b. 1981, Cotonou, Benin Ryad Assani-Razaki is an author and writer of short stories. His short story collection Deux cercles, and novel La main d’Iman have been widely celebrated. His work often focuses on the everyday lives of people.
Senait Ghebrehiwet Mehari	b. 3 December 1974, Asmara, Eritrea Senait Ghebrehiwet Mehari is a writer and singer. She is known for her autobiographical novel, Heart of Fire, in which she writes about her experience living with the troops of the Eritrean Liberation Front.
Sony Lab'ou Tansi	b. 5 July 1947, Kinshasa, present-day Republic of Congo, d. 14 June 1995, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo Sony Lab'ou Tansi was a writer, teacher and politician. He was a central figure in the movement of New African Writing. He wrote prolifically and his work includes plays, poems, short stories and novels.
Stanlake Samkange	b. 1922, Zvimba, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 6 March 1988, Zimbabwe Stanlake Samkange was a writer, educator and journalist. His best-known work, the historical novel On Trial for My Country, explores the conflict between Cecil Rhodes and Lobengula, the Matebele King.
Stanley Onjezani Kenani	b. 1976, Malawi Stanley Onjezani Kenani is a poet and writer of short stories, accountant and has also served as president of the Malawi Writers Union. His bibliography includes The Basket Girl and The Wrath of Napolo.
Steve Chimombo	b. 4 September 1945, Zomba, Malawi, d. 11 December 2015, Malawi Steve Chimombo was a writer, poet, playwright, editor and educator. He is best-known for his collection of poems Napolo and Other Poems, and his works were greatly influenced by mythology and oral culture.
Sulaiman Addonia	b. Date and year unknown, Om Hajer, Eritrea Sulaiman Addonia is an author. He is best-known for his novels The Consequences of Love, influenced by his life in Saudi Arabia and Silence is My Mother Tongue, informed by his childhood in Sudan refugee camps.
Taban Lo Liyong	b. 1939, present-day South Sudan Taban Lo Liyong is a writer, poet, educator and literary critic. He is a prolific writer of fiction, poems and non-fiction essays such as Carrying Knowledge Up a Palm Tree and Fixions.
Thomas Mofolo	b. 22 December 1876, Khojane, present-day Lesotho, d. 8 September 1948, Teyateyaneng, Lesotho Thomas Mofolo was an author and highly respected figure in the history of Lesotho. He is best-known for his novel Chaka, which includes pre-Christian themes and prevented its publication during his lifetime.
Titinga Frédéric Pacéré	b. 1943, present-day Burkina Faso Titinga Frédéric Pacéré is a writer, poet, solicitor, griot and curator. He has written essays, art publications, over twenty books and has published over sixty volumes, including Poèmes pour l'Angola and La Poésie des griots.
Vamba Sherif	b. 1973, Kolahun, Liberia Vamba Sherif is a writer, actor and journalist. He has written many publications, short stories and novels which are often set against a backdrop of African politics and history.
Wilbur Smith	b. 9 January 1933, present-day Zambia Wilbur Smith is a writer who specialises in historical fiction. He is particularly known for his Courtney novels, a series of nineteen books which centre on one family in South Africa. He has also written a series of historical novels set in Ancient Egypt.
Yulisa Amadu Maddy	b. 27 December 1936, Freetown, Sierra Leone, d. 16 March 2014, Freetown, Sierra Leone Yulisa Amadu Maddy was a writer, playwright, poet, actor, dancer and director. His writing was critical of social and political inequality in Sierra Leone, leading to his imprisonment and exile.
Carlina Pereira	b. circa 1926, Cabo Verde, d. 11 December 2011, Praia, Cabo Verde Carlina Pereira was a politician, activist and leader in the movement for Cabo Verdean independence from Portugal. She served as First Lady of Cabo Verde from 1975 to 1991 and was elected president of honour of the Organisation of Cape Verdean Women.
Doria Shafik	b. 14 December 1908, Tanta, Egypt, d. 20 September 1975, Cairo, Egypt Doria Shafik was a poet, suffragette, activist and feminist best-known for her success in securing Egyptian women the right to vote in 1956. She supported Egyptian independence from Britain, and in 1951 created the first women's military unit for front line battle with the British occupation.
Fatima Talib	b. 1 January 1928, Al-Rank, Sudan Fatima Talib is an educator and activist for Sudanese independence from colonial rule. She is an important figure in Sudanese feminism. She co-founded the Sudanese Women's Union, a pan-Africanist organisation that brought women together to address social issues and protect their rights.
Paula Fortes	b. 1945, Mindelo, Cabo Verde, d. 7 June 2011, Portugal Paula Fortes was an activist and politician who fought for Cabo Verdean independence from Portugal and went on to become a nurse. She was involved in founding the Organização das Mulheres de Cabo Verde (Organisation of Women of Cape Verde).
Pumla Kisosonkole	b. 1911, South Africa, d. 1997, Uganda Pumla Kisosonkole was a politician and activist. She fought for women's rights and helped Uganda transition to independence from British rule by serving in the Uganda Legislative Council. She was particularly passionate about improving education opportunities.
Titina Silla	b. 1943, Tombali Region, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 30 January 1973, Farim River, present-day Guinea-Bissau Titina Silla was an activist and member of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). At the age of 18, she was already leading guerrilla troops, and was a hugely popular figure in the independence movement.
Aster Fissehatsion	b. 1951, Eritrea, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Aster Fissehatsion was an activist and a politician. She was a leading figure in the independence movement and has served in different government positions including minister of labour and social affairs. She was arrested in 2001 after critiquing the government and has not been seen since.
Célestine Ouezzin Coulibaly	b. 1914, Place unknown, d. 1997, Place unknown Célestine Ouezzin Coulibaly was an anticolonial leader and politician. She was a key figure in the march on Grand Bassam, contributing to the end of French colonial rule. After Burkina Faso’s independence in 1958, she became one of the first women in West Africa to hold a ministerial position.
Chibesa Kankasa	b. 23 March 1936, Chinsali, Zambia, d. 29 October 2018, Johannesburg, South Africa Chibesa Kankasa was a freedom fighter and a politician. Popularly known as Mama Kankasa, she was a popular figure in Zambian politics. She was involved in the fight for Zambian independence, and in 1972 became the first woman to become a member of the Central Committee.
Jemimah Gecaga	b. 1920, Kenya, d. 1979, Place unknown Jemimah Gecaga was a politician and an independence activist. She was a pioneer in Kenyan politics, being the first woman to be nominated to the Legislative Council in 1958. She founded an NGO that worked for women’s rights in 1952 and was re-elected to government in 1969.
Aminatou Haidar	b. 1966, Place unknown Aminatou Haidar is a political activist, who campaigns for Western Sahara’s independence from Morocco. She is the leader of the Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders (CODESA),which uses nonviolent tactics to advocate for the rights of Sahrawi people.
Philip Matante	b. 25 December 1912, Serowe, present-day Botswana, d. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Philip Matante was politician and lay priest, who co-founded the Bechuanaland (later Botswana) People’s Party. He was leader of the opposition in the legislative council, a vocal opponent of British colonial rule and he campaigned for the boycott of racist establishments in Botswana.
Vera Chirwa	b. 1932, Mzimba, present-day Malawi Vera Chirwa is a lawyer and human rights activist. She is the founder of the Malawi Congress Party, which was dedicated to fighting for independence from British control. She is the former special reporter on prison conditions in Africa for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Josiah Mwangi Kariuki	b. 21 March 1929, Kabati-ini, Kenya, d. March 1975, Place unknown Josiah Mwangi Kariuki was politician and anti-colonial revolutionary. He was a leader of the Mau Mau, the group that fought for Kenya's independence from British imperial rule. He was interned in fourteen British detention camps. He later became a member of parliament for Nyandarua North.
Roy Sesana	b. Date and year unknown, Molapo, Botswana Roy Sesana is a traditional healer and Bushman activist. He is a leader of the Gana, Gwi and Bakgalagadi Bushmen and he is a founder and former chair of First People of the Kalahari, which campaigns for the Bushmen’s human rights and their land rights.
George Nyandoro	b. 8 July 1926, Chiota Reserve, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 24 June 1994, Harare, Zimbabwe George Nyandoro was an anticolonial leader, who fought against Rhodesian white minority rule. He was general-secretary of the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress, secretary of the Reformed Industrial and Commercial Workers Union and secretary-general of the Front for the Liberation of Zimbabwe.
Osman Salih Sabbe	b. 1932, Arkiko, Eritrea, d. 1987, Cairo, Egypt Osman Salih Sabbe was an anticolonial activist and political organiser, who campaigned for Eritrea’s from Ethiopia. He was a supreme council member and secretary for foreign affairs of the Eritrean Liberation Front. He also wrote The Roots of Eritrean Differences and the Means to Solve Them.
Elemo Qilxuu	b. 1936, Hararghe, Ethiopia, d. August 1974, Place unknown Elemo Qilxuu was a was a business entrepreneur and leader of the Oromo nationalist movement against Ethiopia. He was a founding member of the Oromo Liberation Army and leader of the first guerilla unit. He also established the first Oromo political office in Yemen.
Oginga Odinga	b. October 1911, Kenya, d. 20 January 1994, Kisumu, Kenya Oginga Odinga was a nationalist politician, who led Kenya’s struggle for independence from Britain and then the opposition to the single-party rule in Kenya. He was the first vice-president of Kenya and founder-interim chair of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy.
Tumsa Baro	b. 1938, Ethiopia, d. 1978, Place unknown Tumsa Baro was a pharmacist, lawyer and Oromo nationalist. He was a leader of the Oromo Liberation Front and founder of the Oppressed Peoples of Ethiopia Revolutionary Struggle. He was also the founder of Oromo organisations Walbarroo (“Know Each Other”) and the Dhidheessa Association.
Daniel Chipenda	b. 1931, Place unknown, d. 28 February 1996, Place unknown Daniel Chipenda was a revolutionary who led Angolan armed independence movement against Portuguese. He was a field commander of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola and founder of faction group the Eastern Revolt, and also a member of Front for the National Liberation of Angola.
James Gichuru	b. March 1914, Thogoto, Kenya, d. 10 August 1982, Place unknown James Gichuru was a Kenyan nationalist and government minister. He was elected president of the Kenya African Union, which opposed British colonial rule. He was also chief of Dagoretti Location, a member of the legislative council and minister of finance.
Mahmoud Harbi	b. Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, d. 29 September 1960, Place unknown Mahmoud Harbi was a Djibouti politician and nationalist leader, who campaigned against French colonial rule. He was vice president of the government council of French Somaliland and Djibouti’s representative in the French National Assembly. He was also president of the Pan-Somali Movement.
Muhammad Farid	b. 1878, Cairo, Egypt, d. 15 November 1919, Berlin, Germany Muhammad Farid was a historian and freedom fighter, who fought for Egypt’s independence from Britain. He was leader of Egyptian nationalist party al-Hizb al-Watani and he wrote The History of the Ottoman Empire and The History of the Founder of the Khedival Family.
D.D.T. Jabavu	b. 20 October 1885, King William’s Town, present-day South Africa, d. 3 August 1959, East London, South Africa D.D.T. Jabavu was an academic and anticolonial activist. He was founder and president of the All-African National Convention, which fought against segregation in South Africa. He was professor of Latin and Bantu languages at the University of Fort Hare and he wrote The Black Problem.
James La Guma	b. 23 August 1894, Bloemfontein, South Africa, d. 29 July 1961, Cape Town, South Africa James La Guma was a trade unionist and political activist, who fought against the South African apartheid. He was a founding member of the National Liberation League, secretary of the Cape Town branch of the African National Congress and president of the South African Coloured People’s Organisation.
Tahar al-Haddad	b. 1899, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 7 December 1935, Tunis, Tunisia Tahar al-Haddad was a union leader, militant nationalist and writer, who opposed French colonialism. He was a co-founder of the General Confederation of Tunisian Workers and wrote for the newspapers The Nation, The Language of the People and Justness.
Al-Tijani al-Tayyib Babikr	b. March 1926, Shendi, Sudan Al-Tijani al-Tayyib Babikr is an anti-colonial, pro-democracy activist. He was a central committee member of the Sudanese Movement for National Liberation, later the Communist Party of Sudan; editor of Communist Party newspaper al-Maydan; and a member of the National Democratic Alliance.
Acacio Mañé Ela	b. Date and year unknown, Cameroon, d. ca. 1958, Place unknown Acacio Mañé Ela was a Pan-Africanist anticolonialist, who helped liberate Equatorial Guinean from Spanish colonial rule. He was leader of the National Crusade of Liberation and he forged allegiances with Cameroonian independence movements against the French.
Djibo Bakary	b. 1922, Soudouré, Niger, d. 16 April 1998, Niamey, Niger Djibo Bakary was an anticolonialist activist and politician, who advanced Niger’s struggle for independence from France. He was prime minister of pre-independent Niger, secretary-general of the Nigerian Progressive Party, and a member of the Nigerian Democratic Union.
Constance Cummings‐John	b. 7 January 1918, Freetown, Sierra Leone, d. 21 February 2000, London, United Kingdom Constance Cummings‐John was an anticolonial activist, feminist, and politician, who led the decolonisation of Sierra Leone. She was founder of the Sierra Leone Women's Movement, executive committee member of the Sierra Leone People’s Party and mayor of Freetown.
Alda Bandeira	b. 22 September 1949, Place unknown Alda Bandeira is a politician and former minister of foreign affairs. She was a student member of Associação Cívica pró-MLSTP, which struggled for São Tomé and Príncipe’s independence from Portugal. She is currently director of the Maritime and Port Administration Institute.
Djamila Boupacha	b. 9 February 1938, Bologhine, Algeria Djamila Boupacha is an anticolonial activist and figurehead of the Algerian War of Independence against the French. She is former a liaison agent for the National Liberation Front. She is known for publicising the brutal torture she received from French colonial authorities.
Cabdi Muxumed Amiin	b. 1935, Gabiley, Somalia, d. 2 November 2008, Nairobi, Kenya Cabdi Muxumed Amiin was a poet, dramatist and anticolonialist. He was a youth wing member of the Somali Youth League, which led the country’s independence movement. His poem Dhulyohow (Oh Land!) decries the dispossession of the Hawd and Reserved Area, which were handed to Ethiopia by the British.
Andrée Blouin	b. 16 December 1921, Bessou, present-day Central African Republic, d. 9 April 1986, Paris, France Andrée Blouin was a Pan-Africanist, who was active in the independence movements of Central African Republic, Congo and Guinea. She was leader of the Feminine Movement for African Solidarity, chief of protocol for the Congo-Leopoldville government and a member of African Democratic Rally.
Gabriel d’Arboussier	b. 14 January 1908, Djenné, present-day Mali, d. 21 December 1976, Geneva, Switzerland Gabriel d’Arboussier was a politician and anticolonial activist. He was secretary-general of the Pan-African African Democratic Rally party, president of the Grand Council of French West Africa, political director of the Senegalese Popular Movement and minister of justice of Senegal.
Inamujandi	b. Date and year unknown, Burundi, d. c. 1934, Place unknown Inamujandi was a spiritual leader and anticolonial activist, who led the Burundian armed resistance against the Belgian colonial regime. She promised her followers that Belgian bullets would be turned into grains of corn and trees would become lions that would devour Burundi’s enemies.
Lina Magaia	b. Date and year unknown, Maputo, Mozambique, d. 27 June 2011, Maputo, Mozambique Lina Magaia was a writer and anticolonialist, who was part of Mozambique’s armed fight for independence from Portugal. She was a member of the Mozambique Liberation Front women’s military wing. She wrote for the newspapers Brado Africano (The African Roar) and A Voz Africana (The African Voice).
Kenneth Koma	b. 1923, present-day Botswana, d. 20 March 2007, Mahalapye, Botswana Kenneth Koma was a politician, socialist and anticolonial activist, who led Botswana’s independence from British imperial rule. He was founder and president of the Botswana National Front and he was later a member of parliament for the Gaberone South Constituency.
Kanyama Chiume	b. 22 November 1929, Usisya, present-day Malawi, d. 21 November 2007, New York, United States Kanyama Chiume was a teacher and politician, who led Malawi’s independence movement against British imperialism. He was publicity secretary-general of the Nyasaland African Congress, Malawi’s first minister of information and an executive member of the Organisation of African Unity.
Mbiyu Koinange	b. 1907, Kiambu, Kenya, d. 3 September 1981, Place unknown Mbiyu Koinange was a Kenyan nationalist and politician, who played an important role in the country’s independence movement. He was a delegate for the Kenya African Union and founding member of the Kenya African National Union party. He wrote the book The People of Kenya Speak for Themselves.
Makhan Singh	b. 27 December 1913, Gharjak, present-day Pakistan, d. 18 May 1973, Place unknown Makhan Singh was a trade unionist and anti-colonialist, who fought against British divide and rule tactics. He founded the Labour Trade Union East Africa, uniting Asian and African workers in challenging colonial regimes across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Mary Muthoni Nyanjiru	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 1922, Nairobi, Kenya Mary Muthoni Nyanjiru was an anticolonial activist, who inspired Kenya’s independence struggle against the British. To shame the cowardly male-led leadership, at a demonstration, she once removed her dress, exposing her naked body, and offered to trade it for the men’s trousers.
Walter Rodney	b. 23 March 1942, Georgetown, present-day Guyana Walter Rodney was a writer, historian and politician, who led Pan-Africanist and anticolonial thought and activism. He wrote How Europe Underdeveloped Africa and The Groundings with My Brothers. He was a leader of the Working People’s Alliance, which sought to unite the peoples of Guyana.
Nabawiyya Musa	b. 1886, Egypt, d. 30 April 1951, Alexandria, Egypt Nabawiyya Musa was an educator, feminist, nationalist, who fought against colonialism in schooling. She was a lecturer at the women’s branch of Cairo University, founder of Tarqiyat al-Fatah Primary School and the Banat al-Ashraf Secondary School and a member of the Egyptian Feminist Movement.
Mahmud Fahmi al-Nuqrashi	b. 26 April 1888, Alexandria, Egypt, d. 28 December 1948, Cairo, Egypt Mahmud Fahmi al-Nuqrashi was a politician and anticolonialist, who campaigned to end British occupation of Egypt. He was director general of the ministry of education, deputy to the governor of Cairo, two-time prime minister of Egypt and later military governor.
Amílcar Lopes Cabral	b. 24 September 1924, present-day Guinea-Bissau, d. 20 January 1973, Conakry, Guinea Amílcar Lopes Cabral was an anticolonial thinker, who fought against assimilationist policies. He was co-founder of the African Party for the Independence and Union of the Peoples of Guinea and Cape Verde and wrote a critique of colonial propaganda titled Facts about the Portuguese African Colonies.
Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam	b. 1893, Place unknown, d. 1976, Place unknown Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam was politician and Arab nationalist, who fought colonialism across North Africa. He was co-founder of the Tripolitanian Republic, minister plenipotentiary to Iraq and Iran, minister plenipotentiary in charge of Arab affairs, and first secretary-general of the Arab League.
Frantz Fanon	b. 20 July 1925, Fort-de-France, Martinique, d. 6 December 1961, Maryland, United States Frantz Fanon was a writer, psychiatrist and anticolonial activist. His published works include Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth. He was involved with the Algerian National Liberation Front and editor of its newspaper El Moudjahid. He was also Algerian ambassador to Ghana.
Hadja Mafory Bangoura	b. 1910, Bramaya-Ouassou, Guinea, d. 1976, Place unknown Hadja Mafory Bangoura was an independence leader, who fought French imperial rule. She was women’s committee president of the African Democratic Assembly. Post-independence, she became first president of the Union Révolutionnaires des Femmes de Guinée and government minister of social affairs.
Ruth Habwe	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 1996, Place unknown Ruth Habwe was a politician and feminist activist, who campaigned against British imperialism. She was general secretary of Kenyan women’s organisation Maendeleo ya Wanawake, co-organiser of the East African Women’s Seminar of 11 April 1964 and party member of the Kenyan African National Union.
Yaasiin Xaaji Cismaan Sharmaarke	b. 1917, Hobyo, Somalia, d. 1947, Place unknown Yaasiin Xaaji Cismaan Sharmaarke was an anticolonial activist, who campaigned for Somali national unity and independence. He was a co-founder and the first secretary-general the Somali Youth Club, which later became Somali Youth League, a fully-fledged political party.
Dorra Bouzid	b. 1933, Sfax, Tunisia Dorra Bouzid is a Tunisian nationalist, women’s rights activist and writer. She was previously a member Association of North African Students, also a staff writer for Tunisian political newspaper L’Action, which later became Jeune Afrique (Young Africa) and head editor of the magazine Faïza.
Mamadou El Bechir Gologo	b. 1924, Koulikoro, Mali, d. 21 March 2009, Bamako, Mali Mamadou El Bechir Gologo was a politician, physician, writer and independence activist. He was president of the Pan-Africanist anticolonial organisation Sudanese Union – African Democratic Rally, information and tourism minister and president of the National Union of Journalists in Mali.
Pregs Govender	b. 15 February 1960, Durban, South Africa Pregs Govender is an activist, educator and politician, who campaigned against the South African apartheid. She was previously a volunteer for the Natal Organisation of Women, director of the University of the Western Cape and a African National Congress member of parliament.
Ibrahim Sultan Ali	b. 1909, Keren, Eritrea, d. 1 September 1987, Cairo, Egypt Ibrahim Sultan Ali was a nationalist leader, who built unity between Eritrean Muslims and Christians in the independence movement. He was co-founder of Mahber Fikri Hager (the Party for the Love of Country) and co-founder and secretary-general of Eritrean Muslim League
Hadjé Halimé	b. 1930, Salamat, Chad, d. 7 January 2001, N’Djamena, Chad Hadjé Halimé was a political activist, who led Chad’s struggle for independence against French colonial rule. She was involved with Parti Progressiste Tchadien, campaigning against the colonial administration’s poll tax. She was also a member of the Chadian National Liberation Front of Chad.
Luzia Inglês Van-Dúnem	b. 1948, Bengo, Angola Luzia Inglês Van-Dúnem was an anticolonial activist, who forwarded the Angolan independence movement. She was previously a member of the People’s Liberation Movement of Angola, secretary-general of Angolan Women’s Organization and a member of the national assembly.
Joyce Nomafa Sikakane	b. 1943, Soweto, South Africa Joyce Nomafa Sikakane was a journalist, writer, film producer and antiapartheid activist. She was a staffer for Rand Daily Mail, reporting on the forced relocation of people of colour under the apartheid government. She was also an organiser for the African National Congress.
Lilica Boal	b. 1934, Tarrafal, Cabo Verde Lilica Boal is a historian, philosopher, educator, and anti-fascist activist. She studied history and philosophy in Portugal where she became part of the African liberation movements. She fought for the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde, leading the Pilot School of the African Party.
Papa Ibra Tall	b. 1935, Tivaouane, Senegal, d. 26 July 2015, place unknown Papa Ibra Tall was a tapestry weaver, painter, and illustrator. He is well-known for his tapestries and participation in École de Dakar, the artistic revival born in Senegal at the dawn of independence. He participated in the 8th Biennial of Arts in São Paulo and the First Pan-African Festival of Algiers in 1969.
Paulin Joachim	b. 20 September 1931, Cotonou, Benin, d. 2012, Place unknown Paulin Joachim was a Beninese poet and journalist. He worked for France-Soir in the 1960s, reporting and contextualising the push for independence on the continent. In 2006 he was a laureate for the WEB du Bois Medal and has worked with David Diop and Philippe Soupault.
Malek Haddad	b. 5 July 1927, Constantine, Algeria, d. 2 June 1978, Algiers, Algeria Malek Haddad was an Algerian novelist and poet. He wrote for resistance newspapers in France during the Algerian war and published his first book of poems on that topic, Le Malheur en Danger in 1956. After independence he became the cultural director in Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Information.
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Mohamed Ould Ghazouani is a retired army general who became the president of Mauritania in August 2019. He was the chief of staff of the armed forces of Mauritania (2008 - 2018) and is a close ally of his predecessor Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz (2009 - 2019). His is the first peaceful transition of power since the country’s independence.
Álvaro Sobrinho	b. Date unknown, 1962, Luanda, Angola Álvaro Sobrinho is a businessman known for founding Banco Espírito Santo Angola, a subsidiary company of the Portuguese bank Banco Espírito Santo. He was also the founding chairman of the now defunct Planet Earth Institute, which sought to foster the scientific independence of Africa.
Camilo de Sousa	b. 1953, Maputo, Mozambique Camilo de Sousa is a film director and producer. In 1972 he fled Mozambique as a refugee, returning the following year to join the Mozambique Liberation Front. After independence he created a mobile cinema and worked at the Instituto Nacional de Cinema from 1980. He is a prolific filmmaker.
Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina	b. 26 February 1934, M’Sila, Algeria Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina is a filmmaker whose work is inextricable from Algerian politics and the fight for liberation. He was sent by the FLN to study cinema in Prague, and his films focus on the Algerian revolution and the country’s fight for independence from France.
Pascal Abikanlou	b. 21 April 1935, Pobè, Benin, d. 5 October 2009, Sèmè-Kpodji, Benin Pascal Abikanlou was a film director, screenwriter and producer. Considered the ‘father of Beninese cinema’, he created the first feature film from Benin alongside numerous documentaries. Working primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, he was key in documenting the political world of independent Benin.
Sam Aryeetey	b. 1929, Accra, Ghana Sam Aryeetey is a film director, editor, and producer. He was trained by the Colonial Film Unit in 1948, then made independent Ghana’s first feature length film in 1968 based on the folktale of Ananse. This film marked an important departure from colonial styles of didactic, educational filmmaking.
Nima Djama	b. 1948, Ali Sabieh, Djibouti Nima Djama is a singer and composer from Djibouti, where musical styles are characterised by their inclusion of poetry and duets. She is particularly acclaimed for her independence messaging in her compositions, though she spent much of her career in Somalia and later moved to Canada.
Tèwèldè Rèdda	b. 1940s, Eritrea Tèwèldè Rèdda is a cult-hero Eritrean composer who modernised Eritrean music by electrifying the krar and introducing the electric guitar to his compositions. His politically critical compositions were integral to the Eritrean independence movement and he sought asylum in the Netherlands in 1989.
Super Mama Djombo	b. 1960s, Guinea-Bissau Super Mama Djombo is a spirit to whom independence fighters appealed during Guinea-Bissau's struggle against Portugal, and the name of a gumbé band with a rolling cast of musicians. They were patronised by President Luis Cabral until he was overthrown. Their song Pamparida was a hit across West Africa in 1980.
Joseph Philippe Gentil	b. 9 February 1928, Mauritius, d. 26 January 2021, location unknown Joseph Philippe Gentil was a Mauritian composer known for composing Mauritius's national anthem The Motherland, at the time of Mauritius's independence from Britain in 1968. Many of his compositions were written for the Mauritian police band and he was also a popular Mauritian comedian.
Jackson Kaujeua	b. 3 July 1953, Huns, Namibia, d. 27 May 2010, Windhoek Jackson Kaujeua was a Namibian gospel singer and composer, and an important figure in the Namibian struggle for independence from apartheid South Africa. He trained in church choirs and was inspired by American gospel stylings. He lived in exile until 1990 and died in poverty in 2010.
Alemseged Tesfai	b. 19 October 1944, Adi Quala, Eritrea Alemseged Tesfai is an academic and playwright whose focus is on the Eritrean Revolution. Some of his works talk about the sexual abuse committed against women by the colonizers who were looking for ethnic mixing. He also wrote works based on his participation in the Eritrean war for independence.
James Ene Henshaw	b. 29 August 1924, Calabar, Nigeria, d. 16 August 2007, Calabar, Nigeria James Ene Henshaw was a playwright. His theatre reflects on the social, political and economic transformation that took place in Africa when many countries became colonies and later when they became independent. It also highlights the invaluable experience of the elders as symbols of the cultures of the various tribal entities of Africa.
Raymond Sarif Easmon	b. 15 January 1913, Freetown, Sierra Leone, d. 2 May 1997 Raymond Sarif Easmon was a medical doctor and a playwright. He was arrested for opposing the Siska Stevens government. Through his works he denounces the difficulties for a recently independent community and the corruption of state institutions.
Célestine Ouezzin Coulibaly	b. 1914, Place unknown, d. 1997, Place Unknown Célestine Ouezzin Coulibaly was an anticolonial leader and politician. She was a key figure in the march on Grand Bassam, contributing to the end of French colonial rule. After Burkina Faso’s independence in 1958, she became one of the first women in West Africa to hold a ministerial position.
Fethia Mzali	b. 1927, Tunis, Tunisia, d. 12 February 2018, Tunis, Tunisia Fethia Mzali was a teacher and politician. A teacher by profession, she became a political militant who was involved in the independence struggle. She became a councillor in independent Tunisia, and in 1983 was one of the first two women to become ministers in Tunisia.
Fozia Hashim	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown Fozia Hashim is a politician and a former activist. She fought alongside Aster Fissehatsion in the independence movement in Eritrea and became the head of the High Court of independent Eritrea. In 1993 she became minister of justice.
Grace Onyango	b. 26 June 1927, Sakwa, Kenya Grace Onyango is a former teacher and politician. In 1969 she was the first woman elected to parliament in independent Kenya. She was also the first woman to become a mayor in Kenya in 1965. She stated her aim was to prove to male dominated governments that women could perform in politics just as well.
Hortense Aka-Anghui	b. 1933, Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire, d. 2017, Côte d’Ivoire Hortense Aka Anghui was a politician. She spent her life in politics serving as mayor of Port-Bouët for 37 years, and deputy mayor for 25 years. She served as a minister in the first government of independent Côte d’Ivoire and was the long-standing president of the Association des Femmes Ivoiriennes.
Joice Mujuru	b. 15 April 1955, Mount Darwin, Zimbabwe Joice Mujuru is a former politician and revolutionary. She was one of few women commanders in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and became a minister in the independent government. She rose to vice president, serving for ten years until she was expelled from the party in 2015.
Loffo Camara	b. 1925, Place Unknown, d. 25 January 1971, Conakry, Guinea Loffo Camara was a midwife, activist, and politician. She was a pioneer activist in the PDG party of Guinea and became secretary of state for social affairs under the independent government of Sékou Touré. Her opposition to Touré in 1962 led to her dismissal. She was later arrested and executed.
Lydie Beassemda	b. Date and year unknown, N’Djamena, Chad Lydie Beassemda is a politician and an activist for women’s rights. In 2018, she led the Party for Democracy and Full Independence which was founded by her father. In 2021 she was the first woman to stand as presidential candidate in Chad. She is currently minister of Higher education and Research.
Marie Madoé Sivomey	b. Date and year unknown, Place unknown, d. 2008, Lomé, Togo Marie Madoé Sivomey was a politician. She began her career under the French colonial administration, moving into the Togolese government upon independence in 1960. In 1967 she became the mayor of Lomé, the first woman to be mayor of a capital city on the African continent.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah	b. 29 October 1952, Onamutai, Namibia Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is a politician. Since 2015 she has served as deputy prime minister of Namibia, the first woman to do so. She is a long-term member of the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO),joining the independence movement in 1974 when living in exile. She has held various ministerial roles since 1996.
Oppah Muchinguri	b. 14 December 1958, Mutasa District, Zimbabwe Oppah Muchinguri is a politician and a liberation fighter. She received military training in Mozambique and fought with the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) in the liberation war. After independence she joined the government, serving in numerous roles including ministerial posts from 1997. She is currently minister of defence.
Rose Chibambo	b. 8 September 1928, Malawi, d. 12 January 2016, Blantyre, Malawi Rose Chibambo was a politician and an activist. She was a freedom fighter against British colonial rule in Malawi and became the first woman to be appointed minister in the independent Malawian government in 1964. In 1965 she was forced into exile, returning in 1994.
Abeba Tesfagiorgis	b. Date and Year unknown, Eritrea Abeba Tesfagiorgis Baatai is an author whose work focuses on gender inequality within the context of the Eritrean fight for independence. Following her incarceration as a member of the Eritrean Liberation Movement, her writing provides insights into the female experience in prison.
Woldeab Woldemariam	b. 27 April 1905, Adi Zarna, Eritrea, d. 1995, Asmara, Eirtrea Woldeab Woldemariam was a notable figure in the Eritrean Independence movement against British imperialism. He was an advocate for Muslim and Christian groups and called for autonomous reform with Ethiopia.
Tedla Bairu	b. 27 March 1914, d. 1984 Tedla Bairu was a politician who became the leader of the Eritrean Unionist Party which formed in order to seek unity with Ethiopia following WWII. The party's aim was successful and resulted in Haile Selassie’s leadership in Eritrea after British imperialism.
Alamin Mohammed-Seid	b. Date and Year unknown, Masawa, Eritrea, d. 2021, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Alamin Mohammed-Seid was a freedom fighter and elected leader of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front during the Ethiopian Annexation after WWII. He organised peaceful resistance and sought to support religious communities clumsily divided after British imperialism.
Saleh Ahmed Iyay	b Date and Year unknown, Eritrea, d. 2004, Asmara, Eritrea Saleh Ahmed Iyay was a political agitator who was part of the leadership of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front. In 1958, he oversaw the secessionist movement, recruiting members with the aim to create unity against Ethiopian annexation of Eritrea.
Hamid Idris Awate	b. 1910, Gerset, Eritrea, d. 1962 Hamid Idris Awate was an Eritrean politician who fought as part of the Italian Eritrean Ascari in WWII and later in the Eritrean Liberation Front for the liberation of Eritrea from Ethiopian annexation.
Saba Kidane	b. 1978 Saba Kidane is a writer and former member of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front. Her work explores female experience in the context of her nation's political landscape.
Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu	b 1981, Adi Keih,Eritrea Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu is a writer and a journalist. In 2009 she was incarcerated by the Eritrean Military for six years. Following her release, she has become a symbol for Eritrean experience within popular culture.
Ribka Sibhatu	b.1962, Asmara, Eritrea Ribka Sibhatu is an activist-poet whose work aims to contextualise disparity within the European migrant experience, following her own experience of migration to Italy from Eritrea. She also works as a translator and her poetry is written both in Italian and Tigrinya.
Astier M. Almedom	b. May 1957, Asmara, Eritrea, d. July 2016, Cambridge, UK. Astier M. Almedom was a professor and educator. She was dedicated to studying the psychological effects caused by environmental disasters and civil unrest following the protracted Eritrean War of Independence against Ethiopia (1998-2000).
Assefaw Bariagaber	b. 1951, Eritrea Assefaw Bariagaber is a professor working for the UNHCR on refugee issues in the Horn of Africa. He contributes to journals covering Eritrean history, with a focus on national independence from colonial rule.
Tekie Fessehatzion	b. 1941, Eritrea, d. 2010 Tekie Fessehatzion was a published professor of economics. Dedicated to Eritrean Nationalism within the Ethiopian conflict, his works have contributed to international studies on the divisions caused by past colonial rule.
Reesom Haile	b.1946, Eritrea, d. 2003 Reesom Haile was a writer and former Poet Laureate of Eritrea who worked primarily in Tigrinya, his native tongue. During more than two decades of exile from Eritrea, he studied in New York and worked with NGOs and the UN. He criticised the division of language caused by the relationship with Africa to its former colonisers.
Ghirmai Negash	b.1956 Ghirmai Negash is an academic and head of the Department of Eritrean Languages and Literature at the University of Asmara. His work examines colonial influences on modern Eritrean identity with a focus on literature, critical theory and translation.
Amara Essy	b. 20 December 1944, Bouaké, Cote d'Ivoire Amara Essy is a diplomat and was previously the elected head of the OAU during its transition into becoming the African Union. The organisation promotes solidarity between African countries that were once divided under colonial influence.
Salim Ahmed Salim	b. 23 January 1942, Tanzania Salim Ahmed Salim is a politician who briefly served as prime minister of Tanzania (1984 -1985). He was a key figurehead in the founding of the African Union in 1990 and the implementation of strategy following on from decolonisation.
Aline Sitoe Diatta	b.1920, Senegal, d. 1944 Timbuktu, Mali Aline Sitoé Diatta was a resistance figure in Senegal. After the French seized her region of Casamances rice harvest to support the war effort in WWII she, alongside other women, discouraged cooperation with paying taxes and rejected calls to replace rice cultivation with peanuts. Diatta also called for better working conditions and rights to religious worship.
Bweta N’dubi	b. Date and Year Unknown, Former Portugese Guinea Bweta N’dubi was a regional deputy of the National Assembly mobilised by the PAIGC during Guinea-Bissau’s fight for autonomy from the Portuguese. Initially given responsibility for providing rice for guerrillas, Bweta, among other women, utilised their newfound position to challenge patriarchal views.
Teodora Inácia Gomes	b. Date and Year Unknown, Former Portugese Guinea Teodora Inácia Gomes is a politician, nurse, pioneering feminist and a member of the PAIGC. She was active on the front line of Guinea-Bissau's war of independence (1963-1974). Her participation boosted equality and helped to centralise women within political reform.
Theresa NQuamé	b. Date and Year Unknown, Balanta, Former Portugese Guinea, Theresa NQuamé is a member of the PAIGC Naval Corps and helped to sink two embarking Portuguese ships. NQuamé, along with many lesser known women, challenged patriarchal roles on the battlefields of the independence war in Guinea-Bissau (1963-1974).
Joana Mai	b. Date and Year Unknown Joana Mai is a member of the PAIGC Naval Corps. She was situated along the rivers and roads of the northern front during the war of independence in Guinea-Bissau (1963-1974).
Sandé NHaga	b. Date and Year Unknown, NXeia,Former Portugese Guinea Sandé NHaga is a freedom fighter and member of the PAIGC who set up a transitory house for independence fighters on their way to Conakry for training.
Fatu Turé	b. Date and Year Unknown,Gabu, Former Portugese Guinea Fatu Turé is a freedom fighter and member of the PAIGC who participated in various military activities such as transporting weapons and protecting villages.
Segunda Lopes	b. 1950, Komo Island, Former Portugese Guinea Segunda Lopes was a lesser-known pioneer for societal change in Guinea Bissau. She was appointed director of the Abel Djassi Military Boarding School by Amilcar Cabral and her anti-colonial efforts increased gender mobility in Guinea-Bissau during the war for independence (1963-1974).
Mario Romalho Cissokho	b. Date and Year Unknown, Former Portugese Guinea, d. Date and year unknown. Mario Romalho Cissokho was a politician, member of the PAIGC and former Director of the INEP (Guinea Bissau’s National Institute of Research).
Brinsam Nassentche	b. Date and Year Unknown, Former Portugese Guinea Brinsam Nassentche was a freedom fighter in the Guinea-Bissau war of independence (1963-1974). Her efforts contributed to improved conditions for many women in the sixties. However Nassentche, along with many other women, are often forgotten in the historical narrative of the liberation struggle.
Bilony Nhama	b. 15 July 1961, Bambadinca, Former Portugese Guinea Bilony Nhama Nantamba Nhassé is the elected Sectary general of the UDEMU and women’s wing of PAIGC. She implemented increased agricultural production for food crops during the War of Independence (1963-1974).
Joana Gomes	b. Date and Year Unknown., d. Date and year unknown. Joana Gomes was a medic working on the frontline during the war of Independence (1963-1974). After the war, the new PAIGC government rewarded female fighters with high-level posts and Joana became a hospital administrator.
Patrícia Godinho Gomes	b 26 June 1972, Former Portugese Guinea Patrícia Godinho Gomes is a historian and researcher whose work focuses on the role of women in anti-colonial resistance and the importance of their participation.
Rabea Kerzabi	b. Date and year unknown. Former Colonial Algeria Rabea Kerzabi is a politician. She served as the Minister of National Solidarity and Family in Algeria and cofounded the IQRAA (the Algerian Literacy Association). Fighting for equality through education, she established literacy programmes groups across the country in the 1990’s.
Ibn Badis	b.4 December 1889, Constantine, Algeria, 16 April 1940, Constantine, Algeria Ibn Badis was a leader of the Islamic reformist movement in Algeria in the early 20th century. He founded the newspaper Al-Shihab (The Meteor) which became a platform for autonomous thinking in Algeria. He also promoted free teaching of Arabic, which had been marginalised French colonial rule.
Aicha Bouazzar	b. Date and Year unknown, Former Colonial Algeria Aicha Bouazzar was a political agitator active in the Algerian liberation. She was a member of the ‘Rural Shocks’ military group who were responsible for ambushing French forces depicted in the film The Battle of Algiers (1966).
Zohra Drif	b. 28 December 1934 Tissemsilt, Algeria Zohra Drif is a retired lawyer and was a political militant during the Algerian war for independence from French colonists (1954-1962). Following liberation, she established educational groups for orphaned children and became the first woman elected on the parliamentary Council of the Nation.
Yamina Bachir	b. 20 March 1954 in Algiers, Algeria, d. 3 April 2022, Algeria Yamina Bachir was a film editor and writer noted for the depiction of female experience during the period of civil unrest known as the Black Decade in Algeria in the film Rachida (2002).
Yasmine Chouikh	b. 1982, Algiers, Algeria Yasmine Chouikh is a film director and the daughter of Yamina Bachir. Her feature film Until the End of Time (2017) explores a blooming relationship between a senior couple confined by restrictions of grief.
Gladys Casely-Hayford	b. 11 May 1904, Axim, Former British Gold Coast, d. 1950, Sierra Leone Gladys Casely-Hayford, known by her pen name of Aqua Lalua, was credited as the first poet to write in Krio. Her published works include themes of lesbian eroticism and female experience.
Adelaide Casely-Hayford	b 1868, Sierra Leone., d. 1960, Sierra Leone Adelaide Casely-Hayford was an advocate for education of girls in Africa during the colonial period. She was educated in Europe but returned to Sierra Leone and became principal of the Girls’ Vocational School in Freetown.
Mohamed Chouikh	b.3 September 1943, Mostaganem,Algeria. Mohammed Chouikh is an actor and director whose focus is to illustrate civilian experience amongst conflicts that have followed on from French colonial rule. After independence, Algerian cinema was highly censored and any lessons from the colonial past were obscured, only to be repeated later. Choukih depicted this repetition through a soldier with memory loss in his film Youcef (1994).
Paulin Soumanou Vieyra	b. 1925, Porto Novo, Dahomey (present day Benin),d. 1987 Paris, France. Paulin Soumanou Vieyra was an actor and director. He was an influential leader in the development of African Cinema and his works explore racial experience during and after the colonial period. He founded the Fédération Panafricaine des Cinéastes where he mentored developing filmmakers of the time.
Oumarou Ganda	b. 1935, Nigeria, d. 1981 Oumarou Ganda was an actor, director and screenwriter experimenting with social commentary in the 1970’s. He is mostly known for Moi, un noir, Le wazzou polygame, Cabascabo and Babatu.
Siti binti Saad	b. 1880, Tanzania., d. 1950 Siti binti Saad was a musician and Taarab singer who sung about subjects such as class oppression and the subjugation of women. She featured on labels such as Colombia Records and His Master’s Voice and was the first East African person to make commercial recordings and sales of over 72,000 copies after two years of release.
Olive Schreiner	b. 24 March 1855, Cape Colony present day South Africa, d. 11 December, 1920, Cape Town, South Africa. Olive Schreiner was a feminist author and campaigner for women's rights. Her book, The Story of an African Farm (1883) was first published under the pseudonym of Ralph Iron. Schreiner openly criticised Cecil Rhode's policies during his time in Government and, during the Anglo-Boer War, the English destroyed her property and burnt her manuscripts.
William Phillip Schreiner	b. 30 August 1857, Cape Colony present day South Africa, d. 28 June 1919, South Africa William Phillip Schreiner was a Lawyer and served as Prime-Minister of the Cape Colony between 1898 and 1900. In 1909, he accompanied political leaders to London, where he proposed equal delegation of leadership to be considered for black people left out of the political convention, the claim was unsuccessful.
Victoria Sekitoleko	b. Date and Year unknown Victoria Sekitoleko is a politician and the former minister of agriculture in the Ugandan Government, serving between 1986 and 1995. She is the founder of the Uganda Community Cultural Centre that seeks to educate communities through libraries and trains its members in debate, public speaking and advocacy.
Derartu Tulu	b. 1972, Ethiopia Derartu Tulu is an athlete known for being the first black woman to win gold for the 10,000 metre run at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Her win signified a new era in sport and inspired women to take part in athletics.
Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana	b. 11 October 1952, Nambia Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana is a politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture as well as the Secretary General. She is a member of the SWAPO party and has argued that women are a key resource in conflict resolution.
Ntšeliseng ‘Masechele Khaketla	b. 1918, Berea, Former British Union of South Africa Ntšeliseng ‘Masechele Khaketla was an author and educator who helped to establish two private schools in Lesotho. She was also the first woman in the country to be appointed as high court assessor.
Stella Oyedepo	b. Date and Year unknown, Nigeria, d. 22 April 2019, Nigeria Stella Oyedepo was a feminist playwright and an advocate for marginalised people. She published over twenty plays in which she dramatised contemporary issues women experience in Nigeria.
Micere Githae Mugo	b. 1942, Barico, Kenya, d. 30 June 2023, Syracuse, New York, United States Micere Githae Mugo was a writer and a poet. She was the first female dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at the University of Nairobi. Her political activism led to her exile from Kenya in 1982 by former president Daniel Arap Moi’s government.
Zulu Sofola	b. 22 June 1935, Issele-Uku, Nigeria, d. 5 September 1995, Washington DC, US. Zulu Sofola was a feminist playwright who centred stories around gender inequality. Her work was seen on the stage and on the screen. Her last play Queen Omu-Ako of Oligbo is set during the Biafran War (1967-1970).
Rebeka Njau	b. 1942, Kanyariri, Kenya Rebeka Njau is an educator and writer. In her one act play, The Scar (1965),she condemns traditions of female genital mutilation. Ripples in the Pool (1975) was considered the first Kenyan novel to deal with lesbian relationships sensitively.
Efunporoye Osuntinubu Olumosa	b. 1805, Abeokuta, Western Nigeria, d. Date and Year unknown. Efunporoye Osuntinubu Olumosa, or Efunroye Tinubu, was a business woman initially trading in salt and tree bark. She later expanded her network to supply arms, originally brought to Nigeria by European colonists, to rebels in the Yoruba Wars as well as monopolising the slave trade. Her namesake Tinubu Square, in present day Lagos, remains a commercial hub in the city.
Miriam Tlali	b. 11 November 1933, Doornfontein, Former British Union of South Africa, d February 24, 2017, Johannesburg Miriam Tlali was a novelist and short story writer. She wrote with a focus on the plight of black women during the apartheid segregation. Tlali founded the publishing house, Skotaville, and was a member of both the Women's National Coalition and the South African Women's Charter.
Osonye Tess Onwueme	b. 8 September 1955, Ogwashi-Uku present Delta State, Former Colonial Nigeria Osonye Tess Onwueme is an internationally renowned playwright focusing on class issues and the conflict between modern and traditional expectations. Her work holds an emphasis on environmental problems experienced by women in Africa and across the diaspora.
Semane Setlhoko Khama	b. 1881, Botswana, d. 1937 Semane Setlhoko Khama was mohumagadi of the Bangwato, an educator and an advocate for Christianity and medicine. Her activism expanded women’s participation in the church and school at the once male dominated Kgotla, or central village meeting place.
Juliana Makuchi Nfah-Abbeny	b. 15 March 1958, Former French Cameroon Juliana Makuchi Nfah-Abbenyi is a writer and professor. Her books African Womens Writing (1997) and Your Madness Not Mine (1999) explore postcolonial literature and feminism in the global south. She now teaches around these topics on undergraduate and graduate courses at the North Carolina State University.
Delphine Zanga Tsogo	b. 21 December 1935, Former French Cameroon Delphine Zanga Tsogo is a nurse and a politician. She was a Member of Parliament from 1965 until 1972 and Vice Minister for Health and Public Welfare from 1970 until 1975. Gender equality and mobility are the themes explored in her books Vies de Femmes (1983) and L'Oiseau en cage (1983).
Djoumbe Fatima	b. 1837, Comoros, d. 1878, Comoros Djoumbe Fatima was the Muslim Queen of Mohéli who begun her reign from the age of five. In 1863, the French Government met with Djoumbe and attempted to persuade her into the colonisation of her land. She rejected and her staunch anti-colonialist views lasted throughout her life.
Gladys Anoma	b. 28 March 1930, Côte d'Ivoire,, d. October 2006, Paris Gladys Anoma was a scientist who embraced a political career with the Association of Ivorian Women between 1966 and 1980. Her efforts helped to establish increased participation of women in the political sphere. She was also active supporting orphanages and holding educational conferences on legal procedures following marriage and divorce.
Martine Djibo	b. 14 February 1939, Côte D'ivoire, d. 30th October 2022 Martine Djibo was a high school headteacher and member of the Association for Ivorian Women. She also worked in government during the Civil War (2002). Djibo supported the Ougadougou Peace Agreement (2007) due to her belief that Ivorians could sustain political solutions without interference from their former colonists.
Henriette Rose Dagri Diabate	b. 13 March 1935, Bingerville, Former French Côte d'Ivoire Henriette Rose Dagri Diabate is a history professor who has taught in universities in Dakar, Paris and Berlin. Her political achievements include serving as Minister of Culture, Grand Chancellor of the National Order and Minister of Justice. She co-founded the liberal party, Rassemblement Des Républicains (RDR),in 1994.
Cecilia Kadzamira	b. 1938, Southern Rhodesia. Cecilia Kadzamira is the former Official Government Hostess of the former president for life Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda. She was also Deputy Commander in Chief of the political agitators known as the Malawi Young Pioneers.
Fatoumata Dembélé Diarra	b. 1949, Koulikoro, Former French Sudan, Present Day Mali. Fatoumata Dembélé Diarra is a judge, activist and founder of the Association of Women Lawyers, who work with the International Committee of the Red Cross on humanitarian law and with vulnerable disenfranchised groups. Diarra is known for her work as a judge ad litem at the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia.
Fanta Damba	b. 1938, Segoù, Former French Sudan, Present Mali. Fanta Damba is a musician. She is known by her fans as La Grande Vedette Malienne and, in 1975, was the first djelimuso or Griotte singer (both names for a West African bard) to have toured Europe.
Siramori Diabaté	d. Date and Year unknown, Kela, Mali, d. 16 October 1989, Mali Siramori Diabaté was a Griotte musician (West African bard) whose work commented on geographical and societal distances. She was very celebrated during her lifetime.
Mariam Mint Ahmed Aicha	b. Date and Year unknown, Mauritiana Mariam Mint Ahmed Aicha is a politician who served as the Minister of Women’s Affairs between 1992 and 1994. She was also the Secretary of State of Women’s Affairs from 1994 to 1995. She advocated for women at the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Bejing in 1995.
Aïssata Toure Kane	b. Date and Year unknown, Nouakchott, Mauritiana, d. 10 August 2019, Mali Aïssata Toure Kane was an activist working towards the provision of women’s rights following on from Malian independence in 1960. She served as the Minister of Family and Social Welfare from 1971 until 1978.
Sheilabai Bappoo	b. 16 June 1947, Beau Bassin, Former British Mauritius Sheilabai Bappoo is a politician and the former Minister of Gender Equality, Child Protection and Family Planning from 1983 until 1995 and then from 2010 until 2011. She is one of the longest serving members of the Mauritian Cabinet of Ministers.
Radha Poonoosamy	b. 18 September 1924, Former British Union of South Africa, d. 2008, Mauritius Radha Poonoosamy was a politican and a campaigner for women's rights and anti-Indian discrimination in South Africa. She became the inaugural elected Minister of Women’s Affairs in Mauritius in 1975, the first female minister in the country, and helped to pass laws against gender discrimination.
Mah Damba	b. 1965, Bamoko, Mali Mah Damba is a Griotte Singer (West African bard) whose band works with traditional instruments from Mali. She worked with the American Film and Television Composer Jonathan Elias on his international choral project The Prayer Cycle in 1999
Youssou Ndour	b. 1 October 1959, Dakar, Senegal. Youssou Ndour is a singer and musician known for his vast vocal range and for his work with the Wolof language in the Mblax genre. He has worked with Artists such as Neneh Cherry and Peter Gabriel.
Analia Maria Caldeira	b. 3 October 1941, Luanda, Angola, d. 9 January 2009, Lisbon, Portugal Analia Maria Caldeira was a politician and the co-founder of the Liberal Democratic Party of Angola. She advocated for democracy after the departure of the Portuguese colonists from Angola.
Carolina Noémia Abranches de Sousa	b. 20 September 1926, Catembe,Mozambique, d. 4 December 2002 Carolina Noémia Abranches de Sousa was a poet. Her work explored black female experience in the context of the former Portuguese colony in Mozambique. She was known for her critical verse in Sangue Negro, a poem from 2001.
Josina Machel	b 10 August 1945, Mozambique, d. 7 April 1971, Dar el Salaam,Mozambique Josina Machel was an activist and a member of the Mozambique Liberation front, or FRELIMO. During the struggle for independence, she was imprisoned twice. Machel married Samora Moisés Machel who would become the first president of independent Mozambique.
Josina Ziyaya Machel	b. April 1976, Maputo, Mozambique Josina Ziyaya Machel is a human rights activist. She is the founder of the Kuhluka Movement which aims to to destigmatise domestic violence and to create safe spaces and support networks for its survivors.
Uerita Johanna Gertze	b. 1837, Otjimbingwe, Nambia, d. 1948, Otjimbingwe, Nambia Uerita Johanna Gertze worked as a pharmacist and a translator of German, Dutch and her native Herero Bantu. This work was largely as a contribution to Carl Hugo Hahn’s writings on Herero Bantu, a missionary whom Gertze worked at the house of in Otjikango. She also taught sewing.
Livula-Ithana Pendukeni	b.11 October 1952, Nambia Livula-Ithana Pendukeni is a politician who served as the Minister of Justice of Nambia and the Secruitary General of SWAPO, Namibia’s ruling political party.
Zara Schmelen	b. Date and Year Unknown, Southern Nambia, d. 1831, Nambia Zara Schmelen was a missionary's wife and a translator of the Nama Language. Together with her husband, they succeeded in translating the New Testament into the Khoikhoi language.
Aduke Alakija	b. March 1921, Former Colonial Nigeria, d. March 2016, Nigeria Jaiyeola Aduke Alakija was a social worker, lawyer and a diplomat for Nigeria to Sweden from 1984 until 1987. She was also former president of the International Federation of Women Lawyers and a delegated member of the United Nations between 1961 and 1965.
Zaynab Alkali	b. 1950, Borno State, Former Colonial Nigeria Zaynab Alkali is a writer who draws from personal experiences of her Muslim faith. In The Stillborn (1989),she explores the repetitive conflict between traditional expectations and modern ideas of what is expected of women in Africa.
Nike Davies-Okundaye	b. 1951, Ogidi-Ijumu, Former Colonial Nigeria Nike Davies-Okundaye, known as ‘Mama Nike’, is a textile artist working with traditional Batik and Adire practices. She founded the Nike Centre for Art and Culture in Osogbo, with the aim to preserve this rich heritage for future generations.
Bilkisu Ahmed Funtuwa	b. Date and Year Unknown, Nigeria Bilkisu Ahmed Funtuwa is a Hausa novelist combining themes relating to women's rights and Islam. Her work aims to educate women on familial relationships and living harmoniously with their faith.
Hajiya Balaraba Ramat Yakubu	b. Date and Year Unknown, Nigeria Hajiya Balaraba Ramat Yakubu is a writer working in the Hausa language. Her works often explore themes of romance or soyayya and have been translated and printed in English.
Eka Esu Williams	b. 1950, Former Colonial Nigeria Eka Esu Williams is an immunologist and an activist for sexual health rights and education. She has studied the benefits of contraception amongst vulnerable groups across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya	b. Date and Year Unknown, Kigali, Rwanda Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya is a politician currenting serving as the Minister of Land and Environment in Rwanda and working on issues such as pollution and land preservation.
Monique Mujawamariya	b. Date and Year Unknown, Rwanda Monique Mujawamariya is a human rights activist. She founded the Association for the Defense of Human Rights and Public Liberties in 1990 before escaping her home country to the United States and lobbying for intervention in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. She received the award of National Endowment for Democracy in 1995.
Ranavalona I	b. 1778, Madagascar, d. 16 August, 1861, Queen's Palace, Antananarivo, Madagascar Ranavalona I was Queen of Madagascar from 1828 until her death. She broke off trade agreements with European colonisers and fought off the French attempts to seize control of the country. This marked an early attempt to reject colonisation.
Sokhna Magat Diop	b. 1917, Senegal, d. 2003, Senegal Sokhna Magat Diop was an Islamic religious leader. She was known for organising daily activities amongst associations in Dakar and Thiés.
Mame Diarra Bousso	b. 1833, Senegal, b. 1866, Senegal Mame Diarra Bousso was an Islamic religious leader and a Sufi saint. Her legacy lives on through a pilgrimage route which offers educational training for women.
Ndaté Yalla Mbodj	b. 1810, Waalo, Senegal, d. 1860, Senegal Ndaté Yalla Mbodj was a Lingeer, or Queen, who rejected and blocked the French empire's access via road to St Louis in Senegal. Her defences were later overwhelmed in 1855 at the Battle of Dioubouldy.
Fatou Sow	b. 1941, Dakar, Senegal Fatou Sow is a feminist sociologist and advocate for reproductive health and women's rights with a focus on women in Africa. Her published works include Femmes Sénégalaises à L’horizon, which was published in 2015.
Mata Sy Diallo	b. Date and Year Unknown, Senegal Mata Sy Diallo is a politician. She was elected as the President of the Mouvement National des Femmes de l'Espoir et du Progrès in 2003 and is an active member of the Socialist Party of Senegal.
Danielle de St. Jorre	b. 1942, Mahé, Seychelles, d. 25 February 1997, Paris, France Danielle de St. Jorre was a Minister of Foreign Affairs and a linguist who promoted the use of the Creole language across the Seychelles. She was originally a teacher by profession.
Sylvette Frichot Pool	b. 1945, Seychelles Sylvette Frichot Pool is a politician. She advocated for closing the gender pay gap in the Seychelles and, in 1989, she became the Minister of Information, Culture, and Sports.
Rita Sinon	b.1943, Kenya, d. 1989, Seychelles Rita Sinon was a politician. She led the Women's League in the aftermath of independence in 1975. Later, she became the Minister of Internal Affairs as the country developed. Eventually in 1986, Sinon was made Cabinet Minister.
Constance Agatha Cummings-John	b. 1918, Sierra Leone, d. March 2000 Constance Agatha Cummings-John was a politician and educationist as well as a women's rights activist. She founded the Sierra-Leonian Women's Movement in 1952, before joining the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) during the period of de-colonisation. She reflected on her efforts with her autobiography Memoirs of a Krio Leader, published in 1996.
Ella Koblo Gulama	b. 21 January, 1921, Moyamba, Sierra Leone., d. 10 December 2006, Sierra Leone Ella Koblo Gulama was a member of Parliament in Sierra Leone in 1957 who was re-elected as the Cabinet Minister in 1962. She was an advocate for education and dedicated her career to women and girls through her leadership of the APC Women's Organisation of Moyamba District and her presidency of the National Organization for Women from 1985 until 1991.
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid	b. 25 July 1955,Mogadishu,Somalia Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid, known as Iman, is a Somalian model who started her international career in the 1960’s. She is known to have challenged payment disparities on race lines and currently supports the female led Hawa Abdi Foundation which cares for vulnerable groups affected by war or gender-based oppression.
Michael Owusu Addo	b. 10th July 1985, Tema, Ghana Michael Owusu Addo, known as Sarkodie, is a recording artist specialising in Hip-Hop, often in the Twi Language. He supports the Royal Seed Home Orphanage in Kasoa and has established a foundation under his name to support underprivileged children.
Isaac Theophilus Akunna Wallace-Johnson	b. 1895, Freetown, Sierra Leone., d. 10 May 1965, Ghana Isaac Theophilus Akunna Wallace-Johnson was a journalist and the founder of the West African Youth League during the 1930s. Beginning his agitation against the British Empire with his pamphlet The Cloud of Doom, he later went on to successfully campaign with the WAYL and to win the shortlived Freetown Municipal Council elections of 1938 and the Legislative Council elections of 1939.
Mary Lokko	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana., d. 2012, Ghana. Mary Lokko was an activist and a member of the West African Youth League in the 1930s. She particularly organised women’s involvement in the group and later worked closely with Wallace-Johnson to campaign against colonial presence in Western Africa.
Annie Ruth Jiagge	b. 10 October, 1918, Beata, Togo, d. 12 June 1996, Accra, Ghana Annie Ruth Jiagge was a lawyer, a women's rights campaigner and president of the Young Women’s Christian Association between 1955 and 1960. Eventually gaining recognition for her efforts to disband oppression, she was appointed as a Ghanian representative to the UN Commission on the Status of Women in 1962. In 1980, Jiagge was appointed as the President of the Court of Appeal.
Christiana Abiodun Emanuel	b. 25 December 1907, Abeokuta, Former Colonial Nigeria, d. 1994 Christiana Abiodun Emanuel was a missionary who co-founded the Cherubim and Seraphim Society in Nigeria. After schisms in the society, starting from 1929, and facing discrimination for her gender, the missionary campaigned to be made head of the church and was successful in 1986.
Grace Eniola Soyinka	b. 1908, Nigeria, d. 1983, Nigeria Grace Eniola Soyinka was an activist who co-founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union during a period of increased taxes introduced by the Alake of Abeokuta, the Nigerian ruler supported by the British Empire. In a protest known as the Abeokuta Women's Revolt, 20,000 merchant women withheld their taxes, forcing the Alake to abdicate. The union eventually evolved the Nigerian Women’s Union.
Ingrid Awadé	b. Date and Year unknown, Togo. Ingrid Awadé is a politician. She was the Togolese Director General of Taxes from 2006 until 2017 and is the currently appointed Head of the National Social Security Fund. Under her leadership, the structure has financed several projects in the health and real estate sectors.
Hannah Benka-Coker	b. 1903, British Sierra Leone., d. 17 June 1952, Unknown Hannah Benka-Coker was an educator who founded the Freetown Secondary School for Girls in 1926. With support from local people, the school now educates girls travelling from neighbouring countries.
Fatima Ahmed Ibrahim	b. 20 December 1928, Omdurman,Former French Sudan, d. 12 August 2017, Sudan Fatima Ibrahim is a writer, women’s rights activist and politician. She was co-founder of the Sudanese Women’s Union in 1952, an organisation that campaigned and secured the right for women to vote and to receive both maternity pay and a pension in Sudan. Additionally, Ibrahim co-founded the SWU that led resistance against the regime of Ibraham Abboud in the spread of the 1964 October revolution.
Khalida Zahir	b. 1926, Omdurman, Former French Sudan, d. 9 June 2015, Sudan Khalida Zahir was a doctor and a pioneer for women's rights in Sudan. She co-founded the Young Women's Cultural Society in 1946 and in 1952, she helped to establish the Sudanese Women's Union. Parallel to her political work, Zahir offered free medical treatment to vulnerable people at her clinic which led to her becoming Head of Paediatrics at The Ministry of Health, retiring in 1986.
Tereza Mbire	b. 1934, Uganda Tereza Mbire is an entrepreneur who co-founded The Uganda Women's Finance and Credit Trust and founded The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs' Association. She is an advocate for women in business and was knighted in 2021 by the Pope for her work in the catholic church.
Rhoda Kalema	b. May 1929, Former British Uganda Rhoda Kalema is a politician who served as a Minister on the Constituent Assembly in 1994. Dedicated to improving women’s agency, she is also a member of the Ugandan Women's Council.
Edith Mary Bataringaya	b. 1929, Kabale, Former British Uganda, d. 1977 Mbarara, Uganda Edith Mary Bataringaya was an activist and co-founder of The Ugandan Women’s Union and The Uganda Council of Women. Within the first decade of independence, Bataringaya’s groups successfully campaigned for changes in divorce laws, granting men and women equal opportunities for custody of property and children. Her efforts situated civic agency for women in a developing independent Uganda, before Idi Amin seized presidency in 1975.
Joan Kakwenzire	b. Date and Year unknown, Uganda Joan Kakwenzire is a Senior Presidential Advisor in the Ugandan Government. She is dedicated to fighting poverty and improving farming conditions.
Joyce Mpanga	b. 22 January 1934, Former British Uganda Joyce Mpanga is a politician who has been working from 2009 up until the present day. She is a prominent campaigner for Women’s Rights and served as the Minister of Women in Development from 1988 until 1989. She wrote a biography, It's a Pity She's Not a Boy!, published in 2019.
Moussokoro Camara	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Moussokoro Camara was a political activist. She, among other women, has her name on a commemorative statue situated in Pont de la Victoire, Ivory Coast. She took part in protesting against the incarceration of anti-colonial politicians without legitimate reason by the French authorities during the The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Lorougnon Zikaï	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Lorougnon Zikaï was an activist and one of a number of women that took part in a protest against the incarceration of anti colonial politicians without legitimate reason by the French authorities during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Marie Koré	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Marie Koré was an activist who led and organised 2,000 people during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison. Her efforts contributed to the release of PDCI-RDA political prisoners. She was once figured on the 1,000 note of the West African franc.
Fatoumata Traoré	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Fatoumata Traoré was an activist. She, among other women, has her name on a commemorative statue situated in Pont de la Victoire, Ivory Coast. She took part in protesting against the incarceration of anti-colonial politicians without legitimate reason by the French authorities during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Landji N'Dri	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Landji N'Dri protested against the unsolicited incarceration of anti-colonialist Ivorian politicians during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949. Her efforts paved the way for the country's independence from the French.
Anne-Marie Raggi	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Anne-Marie Raggi was an activist who protested against French colonial impact on women's experience, including the reduction of opportunity and equality. She was active during The Womens March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Mathieu Ekra	b. 27 February 1917, Former French Côte d'Ivorire, d. 22 February 2015, Côte d'Ivoire Mathieu Ekra was an Ivorian politician and former anti-colonist RDA member. During the struggle for independence he was one of eight arrested by the French authorities without legitimate reason. This was an event that sparked political outcry, among women especially.
Marguerite Sacoum	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Marguerite Sacoum was a political figure and activist. She found her political voice through her former spouse and member of the anti-colonist RDA group, Jean-Baptiste Mockey. The pre-independence country held hostility to women’s participation in politics, but, after the arrest of her ex husband, Sacoum joined a women’s committee to fight for his liberation.
Jean-Baptiste Mockey	b. 4 April, 1915, Former French Côte d'Ivorire, d. 29 January 1981, Côte d'ivoire Jean-Baptiste Mockey was a pharmacist and politician. He worked across various positions and was the Secretary General of the PDCI-RDA in 1959 at the same time as being Deputy Prime Minister to Félix Houphouët-Boign. He was exiled for disagreeing with the government's francophone policies.
Albert Paraïso	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Albert Paraïso was a member of the Ivorian anti-colonial RDA group who posed a challenge to French authorities. He, as well as other members of the RDA, were imprisoned without legitimate reason. This led to The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Philippe Vieira	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Philippe Vieira was a member of the Ivorian anti-colonial RDA group who posed a challenge to French authorities. He, as well as other members of the RDA, were imprisoned without legitimate reason. This led to The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Appiah Akaffou	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Appiah Akaffou, also called Blalè (meaning iron),was a political leader who spearheaded the N'Gban group's resistance to French settlers in Didiévi, Toumodi, Yamoussoukro. After his capture and execution in 1902, his anti-colonist efforts inspired others among his groups.
Kadjo Amangoua	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Kadjo Amangoua was a warrior of the Aboures who opposed French colonial expansion in the early 19th century. A statue commemorates his efforts in the city of Bonoua.
Zokou Gbeli	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Zokou Gbeli was an early 19th century leader who resisted colonialism. He led 1,000 fighters from the villages of Sabwa, Galebha and Labea in an attack on French settlers and managed to destroy the post of Daloa.
Samory Toure	b. 1830, Guinea, d. Date and Year unknown Samory Toure was an Islamic military leader and the Emperor of the Wassoulou Empire. He fought tirelessly against French colonial expansion in a Jihad from 1880 until 1885 and then again from 1891 until 1898. Toure was eventually defeated and exiled to Gabon where he died.
Lamad Camara	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown Lamad Camara, among other women, has her name on a commemorative statue situated in Pont de la Victoire, Ivory Coast. She took part in protesting against the incarceration of anti-colonial politicians without legitimate reason by the French authorities during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Sery Koré	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Sery Koré was a political activist. He was incarcerated for resisting the French as a member of the RDA group during the Ivorian fight for independence. This led to The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Jacob Williams	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Jacob Williams was a political activist. He was one of eight members of the colonial resistance group, the RDA, who were incarcerated for illegitimate reasons in the build up to The Womens March on Grand-Bassam in 1949.
Constance Yaï	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Constance Yaï was a feminist activist and grassroots organiser who established the Association for Defence of Women's Rights (AIDF). This organisation campaigns against forced marriages and challenges traditional conceptions of femininity.
Odette Ekra	b. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire, d. Date and Year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Odette Ekra was an activist. She, among other women, has her name on a commemorative statue situated in Pont de la Victoire, Ivory Coast. She took part in protesting against the incarceration of anti-colonial politicians without legitimate reason by the French authorities during The Women's March on Grand-Bassam Prison in 1949.
Elizabeth McLaren	b. Date and Year unknown, d. Date and Year unknown Elizabeth McLaren was an activist and a founding member of the Black Sash Group of South African women. The group consisted of predominantly white and middle class women who non-violently protested against apartheid laws by wearing a black sash to represent mourning of a lack of civil rights.
Tertia Pybus	b. Date and Year unknown, d. Date and Year unknown Tertia Pybus was an activist and a founding member of the Black Sash Group of South African women. The group consisted of predominantly white and middle class women who non-violently protested against apartheid laws by wearing a black sash to represent mourning of a lack of civil rights.
Helen Newton-Thompson	b. Date and Year unknown, d. Date and Year unknown Helen Newton-Thompson was an activist and a founding member of the Black Sash Group of South African women. The group consisted of predominantly white and middle class women who non-violently protested against apartheid laws by wearing a black sash to represent mourning of a lack of civil rights.
Asnaketch Worku	b. 1935, Ethiopia, d. 14 September 2011, Ethiopia Asnaketch Worku was an actress and singer who was famous for playing the krar, a type of lyre. She was successful in the 1970s, touring Europe and the USA.
Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou	b.12 December 1923, Ethiopia, d. 26 March 2023 Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, born Yewubdar Gebru, was a musician and a nun. Her album Ethiopiques, vol. 21: Emahoy (Piano Solo) is internationally renowned and has featured in Hollywood films. The song Homesickness has over eight million streams on Spotify.
Senedu Gebru	b.1915, Ethopia, d. 20 April 2009 Senedu Gebru was a politician and educator. She was a member of the Black Lion Movement which aimed to expel Italians from Ethiopia during the 1936 invasion. After the resistance, Gebru became an educator and later a member of Parliament, where she continued to campaign for civil equality between men and women.
Queen Fuam	b. Date and Year Unkown, Bameda Grassfields, Former French Cameroon, d. Date and Year Unkown, Bameda Grassfields, Cameroon Queen Fuam was a political actor who led the Kom women group into the Anlu Rebellion which occurred between 1958 and 1961. The rebellion was provoked by the British impositions on tribal farmland and forced implementation of agricultural techniques. Women intimidated officials through urinating on buildings, making shrill noises or exhibiting their vaginas.
Mrs Mwana	b. Date and Year Unkown, Bameda Grassfields, Former French Cameroon, d. Date and Year Unkown, Bameda Grassfields, Cameroon Mrs Muana was the 'Divisional Officer' and second in command to Queen Fuam at the time of the Anlu Rebellion between 1958 and 1961. Through varying forms of protest such as public singing, dancing, verbal insults and taking control of resources, the women challenged British colonists and provoked a move towards independence.
Augustine Ngom Jua	b. 24 November 1924, French Cameroon present day Cameroon, d. 30 December 1977, Cameroon Augustine Ngom Jua was an educator and Prime Minister of the Western state of independent Cameroon (1965-1968). He was an advocate for the unification of British and French Cameroon and helped to form the KNDP.
Tanimowo Ogunlesi	b.1 December 1908, Ibadan Nigeria, d. 2002, Ibadan, Nigeria. Tanimowo Ogunlesi was an activist and a founding member of the women’s section of Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group. She established the Children’s Home School in Ibadan as well as political networks such as the Women’s Improvement Society and later, the Nigerian Council of Women’s Societies. Ogunlesi was the only female member of the Nigerian delegation sent to the United Kingdom to discuss independence in 1953.
Elisabeth Olowu	b. 1945, Benin City, Nigeria Elisabeth Olowu is a sculptor known for her figurative studies with bronze. She is also the daughter of Oba Akenzua II who was the king of the Edo people. Her work is feminist in nature and represents women as having the same capabilities as men.
Wuraola Esan	b. March, 1909, Nigeria, d.1 January 1985, Nigeria Wuraola Esan was a politician, activist and teacher. During the 1950s, she joined Awolowo’s Action Group, campaigning for Women's Rights, and founded the National Council of Women Societies. In 1960, Esan became a member of the Nigerian Senate under the AG party.
Eunice Lipinge	b. Date and Year unknown, Nambia Eunice Lipinge is a politician. She was elected president of The Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO) in 2020 and was a member of Parliament between the years 2015 and 2020.
Grace Kabayo	b. Date and Year unknown, Uganda Grace Kabayo is an entrepreneur. She is currently the Secretary General for The Pan African Women's Organisation, elected in 2020.
Madeleine Mukamabano	b. 1955, Rwanda Madeleine Mukamabano is a journalist, radio producer and podcaster. She received the Bayeux prize for war correspondents following her coverage of the Rwandan Genocide in 2000.
Elizabeth Rukidi Nyabongo	b. 1936, Former British Uganda Elizabeth Rukidi Nyabongo, also known as Princess Elizabeth of Toro, is a lawyer, actress and model. She was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and ambassador to the USA, Germany and the Vatican in the 1960s.
Margaret Wanjiru Gakuo	b. April 1964, Kenya Margaret Wanjiru Gakuo, also known as Margaret Kenyetta, is the former First Lady of Kenya. She is an advocate for health services and established the Beyond Zero Association in 2014 which made a significant contribution to reducing HIV and TB.
Abubakar Gimba	b. 1952, Nasarawa, Nigeria, d. 25 February 2015, Nigeria Abubakar Gimba was a writer and an economist. His work discussed societal issues around western influences in Nigeria and militant factions of Islam. In Sacred Apples, published in 1994, he explored female experience within the religion.
Labo Yari	b. 1940, Nigeria, d. 18 March 2023, Nigeria Labo Yari was a writer. His work explores the daily realities of the Muslim Hausa community and his novel Climate of Corruption, published in 1978, was the first English language novel widely distributed in Nigeria. .
Bernadette Olowo	b. 1948, Former British Uganda Bernadette Olowo is a diplomat. She served as the ambassador of Uganda to Germany and, in 1975, was the first female ambassador in nine hundred years to the Vatican City. Later, during the 1990s, she worked with UNICEF and UNAIDS.
Esther Afua Ocloo	b. 1919, British Gold Coast present day Ghana, d. 8 February 2002, Ghana Esther Afua Ocloo was a businesswoman and entrepreneur who pioneered a micro lending scheme called Women's World Banking for disadvantaged women to open businesses. She also founded the Sustainable End of Hunger Foundation and was known for her work teaching women about farming and food production.
Christine Butegwa	b. Date and Year unknown, Uganda Christine Butegwa is an activist and a Gender and Social Development Expert. She has worked for the International Planned Parenthood Federation in Nairobi, FEMNET and as Africa Regional Coordinator of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA). Butegwa also teaches at Makerere University, Uganda.
Ayesha Harruna Attah	b. December 1983, Ghana Ayesha Harruna Attah is a writer of fiction. Her book Saturdays Shadows, published in 2015, takes place in 1990s western Africa and explores a family close to destruction while living under military dictatorship.
Alice Annum	b. 20 October 1948, Former British Gold Coast present day Ghana Alice Annum is a former athlete. She was a 200 metre Olympic sprinter and scored her best time in Munich in 1972, finishing in 22.89 seconds.
Yaba Badoe	b. Date and Year unkown, Ghana Yaba Badoe is a writer and filmmaker. Her magical realism novel, A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award in 2018 and nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Award in 2018. Badoe also directed a documentary focusing on Toni Morrison for the BBC.
Samira Bawumia	b. 20 August 1980, Ghana Samira Bawumia is a politician and the Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana. She has contributed to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal to provide access to renewable energy by 2030 through her work educating people on clean cooking solutions.
Joyce Adwoa Akoh Dei	b. 1965, Ghana Joyce Adwoa Akoh Dei is a politician. She is a member of the New Patriotic Party and former Member of Parliament for the Bosome-Freho constituency. She has also spoken out about sexual harassment in schools.
Margaret Busby	b. 11 October 1944, Accra, Former British Gold Coast present day Ghana Margaret Busby is a publisher. She published an anthology of women writers of African descent called Daughters of Africa in 1992. Aside from this she campaigns for diversity within the sphere, is a patron of Independent Black Publishers, and, in 2020, was appointed as the Chair of Judges for the Booker Prize.
Akua Sena Dansua	b 23 April 1958, Former British Gold Coast present day Ghana Akua Sena Dansua is a former journalist and politician. During her career in journalism, she worked for The Nigerian Reporter and the Weekly Spectator. She served as the Minister of Tourism and the Minister for Youth and Sports.
Angela Dwamena-Aboagye	b. 1965, Ghana Angela Dwamena-Aboagye is a lawyer and activist. She is a founder of the Ark Foundation which focuses on women's rights.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo is a lawyer. She is a member of the New Patriotic Party and served as the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection from 2013 until 2017.
Takyiwaa Manuh	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Takyiwaa Manuh is a former professor of African Studies at the University of Ghana. In 2021, she campaigned against the introduction bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Anas Aremeyaw Anas, better known as Anas, is an investigative journalist. He has exposed institutional corruption as well as breaches of human rights in Ghana and West Africa. His work has uncovered injustices within the legal system and fraudulent acts within FIFA.
Audrey Gadzekpo	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Audrey Gadzekpo is a professor of media and communications as well as a journalist. Her work covers a variety of societal and gender-based issues. In 2021, she campaigned against the introduction of a bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
Akoto Ampaw	b 14 June 1961, Ghana Akoto Ampaw is a lawyer and an activist campaigning for human rights. In 2021, he was a part of a campaign group that resisted the introduction of a bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi is a political scientist and professor. Gyimah-Boadi founded the Afrobarometer, a research project focusing on measuring attitudes to social, economic and political issues in Africa at large. He was also a member of a campaign group that resisted the introduction of a bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
Rose Mensah-Kutin	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Rose Mensah-Kutin is a human rights advocate and journalist. In 2021, she was a part of a campaign group that resisted the introduction of a bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana. She also received the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Peace and Social Justice
Sally Mugabe	b. 6 June 1931, Former British Gold Coast, d. 27 January 1992, Zimbabwe Sally Mugabe was the former First Lady of Zimbabwe and the first wife of Robert Mugabe. She founded the Zimbabwe Child Survival Movement and supported Akina Mama wa Afrika. She was also secretary general of the Zanu-PF women’s league.
Esi Sutherland-Addy	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Esi Sutherland-Addy is a writer, activist and a professor of African studies. She is the daughter of activist Efua Sutherland and served as Minister of Education and Culture in Ghana from 1994 until 1995.
Hannah Tetteh	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana, b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Hannah Tetteh is a lawyer and politician. She is the current Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa to the African Union. She served as Minister for Trade and Industry from 2009 until 2013 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 until 2017.
Dzodzi Tsikata	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Dzodzi Tsikata is an academic and the director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana. In 2021, she was a part of a campaign group that resisted the introduction of a bill criminalising the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
Agnes Tjongarero	b. 17 May 1946, Walvis Bay, South Africa Agnes Tjongarero is a politician. She is a Member of the National Assembly and trained as a nurse and in midwifery.
Rosalind Namesis	b. Date and Year unknown, Nambia Rosalind Namesis is a community organiser. She established the Workers Action Committee which marked a key moment in the Nambian struggles for independence and the trade union movement in the country.
Lindy Kazombaue	b. Date and Year unknown, Nambia Lindy Kazombaue is a community activist and was the deputy of the Workers Action Committee, a trade union. Her primary efforts as part of the worker's movement marked an important time during Nambian struggles for independence.
Bolanle Awe	b. 28 January 1953, Nigeria Bolanle Awe is a professor and an advocate for women's rights. She is the founder of the Women's Research and Documentation Centre and served as the first president of the National Commission for Women from 1990 until 1992. Awe is known for her special interest in and work with oral histories.
Maryam Babangida	b. 1 November 1948, Nigeria, d. 27 December 2009, Los Angeles, California. Maryam Babangida was the former First Lady of Nigeria and wife to President Ibrahim Babangida. She was also the former President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association and was a part of other women’s committees, including a development centre which provided research and training resources.
Aisha Babangida	b. 25 May 1970, Nigeria Aisha Babangida is a humanitarian leader. As the daughter of Maryam Babangida, she follows in her mother’s footsteps by focusing on women’s issues. She founded the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman.
Njoki Wainaina	b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Njoki Wainaina a gender and development consultant. She is one of the founding members of The African Women Development Communication Network or FEMNET.
Lynne Muthoni Wanyeki	b. 1972, Kenya Lynne Muthoni Wanyeki is an activist, journalist and political scientist. She previously served as the director of FEMNET and has worked for Amnesty International's Regional Office for East Africa. She was also executive director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission and is now executive director for Open Society–Africa.
Inviolata Mbwavi	b. 1972, Kenya, d.19 July 2020,Kakamega, Kenya Inviolata Mbwavi was an activist. She was the National Coordinator of the International Community of Women Living with HIV and the first Chief Executive Officer of the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV in Kenya.
Elizabeth Khaxis	b. 1960, Nambia Elizabeth Khaxis is an activist who founded the Sister Nambia Collective and directed the feminist organisation from 1998 until 2004. The group has consistently advocated for LGBQTIA+ rights. Khaxis and her partner, Liz Frank, were part of a 1998 court case in which they tried to obtain legal recognition of same sex partnerships in Nambia.
Konjit SineGiorgis	b. Date and Year unknown, Ethiopia Konjit SineGiorgis is a diplomat and the former officer in charge of Decolonisation Affairs in the Ethiopian Permanent Mission at the United Nations in New York. She played a significant role in the development and strengthening of the African Union.
Libertina Amathila	b. 10 December 1940, Nambia Libertina Inaaviposa Amathila is a trained doctor, politician and a leading member of the Nambia’s liberation movement, SWAPO. Due to her work with displaced people she was a recipient of the prestigious United Nations Nansen Refugee Award in 1991. She also served as deputy prime minister from 2005 until 2010.
Marguerite Barankitse	b. 1957, Burundi Marguerite Barankitse is an activist. She is the co-founder of Maison Shalom, an organisation which provides housing for those who have been displaced by conflict. In 2005 she received the United Nations Nansen Refugee Award.
Angélique Namaika	b. 11 September 1967, Democratic Republic of Congo Angélique Namaika is a Roman Catholic nun. She is known for her work with women that have been abused by Christian extremists. In 2013, she received the United Nations Nansen Refugee Award.
Hawa Aden Mohamed	b. 1949, Somalia Hawa Aden Mohamed, widely known as Mama Hawa, is an activist. She is the founder of the Galkayo Education Centre for Peace and Development. This is an organisation that supports displaced women and aims to protect their health and their social and psychological welfare.
Victoria Chitepo	b. 27 March, 1928 former Southern Rhodesia present day Zimbabwe, d. 2016 Zimbabwe Victoria Chitepo is a politician and an activist. During the liberation struggle she organised protest groups and oversaw care for the politically incarcerated in Marondera and Sikhombela. In 1980, Chitepo was one of three women who held a ministerial role in Zimbabwe, she continued working in various strategic positions for the rest of her career.
Marie-Angélique Savané	b. November 1947, Dakar Senegal Marie-Angélique Savané is an activist and a sociologist. She is known for her work on behalf of women in Senegal and attended the United Nations World Conference on Women in Copenhagen in 1980.
Betty Kaunda	b. 17 November 1926, Northern Rhodesia, d. 18 September 2013, Harare, Zimbabwe Betty Kaunda was the First Lady to the first republican president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, who served from 1961 until 1991. She was popular with Zambians due to her humble lifestyle and received the Indira Gandhi Non-Violence award for her efforts on non-violence and peace missions.
Antonieta Rosa Gomes	b. 1959, Former Portugese Guinea present day Guinea-Bissau Antonieta Rosa Gomes is a politician and a lawyer. She was the first woman to run for Guinea-Bissau's presidency in 1994, in 1999, and in 2005. She was also the founder and leader of the Guinean-Social Democracy Civic Forum (FCG-SD).
Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé	b. 4 January 1948, Former French Sudan, Present Mali, d. November 2021, Tunisia Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé was a politician who served as the first female president of Mali from 2011 until 2012. She was overthrown by the coup of Amadou Sanogo.
Navi Pillay	b. 19 September 1941, Durban, South Africa Navi Pillay is a jurist. She served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as the first non-white female judge on the high court of South Africa. Pillay is well known for co-founding Equality Now, an international women's rights organisation, and for her involvement in other charitable causes.
Gertrude Mongella	b. 13 September 1945, Former British Tanganyika present day Tanzania Gertrude Mongella is a politician and former teacher. In 2004, she became president of the Pan-African Parliament.
Caroline Faye Diop	b. 11 July 1923, French Colony of Senegal present day Senegal, d. 1992, Senegal Caroline Faye Diop was a politician and the first female elected deputy to the National Assembly of Senegal. Later, Diop became a cabinet minister during the presidency of Abdou Diouf.
Maïmouna Kane	b. 1937, Former French Colony of Senegal present day Senegal, d, 1 March 2019, Paris, France Maïmouna Kane was a judge and politician. She served as Secretary of State under the presidency of Abdou Diouf, prosecutor of Dakar, and the Minister of Women.
Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika	b. 10 July 1943, Former Western Rhodesia, present day Zambia Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika is a politician. She served as ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America and has worked as an African representative for UNICEF.
Balghis Badri	b. 1948, Former French Sudan present day Sudan Balghis Badri is a professor of anthropology and director of the Regional Institute for Gender, Diversity, Peace and Rights at Ahfad University for Women. She has worked as a consultant on gender issues for the United Nations.
Jalila Khamis Koko	b. Date and Year unknown, Sudan Jalila Khamis Koko is a teacher and activist. She has been involved with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North. In 2021, she was arrested by Sudanese authorities among a group of other intellectuals, political agitators, and other people of Nuba origin.
Awadeya Mahmoud	b. 1960, Sudan Awadeya Mahmoud is an activist and tea seller. She is the founder of the Women's Food and Tea Sellers' Cooperative and the Women's Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Nykhor Paul	b. 1989, Sudan Nykhor Paul is a model. She has worked with the International Rescue Committee and founded We Are Nilotic in order to promote unity among the tribes of southern Sudan.
Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih	b. 1984, Sudan Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih is an activist. She received the International Women of Courage Award for her contribution to global knowledge of Sudanese prison camps, in which she endured criminal treatment after being detained by government rebels.
Nahid Toubia	b. 1951, Former French Sudan, Present day Sudan Nahid Toubia is a surgeon and women’s health activist. She specialises in research into female genital mutilation and is the director of the Research, Action and Information Network for Bodily Integrity of Women. Additionally, Toubia co-edited books such as Women of the Arab World: The Coming Challenge, published in 1988, and Female Genital Mutilation: A Call for Global Action, published in 1995.
Dorothy A Atabong	b. Date and Year Unknown, Cameroon Dorothy A Atabong is an actor, writer and producer best known for her short film the Sound of Tears, released in 2014. She also published a book called The Princess of Kaya in 2002.
Karim Miské	b. 1964, Côte d'Ivoire Karim Miské is a writer and filmmaker. Drawing inspiration from his experience growing up with a Mauritanian father and a French mother, he explores clashes between contemporary and past culture. His breakthrough detective novel Arab Jazz, published in 2012, won the Grand Prix for detective literature.
Ananda Devi Nirsimloo-Anenden	b. 23 March 1957, British Mauritius, present day Mauritius Ananda Devi Nirsimloo-Anenden, also known as Ananda Devi, is a short story writer, poet and novelist. She explores the relationship between language and identity in her works, Ève de Ses Déombres, winner of the 2006 Prix RFO des Cinq Continents, and The Green Sari, winner of the 2009 Louis Guilloux prize.
Hemley Boum	b. 1973, Douala,Cameroon Hemley Boum is a writer. She works with narratives based in her home country of Cameroon and which expand further across the African continent. With Les Jours Viennent Et Passent, published in 2019, Boum discusses the pressures experienced by female writers of colour to explore their heritage through their work.
Marilyn Douala Bell	b. 1957, Duoala, French Cameroon present day Cameroon Marilyn Douala Bell is an economist. She is the co-founder of the Doual’art Cultural Foundation in Cameroon, which supports artists interested in urban issues and anthropology. She has also worked on projects concerning German colonial history in Cameroon.
Ernestine Gwet Bell	b. 1953, Duoala, French Cameroon present day Cameroon Ernestine Gwet Bell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. In 1998, she supervised the first successful in vitro fertilisation treatment In Cameroon, marking her as a pioneer for health rights and familial support. She also co-founded the Orchidée Home which supports parents and autistic children.
Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki	b. 1985, Cameroon. Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki is an activist. She is primarily concerned with climate change and human rights. Her organisation, Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch, has planted many trees and provided environmental education, especially about bees and honey.
Léopoldine Doualla-Bell Smith	b. 1939, French Cameroon present day Cameroon Léopoldine Doualla-Bell Smith is a former flight attendant. She was the first black woman to work in that role and took her inaugural journey on 11 February 1958 with a Mohawk Airlines flight from Ithaca to New York. She volunteers at Denver airport in the USA.
Marinette Yetna	b. 10 December 1965, Present Cameroon, d. 24 May 2021, Douala,Cameroon. Marinette Yetna was an activist and politician. She started her political career in 1982 by working for the Cameroon National Union and, in 2013, she became an elected member of parliament. Yetna also supported Forum Sanaga Mapubi with entrepreneurial work for young people within the Bassa region.
Aï Keïta	b. 31 December, 1957, Former French Upper Volta, Present Day Burkina Faso Aï Keïta is an actress known for her leading role in the film Sarraounia by Med Hondo, released in 1986. Keïta plays Queen Sarraounia, a religious and political figure who symbolises difficulties around African identity in the context of post colonial resistance.
Anne McClintock	b. 1954, Former British Northern Rhodesia, Present day Zimbawbwe Anne McClintock is a writer concerned with issues ranging from imperialism, sexuality, feminism and race. She is known for exploring these themes in her books Imperial Leather, published in 1995, and Double Crossings: Madness, Sexuality, and Imperialism, published in 2001. She has also taught Gender Studies in Universities in New York and Columbia.
Shamima Shaikh	b. 14 December 1960, Limpopo Province, present South Africa, d. 8 January 1998 Shamima Salahuddin Shaikh was a journalist and an activist known for challenging patriarchal traditions with her Access to Mosques Campaign with the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa Gender Desk, an organisation focused on Islamic feminism.
Alice Mogwe	b. 14 February 1961, Former British Botswana Alice Mogwe is an activist and lawyer. She is the president of The International Federation for Human Rights and campaigns for the abolition of the death penalty, increased women’s rights and against anti- LGBTQI+ laws. She also works with issues surrounding immigration.
Suzanna Al-Hassan	b. 1927, Former British Gold Coast present day Ghana, d. 1997, Ghana Suzanna Al-Hassan was an author and politician. She was the Deputy Minister of Education in the newly reformed independent Ghana from 1961 until 1963 and went on to serve in other positions such as the Minister of Social Affairs from 1963 until 1966 and a Member of The National Defence Council from 1985 until 1987. She was the first female appointed minister in Ghana.
Ama Ata Aidoo	b. 23 March 1942, former British Gold Coast, present day Ghana, d. 31 May 2023, unknown. Ama Ata Aidoo was an author and playwright who served as the Minister of Education from 1982 until 1983. She is known for The Dilemma of a Ghost, a play in which a wife questions her relationship to her heritage while facing the reality of her husbands traditional and patriarchal expectations of marriage. In 2002, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation to support future generations of female writers.
Joyce Aryee	b 27 March 1947, Former British Gold Coast present day Ghana Joyce Aryee is a former politician. She has served as the Minister of Information from 1982 until 1985, Minister of Education from 1985 until 1987 and other roles such as Minister of Democracy in the Office of the Prime Minister from 1988 until 2001.
Gertrude Zakarias	b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana, b. Date and Year unknown, Ghana Gertrude Zakarias was a politician. She served as the Deputy Minister of Local Government in Ghana in 1982 and was a co-founder of the 31st December Women's Movement.
Gladys Ahomy	b. Date and Year unknown, Ivory Coast., b. Date and Year unknown, Ivory Coast. Gladys Ahomy was a politician. She served in various positions following independence in the Ivory coast including as Secretary of the Assemblée Nationale from 1965 until 1980 and Appointed Member of the State Council in 1989.
Danielle Boni-Claverie	b. 1942, Tiassalé, Former British Ivory Coast present day Ivory Coast Danielle Boni-Claverie is a politician and journalist. She was a member of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast during independence in 1960, led by Félix Houphouët- Boigny (1905-1993). Boni-Claveri later served as Secretary of the Assemblée Nationale from 1980 until 1985.
Grace Aktech Onyango	b. 1924, Former British Kenya present day Kenya, d. 2023, present day Kenya. Grace Aktech Onyango was a politician. She was a representative of Kisumu Town Constituency 1969 and the first Kenyan female mayor in 1965.
Shewareged Gedle	b. Date and Year unknown, Ethiopia, b. Date and Year unknown, Ethiopia Shewareged Gedle was an activist and fought in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. She primarily contributed to the war effort by providing medicine but was captured by Italian forces after organising an attack on a prison and was imprisoned in Sardinia and tortured. She also founded the Ethiopian Women's Support Organisation.
Margaret Dongo	b. Date and Year unknown, Former Rhodesia present day Zimbabwe Margaret Dongo is a politician, a veteran and a former member of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. She is known for her work advocating for human rights and for shedding a light on the female experience of war crimes.
Yeharerwerk Gashaw	b. Date and Year unknown, Ethiopia Yeharerwerk Gashaw is a model and an activist. She was the first black model to work for Christian Dior and became the first black woman selected to chair an executive committee in the World Cup in 1994.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai	b. Date and Year unknown, Tanzania Maria Sarungi Tsehai is an internet personality and activist. Through the use of social media, she promotes the need for change in Tanzanian politics and promotes education for young and disadvantaged women. She is known for her campaign called Change Tanzania.
Ntebogang Ratshosa	b. 1882, Former British Bechuanaland Protectorate present day Botswana, d.1979, Present day Botswana Ntebogang Ratshosa was the regent of the BaNgwaketse. She became the first woman to serve on the Native Advisory Council for Botswana. UNESCO included her in their list of significant women in African history.
Nawal El Moutawakel	b. 16 April 1962, Casablanca, Morocco Nawal El Moutawakel is a former athlete, the former Moroccan Sports Minister and a member of the International Olympic Committee. She is also head of women's football within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Isha Johansen	b. 25 September 1965, Sierra Leone Isha Johansen is an entrepreneur. She is the founder of a football club in Freetown which aims at encouraging disadvantaged young boys into the sport. Johansen works at the Confederation of African Football’s Executive Committee, where she campaigns for more space for women in football.
Latré-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban	b. Date and Year unknown, Togo. Latré-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban is a referee instructor. She was the first woman member of the Confederation of African Football’s referees commission and the first female FIFA referee instructor.
Meskerem Tadesse Goshim	b. Date and Year unknown, Ethiopia Meskerem Tadesse Goshim is the Deputy Secretary General of the Ethiopian Football Federation since 2017. She also worked as a General Coordinator for Marrakech during the 2018 African Nations Championship.
Nathalie Basque Léon	b. Date and Year unknown, Ivory Coast. Nathalie Basque Léon is an organiser for sports events. She is currently the Executive Director of the Organising Committee of the African Cup of Nations. She also works for the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
Gabrielle Onguéné	b. 25 February 1989, Douala, Cameroon Gabrielle Onguéné is a footballer. She currently plays for CSKA Moscow and won second place for two consecutive years, 2016 and 2017, in the African Golden Ball ranking.
Nathalie Rabe	b. 1969, Madagascar. Nathalie Rabe is a politician and entrepreneur. She is the communications director at the Confederation of African Football.
Fatma Samoura	b. 9 September 1962, Senegal Fatma Samoura is a diplomat. She is a former United Nations representative and is currently the Secretary General of the International Football Federation (FIFA).
Lydia Nsekera	b. 20 April 1967, Bujumbura, Burundi Lydia Nsekera is a sports official who worked as the Chair of the Burundi Football Federation. She is now a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Ketty Nivyabandi	b. 1978, Burundi. Ketty Nivyabandi is a writer and human rights activist. She started her political career in the midst of the constitutional crisis of 2015. Nivyavandi was a founding member of the Women and Girls Movement for Peace and Security before she was targeted by the government and forced into exile in Canada.
Colette Samoya Kirura	b. 1952, former Belgian Burundi present day Burundi Colette Samoya Kirura is a former politician and diplomat. She worked in the Burundi National Assembly from 1982 until 1987 and as a Secretary General of the Union of Burundian Women from 1987 until 1991.
Marie-Thérèse Toyi	b. Date and Year unknown, Burundi Marie-Thérèse Toyi is an author. Her book, Weep Not, Refugee, provides overwhelming insight into a narrative of a displaced refugee and the breaches of human rights that some encounter.
Marie-Louise Sibazuri	b. 2 January 1960, former Belgian Burundi, present day Burundi Marie-Louise Sibazuri is an author and Playright. She is known for her radio soap opera Umubanyi Niwe Muryango, or Our Neighbours, They Are Our Family, which explores the daily lives and activities of one Tutsi and one Hutu family. This was poignant during the civil war of 1993 until 1997 when the programme resisted ethnic divisions.
Gaël Faye	b. 6 August 1982, Bujumbura, Burundi. Gaël Faye is a rapper and writer. His novel Petit Pays, published in 2016, was inspired by his childhood and follows a child’s experiences during the Burundian civil war and Rwandan genocide. The story was later adapted into a film directed by Eric Barbier in 2020.
Mulatu Astatke	b. 1943, Jimma, Ethiopia. Mulatu Astatke is a percussionist known as one of the leaders of Ethio-Jazz. He has played with internationally known musicians and his work features on the famous Ethiopiques albums.
Khadja Nin	b. 27 June 1959, Former Belgian Burundi present day Burundi Khadja Nin is a musician and singer working in Swahili, Kirundi and French. She combines the genres of Pop, African and Afro-Cuban music and is popular all over the world.
Irakoze Erica	b. 1993, Bujumbura, Burundi Irakoze Erica, known as Miss Erica, is a Burundian Pop Singer. In 2019, she won the Best Female Artist Buja Music Award. She was also nominated at The AfriMusic Song Contest in 2020.
Mireille Kamariza	b. Date and Year Unknown, Burundi Mireille Kamariza is a bio scientist and a professor. She worked in Burundi during the civil wars and experienced the catastrophic effect of infectious diseases in disaster zones. She now researches into the development of low-cost health plans for global health.
Zeudi Araya	b. 10 February 1951, Dekemhare, Eritrea Zeudi Araya is a former actor, film producer and model. She is best known for her role as Marfisa in Hearts and Armour, released in 1983.
Bereket Mengisteab	b. 1938, Hazega, Eritrea Bereket Mengisteab is a musician. He is known for playing the Krar and for his involvement in the Eritrean Liberation Front, for whom he worked producing nationalistic and revolutionary songs. He has composed over 250 songs.
Mariam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag	b. 1987, Sudan Mariam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag is a Christian activist. She was famously imprisoned and sentenced to death in Sudan for renouncing Islam. The case received international attention in 2014 and she was granted exile to the USA and other western countries.
Angele Ishag	b. 1937, Former French Sudan present day Sudan Angele Ishag is an educator. She was the first Sudanese woman allowed access to study at Gordon Memorial College, presently known as the University of Khartoum. Later, Ishag worked as a headteacher at a variety of secondary schools.
Gada Kadoda	b. Date and Year unknown, Sudan Gada Kadoda is an educator and intellectual. She currently works towards providing accessible laboratories through her organisation called Innovation Lab. In 2014, Kadoda was listed as a woman to watch by UNICEF.
Babikr Bedri	b. 1861, Former Nilotic Sudan present day Sudan, d. 1954, Former Anglo-Egyptian Condominium present day Sudan Babikr Bedri was a Mahdist warrior who became a pioneer for education rights for women. After teaching his daughters, he went on to establish larger groups and schools such as The Ahfad Girls' School, which turned into the AI Ahfad University for Girls.
Asma El Dareer	b. Date and Year unknown, Sudan Asma El Dareer is a physician committed to studying the consequences of female genital mutilation. Between 1977 and 1981, she conducted the first large scale survey on the topic interviewing 3,210 women and 1,545 men in five Sudanese provinces. This formed the basis of the research in Woman, Why Do You Weep? Circumcision and Its Consequences which was published in 1982.
Sameera Moussa	b. 3 March 1917, Gharbia Governorate, Former British Veiled Protectorate, d. 15 August 1952, Wyoming, United States. Sameera Moussa was nuclear physicist and radiologist. She organised the Atomic Energy for Peace Conference and was an advocate for nuclear technologies. After moving to the United Kingdom to finish her academic studies, she developed an equation for how to create x-rays from cheaper metals like copper, this discovery made medical imaging more affordable.
Iman Khalifa	b. Date and Year unknown, Egypt Iman Khalifa is a politician and the Secretary General of Egypt’s National Council for Women. She represents women’s rights at international conferences and proposes public policy in development programmes.
Maya Morsy	b. Date and Year unknown, Egypt Maya Morsy is a political scientist. Her advocacy for women's rights earned her a position as the elected President of Egypt’s National Council for Women in 2016.
Safiya Zaghloul	b.16 June 1876, Egypt, d. 1946. Egypt Safiya Zaghloul was an activist. She was the daughter of the prime minister but rebelled by marrying the political agitator Saad Zaghloul, leader of the 1919 revolution against British occupation and of the Wafd Party. After the exile of her husband, she continued the struggle against imperialism by leading women's demonstrations.
Jehan Sadat	b. 1933, Cairo, Egypt, d. 2021, Cairo, Egypt Jehan Sadat was an activist and the former first lady of Egypt, married to Anwar Sadat (1970-1981). She played a key role in the introduction of legislative reforms that granted women the right to divorce their husbands and retain custody of their children.
Ester Akhnoukh Fanous	b 1885, Egypt, d. 1990, Egypt Ester Akhnoukh Fanous was an activist. She worked closely with Huda Shaarawi and is rumoured to have suggested the idea of removing the hijab as an act of rebellion against the social imprisonment of women in Egyptian society. She also published poetry in The Virgin Heart and He Maketh Wars to Cease.
Nadeen Ashraf	b. Date and Year unknown, Egypt Nadeen Ashraf is an activist. She is known for creating the Instagram account Assault Police which updates its followers on recent accounts of harassment in Egypt. The account has played a key role in the arrest and identification of repeat offenders.
Charlotte Maxeke	b.1874, South Africa, d. 1939, Johannesburg, South Africa Charlotte Maxeke was an educator and activist. She co-founded the Bantu Women's League in 1918. Maxeke also organised the anti-pass protests of Bloemfontein in 1913 and was a member of the Women's Reform Club in Pretoria.
Stella Nansikombi Mukasa Makubuya	b. 11 November 1967, Uganda, d. 5 September 2018, Uganda Stella Nansikombi Mukasa Makubuya was a women’s activist and human rights lawyer. She was the regional director for Africa at the International Centre for Research on Women, an organisation that advised governments on how to address gender-based violence.
Ruth Chinamano	b. Date and Year unknown, Either Former Southern Rhodesia or Rhodesia, d. Date and Year unknown, Present Zimbabwe Ruth Chinamano was a politician and a teacher. She was a member of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army during the liberation struggles.
Tichaona Freedom	b. Date and Year unknown, Either Former Southern Rhodesia or Rhodesia, d. Date and Year unknown, Present Zimbabwe Tichaona Freedom was a politician and a poet. She was a member of the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army during the liberation struggles.
Sheba Tavarwisa	b. 1 August 1947, Gutu, Former Southern Rhodesia Sheba Tavarwisa is a former politician, educator and freedom fighter. She fought for the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army during the liberation struggles. Tavarwisa was responsible for rallying support for the movement and, post-independence, she was elected to National Assembly in 1980.
Catherine Garanewako	b. March 1957, Former Southern Rhodesia, d. 25 January 2004, Present Zimbabwe Catherine Garanewako was a freedom fighter and humanitarian worker for Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. She worked her way up the ranks from lieutenant to captain and, from 1980, she worked for the ruling ZANU-PF party in a varied positions under Mugabe.
Elijah Makiwane	b. Date and Year unknown, South Africa, b. Date and Year unknown, South Africa Elijah Makiwane was an educator and a Presbyterian minister. He was an early advocate for female empowerment and resisted ideas, instigated by the British colonists, around not educating young girls. His daughter, Cecilia Makiwane, became the first African woman to become a professional nurse in South Africa.
Daisy Makiwane	b. Date and Year unknown, South Africa, b. Date and Year unknown, South Africa Daisy Makiwane was a journalist. She was the sister of Cecilia Makiwane, daughter of Elijah Makiwana and the first woman to earn a Mathematics degree in South Africa.
Cecilia Makiwane	b. 1880, South Africa, d. 1919, South Africa Cecilia Makiwane was a nurse and the first African woman to work in this field in South Africa. Beginning her career at Victoria Hospital as a ward nurse, she also openly rejected imperialistic ideas by joining the Anti Pass movement. Her efforts were recognised with a commemorative statue located outside of the Lovedale Hospital in 1977.
Feroza Adam	b. 16 August 1961, South Africa, d. 8 August 1994, South Africa Feroza Adam was an activist and politician. She was dedicated to bettering the lives of women through her work for The Federation of South African Women and the African National Congress League as their Campaigns and Publicity Secretary. She also helped to establish the National Women’s Coalition and represented the ANC in South Africa’s first democratically elected parliament in 1994.
Mireille Rabenero	b. 1953, Madagascar, d. 20 June 2021, The Republic of Madacascar. Mireille Rabenero was a professor and an activist. She was a strong advocate for protecting female reproductive rights, decriminalising abortion and providing accessible health care. She worked as the head of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and was a patron of the Nifin’Akanga Movement.
Georges Andriamanantena	b. 1 October 1923, Antananarivo, Former French Madagascar., d. 15 September 2008, Antananarivo, The Republic of Madacascar Georges Andriamanantena, known as RADO, was a journalist and poet dedicated to the preservation of traditional African heritage. Dinitra, published in 1973, features poems expressing concerns with inhumane treatment in Rhodesia during Apartheid.
Jacques Rabemananjara	b. 23 June 1913, Former French Madagascar., d. 1 April 2005, Paris, France. Jacques Rabemananjara was a poet, playwright and politician. His early publication, La Revue des Jeunes de Madagascar, marked the start of his dedication to nationalism. Due to his involvement in the MDRM and his staunch opposition to the government, he was detained in French colonial prisons for ten years.
Jean-Luc Raharimanana	b. 1967, Antananarivo, The Republic of Madacascar. Jean-Luc Raharimanana is a poet and playwright. His breakthrough play from 1989, The Prophet and the President, was awarded the Tchicaya-U'Tamsi Prize by the Inter-African theatre competition. The performance was banned by the Madagascan government because of its content.
Albert Rakoto Ratsimamanga	b. 28 December 1907, Antananarivo, Former French Madagascar., d. 16 September 2001, Antananarivo, Republic of Madagascar. Albert Rakoto Ratsimamanga was a physician, scientist and diplomat who pioneered research into Madagascan herbal medicine as the founder of the Malagasy Institute Of Applied Research. He was involved in the MDRM which demanded independence from French colonists.
Elia Ravelomanantsoa	b. 1960, The Republic of Madacascar Elia Ravelomanantsoa is a politician. In 1986, she founded the Manja Fashion Festival, which aims to promote regional artisanal designs.
Monja Jaona	b. 1919, Amboasary, Former French Madagascar., d. 3 September 1994, Antananarivo, The Republic of Madacascar. Monja Jaona was a politician and a Malagasy nationalist. He was a leading member of the nationalist MDRM and led a revolt in the South of the country in 1971.
Irene Rabenoro	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar Irene Rabenero is a university professor. She became politically active as a student through her participation in the Rotaka protests of the early 1970s. Rabenero later advocated for change as an ambassador for UNESCO.
Césaire Rabenoro	b. 27 August 1923, Former French Madagascar., d. 24 January 2002, Iravoandriana, The Republic of Madagascar. Césaire Rabenoro was a politician and Malagasy Ambassador to the United Kingdom. His political involvement after independence facilitated the introduction of peace-corps into Madagascar.
Rana	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar., d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Rana was a chief who led the Sakalava people in revolt against French occupation in 1895 during the Menalamba rebellion. The rebellion marks an early instance of Malagasy resistance to the French.
Tsileza	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar., d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Tsileza was a chief who led the Sakalava people in the Melanamba uprising against the advancing occupation of the French authorities in Antananarivo. The rebellion marks an early instance of Malagasy resistance to the French.
Prince Ratsimamanga	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar, d. 1893, Former French Madagascar Prince Ratsimamanga was an aristocrat related to the Princess Raketaka, the mother of the last queen of Madagascar Ranavalona III. He was executed under the orders of Joseph Gallieni.
Rabezavana	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar, d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Rabezavana was a Sakalava leader in the north of Madagascar. His resistance to French raids formed part of the wider Menalamba rebellion. He was eventually overpowered in 1897 by Hubert Lyautey.
Ramenamaso	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar, d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Ramenamaso was a member of the Marafotsy Tribe in the Lake Alaotra Region. He was known for encouraging insurgency against French colonists during the Menalamba uprising.
Joseph Raseta	b. 9 December 1886, Marovoay, Madagascar, d. 5 October 1979,Tananarive, The Republic of Madagascar Joseph Raseta was an activist and politician. He was active during revolts against the colonial government and involved with numerous nationalist groups.
Joseph Ravoahangy	b. 1893, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, d. 5 October 1970, Befelatanana, The Republic of Madagascar Joseph Ravoahangy was a politician. He was a member of the MDRM. During the period of upheaval, starting in 1947, Ravohangy was arrested and detained in a forced labour camp for twenty years.
Jean Ralaimongo	b. 1884, Antoebe, Madagascar., d. 1943, Ambalavao, Former French Madagascar. Jean Ralaimongo was an educator, writer and nationalist involved with the Democratic Movement for Malagasy Renovation and the Vy Vato Sakelika. His work highlighted the exploitation of his people by French colonists.
Rahamefy Jacques William	b. 1895, Former French Madagascar., d. 1957,Former French Madagascar Rahamefy Jacques William was a pastor. His song became identified with the Democratic Movement for Malagasy Renovation and the lyrics helped to promote national sentiment in the build-up to the revolt of the late 1940s.
Albert Zafy	b. 1 May 1927, Betsiaka, Former French Madagascar, d. 13 October 1917, Réunion. Albert Zafy was a politician. He was a staunch advocate for democracy and founded the National Union for Democracy and Development in the 1980s. Zafy served as President of Madagascar from 1993 until 1996.
Samuel Rakotondrabe	b. 1901, Former French Madagascar, d.1948, Former French Madagascar Samuel Rakotondrabe was an activist. He was a member of the MDRM and involved with the Jiny nationalist youth group during the 1947 uprising.
Edmond Ravelonahina	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar, d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Edmond Ravelonahina was an activist who was involved in the 1947 uprising against the French colonists with MDRM. He was captured and killed for his participation.
Michel Radaoroson	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar, 1948, Madagascar. Michel Radaoroson was an activist and political actor. He led insurgent groups from the South of Madagascar and was involved with the MDRM during the 1947 uprising against the French authorities.
Victorien Razafindrabe	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar., d. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar Victorien Razafindrabe was an activist, a writer and a forestry officer who led insurgent groups from the North of Madagascar and was involved in the MDRM during the 1947 uprising against the French authorities. Despite the catastrophic losses faced by the Malagasy, the movement increased nationalist sentiment.
Régis Gizavo	b. 1959, Former French Madagascar., d. 2016, Corsica, France. Régis Gizavo was an accordionist. He was committed to preserving culture from Masikoro musicians and took inspiration from traditional Madagascan genres of Salegy, Beko and Tsensigat.
Erick Manana	b. 1959, Former French Madagascar. Erick Manana is a guitarist and singer who promotes traditional Madagascan storytelling and verse. He has collaborated with international artists and resides in France.
Raymond Rajaonarivelo	b. Date and Year unknown, Madagascar. Raymond Rajaonarivelo is a film director. His work is inspired by Madagascan everyday life and historic events and the film Tabataba, from 1988, depicts the uprising of 1947 from the perspective of rural villagers.
Mbuya Nehanda	b. c. 1840, Harare, former Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 27 April 1898, Harare, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, also known as Mbuya Nehanda, was a spirit medium and leader of the Shona people during the Chimurenga Revolt of 1896-1898 against the administration of Cecil Rhodes’ British South African Company. She was tried and executed in 1899. The whereabouts of her remains are unknown but are in part believed to be in the Natural History Museum in London. Zimbabwean activists have requested that their national heritage be returned.
Nwanyeruwa	b. Date and place unknown, d. Date and place unknown Nwanyeruwa, also known as Madame Nwanyeruwa, was a market worker known for her efforts during the Aba Women’s War of 1929. Resisting the British Empire’s introduction of taxation measures against women labourers during the Great Depression. She led Nigerian women in the rebellion, organising groups from the traditional Igbo society to resist local Igbo chiefs enforcing the new laws. It is estimated that 50-60 women were killed during the protests. Nwanyeruwa’s efforts helped to instil an anti-colonist sentiment in the early days of the Nigerian independence movement.
Muthoni Likimani	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Muthoni Likimani is a Kenyan activist and one of the independent country’s first published female writers. She is a founding member of the member of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation.
Mary Okezie	b. 1906, Nigeria, d. 1999, Nigeria Mary Okezie was an educator who resisted British imperialist influence when new taxation laws were introduced against women labourers. During the Aba Women’s War, she wrote to the Aba Commission of Inquiry contesting the enforced measures. From a historical viewpoint, her letter is the reason there is record of the riots. Okezie continued to advocate for women, including as the leader of the Ngwa Women’s Association.
Mary of Ogu Ndem	b. Date and year unknown, Umuokirika village, Nigeria, d. Date and place unknown Mary Ogu Ndem was a leader of the Umuokirika Village, who resisted British imperialist influence during the introduction of new taxation laws. Active in the Aba Women’s Riots, her protest efforts lead to the end of the warrant chief system, with Clan heads subsequently being appointed by the indigenous people rather than by British colonialists.
Ihejilemebi Ibe	b. Date and year unknown, Umuokirika village, Nigeria, d. Date and place unknown Ihejilembi Ibe was a leader of the Umuokirika Village, who resisted British imperialist influence during the introduction of new taxation laws. Her efforts during the Aba Women’s Riots, though the success of the protests only lasted for a few years, resulted in women being appointed to serve as representatives for the native courts, improving the position of women in society.
Mary Nzekwe	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Mary Nzekwe was a member of the Opodo Tribe who lost her life in protest against British colonial powers or native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots in 1929, her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Mary Okorokwo Jaja	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Mary Okorokwo Jaja was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Rhoda Ronny Jaja	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Rhoda Ronny Jaja was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Leje Jaja	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Leje Jaja was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Nwa Nwa Waribo Uranata	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Nwa Nwa Waribo Uranata was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Oruba	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Oruba was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Eka	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Eka was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Omiseme	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Omiseme was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Nwikpebu	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Nwikpebu was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Barasua	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Barasua was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Tulu	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Tulu was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Abu	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Abu was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Iweribara	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Iweribara was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Adiaha Edem	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Adiaha Edem was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Adiaha Okonja	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Adiaha Okonja was one of the members of the Anang Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Rebecca Thomson	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Rebecca Thomson was one of the members of the Anang Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Ariwa Mie	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Ariwa Mie was one of the members of the Adoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Adiaha Ogbanaku	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Adiaha Ogbanaku was one of the members of the Adoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Nwayi	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Nwayi was one of the members of the Nkoro Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Nsukprumai	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Nsukprumai was one of the members of the Ogoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Dubo	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Dubo was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Yako	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Yako was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Yoti	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Yoti was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Oroni Jaja	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Oroni Jaja was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Sui Dappa	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 16 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Sui Dappa was one of the members of the Opodo Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Addah Igbiwas	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 18 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Addah Igbiwas was one of the members of the Ogoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Sanuna	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 19 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Sanuna was one of the members of the Ogoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Alale	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 24 December 1929, Oloko, Nigeria Alale was one of the members of the Ogoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Mary Tatare	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, d. 1 January 1930, Oloko, Nigeria Mary Tatare was one of the members of the Ogoni Tribe who lost their lives in protest against British colonial powers and native enforcers during the Aba women’s riots of 1929. Her contribution was recorded by the Aba Commission of Inquiry.
Kinjikitile Ngwale	b. Date and year unknown, Tanzania, d. 1905, Tanzania Kinjikitile Ngwale was a spiritual leader in the Maji Maji Uprising of 1905-1907 against German colonial rule in what would become German East Africa. Ebrahim Hussein commemorated the conflict in his play Kinjikitile (1969),which is based on the life of the leader of the rebellion, Kinjikitile Ngwale, and contextualises the experience of losing Tanzanian freedom to European powers.
Samuel Maharero	b.1856, Namibia, d. 1923, Bechuanaland Protectorate, present-day Botswana Samuel Maharero was a chief of the Namibian Herero people. When the Germans came to Namibia, they restricted the rights of the native people, which influenced Maharero’s decision to attack in what would become the Herero and Nama Genocide of 1904-1907. The battle marked an early act of resistance to the European colonists, but also meant a catastrophic loss of homelands and property. This was amplified when the natives were forced to become labourers of serving the German and later the British Empires.
Samia Suluhu Hassan	b. 27 January 1960, Common Wealth of Nations, present-day Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan is the current President of Tanzania (2021-) and a member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi ruling party. On her journey to the presidency in 2015, she became the first female vice president, before replacing the former leader John Magufuli (2015-2021) following his death.
Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda	b. Date and year unknown, Gabon Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda is Vice President of Gabon and has served in that role since 2023. She was Prime Minister from 2020-2023. She is the first woman to hold both positions.
Prisca Raymonda Nlend Koho	b. Date and year unknown, Gabon Prisca Raymonda Nlend Koho is Minister of Social Affairs and Women’s affairs in Gabon. Her efforts have contributed to the legislative bill that enables all women to access equal employment opportunities across all sectors of work. Additionally, in the protection of women experiencing violence, she has helped enforce protection orders for reports issued within two days after an assault, a system which seeks to avoid oppression of victims while contributing to the wider systematic recording of criminal information.
Nancy Dondia	b. Date and year unknown, Gabon Nancy Dondia has taken crucial action in reinstating the rights of women to obtain education during her time working for the Association for the Consolidation of Education Technologies, which encourages young girls to pursue careers in technology.
Bunny Claude Massassa	b. Date and year unknown, Gabon Bunny Claude Massassa is a Gabonese photographer campaigning with numerous organisations that offer support for women and young girls. She offers services in documenting their work and provides educational workshops for those interested in learning photography.
Sandy Africa	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Sandy Africa co-founded the women’s magazine SPEAK in 1982, a platform encouraging women to voice their political views whilst unifying concerns about the future of women’s rights in South Africa.
Monica Algulhas	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Monica Algulhas co-founded the women’s magazine SPEAK in 1982, a platform encouraging women to voice their political views whilst unifying concerns about the future of women’s rights in South Africa.
Sheila Jalobe	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Sheila Jalobe co-founded the women’s magazine SPEAK in 1982, a platform encouraging women to voice their political views whilst unifying concerns about the future of women’s rights in South Africa.
Vanessa Taylor	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Vanessa Taylor co-founded the women’s magazine SPEAK in 1982, a platform encouraging women to voice their political views whilst unifying concerns about the future of women’s rights in South Africa.
Karen Hurt	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Karen Hurt co-founded the women’s magazine SPEAK in 1982, a platform encouraging women to voice their political views whilst unifying concerns about the future of women’s rights in South Africa.
Jacqueline Tapsoba	b. Date and year unknown, Tanzania, d. Date and year unknown, Tanzania Jacqueline Tapsoba was a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation. Taking the organisation to constitutional congress in 1962, her efforts in rejecting traditional gender-based expectations have influenced the lives of generations of women.
Conde H. Fatou Toure	b. 11 March 1929, Mamou, French West Africa, present-day Guinea Conde H. Fatou Toure is a midwife and activist. She was President of the Women’s Federal Bureau of Conakry, and later the National Director for Women in the Ministry of Social Affairs in Guinea. She was also a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Nima Ba	b. 13 July 1927, Kissidougou, French Guinea, present-day Guinea, d. 20 February 2021, Guinea Nima Ba was an educator and a deputy to the National Assembly of Guinea specialising in social commissions. She was also a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation, and a member of the Network of Women Parliamentarians.
Sow Aissata Coulibaly	b. 1 March 1920, French Sudan, present-day Mali, d. 22 August 1971, place unknown Sow Aissata Coulibaly was an educator and political agitator. Amongst her many positions, she was Director of the Maginot Girls School; Secretary General of Women workers in 1956 within the Sudanese Union-African Democratic Party; a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation, and the co-founder of the West African Women’s Union.
Maiga Attaher Jeannette Haidara	b. 25 December 1924, Mopti, French Sudan, present-day Mali Attaher Jeannette Haidara worked for the African Union 1951-1959 and was one of the Malian delegates that attended the first African Women’s conference in Tanganyka in 1962. She was a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organization.
Fatia Nkuruma	b. 22 February 1932, El-Zaytoun, Egypt Fatia Nkuruma was the former first lady to the newly independent Ghana, married to Kwame Nkrumah (1960-1966). She was a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Maria Nyerere	b. 31 December 1930, Tanganyka, present-day Tanzania Maria Nyerere is the former first lady of President Julius Nyerere (1964 -1985) and a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Phoebe Asiyo	b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Phoebe Asiyo is the former Kenyan Ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women, serving in the years 1988-1992, and a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organization.
Mrs Mungerera	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Mrs Mungerera was a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association.
Sarah Mukasa	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Sarah Mukasa was a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association.
Princess Irene Ndagire	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Princess Irene Ndagire was a member of Young Women’s Christian Association.
Cate Kibuuka	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Cate Kibuuka was a founding member of the Young Women’s Christian Association.
Rebecca Mulira	b. Date and year unknown, Uganda Rebecca Mulira was an activist dedicated to bettering the lives of others as a member of the Pan African Women’s Organization and founding member of the Young Women’s Christian Association.
Trénou Marguerite Thompson	b. 1921, British Togoland, present-day Togo, d. 2008, place unknown Trénou Marguerite Thompson is the former Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, Director of the National Social Security Fund, and was elected to Parliament as one of six other women in 1979. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organization.
Bembelo Fatoumata A. Diaroumeye	b. Date and place unknown, b. Date and place unknown Bembelo Fatoumata A. Diaroumeye is the President of the Network of Women for Peace in Niger and a former advisor to the Economic Commission for Africa, as well as a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Judith Yodit Imru	b. Date and year unknown, Ethiopia, b. Date and year unknown, Ethiopia Judith Yodit Imru was one of the founding members of the Pan African Women’s Organisation, additionally she was a diplomat who was responsible in supporting the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity within the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Margaret Wambui Kenyatta	b 1928, British Kenya, present-day Kenya, d. 2017, Nairobi, Kenya Margaret Wambui Kenyatta was the first female Mayor of Nairobi. She also served as Nairobi’s permanent representative to the United Nations Environment Programme. She was an advocate for women’s rights as a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Putuse Apollos	b. 1930, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1986, Zambia Putuse Apollos was one of Namibia’s most iconic freedom fighters and a member of the South-West Africa People’s Organization. She represented women in Dar el Salaam at its founding conference, and was a founding member of the Pan African Women’s Organization.
Marie-Thérèse Dio	d. Date and year unknown, Senegal, d. Date and year unknown, Senegal Marie-Thérèse Dio was a member of the editorial team of AWA, the first African women’s magazine. AWA covered stories across all spheres of professional work and other feats by women involved in activism and religion. Highlighting struggles for equality against gender-based oppression helped to create a network celebrating womanhood.
Henriette Bathily	d. Date and year unknown, Senegal, d. Date and year unknown, Senegal Henriette Bathily was a member of the editorial team of AWA, the first African women’s magazine. Exploring radical activism through print, whilst following the lives and experiences of African women, the magazine created a platform for, and wider network of, solidarity.
Marie-Anne Sohai	d. Date and year unknown, Senegal, d. Date and year unknown, Senegal Marie-Anne Sohai was an activist and the former director of AWA, the first African women’s magazine. Sohai’s efforts of organisation increased political awareness and promoted women’s literacy and professional training, which further contributed to the enhancing the nation and equal opportunities following Senegalese independence.
Suzanne Vertu Diop	d. Date and year unknown, Senegal, d. Date and year unknown, Senegal Suzanne Vertu Diop was the first Senegalese woman to become a judge. Her efforts paved the way for future generations of aspiring women.
Géraldine Faladé Touadé	b. 1935, Porto-Novo, French Dahomey, present-day Benin Géraldine Faladé Touadé is a journalist. In her essay ‘Turbulent’, she examined the history of African independence, including the names of women who are often left out of the wider understanding of the developments that lead to anti-colonial efforts.
Mbuyisa Makhubu	b. Date and year unknown, Soweto, South Africa, b. Date and place unknown Mbuyisa Makhubu was an anti-apartheid activist famously known for carrying Hector Pieterson in a photograph after had been shot by police during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. Despite the photograph’s international recognition, not much is known about Makhubu other than that he was forced to flee South Africa by the authorities.
Hector Pieterson	b. 1964 Soweto, South Africa, d. 1976, Soweto, South Africa Hector Pieterson was an anti-apartheid activist who was killed by the police during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. An image documenting the atrocity gained international attention and was used on badges worn by anti-apartheid protestors.
Baleka Mbete-Kgositsile	b. 24 December 1949, Durban, British Union of South Africa, present-day South Africa Baleka Mbete-Kgositsile was an educator and activist. An organising member of the Black Consciousness Movement, she fled South Africa following her detention in 1977, becoming the first secretary of the regional women’s section of the African National Congress in Tanzania. Upon her return to South Africa in 1990, she was elected Secretary General of the African National Congress Women’s League.
Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini is an anti-apartheid activist. She was part of the South African Students’ Movement and later the underground African National Congress’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. Tracking the police, the party was banned and Manzini was detained. After her exile in Zambia, she joined the African National Congress’s women’s section and worked as an assistant editor for the publication Voice of Women. These efforts further mobilised the political consciousness of women. Returning to Johannesburg, she became leader of the ANC Women’s League, a position she held 1990-1992.
Thérèse Sita-Bella	b. 1933, German Kamerun, present-day Cameroon, d. 2006, place unknown Thérèse Sita-Bella known by Sita Bella was a trailblazer across several industries dominated by men, beginning as a film director, she was among the earliest recorded women filmmakers in Africa, Tam-tam à Paris (1963) was featured at the first Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou in 1969. Later she became a Journalist cofounding the French newspaper La Vie Africane. Following on from working for UNESCO, she participated in the creation of BBC Africa radio service.
Ethel-Ruth Tawe	b. 1994, Cameroon Ethel-Ruth Tawe is a visual artist and creative consultant working with identity politics across communities of the African diaspora.
Felicia Abban	b. 1935, British Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Felicia Abban was a photographer known for her postproduction studio Mrs. Felicia Abban’s Day and Night Quality Art Studio, offering colour editing services for industry professionals where she would manipulate accents onto black and white film. With the nation on the cusp of independence, her skills were recognised when she began to work for Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah (1960-1966). Her work was exhibited at the Ghana Pavilion of the Venice Biennale in 2019.
James Barnor	b. 6 June 1929, British Gold Coast, present-day Ghana James Barnor is a Ghanaian photographer. At the time of the nation gaining independence, he established his studio in Accra, Ever Young, where he formed his journalistic eye. He continued working within the journalistic style throughout his career documenting political shifts within the African liberation movement, as well as the 1970s music scene in London.
Carrie Lumpkin	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Carrie Lumpkin resisted patriarchal expectations for elite African women in Lagos when she opened her photographic studio on Broad Street. Whether she was a professional or amateur photographer is uncertain, however, her work in the otherwise male-dominated field undoubtedly opened up opportunities for others seeking a career in photography.
Neils Walwin Holm	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Neils Walwin Holm was a portrait photographer working in Lagos during the late 19th century. Using Ilford dry plates, he documented tribesman and political leaders. He took part in the First Pan African Conference in London in 1900.
Jonathan Adagogo Green	b. 1873, Nigeria, d. 1905, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Jonathan Adagogo Green was the earliest known Nigerian studio photographer. He worked with West African and colonial clients. His portraiture provides insight into the daily lives of those living under colonialist restrictions, with his images often holding the monogram of J.A. Green, most likely using his initials to hide his ethnicity from the British authorities.
Tejumade Sapara-Johnson	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria, b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Tejumade Sapara-Johnson is believed to have been a photographer given her membership with the Royal Photographic Society in Nigeria in 1899, though there are no records of her work. Such membership participation resisted traditional expectations for Lagosian women.
Ruth Motau	b. 8 March 1968, Soweto, South Africa Ruth Seopedi Motau’s work within photojournalism played a key role in recording a variety of experiences during the independent struggles across Africa. During her time working for the The Mail and The Guardian 1995-2002, Sowetan 2004-2008, and City Press 2008-2010, she has worked to document life in post-apartheid South Africa. Her projects have been exhibited internationally.
Chantal Lawson	b. Date and year unknown, Togo, b Date and year unknown, Togo Chantal Lawson was a portrait photographer. Her work was featured in an issue of Amina Magazine in 1974. Though not many records of her work exist, the featured image of Lawson at work illustrates her professionalism and provides insight into the earliest documentation of a female Togolese photographer.
Evelyne Bernheim	b. Date and place unknown, b. Date and place unknown Evelyne Bernheim was a photographer for the popular women’s magazine Amina during the 1970s in Togo. Her participation within journalism created sorority and solidarity among black women readers of the journal.
Jacqueline Mathey	b. Date and year unknown, Togo, b Date and year unknown, Togo Jacqueline Mathey is one of the earliest recorded women to have worked within the typically male-dominated field of television and film. Working at the Togolese State Television Service, her specific title is unknown, but her efforts at resisting traditional gender-based expectations mark a significant moment for women in media.
Mlle N’kegbe	b. Date and year unknown, Togo Mlle N’kegbe worked as a photographer for the Togolese Information Service and the magazine Amina in the 1960s. Her efforts at resisting traditional gender-based expectations mark a significant moment for women working in photojournalism.
Mme Agbokou	b. Date and year unknown, Togo Mme Agbokou was a freelance journalist who has worked for Amina magazine celebrating the female experience and sorority. Her efforts instilled national awareness and created equal opportunities for independent Togo.
Awa Tounkara	b. 1949, French Colony of Senegal, present-day Senegal, d. 2021, Senagal Awa Tounkara was a photojournalist who worked for the daily newspaper Le Soleil from 1972-2009. Not much is recorded of her work but her efforts within the field placed women on record in a previously male-dominated field. She won Best Female Photographer at a competition during World Press Freedom Day.
Sarraounia Mangou	b. 18th Century, Niger, d. 19th century, French Colony of Niger, present-day Niger Sarraounia Mangou was the Queen of the Azna, a subgroup of the Hausa people. She led groups in the Niger Republic, notably in an attack in Lougou in the Dosso region in 1899, to resist the expansion of the French Empire of the Voulet-Chanoine Mission
Ilen Embet	b. 1801, Eritrea, d. 1851, Eritrea Ilen Embet was a governor to the highland region of Marab Mallash. She entered politics after being given in marriage to Ayte Selomon. She resurrected his military defeats leading fighters into battle and forging an alliance with the sovereign of Tigray, present-day Ethiopia.
Joséphine Bakhita	b. 1869, Dafur, Sudan, d. 1947, French Sudan, present-day Mali Joséphine Bakhita was the first black woman to be considered a saint within the Catholic Church. As a child she was taken by slave traders from her Muslim family. Traumatised, she misplaced her background and was given the name of Bakhita, meaning ‘lucky’ in Arabic. In 1883, the Consul of Italy in Khartoum bought her and brought her to Italy where she was finally emancipated in 1889, becoming Sister Josephine.
Aya Virginie Touré	b. Date and year unknown, Côte d'Ivoire Aya Virginie Touré is a peace activist and politician. She organised more than 40,000 women peaceful protests against President Laurent Gbagbo who refused to step down when he lost the presidential election to Alassane Ouattara in 2011.
Mana Sitti Habib Jamaladdin	b. 1810, Brava, Somalia, d. 1919, Italian Somaliland, present-day Somalia Mana Sitti Habib Jamaladdin, also known as Dada Masiti, was an Ashraf poet, mystic, and Islamic scholar known for After Life, Comes Death: When the Sheikh Dies, No One Should Weep.
Ekâkise	b. Date and year unknown, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Gabon, d. Date and year unknown, Gabon Ekâkise was an advocate for women’s rights through reporting and resisting systemic oppression within forced marriages in the early colonial era. She and Anyentyuwe described their experiences in Two Women: Anyentyuwe and Ekâkise by Henry Hale Bucher.
Janie Harrington	b. 1855, Gabon, d. 1904, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Gabon Anyentyuwe, also known as Janie Harrington, was an educator at the American-run Protestant Mission School of Baraka. After she was raped, she controversially reported it to the authorities, which was met with a professional dismissal. She became advocate for women through her outspokenness on gender-based expectations and double standards that were used to dismiss her claim.
Phyllis Ntantala-Jordan	b. 1920, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2016, Michigan, United States Phyllis Ntantala-Jordan was a writer and anti-apartheid and women’s activist. As with many other significant women of this period, her story has fallen through the cracks of history, though we know she was a member of the African National Congress. She stated in a 1982 Scheba article: ‘It is one of the ironies of history that the most pervasive and total oppression, the oppression of women, has been to a large extent neglected by scholars within the ranks of the [liberation] movement’.
Labotsibeni Mdluli	b. 1858, Eswaniti, d. 1925, British Swaziland, present-day Eswatini Labotsibeni Mdluli, also known as Gwamile, was a Swazi Queen who defended the rights and her territory from Boer and British intrusions. Through the educational system, she ensured that children could learn the language of colonisers.
Emtithal Mahmoud	b. 1993, Dafur, Sudan Emtithal Mahmoud is a poet and activist who advocates for disadvantaged and displaced people through verse. Taking a hands-on approach to educating and mobilising vulnerable groups, she has worked with institutions such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Women’s Forum, and TED.
Meaza Ashenafi	b. 25 July 1964, Ethiopia Meaza Ashenafi is a lawyer and women’s rights activist. In 1995, she founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association that defends the civil rights of women who have experienced gender-based oppression and violence. Continuing this work in 2011, Ashenafi helped to establish the first women’s bank in Ethiopia, Enat Bank. Her dedication has earnt her numerous awards, including the African Leadership Prize and the Grassroots Ethiopian Women of Substance Africa Prize.
Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh	b. Date and year unknown, Cameroon Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh is an activist dedicated to bettering the lives of women and young people with the UN Commission on the Status of Women. As the Executive Director of Women for A Change in Cameroon, she organises educational and empowerment programmes for the advancement of women’s rights.
Glanis Changachirere	b. 1983, Zimbabwe Glanis Changachirere advocates for women’s rights, founding the Institute for Young Women Development in 2009 to educate and mobilise multitudes of women. This has led her alumni to positions in the Zimbabwe government.
Farida Charity	b. 1985, Uganda Farida Charity is a leader for peace in the conflict-affected district of Yumbe in Northern Uganda. Beginning her activism at a young age, she participated in the peace negotiations with the Uganda National Rescue Front, achieving a formal ceasefire between government officials and military rebels in 2002. As the chairperson of the Council’s Women Caucus, she is dedicated to preventing sexual violence.
Alice Banze	b. Date and year unknown, Mozambique Alice Banze works within community development, understanding the interconnection of women’s rights and equal opportunities with wider issues such as climate change, she has worked as an advising minister for Mozambique and was the acting Oxfam Pan Africa Gender Justice and Governance lead.
Mosadi Mahoko	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Mosadi Mahoko was the first woman to qualify from Stellenbosch University, where she trained in cleft palate reconstruction and other cosmetic procedures. She received the Jack Penn Medal Award for the best final plastic surgery results in South Africa.
Ahlonkoba Aithnard	b. Date and year unknown, Comoros, d. Date and year unknown, Comoros Ahlonkoba Aithnard was the first woman appointed as Head Minister in the cabinet of Women and Social Affairs in the Comoros. She held the position only for a short period, until a re-shuffle and redelegation took place.
James Orengo	b. 1945, British Kenya, present-day Kenya James Orengo has served as a politician in between his practice as a lawyer and advocate for Human Rights and democracy. He was a member of the oppositional group nicknamed the Seven Bearded Sisters who resisted injustice and corruption in the beginning of the regime of Daniel arap Moi (1978-2002). With a nation foreshadowed by colonial methods, Orengo stood for wider political awareness hoping to achieve multipartyism.
George Anyona	b. 1920, British Kenya, present-day Kenya, d. 2003, Nairobi, Kenya George Anyona was a politician and member of the so-called Seven Bearded Sisters political oppositional group to the governing Kenyan African National Union that was in power for four decades following on from the nation gaining independence. Incarcerated multiple times for expressing the importance of democracy, he was later barred but still continued to champion political justice.
Abuya Abuya	b. Date and year unknown, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Abuya Abuya forged a reputation as a political agitator and advocate for democracy with his participation at resisting injustice and corruption within the Kenyan African National Union Party under President Daniel arap Moi (1978-2002). Concerned by echoing patterns of former British rule with the so-called Seven Bearded Sisters political oppositional group, he laid the foundation for multi-party democracy and repeal of the Kenyan Constitution in 1992.
Chibule Tsuma	b. Date and year unknown, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Chibule Tsuma is a doctor and former member of the Seven Bearded Sisters political opposition group that fought for democracy or multipartyism in the years following on from Kenya gaining independence from the British. His efforts lead to the repeal of the Kenyan Constitution in 1992.
Lawrence Sifuna	b. 1946, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Lawrence Sifuna was a politician whose efforts with the Seven Bearded Sisters political group established an awareness to political equality and multi-party politics in Kenya during the regime of Daniel arap Moi (1978-2002). The group’s dedication to fighting injustice and corruption for most of the members led to detention, jail, or exile.
Martin Shikuku	b. 1933, British Kenya, present-day Kenya, d. 2012, Nairobi, Kenya Martin Shikuku was a member of the Seven Bearded Sisters political group and the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy. He helped ensure the repeal of the Kenyan Constitution and the introduction of the first multi-party elections since the country gained independence in 1992.
Koigi wa Wamwere	b. 18 December 1949, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Koigi wa Wamwere dedicated himself to advocating for human rights and political reform through his participation in the Seven Bearded Sisters political opposition group. He was incarcerated for more than thirteen years under Jomo Kenyetta (1964-1978) and Daniel arap Moi (1978-2002).
Philomena Chelagat Mutai	b. 1949, British Kenya, present-day Kenya, d. June 2013, Kenya Philomena Chelagat Mutai was a politician winning her first parliamentary seat in 1972 at the age of twenty-five from eleven other male candidates. As an outspoken leftist critic of Jomo Kenyetta (1964-1978) and Daniel arap Moi (1978-2002),she later worked as a member of the political group Seven Bearded Sisters. Mutai was incarcerated in 1975 and later went into exile. Throughout her career, she championed the inclusion of women in civic roles and society, and helped to pave the way for multiparty politics.
Theresa Musoke	b. 1944, Kampala, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Theresa Musoke is an abstract painter and print maker who has exhibited internationally. Using batik or barkcloth techniques, she explores her heritage and challenges traditional expectations of African women.
Rosemary Karuga	b. 19 June 1928, British Kenya, present-day Kenya, d. 9 February 2021, place unknown Rosemary Karuga was an artist who started her career as the first female artist to study at Makerere University. Exploring portraiture scenes through collage, she depicted themes of heritage and identity in the daily lives of Africans.
Lucy Buyaphi Mvubelo	b. 1920, South Africab Union, present-day South Africa, d. 30 October 2000, place unknown Lucy Buyaphi Mvubelo was a trade unionist who achieved considerable gains in wages within the clothing industry by opposing apartheid and black labourers being excluded by South African legislation. Through organisation and increasing political awareness, she mobilised groups by forming the Garment Workers Union of African Women and the South African Congress of Trade Unions, campaigning for better pay and working conditions. This work earned her the Federation of Professional and Business Woman of the Year Award in 1974.
Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje	b. 9 October 1876, Dutch Orange Free State, present-day South Africa, d. 19 June 1932, place unknown Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was a journalist working who was the first Secretary General of the former South African Native National Congress, later named the African National Union. Plaatje’s papers portrayed a refreshed image of nationalism. In them, he campaigned against the British Land Act of 1913 that set out to drastically limit the right of Africans to own or occupy land across the Union.
Herbert Macaulay	b. 14 November 1864, Nigeria, d. 7 May 1946, Lagos, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Herbert Macaulay championed democracy in the early British occupation of Nigeria. In 1921, he increased awareness of wrongdoings of the colonisers, leading protests over water prices and property ownership. In 1922, he supported a Lagos chief involved in a legal battle against the colonial government which had illegally obtained his land. This contest resolved in the land being returned to the chief. Macaulay went on to establish the Nigerian National Democratic Party.
Jonas Malheiro Savimbi	b. 3 August 1934, Munhango, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, 22 February 2002, Lucusse, Angola Jonas Malheiro Savimbi was a revolutionary freedom fighter and leader of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola. He started an insurgency by organising attacks of the Benguela railway lines that were crucial to the Portuguese. After colonial retreat in 1975, the Cold War foreshadowed the Angolan fight for independence, becoming a playing field of rivalry where the United States and Apartheid South Africa provided backing for Savimbi in opposition of the Movement for the Liberation of Angola.
Richard Moore Rive	b. 1 March 1931, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Richard Moore Rive was a South African writer and academic an anti-apartheid writer. He published three novels, including Emergency (1964),which was set against the Sharpeville massacre and subsequently banned by the South African government. He also published an autobiography entitled Writing Black in 1981.
Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo	b. 19 June 1917, Matabeleland, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo was Vice President of Zimbabwe 1990-1999. He played a crucial role in the independence of Zimbabwe, beginning his political career with the Southern Rhodesia African National Congress, the New Democratic Party and later the Zimbabwe African People’s Union, before his arrest and decade-long detainment in Gonakudzinwa from 1964.
El-Ouali Mustapha Sayed	b. 1948, Spanish Sahara, present-day Western Sahara, d. 9 June 1976, Inichiri, Mauritiana El-Ouali Mustapha Sayed was an anti-colonial Sahrawi nationalist leader. He was co-founder and second Secretary-General of the Polisario Front.
Ibrahim Mahama	b. 1987, Ghana Ibrahim Mahama is a Ghanaian multidisciplinary artist who often works with themes of migration and unrecognised labour through his mixing of jute sacks and materials often associated with trade markets.
Hawo Tako	b. circa 1920s, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, d. 1948, Somalia Hawo Tako was a political activist. She is commemorated through a statue in Hamar representing the country’s struggles for independence. In 1948, Britain, France, the US. and the Soviet Union organised the Italian territories across the Horn of Africa, causing divide between the Italian community and the Somali Youth League. Demonstrating with the latter, Tako protested for independence, waving flags holding the poetry of Hawa Jibril. The peaceful walk was met with violence, and Tako was killed.
Halima Godane	b. 1935, Somalia, d. 1994, place unknown Halima Godane was a Somali poet and activist. Godane politicised national consciousness with the Somalian Youth League through the Buranbur genre of poetry during the nationalist movement of 1948-1960. Through poetry, women were encouraged to challenge oppressive behaviours and traditions.
Oyinkansola Abayomi	b. 6 March 1897, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 19 March 1990, Nigeria Oyinkansola Abayomi was a Nigerian nationalist and feminist. She co-founded the Nigerian Women’s Party. Leading the Nigerian Girl Guides, she worked to encourage sorority and leadership among young girls and women.
Felix Moumie	b. 1 November 1925, French Cameroon, present-day Cameroon, d. 3 November 1960, Geneva Felix-Roland Moumie was an anti-colonialist Cameroonian leader. He was a key figurehead in organising nationalist consciousness leading to the eventual independence of Cameroon. Resisting colonialism with his leadership of Union des Populations du Cameroun, he wanted for the nation to be autonomous from France and to establish a socialist economy. He was assassinated in Geneva on 3 November 1960 by an agent of the French secret service.
Busi Mhlongo	b. 28 October 1947, KwaZulu-Natal, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d.15 June 2010, Durban, South Africa Busi Mhlongo was a singer, dancer and composer from Inanda in Natal, South Africa. Known for her emotional representation of gender-based violence and experiences of oppression as explored in her Maskandi studio album Urban Zulu (1998),she made South African history when it stayed at the top of the billboard world music charts for two months. After her death, she was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for her contribution to South African music.
Thandiswa Mazwai	b. 31 March 1976, South Africa Thandiswa Mazwai, also known as King Tha, is a musician and the lead vocalist of Bongo Maffin. Her solo jazz album Belede (2016) was inspired by protest anthems from the 1950s and 1960s.
Roberto Holden	b. 12 January 1923, São Salvador, Portuguese Angola, present-day M’banza-Kongo, Angola, d. 2 August 2007, Luanda, Angola Roberto Holden was as the leader of the Angolan People’s Union and later the National Liberation Front one of the fathers of Angola’s independence. In the early 1960s, he organised military campaigns that took over Portuguese trading centres and farms, leading to the eventual peace treaty that effectuated independence in 1975. Shortly after autonomy, the country broke out in a civil war that ran in the shadow of the Cold War. Holden’s was quickly defeated by his political opposition, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, and People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola.
Lozikeyi Dlodlo	b. 1855, South Zambezia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 1910, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Lozikeyi Dlodlo was a Queen of the Ndebele nation. She led resistance to the British colonies, attempting to take trying to take over Matabeleland with the Matabe War against the British South Africa Company of 1893 and the War of the Red Axe of 1896.
Hawa Jibril	b. 1920, British Somalia, present-day Somalia, d. 2011, Somalia Hawa Jibril was a Somali poet. A member of the Somali Youth League, she played a key part in activating political consciousness amongst women through Buranbur poetry. Her work illustrates the determined struggles of women against oppressive behaviours and Italian colonialism, and her verse was used in protest chants in the nationalist movement 1948-1960.
Dedan Kimathi	b. 1920, Nyeri District, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, d. 18 February 1957, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Dedan Kimathi was a leader within the Mau Mau uprising. Disapproving of land grabbing tactics enforced by the early British occupation, he organised armed groups and resisted the colonisers before he was captured and executed. During the period of defeat, approximately 150,000 sympathisers were incarcerated without trail across 150 detention camps. Staining Kenyan history, the whereabouts of Kimathi’s remains are unknown and were covered up by government officials. Many have protested demanding for his return. The atrocity marks the first time in British history that victims of colonial suffering were given the legal right to claim compensation for all they endured in 2013.
Mukami Kimathi	b. 1927, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, d. 4 May 2023, Njabini, Kenya Mukami Kimathi was an organiser within the Mau Mau cause, which was born in the late 1940s out of frustration with the loss of fertile land to white settlers, and the slow progress to establish political rights for Kenyans. She administered oaths, provided education, and coordinated spies as well as supplies to the forest fighters during the revolt against the British. After her husband Dedan Kimathi, a leader of the forest groups, was caught by the authorities and later executed, with the whereabouts of his burial unknown, Mukami spent six decades demanding his remains be returned to her and the nation of Kenya.
Rose Mathagani	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Rose Mathagani was an organiser within the Mau Mau uprising. She administered oaths that were a means to mobilise people to the Mau Mau cause, which was born in the late 1940s out of frustration with the loss of fertile land to white settlers, and the slow progress to establish political rights for Kenyans. Mathagani was incarcerated without trial in a detention camp.
Virginia Wanjiru	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Virginia Wanjiru was a freedom fighter within the Mau Mau uprising against British forces. In combat, a level of equality was extant amongst men and women, contesting conventional gender norms.
Salome Wanjiku	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Salome Wanjiku was involved in the Mau Mau uprising against the British Empire in 1952. She challenged traditional gender conventions and took advantage of assumptions that women were passive, utilising this in her favour to strategize and transport arms for combatants.
Jane Muthoni Mara	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya, b. Date and Year unknown, Kenya Colony, present-day Kenya Jane Muthoni Mara was involved in the Mau Mau uprising in the late 1940s. In 2013, she was one of the surviving victims who convinced the British High Court that their stories of appalling abuse by colonial authorities were legitimate, contributing to the eventual compensation for claimants.
Victoria Mehlomakulu	b. Date and place unknown Victoria Mehlomakulu attended a forum on women at the United Nations as a representative of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania in 1981.
Ntathu Mbotha	b. Date and place unknown Ntathu Mbotha is the former Secretary of the African National Congress of South Africa. Mbotha attended a forum dedicated to discussing female experiences of apartheid at the United Nations in 1981.
Mankenkulu Mahlangu	b. Date and year unknown, Soweto, South Africa Mankenkulu Mahlangu is the former Secretary of the Soweto Committee of Ten who spoke at the United Nations in 1981 at a forum allocated to discussing women living under apartheid.
Billie Zangewa	b. 1973, Malawi Billie Zangewa is an artist who explores the female form in relation to the historical African landscape and diaspora. Her work comprises figurative textile compositions portraying everyday experiences.
Ablade Glover	b. 1934, Accra, British Gold Coast, present-day Ghana Ablade Glover is a painter best known for his representation of Ghanaian daily life. When the nation gained independence, artisans like Glover were encouraged to learn western skills to represent their local culture.
Wanuri Kahiu	b. 21 June 1980, Nairobi, Kenya Wanuri Kahiu is a director whose first short film gained international recognition. From A Whisper (2008) is based on real events that surrounded the 1998 United States embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. Pumzi (2009) is a science fiction film based in Eastern Africa thirty-five years after World War III. It received the Citta di Venezia award in 2010.
Halima Ahmed	b. Date and year unknown, Somalia Halima Ahmed is an activist working for the Youth Rehabilitation Centre in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Asha Haji Elmi	b. 1962, Somalia Asha Haji Elmi co-founded the Sixth Clan in support of women’s rights, believing in the importance of equal consideration amongst the peace process. As a result, women were for the first time represented as an individual group in peace talks.
Fawzia Yusuf Adam	b. Date and year unknown, Somalia Fawzia Yusuf Adam is a political pioneer paving the way for women’s rights. A former diplomat and the first-ever Somalian female foreign minister, she became Deputy Prime Minister in 2012.
Hanan Ibrahim	b. Date and year unknown, Somalia Hanan Ibrahim is an activist and the Chairperson of the Barnet Muslim Women’s Network. She has worked for the Women Interfaith Network, Sisters against Violent Extremism, and the Women’s Federation for World Peace.
Fatema Mernissi	b. 27 September 1940, Fes, French Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 30 November 2015, Rabat, Morocco Fatema Mernissi was a writer largely concerned with Islam and its relationship to women, as explored in Beyond the Veil: Male-Female Dynamics in Muslim Society (1975).
Stella Chiweshe	b. 8 July 1946, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 20 January 2023, Kuwadzana, Zimbabwe Stella Chiweshe was a pioneering musician known for challenging gender-based expectations of women during the peak of Zimbabwe’s colonial interference. Known for playing the Mbira, a small instrument with metal keys attached to a wooden resonating box, she performed at illegal ceremonies. Following independence, she also played the leading role of Mbuya Nehanda in a film of the same name, following the story of a spirit medium rebelling against British forces.
Tewhida Ben Sheikh	b. 2 January 1909, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 6 December 2010, Tunisia Tawhida Ben Sheikh was the first North African Muslim physician and gynaecologist in northern Africa in the 20th century. She was dedicated to challenging expectations and studying women’s reproductive health. She supported the resistance movement against the French, before the country gained independence in 1956. In 2020, she was commemorated on new bank notes.
Hassib Ben Ammar	b. 11 April 1924, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 15 December 2008, Tunisia Hassib Ben Ammar was a Tunisian politician, journalist, and human rights campaigner. He began his political career as an activist among grassroots organisations. He was subsequently the co-founder of the Tunisian Human Rights League and the pro-democratic independent newspaper Erraï, encouraging free speech by publishing features from polarised political parties of Islam and communist roots. He later became a politician, and in 1992 he was awarded the UNESCO Human Rights Advocacy Prize.
Afi Ekong	b. 6 June 1930, Calabar, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Afi Ekong, or Chief Lady Constance, was a Nigerian artist and arts promoter. She was the first academically trained female artist in Nigeria, and in 1958 she was the first female to hold a solo exhibition at the Lagos Festival of Arts. In 1968, she established the Bronze Gallery to house her private collection, which was the first private art gallery in Lagos.
Aina Onabolu	b. 13 September 1882, Ogun State, Nigeria, d. 1963, Nigeria Aina Onabolu was an artist and educator, and is generally considered the father of modernism in Nigerian art. He was the first Nigerian in the field to receive a formal education in Europe, at the Académie Julian in Paris and Royal Academy of Art in London. Much of his work depicts everyday scenes and Yoruba fashion.
Asma Belkhodja	b. 1930, Hammam-Lif, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 2011, Tunisia Asma Belkhodja was a pioneer of the Tunisian feminist movement. As a teenager, she joined the first Tunisian Women’s Association, and after the country gained independence, she continued to dedicate herself to bettering the political position of women, co-founding the National Union of Tunisian Women.
Khadija Tabben	b. 29 August 1925, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d.10 February 1995, Tunisia Khadija Tabben was one of the founding members of the National Union of Tunisian Women in 1956. Working in the central committee, she organised local departments and vocational training for supporters, dedicating herself to improving women’s living conditions.
Bchira Ben Mrad	b. 1913, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 4 May 1993, Tunisia Bchira Ben Mrad was an anti-colonial Tunisian activist. Influenced by her father’s advocacy for women’s liberation, she dedicated her life to the cause. In 1936, she founded the Union of Muslim Women of Tunisia, an organisation striving for education and equal marriage rights. She fundraised for many celebrated nationalist male leaders within Neo-Destour, including President Habib Bourguiba (1957-1987).
Naima Ben Salah	b. Date and year unknown, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. Date and year unknown, Tunisia Naima Ben Salah was an anti-colonialist member of the Union of Muslim Women of Tunisia. In 1936, she supported the Neo Destour party in organising a fundraiser of 9000 people to rally support for the cause. As is often the case with women in liberation struggles, she has largely been neglected in historical accounts of the events leading to Tunisian independence.
Wahida Belhaj	b. 1935, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 2007, Tunisia Wahida Belhaj was a television presenter and a member of the former Union of Muslim Women of Tunisia.
Folashade Thomas-Fahm	b. 22 September 1933, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Folashade Thomas-Fahm was Nigeria’s first female fashion designer. She championed the traditional fabrics of adire and aṣọ-òkè, updating them to suit modern and post-independence African identity through, manufacturing also pre-tied head wraps. Her first boutique opened on Broad Street, Lagos, in 1970.
Ali Belhouane	b. 13 April 1909, Tunis, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 11 May 1958, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia Ali Belhouane was a Tunisian politician. He addressed crowds protesting for democracy on Day of the Martyrs on 9 April 1938. Disapproving of repressive policies inflicted by French colonisers, Belouhane demanded for Neo Destour political prisoners to be released by authorities. Then government officials resisted the protestors with violence and Belhouane was arrested. In memorial of this history, after the nation gained independence, a street where the violence had unfolded was renamed Ali Belhouane Avenue.
Wassila Bourguiba	b. 22 April 1912, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, d. 22 June 1999, Tunisia Wassila Bourguiba is the second wife of the first Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba (1957-1987). In 1952, she was pivotal in the Beja uprising, after which she went on to focus on domestic influence by advising her former husband.
Saida Sassi	b. 1921, French Tunisia, present-day Tunisia, b. 25 July 2007, Tunisia Saida Sassi was a Tunisian politician. The niece of President Habib Bourguiba (1957-1987),she worked as his political advisor in the last few years of his regime. Her position in cabinet marked an early entry for women in Tunisian public politics after the nation gained independence. While Tunisian women contributed greatly to decolonisation, they tended not to have positions of direct influence when political reform was being made.
Mona Finnih	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Mona Finnih is a jazz and funk musician known as the leading vocalist of The Sunflowers. Active in the run-up to and following Nigeria gaining independence, The Sunflowers were one of the most prominent touring bands. Women played a key role in growing the Nigerian music scene during these years, often influenced by national artistic heritage.
Area Scatter	b. Date and year unknown, Imo State, Nigeria, d. Date and year unknown, Imo State, Nigeria Area Scatter was a cross-dressing musician and entertainer. Scatter was known for playing a thumb piano, called a Mbira, performing in Eastern Nigeria for Igbo people during the 1970s. As the first gender-fluid musician recognised in mainstream media, little is known of their life other than what is presented in a short feature for the music documentary show Beats of the Heart, and recordings from their band Ugwu Anya Egbulam.
Nelly Uchendu	b. 1950, Umuchu, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 12 April 2005, Enugu, Nigeria Nelly Uzonna Edith Uchendu was an Igbo singer and music producer known for modernising traditional folk music with Love Nwantinti (1976). Challenging societal expectations of women, Uchendu paved the way for aspiring musicians in newly independent Nigeria.
Taiwo Lijadu	b. 18 September 1948, Jos, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Taiwo Lijadu is an internationally renowned musician known for performing with her identical twin Taiwo as the Lijadu Sisters. Taiwo who utilised her stardom to speak out on women’s issues and social injustice.
Kehinde Lijadu	b. 18 September 1948, Jos, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 2019, place unknown Kehinde Lijadu was an internationally renowned musician known for performing with her identical twin Taiwo as the Lijadu Sisters. Through lyrical style and boldness, she openly spoke out on the issues she faced in a male-dominated industry and society. The song ‘Orere Elejigbo’ on the album Horizon Unlimited (1979) calls out ruling elite officials to look after their nation during troubled times.
Khnata Bennouna	b. 1940, Fez, French Morocco, present-day Morocco Khnata Bennouna is a Moroccan author of novels and short stories. Using writing as a political tool to challenge gender-based expectations for women, Bennouna’s stories are influenced by narratives affected by colonialism, such as the Palestinian problem. She also founded the first Moroccan women’s magazine, Chorouk, in the 1960s. She was awarded the Morocco Literary Prize in 1971 for Assawt wa Assurah, Sound and Image in English, and her works have been taught as part of the school curriculum.
Farida Diouri	b. 1956, Larache, French Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 8 August 2004, place unknown Farida Diouri was a Moroccan novelist. Her work explored women’s issues within a polarised society shadowed by former colonial rule. Her first novel, Vivre dans la dignité, ou mourir was selected for the Grand Atlas Prize, organised by the French Embassy in Morocco.
Lalla Essaydi	b. 1965, Morocco Lalla Essaydi is a multidisciplinary artist. Her work explores issues of Arab female identity, religion, and notions of Orientalism, often through female portraiture overlaid with calligraphy and messages using traditional practices of henna.
Malika al-Fassi	b. 19 January 1919, French Morocco, present-day Morocco, d. 2007, place unknown Malika al-Fassi was the first Moroccan female journalist. Concerned with women’s access to education, she became active within the feminist movement Istiqal, which challenged colonisers to organise secondary school education for girl. Women within the movement sold their prized possessions to provide resources. al-Fassi also secretively organised liaisons with nationalist groups and the former King Mohamed V. She was the only woman to sign the Independence Proclamation in 1944.
Aisha Gadoor	b. Date and year unknown, Libya Aisha Gadoor is a freedom fighter who among many other women played a key role in the revolution and removal of Colonel Gaddafi (1971-2011),yet her efforts within the struggles for democracy often go unrecognised.
Sara Mazik	b. Date and year unknown, Libya Sara Mazik is an activist working for Women for Libya. She was forced into exile under Gaddafi (1971-2011). Campaigning for women’s rights, she has organised protest groups against sexual crimes and is dedicated to creating spaces for women in civic positions.
Pauline Opango	b. 1 January 1937, Sankuru Region, Belgian Congo, present-day Congo, b. 23 December 2014, Congo Pauline Opango was a Congolese activist. She was the wife of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo who was executed in 1961. Following on from the military coup against her husband, Opango led protests demanding the return of her husband’s remains. As the nation entered democracy, she expressed concerns with women’s position within de-colonisation.
Thudiso Virginia Gcabashe	b. 1930, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. Date and place unknown Thudiso Virginia Gcabashe was a vice-president of the South African Council of Churches, and was a leading campaigner against racism and apartheid in South Africa within in the Methodist Church. Her dedication to women’s emancipation led her to establish the Sibusisiwe Child and Family Welfare Society.
Barbie Schreiner	b. Date and place unknown Barbie Schreiner is a writer. She is author of My Spirit Is Not Banned in 1986, a book on the South African anti-apartheid trade unionist and activist Frances Baard.
Dora Tamana	b. 11 November 1901, Transkei, South African Union, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 23 July 1983, place unknown Dora Tamana was a South African Activist and women’s advocate. She was a member of the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress Women’s League, as well as National Secretary of the Federation of South African Women.
Florence Maleka	b. Date and place unknown Florence Maleka was a member of the African National Congress’s Women’s League. She spoke as a representative of the Union at the Year of the Women meeting on South Africa Women’s Day held in Hackney Town Hall on 9 August 1984, addressing apartheid and women’s emancipation.
Felicia Mzamo	b. Date and place unknown Felicia Mzamo was a member of the African National Congress’s Women’s League. She spoke as a representative of the Union at the Year of the Women meeting on South Africa Women’s Day held in Hackney Town Hall on 9 August 1984, addressing apartheid and women’s emancipation.
Kofoworola Ademola	b. Date and year unknown, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Kofoworola Ademola was an educator, writer, and advocate for women’s education. In 1930, she was the first black African woman to graduate from Oxford. Challenging racial stereotypes of the time, she went on to become First President of Nigeria’s National Council of Women’s Societies.
Nkiru Nzegwu	b. 22 March 1954, Nigeria Nkiru Nzegwu is an art historian and author. She co-produced a documentary on Nigerian art, entitled Kindred Spirits (1996),which won an Emmy Award. Her published works include Family Matters: Feminist Concepts in African Philosophy of Culture (2006) and Issues in Contemporary African Art (1998).
Abdul Samad Minty	b. 31 October 1939, Hartebeesfontein, South African Union, present-day Limpopo Province, South Africa Abdul Samad Minty is a South African diplomat. The Honorary Secretary of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, he was in 1964 photographed with the actor Marlon Brando debating measures to sanction the screening of Hollywood films before segregated audiences in South Africa. Minty’s influence at the International Olympic Committee secured the suspension of Apartheid South Africa from entering the Olympics from 1964 to 1988.
Denis Goldberg	b. 11 April 1933, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 29 April 2020, South Africa Denis Goldberg was an anti-apartheid activist, a member of the African National Congress, and one of Nelson Mandela’s co-defendants in the 1963-64 Rivonia Trial in which ten men were convicted for conspiring to overthrow the apartheid regime. Goldberg was incarcerated for twenty-two years.
Jessie Duarte	b.19 September 1953, Johannesburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2021, Johannesburg, South Africa Jessie Duarte was a South African politician and acting secretary-general of the African National Congress. She started her political career working for Albertina Sissulu in establishing women’s networks within South Africa and enabling their political mobilisation.
Zingiswa Losi	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Zingiswa Losi is a trade unionist and the first female leader of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. She has addressed the need for women in leadership roles. She is a member of the African National Congress.
John Matshikiza	b. 26 November 1954, Johannesburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 15 September 2008, Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa John Matshikiza was an actor and journalist. He helped form the cultural Mayibuye journal of the African National Congress in the 1970s, later publishing the poetry collections South Where Her Feet Cool on Ice (1981) and Prophets in the Black Sky (1986).
Violet Hache	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa, d. Date and year unknown, South Africa Violet Hache was an African Trade Unionist leader. She participated in demonstrations for better working conditions at Freedom Square in Fordsburg 1952, where her organisational skills helped mobilise protection for labourers.
Brian Brown	b. 1938, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Brian Brown worked was a Methodist minister for the Christian Institute of Southern Africa. When the organisation was banned he continued his work in the United Kingdom where he ran anti-apartheid talks and conferences on Britain and South Africa. This led to the establishment of the Southern Africa Coalition in 1989.
Nokukhanya Luthuli	b. 3 March 1904, Durban, South Africa, d. 1996, South Africa Nokukhanya Luthuli was an educator and farmer. The wife of Nobel-Prize-winning Chief Albert John Luthuli, she worked for the Daughters of Africa where she mobilised women and increased their political consciousness whilst training them in domestic skills.
Mzwakhe Mbuli	b. 1 August 1959, South African Union, present-day South Africa Mzwakhe Mbuli is a poet and musician who uses verse to discuss grievances with apartheid. Following on from the Soweto uprising in 1976, a chain of influence began to affect writers who turned to political critique. These poets would often recite at mass funerals and union meetings, employing rhythmic chants similar to those used in protest.
Kippie Jeremiah Moeketsi	b. 17 July 1925, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 27 April 1983, London, United Kingdom Kippie Jeremiah Moeketsi was a jazz musician and saxophone player and a former member of Blue in Blue. He went on to play with some of the most renowned musicians and producers of his generation.
Phyllis Altman	b. 25 September 1919, tFormer British Union of South Africa, d. 18 September 1999, London, United Kingdom Phyllis Altman was a trade unionist and anti-apartheid campaigner. She began her political career with the South African Congress of Trade Unions, orchestrating investigations into salaries and introducing wage improvements for black workers. She later arranged funds for activists such as Nelson Mandela through the International Defence and Aid Fund.
Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo	b. 5 September 1909, Gauteng, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 19 September 1983, London, United Kingdom Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo played a pivotal role in expanding the consciousness of South African Indians, urging them to join the African Majority in the liberation struggles. Leading multiple passive protest movements and heading the South African Indian Congress – a co-operative to the African National Congress – he worked to unify the oppressed, speaking also at the Defiance Campaign of 1952.
Suriakala Patel	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Suriakala Patel played a key role in organising protest groups contesting discriminatory laws within the apartheid regime in the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948. She was later an elected member of the Transvaal Indian Congress Committee and active in political consciousness groups.
Veeramah Pather	b. Date and year unknown, Durban, South Africa Veeramah Pather played a key role in resisting the apartheid regime by organising campaign groups during the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948.
Lakshmi Govender	b. Date and year unknown, Durban, South Africa Lakshmi Govender was one of eighteen women who resisted the apartheid regime through organising a protest group during the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948. She is recorded to have camped out in 1946 before being attacked and forced to leave by discriminatory groups.
Zubeida Patel	b. Date and year unknown, Johannesburg, South Africa Zubeida Patel was one of eighteen women who resisted the apartheid regime through organising a protest group during the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948. She is recorded to have camped out in 1946 before being attacked and forced to leave by discriminatory groups.
Amina Pahad	b. Date and year unknown, Johannesburg, South Africa Amina Pahad was one of eighteen women who resisted the apartheid regime through organising a protest group during the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948. She is recorded to have camped out in 1946 before being attacked and forced to leave by discriminatory groups.
Zohra Bhayat	b. Date and year unknown, Johannesburg, South Africa Zohra Bhayat was one of eighteen women who resisted the apartheid regime through organising a protest group during the Indian Passive Resistance protests in South Africa 1946-1948. She is recorded to have camped out in 1946 before being attacked and forced to leave by discriminatory groups.
James Matthews	b. 25 May 1929, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa James Matthews was a writer and publisher. During the apartheid era, several of the poetry books he published were banned due to their content opposing the oppressive regime, including Gladys Thomas’s Cry Rage (1972).
Gladys Thomas	b. 1934, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2022, Western Cape, South Africa Gladys Thomas used her writing to oppose apartheid. Cry Rage (1972) was the first book of poetry to be banned by the government, she went on to produce numerous plays that were also later banned due to their political content. Avalon Court (1990) won first prize at the African Literature Awards.
Zuleikha Mayat	b. 1926, Transvaal, South African Union, present-day North West Province, South Africa Zuleikha Mayat is an award-winning author and social activist. Her renowned cookbook Indian Delights (1961) is concerned with women’s emancipation and profits from the book has helped to fund her Women’s Cultural Group in Durban. The group hosted discussions on increasing social mobility amongst religious and racial minorities.
Nomhlangano Beauty Mkhize	b. 12 April 1940, Gauteng, South African Union, present-day South Africa Nomhlangano Beauty Mkhize was forcibly relocated from her birthplace under the 1954 Natives Resettlement Act. Mkhize dedicated herself to bettering the living conditions for women in segregated rural areas, taking part in the Black Sash Movement and campaigning in her late husband’s position with the Transvaal Rural Action Committee against continued forced removals.
Thembi Shange Nobadula	b. 23 December 1927, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 9 May 2021, South Africa Thembi Shange Nobadula supported the rights of South Africans through her organisation of the women’s march in Pretoria in 1956. In resistance to the oppressive apartheid pass laws, she was forced into exile in former Bechuanaland, present-day Botwana. Nobadula continued her political work with the African National Congress and later the Pan African Women’s Organisation.
Mary Butcher Turok	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Mary Butcher Turok is a former anti-apartheid campaigner concerned with democracy as a member of the South African Communist Party, the African National Congress, and South African Congress of Democrats. As a representative, she attended the All African Peoples Conference 1958 in Cairo, which established economic sanctions against South Africa.
Rebecca Makgomo Masilela	b. 12 December 1928, Transvaal, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 30 September 2007, place unknown Rebecca Makgomo Masilela played a vital role in supporting activists from the African National Congress from her home in present Eswaniti. Her home was known as Grandma’s House. From there, she secretively sheltered exiled activists and militants from the Umkhonto weSizwe arm. After her death, she was in 2009 awarded the silver Government’s National Order of Luthuli for her commitment to the liberation movement.
Dianna Ferrus	b. 29 August 1953, South African Union, present-day South Africa Diana Ferrus is a poet and performance artist. Her work I’ve come to take you home played an instrumental role in influencing a legislative bill demanding the French to return the remains of the Sarah Baartman to South Africa. Bartmaan is recognised as the first black female victim of trafficking, having been exploited and exhibited by colonisers in the early 18th century.
Magasvarie Govender	b. Date and year unknown, Durban, South Africa Magasvarie Govender was an educator and trade unionist. She started her activism as a student, protesting the apartheid government during the 1980s national school boycotts. She was part of the United Democratic Front’s one million signatures campaign. She later worked for the Garment Workers’ Union as Educational Officer, playing a pivotal role in persuading the union join the Congress of South African Trade Unions. During the armed struggle, Govender helped to smuggle freedom fighters into South Africa.
Harriet Ngubane	b. 11 November 1929, kwaZulu-Natal Province, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. October 2007, place unknown Harriet Ngubane was an anthropologist best known for her work on Zulu belief systems. She also worked for the Inkatha Freedom Party and as an advisor to United Nations Women’s Bureau.
Anna de Villiers	b. 24 December 1900, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 1 November 1979, Western Cape, South Africa Anna Johanna Dorothea De Villiers was a novelist and lexicographer best known for her work on Afrikaans language and the largest documented dictionary, Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (1951).
Rajes Pillay	b. 4 August 1944, Pietermaritzburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 29 December 2020, place unknown Rajes Pillay was an activist involved in the anti-apartheid resistance. Much of her work was underground, and she helped to facilitate secret correspondence for the Natal Indian Congress. Dedicating herself to change, she worked within the mobilisation and recruitment of activists within the African National Congress, hosting talks in churches and other public spaces on the atrocities of the regime.
Susan Shabangu	b. 28 February 1956, South African Union, present-day South Africa Susan Shabangu is a trade unionist who applied herself to solving women’s issues across several industries. She formerly worked for the African National Congress and as an organiser for the Release Mandela Campaign Committee in 1982.
Jeanette Carlson	b. 21 June 1929, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 18 August 2020, New York, USA Jeanette Carlson was an anti-apartheid activist. She was the leader within a section of the Black Sash movement. Mobilising and educating others, she applied herself to resistance, heading rallies outside of apartheid government buildings and leading informative seminars. Continuing to agitate oppression, alongside her husband Joe Carlson, she offered free legal advice specifically helping to expose corrupt government behaviour. This included the case of the ‘Potato Labourers’, where black people or political opponents were secretly detained and exploited in detention farm after being caught without identification papers.
Stephanie Urdang	b. Date and year unknown, Cape Town, South Africa Stephanie Urdang is an activist born in Cape Town, South Africa and working for fellow Africans from the United States. She has worked with various organisations to restrict the advancement of oppression within apartheid, including the anti-apartheid divestment campaign in the 1980s and the International Defence and Aid Fund, supporting political detainees that opposed the government. She has also worked with the United Nations, writing papers on the grievances shared at the World Conference on Women. This work was published in the book Oppression and Resistance: The Struggle of Women in Southern Africa (1982).
Frances Rix Ames	b. 20 April 1920, Transvaal, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d.11 November 2002, South Africa Frances Rix Ames was a South African neurologist, psychiatrist, and human rights activist, stalwart doctor fighting for human rights, understanding that the police assaulted the anti-apartheid activist Steven Biko and allowed him to die without medical intervention later in their custody, later to be covered up by pro-government doctors that were exonerated (1977). In response to the South African Medical Council’s failure to arbitrate, amongst a group of others Ames demanded for an ethical inquiry into the circumstances of Biko’s death, that was later taken to the Supreme Court, despite of risking personal safety and professional harm for speaking out against the government, the investigation was won in 1985, Ames was awarded the Order of the Star of South Africa by Mandela ( 1994-1999) in 1999.
Sumboornam Pillay	b. Date and year unknown, Northern Natal, South African Union, present-day South Africa Sumboornam Pillay is a former anti-apartheid activist. She addressed her concerns with racial and political conditions through the black theatre protest group, the Theatre Council of Natal. Later she became a member of the Black Consciousness Movement, publishing articles in their journal the Black Review. She was also a member of the South African Student Organisation.
Mary Matilda Brown	b. 20 July 1847, Sea Point, Western Cape, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 1935, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Mary Matilda Brown was an advocate for social and moral reform, active within the Women’s Enfranchisement League and the National Council of Women. Both organisations helped to establish the societal framework and highlight the necessity of sorority in resisting colonially influenced oppressive behaviours, marking an early entry point for female political autonomy.
Hettie Du Preez	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Hettie Du Preez was a trade unionist and former leader of the Garment Workers’ Union. She helped establish the Federation of South African Women in 1947 and was committed to achieving equal opportunities and protection for women regardless of race and religion.
Sibongile Mkhabela	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Sibongile Mkhabela is a trained social worker and social justice activist. She started her political work in student organisations involved with the Soweto Uprising against the apartheid regime. After the protests, she was charged by police under the Terrorism Act for speaking out against the government, held for a year and then detained for three years. She continued to resist injustice by protesting against the maltreatment of prisoners from inside Fort Prison.
Mina Tembeka Soga	b. 5 June 1893, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 1989, place unknown Mina Tembeka Soga was a South African mission advocate. She was the first African woman to participate in the World Mission Conference in Tambaram India of 1938. Continuing her advocacy for almost a century with the church, she contributed to the fields of education and social work. Travelling internationally, she raised funds for the black community in Queenstown, building safe housing such as hostels.
Faith Gasa	b. 28 February 1945, Orange Free State, present-day South Africa, d. 4 August 2005, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa Faith Gasa is a South African politician. She began her political activism as a student with the Inkatha movement. She was secretary of the women’s brigade of the Inkatha Freedom Party and organised peace talks with their counterparts at the African National Congress Women’s League.
Ashlatha Rambally	b. 1946, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, South African Union, present-day South Africa Ashlatha Rambally was an anti-apartheid activist. She found her political footing protesting with the South African Student Organisation, the Black Consciousness Movement, and Black People’s Convention.
Wendy Heather Woods	b. 5 February 1941, Umtata, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 19 May 2019, place unknown Wendy Heather Woods dedicated her life to human rights. She started her work in the apartheid era within the Black Sash movement. Despite the government tapping her phone calls and the police shooting at her home and injuring her young daughter with acid, she continued to work as a journalist in forced exile in the United Kingdom, documenting the struggles. Woods notably worked for numerous charities such as Amnesty International. She later chaired her husband’s Donald Woods foundation, helping to establish accessible health care in South Africa.
Mary Margaret Ngalo	b.16 March 1973, Transkei, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 18 March 1973, Cairo, Egypt Mary Margaret Ngalo was a women’s rights activist with the African National Congress Women’s League and the Federation of South African Women. She walked in the Women’s March of 1956 against the apartheid regime and pass laws. Opposing the government led to her being sentenced to one month in prison, and upon release she was forced into exile. She continued to mobilise women with the Women’s Bureau of the Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organisation, and later attended the United Nations All Africa Women’s Conference in Tanzania, 1972.
Winifred Seqwana	b. 1897, Cape town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1961, Cape town, South Africa Winifred Seqwana was the first African female member of the Communist Party of South Africa. She was the founder of the Langa Women’s Vigilance Association and the Black Sash Movement. In 1954, she became the chairperson for Langa in the African National Congress Women’s League, while also being a founding member of the Federation of South African Women and vice-president of the National Council of African Women.
Nosipho Dastile	b.1938, Eastern Cape, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2009, place unknown Nosipho Dastile resisted apartheid through founding the United Democratic Front. This work saw her elected as the first president of the Uitenhage Women’s Organisation as well as of the African National Congress Women’s League. She later led the Defiance Campaign protests in Port Elizabeth.
Mary Thipe	b. 1917, Matale, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1982, South Africa Mary Thipe was a South African anti-apartheid and human rights activist. She took part in the 1956 Women’s March against apartheid pass laws and the boycott made in response to the controversy surrounding the political prisoners, also known as Potato Labourers. For opposing the government, she spent ten years under close supervision and house arrest. After her death, she was awarded the Order of Luthuli in 2016.
Tania Leon	b. 4 May 1945, Western Cape, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 15 August 1996, South Africa Tania Leon was an advocate for women’s and gay rights within the Dutch arm of the African National Congress. In 1982, she founded the Mama Cash Foundation to support young women interested in running a business and providing a resource centre for migrant women. Celebrated as an oppositional force of discrimination, Leon is widely recognised for her efforts for improving the agency of Black and lesbian women in South Africa and the Netherlands.
Stella Nyanzi	b. 16 June 1974, Masaka, Second Republic of Uganda, present-day Uganda Stella Nyanzi is a Ugandan advocate, poet, and academic. She is known for boldly resisting the former president Yoweri Museveni (1986-) through a poem of ‘radical rudeness’ calling the powerful to account for their actions through public insult. She was arrested and detainment for eighteen months in 2018. Nyanzi was awarded the Oxfam Novib/PEN international Award and granted exile in Germany.
Lillian Diedericks	b. 17 December 1925, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 21 December 2021, place unknown Lillian Diedericks was a South African activist known as a founding member of the Federation of South African Women. She experienced relocation from her childhood home to segregated areas during apartheid, which later propelled her into a life of advocacy for women’s rights and change. Trade unionism provided women with tools for increasing widespread political consciousness across the male dominated political scene in the 1950s. This enabled prominent leaders within the Federation of South African Women to find their voice. Diedericks played a key part in the Women’s March against the Pass Law in 1956. She was recognised for her work with a commemorative statue and the award of the Order of Luthuli.
Coline Williams	b. 30 May 1967, Western Cape, South Africa, d. 23 July 1989, South Africa Coline Williams was a radical activist and member of the military arm of the African National Congress, the Umkhonto we Sizwe. She killed herself accidentally ahead of placing a mine that was intended to be placed at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town, in resistance to the apartheid regime.
Adelaine Hain	b. 6 February 1927, Port Alfred, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 8 September 2019, place unknown Adelaine Hain was an activist who gained attention from the apartheid government within the multi-racial Liberal Party. She supported the families of political prisoners in searching for answers of their disappearance. This work forced her into exile in London where she continued to campaign for liberation with the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Hain continued to be subjected to government intervention through phone tapping and receiving letter bombs from South African security services.
Audrey Coleman	b. 1933, South African Union, present-day South Africa Audrey Coleman resisted the apartheid regime as National Secretary within the Black Sash movement.
Sheila Lapinsky	b. 1944, Johannesburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa Sheila Lapinsky is an anti-apartheid activist and gay rights activist. Active in a number of LGBTQI+ organisations in the 1990s in Cape Town, she was a founding member of Lesbians and Gays against Oppression. She was involved in persuading the African National Congress’s Constitutional Committee to pass a proposal that protected gay rights in 1992.
Julia Nicol	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa, d. 2019, South Africa Julia Nicol was an active member of LGBTQI+ organisations in the 1990s in Cape Town. Concerned with the projection of her communities’ rights within the growing nation, she was involved in drafting an influential proposal that was accepted by the African National Congress’s Constitutional Committee. The proposal protected the rights of her community as a part of the constitution in 1992.
Kewpie	b. 1941, Cape Town , South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2012, place unknown Kewpie was a gender-fluid South African drag queen and hairdresser. While working in District Six in the late 1960s, Kewpie was forcibly removed to a segregated neighbourhood. Identifying as gender fluid but preferring feminine pronouns, she challenged gender binaries in hostile Cape Town. Facing exclusion and oppression from society as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, her efforts are significant in the history of African liberation struggles.
Dorothy Nomazotsho Zihlangu	b. 1920, Eastern Cape, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1991, place unknown Dorothy Nomazotsho Zihlangu demonstrated in resistance to apartheid in the Women’s March of 1956. She was actively involved with the Federation of South African Women, and her efforts towards liberation were recognised after her death when she was awarded the silver Order of Luthuli in 2005.
Ann Tobias	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa, d. Date and place unknown Ann Tobias was a member of the Liberal Party of South Africa, opposing apartheid policies.
Alfred Machela	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Alfred Machela was an anti-apartheid activist and founder of the Rand Gay Organisation.
Simon Nkoli	b. 26 November 1957, Soweto, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 30 November 1998, South Africa Simon Nkoli was an anti-apartheid, gay rights and AIDS activist in South Africa. Nkoli was a youth activist against apartheid and work with the Congress of South African Students and the United Democratic Front. In 1984 he was arrested and faced the death penalty for treason with twenty-one other political leaders in the Delmas Treason Trial. Coming out while a prisoner, he helped enlighten the African National Congress about gay rights. He was acquitted and released from prison in 1988, and co-organised the first pride march in 1990.
Beverley Ditsie	b. 1971, South Africa Beverley Palesa Ditsie is a South African lesbian activist, artist, and filmmaker. She is one of the founders of Gay and Lesbian Organisation of Witwatersrand and was involved with organising the first Pride march in Africa in 1990. Involved in activism against apartheid, she was the first lesbian to address the United Nations at the fourth and final UN World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
Phumi Mtetwa	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Phumi Mtetwa is an activist working on issues of economic, gender and LGBTI equality and justice. Active also in anti-apartheid struggles, she continues to highlight the inequality and hierarchy present in her community to this day.
Rica Hodgson	b. 1 July 1920, South African Union, present-day South Africa Rica Hodgson devoted her life to the struggle for democracy. Working for both the Congress of Democrats and the Communist Party of South Africa, in 1957 she raised funds for the Treason Trial Defence Fund following the arrest of 156 leaders.
Seapei Kgabale	b. 1920, Winburg, Orange Free State, present-day South Africa Seapei Kgabale was an active resister of apartheid. Following the introduction of the pass laws, she canvassed across the community highlighting the disparities segregation caused throughout Winburg, before eventually collecting passes and setting them alight in front of the local police station. This led to her eventual arrest, where she was charged with treason for resisting the government. After her release, she walked in the Women’s March on Pretoria of 1956.
Thoko Mngoma	b. Date and place unknown Thoko Mngoma was an anti-apartheid activist. She was a member of the Federation of South African Women and the Alexandra Women’s Organisation, which helped to secretly house women in safety from the apartheid government and police. After independence in 2012, a plaque was erected in her honour at the Marlborough Clinic in Johannesburg.
Violet Weinberg	b. Date and year unknown, Johannesburg, South Africa Violet Weinberg was a member of the Communist Party of South Africa and the Garment Workers’ Union. She was charged with resisting the apartheid government and arrested for four months alongside her husband Eli. The two were later forced into exile in Tanzania.
Annie Peters	b. 1920, Bloemfontein, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2007, South Africa Annie Peters began her political career in resistance to the Bantu education system as a schoolgirl. She continued to protest against apartheid pass laws at the Women’s March 1956.
Caroline Motsoaledi	b. 1927, Middelsburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa Caroline Motsoaledi was active in the establishment of the Federation of Transvaal Women. The union provided Motsoaledi with organisational skills that she used for planning the 1956 Women’s March. Canvassing prior to the march, she encouraged people to sign the petition against the pass laws. Defending the rights of women and workers, she continued to educate her community through the Congress of South African Trade Unions.
Cecilia Rosier	b. 1918, Benoni, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. Date and year unknown, Cape Town, South Africa Cecilia Rosier was a founding member of the Federation of South African Women and became its elected treasurer in 1955. Gaining attention from the apartheid government, she was arrested for resisting the government during the nationwide state of emergency in 1960.
Ethel Leisa	b. 1914, Limpopo, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 6 July 2016, Soweto, South Africa Ethel Leisa was a nurse who faced apartheid-based oppression. She worked closely with Lillian Ngoyi for the Federation of African Women and housed African National Congress activists. Her efforts within underground movements helped pave the way for the Women’s March of 1956.
Florence Mophosho	b. 1921, Johannesburg, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 9 August 1985, Morogoro, Tanzania Florence Mophosho was a South African politician and anti-apartheid activist of the African National Congress. She mobilised women in her birthplace of Alexander for the demonstrations against the passes for African women. She participated in the Women’s March of 1956 and continued to work underground for the African National Congress.
Gladys Smith	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Gladys Smith was a founding member of the Federation of South African Women, which was established in 1957. The organisation of the committee marked a moment in the apartheid struggles where women began to arrange resistance to protect their rights. This ultimately created traction for the Women’s March of 1956. Smith attended the Women’s International Democratic Federation in Switzerland in 1955, participating in a forum on black South African women living under apartheid. Smith documented the discussions in the article ‘World Conference of Mothers: Four South African Delegates’.
Hetty McLeod	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Hetty McLeod was a trade unionist whose efforts at organising women helped to increase their political consciousness and resistance to apartheid. A member of the Federation of South African Women, and elected as treasurer of the First National Congress of Women in 1954, McLeod worked to increase workplace opportunities for women facing racism.
Katie White	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Katie White responded the food shortages influenced by the Second World War across the Cape in the late 1940s through the establishment of the Cape Town Women’s Food Committee. The organisation provided mothers a forum in which to express political grievances, which grew into demands for female suffrage. White went on to join the Federation of South African Women, working as a leader in the 1950s.
Letitia Sibeko	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Lindiwe Letitia Hina, also known as Letitia Sibeko, demonstrated at the Women’s March in Pretoria in 1956. In 1962, she attended the Federation of South African Women Conference and gave a speech denouncing Bantu education. In the early 1960s, she was detained for her husband’s underground activities.
Lucy Mvubelo	b. 1920, Transvaal, South Africab Union, present-day South Africa, d. 30 October 2000, South Africa Lucy Mvubelo was a South African trade unionist. Shaped by her impoverished childhood, Mvubelo dedicated herself to bettering educational access for women and girls through the Garment Workers’ Union and later the trade Union Council of South Africa. Both organisations had a special fund for unemployed members, food distribution schemes, and university bursary funds.
Ma Nxayiya	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Ma Nxayiya was an active member in the African National Congress in Soweto. She participated in the potato boycott of 1959, and in the build-up to the Women’s March of 1956 she went door-to-door to rally support for the cause and educate others on the pass laws.
Magdaline Resha	b. 5 May 1923, Eastern Cape, South Africab Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2003, South Africa Magdaline Resha found her political voice when she met her husband who was a member of the African National Congress Youth League. She was elected to the national executive committee of the Federation of South African Women, which saw her lead protestors against the pass laws at the Women’s March of 1956.
Margaret Gazo	b. 1918, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1974, South Africa Margaret Gazo was a stalwart of the African National Congress Women’s League. She led groups of women campaigning against the pass laws in the 1956 Women’s March from Payneville in the region Gauteng in South Africa, despite being intimidated and shot at by police. Gazo was later arrested under charges of treason and was detained for five years. In 2011, after her death, the South African government awarded her a Order of Luthuli in bronze for her dedication to democracy and equality.
Mary Moodley	b. 1913, Orange Free State, present-day South Africa, d. 23 October 1979, South Africa Mary Moodley was an anti-apartheid activist involved with the South African Clothing Workers’ Union and the Federation of South African Women, amongst other unionist groups. Her Involvement with rallying support for the Women’s March in 1956, and aiding people seeking exile, led to her incarnation in 1964.
Mary Ngalo	b. Date and year unknown, Cradock, Transkei, present-day Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 16 March 1973, Cairo, Egypt Mary Ngalo began her political career within the African National Congress Youth League, where she devoted herself to the emancipation of women. As a member of the Federation of South African Women, she encouraged others to join. She was arrested for her political activity in the Beer Hall boycott and was during the state of national emergency forced into exile.
Mildred Lesia	b. 28 January 1933, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Mildred Lesia found her political voice campaigning against the Bantu education system with the African National Congress. She actively canvassed support for the Women’s March in 1956, and helped establish the United Women’s Organisation in Cape Town in 1981, becoming its first chairperson.
Nellie Jibiliza	b. 1926, Athelope, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 1993, Western Cape, South Africa Nellie Jibiliza was politicised by her parents, who were African National Congress activists. She was a representative of the African National Congress Women’s League, attended the Women’s March of 1956, and founded the Cape Association for the Abolition of Passes for African Women, picketing on roadsides and public spaces whenever she could.
Nontsokometse Joyi	b. Date and year unknown, Western Cape, South Africa Nontsokometse Joyi actively resisted apartheid through the Potato Boycott of 1959 and the Women’s March of 1956.
Stephanie Kemp	b. 1941, Karoo, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2023, place unknown Stephanie Kemp resisted racism and apartheid with the underground African Resistance Movement, which played a part in destroying lifelines to the government such as pylons and train stations.
Ottilie Abrahams	b. 2 September 1937, Windhoek,German South West Africa, present-day Namibia, d. 1 July 2018, Windhoek, Namibia Ottilie Abrahams was an educator and nationalist. She was a founding member of the South West African People’s Organisation, the Yu Chi Chan Club, and the South West African National Liberation Front. Dedicating herself to women’s rights, she fought to dismantle patriarchal society through the Namibian Women’s Association and the Girl Child Project.
Yvette Abrahams	b. Date and year unknown, Cape Town, South Africa Yvette Abrahams is an organic farmer, activist, and feminist scholar in South Africa. She followed in her parents’ footsteps and was involved in the apartheid resistance already as a student. She went on to become a feminist scholar and author.
Lindsey Collen	b. 1948, South African Union, present-day South Africa Lindsey Collen is a Mauritian novelist and activist. She is the author of The Rape of Sita (1993) and was awarded the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for the Africa Region in 1994.
Nan Cross	b. 3 January 1928, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 14 July 2007, Yeoville, Johannesburg, South Africa Nan Cross was an anti-apartheid activist and a founding member of the Conscientious Objector Support Group. She was active in the End Conscription Campaign and the Ceasefire Campaign, concerned throughout her efforts with the elimination of the arms trade.
Ethel de Keyser	b. 4 November 1927, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 16 July 2004, London, United Kindom Ethel de Keyser helped put apartheid in South Africa on the political agenda in London. campaigning with the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The movement created sanctions reducing the access for sports events in the country. Keyser helped establish the Southern Africa the Imprisoned Society (SATIS),which co-ordinated campaigns to release political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela.
Cheryl Carolus	b. 20 April 1959, South African Union, present-day South Africa Cheryl Carolus is a South African politician. She became politically active already as a student with the South African Students Union as well as the Black Consciousness Movement.
Lorna de Smidt	b. 1943, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2022, South Africa Lorna de Smidt was involved with the Black Consciousness movement during the apartheid era. Forced to leave her young family behind, she was exiled in the United Kingdom after illegally marrying a white man in South Africa. She continued her activist efforts in London with the Lewisham Race Equality Unit.
Ayanda Denge	b, 1982, South Africa, d. 24 March 2019, South Africa Ayanda Denge was a transgender woman and activist. She was chairperson of the Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce, fighting for the rights of sex workers and for those living with AIDS.
Thoko Didiza	b. 2 June 1965, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Thoko Didiza was involved in the anti-apartheid resistance and now serves as a politician concerned with women’s opportunities in the independent government.
Lucinda Evans	b. 24 August 1972, Cape Town, South Africa Lucinda Evans is a human rights activist dedicated to the emancipation of women, children, and the LGTBIQ+ community. She founded the support network Philisa Abafazi Bethu, which provides vulnerable people with training programmes and legal aid.
Sadie Forman	b. 1929, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 11 December 2014, United Kindom Sadie Forman was a South African teacher, librarian, and anti-apartheid activist. Involved in the anti-apartheid resistance, she lived under a banning order for three years, subjected to close supervision from the government’s linked police forces. Eventually the harassment forced her into exile in the United Kingdom. As a member of the African National Congress Women’s League, she housed fellow exiles passing through the country.
Sally Gross	b. 22 August 1953, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 14 February 2014, South Africa Sally Gross was an anti-apartheid activist and a member of the African National Congress. Shaped by personal experience of conflicted identity within the Jewish community, she dedicated herself to ensuring a continuation of ethical treatment of others as an ordained priest, subsequently founding the organisation Intersex South Africa.
Shirley Gunn	b. 9 May 1955, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Shirley Gunn was a member of the military chapter of the African National Congress. As a result of her resistance to apartheid, she was arrested and held for 113 days. She was released only to be arrested again with her infant child, under false accusations of bombing the headquarters of the South African Council of Churches. This was later overturned in a civil case which found that it was government security forces that had caused the destruction.
Winifred Hoernlé	b. 6 December 1885, Cape Colony, present-day South Africa, d. 17 March 1960, Johannesburg, South Africa Winifred Hoernlé was a South African anthropologist. Her studies opened her eyes to the injustices within the Cape Colony and as inflicted by white supremacy. Multilingual, she worked to preserve language following the Bantu Education Act.
Kate Jagoe-Davies	b. 19 November 1954, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 8 July 2009, South Africa Kate Jagoe-Davies was a South African artist and anti-apartheid and disability rights activist. Understanding the necessity for shared unity for those living under double oppression during apartheid, she campaigned for the rights of disabled people, targeting building authorities on their accessibility requirements. Helping to establish Disabled People South Africa, an organisation that seeks to end discrepancies within racial inequality through disability grants, she was awarded an Outstanding Young South Africans Award in 1986.
Priscilla Jana	b. 5 December 1943, KwaZulu-Natal, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 10 October 2020, South Africa Priscilla Jana is a South African lawyer. She represented Nelson Mandela during his incarceration on Robben Island, 1994-1999. Active in the African National Congress, she campaigned against apartheid in support of political prisoners.
Winnie Kgware	b. 27 October 1917, Orange Free State, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d.1998, South Africa Winnie Kgware was a South African anti-Apartheid activist. She educated her students and organised demonstrations against policy changes inflicted by the apartheid government, playing an instrumental role in the mobilisation of members in the South African Student Movement and South African Students Organisation. She later joining the umbrella of the Black Consciousness Movement. In 2003, she was awarded a silver Order of Luthuli for her dedication to the ideals of democracy and peace.
Ncumisa Kondlo	b. 27 March 1958, Eastern Cape, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2008, London, United Kindom Ncumisa Kondlo was a member of the South African Communist Party and African National Congress. She created the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union when the nation gained independence.
Ros de Lanerolle	b. 22 January 1932, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 23 September 1993, London, United Kindom Ros de Lanerolle was a South African activist, journalist, and publisher. She published books and articles that resisted the apartheid government from the United Kingdom, later becoming a key figurehead in the formation of the Anti-Apartheid Movement with her boycotting of South African exports.
Stella Madzimbamuto	b. 13 April 1930, District Six, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 30 June 2020, Cape Town, South Africa Stella Madzimbamuto was a South African-born Zimbabwean nurse. As plaintiff, she fought the landmark legal case Madzimbamuto v Lardner-Burke, challenging the legality of the newly formed government. In April 1964, Ian Smith had become Prime Minister of Rhodesia, promising to maintain the policy of white rule.
Jean Middleton	b. 30 August 1928, Durban, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 14 December 2010, South Africa Jean Middleton was an anti-apartheid activist. In the early 1960s she worked with the Congress of Democrats, beginning with tagging and distributing leaflets. Arrested during the government’s crackdown on white radicals after the Rivonia Trial, Middleton was detained for one year. She later moved to London to work for the African National Congress and anti-apartheid movement there, while also writing the book Convictions: A Woman Political Prisoner Remembers (1998).
Priscilla Mokaba	b. 1937, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 22 December 2013, South Africa Priscilla Mokaba was a South African political activist who was active in the apartheid struggles, sharing her commitment to peace with her son Peter Mokoba of the African National Congress.
Phila Portia Ndwandwe	b. 6 February 1965, South Africa, d. 1988, Swaziland, present-day Eswaniti Phila Portia Ndwandwe was an apartheid resistance fighter and member of the Umkhonto We Sizwe of the African National Congress, in exile in former Swaziland she was executed by Durban Security forces.
Martha Dlamini	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Martha Dlamini was charged and arrested for resisting the apartheid government and imprisoned alongside Winnie Mandela, Thoko Mngoma, Martha Dlamini, and Joyce Sikhakhane.
Rita Ndzanga	b. 17 October 1933, Former Transvaal, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 18 August 2022, South Africa Rita Ndzanga was a South African anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist. She was committed to the struggle for workers’ rights and the realisation of a non-racial and non-sexist South Africa, campaigning for peace through the Railway Workers’ Union. She was charged under the Terrorism Act and detained for six months for resisting the government. In 2004, she was awarded the Order of Luthuli.
Martha Ngano	b. Date and place unknown Martha Ngano was a Rhodesian independence activist determined to protect the rights of rural and urban Africans. Through her leadership of the Bantu Voters Association, she brought attention to evictions and wage issues in areas of Rhodesia brought on by the colonial government.
Joyce Piliso-Seroke	b. 11 July 1933, South African Union, present-day South Africa Joyce Piliso-Seroke travelled internationally with the Young Women’s Christian Association discussing apartheid. In 1976, she was arrested and held for four days. The author of Jwara! Induna's Daughter, she has been awarded the Order of Simon of Cyrene.
Christine Qunta	b. Date and year unknown, Kimberly, South Africa Christine Qunta was a South African activist and poet. She organised with the South African Students Organisation and the Black People’s Convention in the Western Cape before she was detained for her activism. Forced into exile, she authored the poetry collection Hoyi Na! Azania: Poems of an African Struggle (1979).
Jennifer Schreiner	b. 1956, Transvaal, South African Union, present-day South Africa Jennifer Schreiner was a member of the Liberal Party of South Africa and the African National Congress. For this, she was sent to Pollsmoor Prison 1988 and released in 1991.
Jackie Sedibe	b. 1945, Mpumalanga, South African Union, present-day South Africa Jackie Sedibe is a former National Defence Force Major General who was a member of the African National Congress prior to the end of apartheid. Sdeibe fought for freedom as a member of the Congress’s armed chapter, recruiting new members and working as a radio operator.
Lionel Ngakane	b. 17 July 1928, Pretoria, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 26. November 2003, South Africa Lionel Ngakane was a South African filmmaker and actor. His films expose the injustices of apartheid and explore themes of race and society. He lived in exile in the United Kingdom from the 1950s until 1994.
Ababacar Samb-Makharam	b. 21 October 1934, Dakar, French Senegal, present-day Senegal, d. 7 October 1987, Dakar, Senegal Ababacar Samb-Makharam was a film director who explored Pan-Africanism in the context of tradition and modernity. In And the Snow Was Gone (1965),a young student returns from Paris to Senegal where he questions his past experiences and his future.
Blanche La Guma	b. 1928, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. July 6 2023, Cape Town, South Africa Blanche La Guma was a nurse who frequently protested against apartheid in the 1960s through her involvement with the Federation of South African Women. She picketed by government buildings and streets against the discriminatory treatment of black nurses after the Nurses Act. Her outspokenness eventually led her into forced exile in London, where she continued to work as a nurse.
Winnie Dadoo	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Winnie Dadoo campaigned for the release of political prisoners detained immorally by apartheid forces. She is present in a photograph amongst other campaigning women on Trafalgar Square in 1975.
Adelaide Joseph	b. 1933, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2022, London Adelaide Joseph found her political voice through her husband Paul who was a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress and the Federation of South African Women. Forced to leave the country in 1965 to seek treatment for her son in Germany, she was not granted access to return to South Africa for 25 years, until democracy was granted in 1990. In this period, Joseph continued her advocacy for liberation from overseas.
Faiza Jama Mohamed	b. 12 November 1958, Somalia Faiza Jama Mohamed is a prominent women’s rights activist and advocate for the Maputo Protocol, a charter that protects the rights of women against female genital mutilation.
Michael Imoudu	b. 7 September 1902, Owan West, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 22 June 2005, Edo, Nigeria Michael Imoudu was a union leader and activist. During colonial times, he saw the necessity in uniting ahead of protesting for better working conditions, later travelling to London to protest the 1946 Richards Constitution, with the Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons. His actions undoubtedly encouraged nationalism amongst workers, which was pivotal in the years building up to the nation gaining political independence.
Amelia Osimosu	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Amelia Osimosu was one of four women who gained an elected seat into government through the Egba Central Council in 1949. She led 10,000 demonstrators at the Egba Women’s March, protesting for the removal of taxes enforced onto the market women of Egbaland.
Victoria Adetutu Soleye	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Victoria Adetutu Soleye pioneered the political agency of Nigerian women when she was elected to the Egba Central Council in 1949.
Nusiratu Oduola	b. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Nusiratu Oduola Soleye pioneered the political agency for Nigerian women. She was elected to the Egba Council in 1949. Her work encouraged political awareness and influenced demonstrations against taxation of Egba women.
Humuani Alaga	b. early 19th century, Ibadan, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 29 January 1993, Ibadan, Nigeria Humuani Alaga was considered, Iya Egbe Alaso, or leader of the textile dealers in Gbagi Market. She was concerned with the rights of traders and in 1938 led demonstrations demanding equal pay and better working condition for women. Later she founded the In Isabatudeen Women’s Society to further protect the lives of others, later becoming President of the National Council of Women’s Societies.
Mary Nzimiro	b. 16 October 1898, Oguta, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 16 January 1993, Oguta, Nigeria Mary Nzimiro was a textile trader who in spite of facing increased taxes and supervisions by European traders within the Niger Company established her business and became an internationally renowned dealer and merchant.
Adunni Oluwole	b. 1905, Ibadhan, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1957, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria Adunni Oluwole was an anti-independence activist, though she still resisted colonial influence in Nigeria as she mobilised women to join unions in protest against reduced wages in the general strikes of 1945.
Evelyn Amarteifio	b. 22 May 1916, Accra, Gold Coast, present-day Ghana, d. 6 July 1997, Ghana Evelyn Amarteifio was a Ghanaian women’s organiser. In 1953, she established the National Federation of Gold Coast Women, encouraging women’s political consciousness. The federation provided educational resources that aimed to improve women’s lives.
Thelma Awori	b. 25 March 1943, Libieria Thelma Awori is an activist for women’s rights who has worked as a representative for the United Nations. She later helped establish the Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund, which provides safe workplaces for rural communities.
Maude Morris	b. Date and year unknown, Liberia, d. 1961, Liberia Maude Morris founded the National Liberian Women Social and Political Movement. The movement contributed to increasing the political agency of women in civic roles, campaigning also for women’s suffrage.
Emma Shannon Walser	b. 24 July 1929, Maryland, Liberia, d. 28 May 2021, Liberia Emma Shannon Walser was a lawyer and Liberia’s first female judge. She refused to sign death penalties and contested governmental decisions to immorally detain protestors. In 2014, she was honoured for her services to the state.
Etweda Cooper	b. Date and year unknown, Liberia Etweda Cooper, known as Sugars, is a Liberian politician and peace activist. She has been described as the godmother of the Liberian women’s movement. She was elected mayor of Edina, Liberia, n 2010, and later served as superintendent of Grand Bassa County.
Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile	b. January 1988, Botswana Katlego Kai Kolanyane-Kesupile is a leading advocate for LGBTQIA+ matters in Botwana as the country’s first openly identifying transgender womxn in the public sphere. She has worked with the United Nations and TED, amongst other institutions.
Mariam Chabi Talata	7 July 1963, Bembereke, Benin Mariam Chabi Talata is a Beninese politician. She has openly advocated for the legalisation of abortion in Benin and is a long-time advocate for women’s education and a protector of their reproductive rights. She was the nation’s first female Vice President.
Inji Aflatoun	b. 16 April 1924, Cairo, Egypt, d. 17 April 1989, Cairo, Egypt Inji Aflatoun was an abstract painter and advocate for women’s rights. In 1945, she attended the first conference of the Women’s International Democratic Federation in Paris as a representative of Cairo, and she has written on the links between oppression and imperialism.
Amīnah al-Saʿīd	b. 20 January 1914, Cairo, Egypt, d. 3 August 1995, Cairo, Egypt Amīnah al-Saʿīd was an Egyptian journalist and women’s rights activist. She founded Egypt’s first women’s magazine, Hawaa, In the 1950s. In the 1970s, she organised campaigns against Islamic fundamentalism in opposition to the enforced use of the hijab for women.
Aisha Taymur	b. 1840, Eyalet of Egypt, present-day Egypt, d. 1902, Egypt Aisha Taymur was an Egyptian social activist, poet, novelist, and feminist. She advocated for women’s rights, documenting cultural shifts within the Ottoman elite class.
Munira Thabit	b.1902, Alexandria, Egypt, d.1967, Cairo, Egypt Munira Thabit was a member of the nationalist movement the Women’s Wafd.
Alice Kinloch	1863, Cape Colony, present-day Cape Town, South Africa, d.1915, London, United Kingdom Alice Kinloch reflected on her experiences of living in South Africa after moving to London and founded the African Association. Usually credited to Henry Sylvester-Williams, the organisation intended to unify the black community in Britain and started the first Pan-African Conference.
Stella Thomas	b. 1906, Lagos, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1974, London, United Kingdom Stella Thomas was a Yoruba Nigerian lawyer of Sierra Leone Creole descent. She was the first female barrister in West Africa, and a founding member of the League of Coloured People in London.
Muthoni wa Gachie	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Muthoni wa Gachie was a freedom fighter and women’s organiser within the Mau Mau uprising against British forces. She spent three years in a detention camp in the town of Athi River, Kenya.
Nduta wa Kore	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Nduta wa Kore was a freedom fighter and women’s organiser within the Mau Mau uprising against British forces. She was detained in 1952 in Githunguri for several months, and later in Kamiti.
Wambui Wagarama	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Wambui Wagarama was a political activist involved in the Mau Mau uprising against the British.
Tabatha Wambui	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Tabatha Wambui was a women’s organiser involved in the Mau Mau uprising. She protested British forces taking control of her ancestral land and highlighted that they commonly used child labour to build roads.
Priscilla Wambaki	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Priscilla Wambaki organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising.
Mary Wanjiko	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Mary Wanjiko organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising.
Virginia Gachege	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Virginia Gachege organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising
Margo Wa Mimi	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Margo Wa Mimi organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising.
Mary Nyarurui	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Mary Nyarurui organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising.
Rebecca Njeri Kairi	b. Date and year unknown, Kenya Rebecca Njeri Kairi organised groups of women within the Mau Mau Uprising.
Léonie Abo	b. 16 August 1945, Kwilu, Belgian Congo, present-day Congo Léonie Abo was a prominent leader of groups of women involved in the Kwilu Rebellion (1963-1965) against Belgian rule.
Binta Katsina	b. Date and Year Unknown, Nigeria Binta Katsina was a singer whose work explored themes of women’s emancipation and freedom from colonial rule. She used her medium as a tool to express political grievances.
Julia Mpanza	b. Date and year unknown, South Africa Julia Mpanza was reported to have led an attack on South African township women in the midst of a housing crisis while queuing for a soup kitchen. Arguing that people needed houses and not soup, she attempted to open the political consciousness of others.
Dina Salústio	b. 1941, Santo Antão, Portugese Cabo Verde, present-day Cape Verde Dina Salústio was the first published female author in Cabo Verde. Her books Mornas were the Nights (1994) and Violence Against Women (2001) explores women’s issues.
Rosária da Silva	b. 4 April 1959, Portugese West Africa, present-day Angola, d. 2022, Angola Rosária da Silva was a writer who worked within communications and later wrote plays and novels. In the 1980s, she created a women’s magazine discussing cultural issues. She was the first novelist to receive a literary award in newly independent Angola.
Maria da Graça Samo	b. Date and year unknown, Mozambique Maria da Graça Samo is a women’s rights activist. She started her activism through humanitarian work, working for the World March of Women and the United Nations Civil Society Advisory Council. Samo has since 2013 been the international coordinator for the World March of Women.
Mukami McCrum	d. Date and year unknown, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Mukami McCrum is Kenyan educator. She has lived in Scotland most of her adult life where she supports minority groups through her work with the Shakti Women’s Aid, Age UK, and other charities.
Maria Simão Paim	b. Date and year unknown, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Maria Simão Paim was a militant member of the Organisation of Angolan Women, working in support of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola in the 1960s.
Evenia Seven Cissinga	b. Date and year unknown, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola Evenia Seven Cissinga was a military instructor for the liberation front in Angola.
Saiza Nabarawi	b. 24 May 1897, Cairo, Egypt, d. 1985, place unknown Saiza Nabarawi was an Egyptian journalist. The founder of the Egyptian Feminist Union, she is recognised for her efforts in women’s suffrage.
Nassima Hablal	b. 15 September 1928, Former French Algeria, present-day Algeria Nassima Hablal was active in the Algerian liberation struggles. One of the founding members of the Association of Algerian Women in 1947, her contribution to freedom shares similarities with many other women who were involved, her story often falling through the cracks of history.
N’fissa Hamoud	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria N'fissa Hamoud was an activist and founding member of the Association of Algerian Women. The association helped mobilise people and thereby played a vital role in establishing the political consciousness of women and furthering the resistance to imperialism that led to the Algerian Revolution.
Isa Dehilès	b. Date and year unknown, Former French Algeria, present-day Algeria Isa Dehilès challenged French imperialism as a founding member of the Association of Algerian Women in 1947.
Fatima Zekkal	b. 23 March 1928, Former French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. March 1990, Algiers, Algeria Fatima Zekkal challenged French imperialism as a founding member of the Association of Algerian Women in 1947.
Mamia Chentouf	b. 1922, former French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 10 October 2012, Algiers, Algeria Mamia Chentouf was an activist and founding member of the Association of Algerian Women in 1947 Algiers.
Maria Haller	b. 1923, Portuguese Angola, present-day Angola, d. 2006, place unknown Maria Haller was active in the military resistance repelling the Portuguese on the liberation front in Angola. Later, she became the newly independent country’s first female ambassador.
Eileen Haddon	b. 9 March 1929, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 6 July 2003, place unknown Eileen Haddon was a journalist who campaigned against segregation in South Africa and policy changes in Rhodesia. In the 50’s she worked with the Interracial Association and United Rhodesia party, towards promoting racial reform under the newly introduced nationalist apartheid regime.
Sarah Kachingwe	b. 1936, Rusape, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 2012, Harare, Zimbabwe Sarah Kachingwe was a Zimbabwean politician and activist and the first black female to enrol at the University College of Rhodesia in 1957. Challenging colonialism from a young age, as an educator she opened doors for others whilst contesting racial prejudices. After the nation gained independence, she assisted in the crafting of laws that empowered women.
Eliot Magunje	b. 1965, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 2003, Zimbabwe Eliot Magunje, known as MuMadzibaba Jazzman, was an actor and poet and AIDS/HIV activist. Openly positive, Magunje dedicated his career to promoting educational resources, working within communications of relief organisations.
Auxillia Chimusoro	b. 1956, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 1998, Zimbabwe Auxillia Chimusoro was the first recorded woman to publicly share that she was HIV positive in the late 1980s. Facing double stigmatisation, she campaigned nationally to educate others on the narratives surrounding the crisis. She later initialised progress for change with the Batanai HIV and AIDS Service Organisation, and has been commemorated for her efforts through the establishment of the Auxillia Chimusoro Award, which is awarded by the United States Agency for International Development.
Frenk Guni	b. Date and year unknown, Zimbabwe Frenk Guni was an activist and co-ordinator of community groups that provided accessible support for those living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe in the late 1980s. In 2003, he was awarded the Jonathan Mann Health and Human Rights Award in the United States.
Ronnie Mutimusekwa	b. 1955, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d.1992, Zimbabwe Ronnie Mutimusekwa was a heterosexual AIDS/HIV activist who openly shared his illness with the press in 1989, marking the beginning of his journey towards de-stigmatising views on the growing epidemic. He worked within community groups and later with the Matabeleland AIDS Council. His efforts further challenged hateful views on homosexuality and sex workers.
Primrose Dzenga	b. 1982, Wedza, Zimbabwe Primrose Dzenga was a poet and activist. She is author of the work of poetry The Unsung Heroine: Auxillia Chimusoro (2009),which she wrote in honour of the late activist Chimusoro’s dedication to de-stigmatising the AIDS pandemic. Dzenga’s work focuses on empowering women whilst exploring her heritage.
Jane Ngwenya	b. 15 June 1935, Buhera, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 5 August 2021, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Jane Lungile Ngwenya was one of the founding female members of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union. She was repeatedly imprisoned for her activism against the Rhodesian government in the build-up to Zimbabwean independence. Following national liberation, she was elected to the House of Assembly.
Judith Todd	b. 1943, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Judith Todd was a political activist. She campaigned internationally against the white minority rule in Rhodesia. In October 1964, she was arrested and forced into exile.
Anna Mungunda	b. 1932, South West Africa, present-day Namibia, d. 10 December 1959, Old Location, Windhoek, South West Africa, present-day Namibia Anna Mungunda resisted apartheid government police by setting alight the car of a superintendent in the Old Location Uprising in Windhoek on 10 December 1959. She was the only woman among the casualties of the uprising and has since been celebrated as a Namibian hero.
Ellen Gwaradzimba	b. 1960, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 15 January 2021, Harare, Zimbabwe Ellen Gwaradzimba educated refugees during the liberation struggles led by the Zimbabwe African People’s Union. Joining the movement at the age of sixteen, she dedicated her life to democracy. For her commitment to the liberation, she is buried at the Namibian National Heroes’ Acre.
Thokozile Angela Mathuthu	b. 1957 Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe Thokozile Angela Mathuthu was a Zimbabwean politician. Active in the Zimbabwe African People’s Union, she worked in the women’s league towards achieving more civic roles and women’s emancipation
Sabina Mugabe	b. 14 October 1934, Zvimba, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 2010, Zimbabwe Sabina Mugabe was an activist who was part of the struggle for independence from colonial rule in the 1970s with the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union.
Vivian Mwashita	b. 1958, Rusape, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 2016, Zimbabwe Vivian Mwashita fought in the liberation struggles with the Zimbabwe African People’s Union in Mozambique. She survived the Nyadzonya Massacre and Chimoio air bombing. For her contribution to liberation, she is buried at the National Heroes Acre.
Sunny Ntombiyelanga Takawira	b. 2 July 1927, Dube, Swaziland, present-day Eswatini, d. 29 July 2010, Harare, Zimbabwe Sunny Ntombiyelanga Takawira was a nurse who provided multitudes of support for those involved in the nationalist movement, starting through her husband Leopold Takawira. Following his arrest, she campaigned for the release of political prisoners and, whilst they were incarcerated, supplied detainees with medicine and food.
Maria Musika	b. Date and year unknown, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. Date and year unknown, Zimbabwe Maria Musika was an active resister of the Rhodesian Government during the liberation struggles of the 1970s.
Shuvai Ben Chikoforo Mahofa	b. 1941, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 2017, Zimbabwe Shuvai Ben Chikoforo Mahofa was Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs. Celebrated as a heroine upon her death, she had in her life collaborated with other freedom fighters and, alongside Simon Mazorodze, provided medicinal and clothing supplies for those on the front line.
Gogo Maud Muzenda	b. 8 October 1922, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 20 September 2003, Zimbabwe Gogo Maud Muzenda campaigned against the Rhodesian government for the better treatment of black workers. As a trained nurse, she treated those injured in the liberation struggles in Mvuma Hospital.
Juliana Zvobgo	b. 8 November 1937, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 16 February 2004, Zimbabwe Juliana Tukai Zvobgo became a member of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union at its starting point through her husband. She later worked within the union’s Women’s League in the military chapters.
Natalia Ndahambelela Mavulu	b. 2 February 1942, Zambia, d. 1977, Luanda, Angola Natalia Ndahambelela Mavulu was a leader of the South West Africa Peoples Organisation’s Women’s League. In the 1970s, she worked with the United Nations Institute for Namibia. However, she did not live to see independence. For her dedication to democracy, she is buried at the National Heroes Acre.
Hosea Kutako	b. 1870, Kalkfeld, Nambia, d. 18 July 1970, Aminuis, Namibia Hosea Kutako was an early Namibian nationalist leader participating in the early anti-colonial wars of 1904. Kutako was a founder member of Namibia’s first nationalist party, the South West African National Union.
Lucy Sichone	b. Date and year unknown, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d.1998, place unknown Lucy Sichone was a multifaceted resister of colonial influence. She wrote newspaper columns criticising corruption in the institution and established the Zambian Civic Education Association that provided civic education and legal aid for those abused by government powers.
Ladipo Solanke	b. 1886, Abeokuta, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 2 September 1958, place unknown Ladipo Solanke was a political activist born in Nigeria who campaigned on West African issues in London. Challenging Western perceptions on Nigeria, while studying law at University College London, he protested an article in the Evening Standard that claimed cannibalism and black magic had been common in Nigeria. Solanke founded the West African Students’ Union which unified nationalism in the build-up to the nation gaining independence.
Elizabeth Pulane Moremi	b. August 1912, Orange Free State, present-day South Africa, d. 1994, place unknown Elizabeth Pulane Moremi OBE was regent and mohumagadi (queen) of BaTawana from 1946 to 1964. During this time, she granted the Yeyi people increased levels of civic positions to assist their independence, opening up access in tribal activities and courts in the capital. This included lifting limitations land ownership and altering laws in favour of Motawana people inheriting Yeyi land and property.
Hannah Forster	b. Date and year unknown, Gambia Hannah Forster is a women’s rights activist and conflict transformation expert.
Magogo kaDinuzulu	b.1900, Nygoma, South Africab Union, present-day South Africa, d. 21 November 1984, Durban, South Africa Magogo kaDinuzulu was a Zulu princess and artist. She repelled traditional expectations of women in her royal position and wrote music that preserved traditional Zulu music and folklore.
Meekulu Mukwahepo	b. 7 October 1937, Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, d. 30 May 2018, place unknown Auguste Mukwahepo Immanuel is recorded as the first female recruit of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia. She trained in Angola for combat with the South West Africa People’s Organisation.
Abderrahmane Boualem Rais	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Abderrahmane Boualem Rais produced the play The Children of the Casbah, a story of three brothers joining the anti-colonial resistance movement. The play was picked up by the Algerian National Liberation Front and performed internationally in promotional tours in the U. S. S. R., China, Morocco, Egypt, and Syria. The last performance took place in Iraq in 1962 when the independence of Algeria was declared.
Henda	b. 1 July 1927, Casbah of Algiers, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Henda was an actor in the National Liberation Front’s artistic troupe. She witnessed the discrimination faced by Arabs, Jews, and Europeans from a young age, which influenced her participation in the Front. This led to her performing internationally, often depicting stories of families joining the anti-colonial struggles.
Elyette Loup	b. 21 January 1934, Birtouta, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Elyette Loup was able to present herself as European when conducting smuggling duties for the Algerian Communist Party in the build-up to the war of independence. Later caught, she was incarcerated for three years by French officials in Algeria and then in France. Loup’s story holds similarities to the experiences of many other women that contributed greatly to the success of independence in that she is often neglected in historical accounts of the struggles.
Malika Lamri	b. 2 May 1933, Casbah of Algiers, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2013, Algeria Malika Lamri was initialised into the colonial resistance through her husband. She smuggled explosive devices in the Battle of Algiers. Found by French paratroopers, she was incarcerated for four and a half years, enduring torture and breaches of human rights.
Fatima Kade	b. 1923, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2012, Algeria Fatima Kade was an activist who resisted the French with the National Liberation Front in the Kabyle Mountains, where she managed the weapons arsenal while supporting male combatants.
Gylberte Sportisse	b. 17 September 1917, Algiers, Algeria Gylberte Sportisse was an activist in the Algerian Communist Party. As an associate of anti-military activities, she was arrested and incarcerated in 1939 for two years. Upon her release, she worked as a secretary at the Alger Républicain in Prague. She returned to Algeria upon the nation gaining independence.
Farida Hamdiyous	b. 28 December 1940, Souk Ahras Farida Hamdiyous followed in her family’s footsteps as one of five daughters to enlist in the National Liberation Front, where she provided care for combatants as a nurse.
Zoulikha Bekkadour	b. 1 March 1934, Tiaret, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Zoulikha Bekkadour is the first woman to be elected to the central committee of the General Union of Algerian Muslim Students. Following the ‘disappearance’ of several students during violence in Algiers, the Union launched a strike on 19 May 1956, at which point Bekkadour joned Algerian fighters and went underground.
Tafat Assia	b. 18 November 1946, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Tafat Assia regularly demonstrated for the National Liberation Front in Algeria. She managed to escape detention from French police after a visit to her home, by presenting herself as unwell.
Janine Belkhodja	b. 2 April 1928, Algiers, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2013, Algeria Janine Belkhodja provided medical supplies for the National Liberation front to support the cause for independence. In 1957, she was arrested and forced into exile in Tunisia where she cared for the wounded. Following independence, she established the first National Centre for Birth Regulation and Family Planning at the Mustapha Hospital in Algiers in 1967.
Aouali Ouici Senouci	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Aouali Ouici Senouci is a former active combatant in the colonial resistance with the National Liberation Front. She was trained in strategy and weapons handling, and was in charge of writing anti-French propaganda for refugees.
Louisa Ighilahriz	b. 22 August 1936, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Louisa Ighilahriz is an Algerian writer, former Conseil de la Nation member, and a former member of the National Liberation Front. Sharing the experiences of many other women, she was arrested and incarcerated for her colonial resistance. In the years following independence, she made known the torture and atrocities she endured in the French prisons.
Edna Molewa	b. 23 March 1957, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 2018, Pretoria, South Africa Edna Molewa was formerly involved in the liberation movements against apartheid in South Africa. Following independence, she worked in government as Minister of Environmental Affairs.
Evaline Safette Safir	b. 1927, Rouïbia, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Evaline Safette Safir distributed pamphlets and supplies for the National Liberation Front in the Algerian independence struggles. Utilising presumed expectations of women, she was able to mask her political activities through wearing a veil or passing as European. When captured by French officials in 1956, she was detained and tortured for three years.
Yasmina Belkacem	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Yasmina Belkacem was just fourteen years old when she joined the independence struggles in Algeria. Able to mask her political involvement due to her age, she passed on messages and supplies for members of the National Liberation Front and political prisoners.
Annie Steiner	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria, d. 2021, Algeria Annie Steiner was an Algerian activist and a liaison officer with the National Liberation Front. During the Algerian War, she was arrested by French officials and detained and tortured for five years.
Safia Bazzi	b. Date and year unknown, French Algeria, present-day Algeria Safia Bazzi was a nurse for the maquis groups on the frontline of the Algerian Liberation Struggle. She was arrested in 1956 and detained for five years.
Shamim Meer	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Shamim Meer worked in trade unions in the 1980s which initialised her involvement in the creation of SPEAK magazine that provided women with a political tool for unity against oppression faced under apartheid.
Jane Quinn	b. Date and year unknown, South African Union, present-day South Africa Jane Quinn understood that in order for advances to be made in the rights of women, there needed to be a platform that unified experiences across South Africa, which led to her involvement in the creation of SPEAK magazine.
Amanda Kwadi	b. Date and place unknown Amanda Kwadi was active in resisting the apartheid government by leading rallies and conventions with the Federation of South African Women.
Leila Issel	b. 1976, place unknown Leila Issel was just nine years old when she addressed crowds of supporters for the United Democratic Front after her father Johnny Issel had been arrested by apartheid police. Standing in his place, she continued his work of supporting the resistance.
Wendy Schwegmann	b. 1954, Zululand, South African Union, present-day South Africa Wendy Schwegmann is a photo editor. In 1982, she joined Afrapix, a photo agency that played a key role in documenting the resistance to apartheid in the 1980s. She frequently had her images published in Staffrider magazine, a platform encouraging creative opposition to the regime through writing and poetry.
Anna Zieminski	b. 1957, Cape Town, South African Union, present-day South Africa Anna Zieminski depicted the resistance to apartheid as a representative of the photography agency Afrapix. Her images were published by oppositional media platforms and unions for promotional purposes.
Tsehaytu Beraki	b. Date and year unknown, Eritrea Tsehaytu Beraki was an Eritrean musician, poet, and political activist. She gained notoriety as a Krar musician, incorporating her political surrounding into her verse. Concerned with representing Eritrean resistance to Ethiopian governance, as the struggles amplified she found herself forced to join the armed resistance.
Touria Chaoui	b. 14 December 1936, Fez, French Morrocco, present-day Morrocco, d. 1 March 1956, Casablanca, Morocco Touria Chaoui was a Moroccan aviator. Beginning her resistance to the French colonisation at the age of seven, she arranged protests against the government demanding for fairer treatment of others. She further pioneered prospective opportunities for generations of women as the nation’s first female pilot.
Suad Ibrahim Ahmed	b. 30 May 1935, Omdurman, British Sudan, present-day Sudan, d. 29 December, 2013, Khartoum, Sudan Suad Ibrahim Ahmed was a Sudanese politician. She was a leader in the central committee of the Sudanese Communist Party. Concerned with the protection of national agency, she authored articles for the Women’s Voice Magazine of the Union of Sudanese Women. She campaigned for the emancipation of displaced Nubian people.
Sizani Ngubane	b. 24 November 1946, South African Union, present-day South Africa, d. 23 December 2020, place unknown Sizani Ngubane was an activist and member of the African National Congress that resisted the apartheid regime.
Simone Saint-Dénis	b. 1934, Libreville, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Gabon, d. 2008, Libreville, Gabon Simone Saint-Dénis was a unionist concerned with the treatment of people enduring discriminatory legislation by French governance. She established the Union of Libreville Employees and the French Confederation of Christian Workers.
Marina Pachinuapa	b. 1947, Portuguese East Africa, present-day Mozambique Marina Pachinuapa is a Mozambican independence fighter and politician. She was active Mozambique’s armed liberation struggles, serving as a commander in the Popular Forces for the Liberation of Mozambique.
Merieme Chadid	b. 1969, Morocco Merieme Chadid is a Moroccan-French astronomer and explorer. She was the first scientist to detect pulsating hypersonic shockwaves in stars.
Mekatilili wa Menza	b. 1860, Kenya, d. 1924, British Kenya, present-day Kenya Mekatilili wa Menza was an anticolonial leader of the Giriama people. After the introduction of imposed taxes by British Colonial forces, she led a rebellion against their governance in 1912.
Malak Hifni Nasif	b. 25 December 1886, Cairo, Egypt, d.17 October 1918, Egypt Malak Hifni Nasif was an Egyptian writer who contributed to the progressive newspaper al-Jaridah founded in 1907. Seeking liberation from colonisers, she discussed women’s education and emancipation, staunchly advocating for the abolition of repressive legislations limiting women.
Latifa al-Zayyat	b. 1923, Damietta, Egypt, d. 1996, Cairo, Egypt Latifa al-Zayyat was an Egyptian activist and writer. She was arrested as a student and imprisoned alongside her husband for challenging the limitations created by the British colonial authorities. Following her release, she continued to write. Her novel The Open Door (1960) is a coming-of-age story exploring the development of a young person’s political consciousness.
Kaltouma Nguembang	b. Date and year unknown, Chad, d. Date and year unknown, Nigeria Kaltouma Nguembang was a member of the Chadian Progressive Party, which sought to promote equal living conditions for native citizens and the French. She was arrested and detained for treason, though little is recorded of her story. This in itself illustrates the struggle for women’s political agency in Chad.
Josefina Fortes Chantre	b. 1942, Santo Antão, Portugese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Josefina Fortes Chantre was active in the resistance against colonialism with the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, where she managed the communications platform and newspaper Actualités.
Janet Okala	b. 1894, British Nigeria, present-day Nigeria, d. 1971, Nigeria Janet Okala was a Nigerian political leader. As an activist she fought for the protection of Igbo women’s rights during the Aba Women’s War. Her alias was Mama Bread as she owned a bakery. In 1945, she formed the Enugu Women’s Association became one of its vice presidents. In 1954, she was elected into the Onitsha Urban County Council where she continued to represent market women, ensuring the continued support of traders.
Jane Vialle	b. 1906, Ubangi-Shari, French Equatorial Africa, present-day Central African Republic, d. 1953, place unknown Jane Vialle was a journalist, politician and women's rights activist. She was a member of the French Resistance, and one of the first two black female senators in France. She entered the resistance against the Nazi occupation of France in 1940 and was arrested and jailed in Marseille in 1943. She managed to and was later awarded a Resistance Medal.
Isaura Gomes	b. 1944, Portugese Cape Verde, present-day Cape Verde Isaura Gomes is a pharmacist who as a student was involved in the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde.
Sábado Maio	b. Date and year unknown, Bijagó Islands, Ginea Bissau Sábado Maio is a horticulturalist dedicated to preserving non-invasive crops to supply food to local groups. His way of working counters the effects of climate change, moving against what is considered profitable for the islanders when they grow crops to meet western demand. It has been argued that the Ginea Bissau’s poor infrastructure and performance within the field of food production is intwined with the impact of colonialism.
Anjuleta Gomes	b. Date and year unknown, Bijagó Islands, Ginea Bissau Anjuleta Gomes is a horticulturalist dedicated to preserving non-invasive crops to supply food to local groups. His way of working counters the effects of climate change, moving against what is considered profitable for the islanders when they grow crops to meet western demand. It has been argued that the Ginea Bissau’s poor infrastructure and performance within the field of food production is intwined with the impact of colonialism.
Esperança Correia	b. Date and year unknown, Bijagó Islands, Ginea Bissau Esperança Correia is a horticulturalist dedicated to preserving non-invasive crops to supply food to local groups. His way of working counters the effects of climate change, moving against what is considered profitable for the islanders when they grow crops to meet western demand. It has been argued that the Ginea Bissau’s poor infrastructure and performance within the field of food production is intwined with the impact of colonialism.
Maimuna Augusto	b. Date and year unknown, Bijagó Islands, Ginea Bissau Maimuna Augusto is a horticulturalist dedicated to preserving non-invasive crops to supply food to local groups. His way of working counters the effects of climate change, moving against what is considered profitable for the islanders when they grow crops to meet western demand. It has been argued that the Ginea Bissau’s poor infrastructure and performance within the field of food production is intwined with the impact of colonialism.
Sábado Luís	b. Date and year unknown, Bijagó Islands, Ginea Bissau Sábado Luís is a horticulturalist dedicated to preserving non-invasive crops to supply food to local groups. His way of working counters the effects of climate change, moving against what is considered profitable for the islanders when they grow crops to meet western demand. It has been argued that the Ginea Bissau’s poor infrastructure and performance within the field of food production is intwined with the impact of colonialism.
Julie Etchingham	b. 21 August 1969, Leicester, United Kingdom Julie Etchingham is an English journalist and broadcaster. She is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Dame Judi Dench	b. 9 December 1934, Heworth, York, United Kingdom Dame Judi Dench CH DBE FRSA is an English actress who is widely considered one of Britain's greatest. She is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Baroness Helena Kennedy	b. 12 May 1950, Glasgow, United Kingdom Baroness Helena Kennedy QC is a Scottish barrister, broadcaster, and a Labour member of the House of Lords. She was Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford, from 2011 to 2018. She is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Jonathan Newhouse	b. 30 March 1952, New York, New York, United States Jonathan Newhouse is a publisher and media executive. Born in the United States, he has lived in London since 1994. Since 2019 he has been Chairman of the Board of Condé Nast. He is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Vanita Patel	b. May 1956, Uganda Vanita Patel MBE is the former director of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world. Born in Uganda and living in England since the late 1960s, Patel served as a volunteer Trustee for the organisation for more than 20 years, raising over £1million.
Hugh Quarshie	b. 22 December 1954, Accra, Ghana Hugh Quarshie is a Ghanaian-born British actor known for his role in Star Wars in particular. He is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Lola Young	b. 1 June 1951, London, United Kingdom Lola Young, Baroness Young of Hornsey OBE, is a British actress, author, crossbench peer, and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. She is a patron of Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation which campaigns for freedom from slavery throughout the world.
Tito	b. 7 May 1892, Kumrovec, Croatia, d. 4 May 1980, Ljubljana, Slovenia Josip Broz Tito, known as Tito, was a Yugoslav communist revolutionary and politician. He held various positions of national leadership from 1943 until his death in 1980, including as Prime Minister in the period 1944-1963. Through Tito’s initiative, the Non-Aligned Movement was established in 1961, a forum which consists of 120 countries that are neither aligned with or against any major power bloc. The movement was summarised by Fidel Castro in his 1979 Havana Declaration as to ensure ‘the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security’ of non-aligned countries and to fight against imperialism, colonialism, and other forms of aggression and domination.
Makarios III	b. 13 August 1913, Pano Panagia, Cyprus, d. 3 August 1977, Nicosia, Cyprus Makarios III was a Greek-Cypriot archbishop and politician. He served as the first President of Cyprus between 1960-1977 and was a participant for Cyprus at the 1st Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which took place in September 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. One of the topics on the agenda was the decolonisation of African countries. The movement was summarised by Fidel Castro in his 1979 Havana Declaration as to ensure ‘the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security’ of non-aligned countries and to fight against imperialism, colonialism, and other forms of aggression and domination.
Robert Ford	b. 8 January 1915, Ottawa, Canada, d. 12 April 1998, Vichy, France Robert Ford was a Canadian poet, translator, and diplomat. He was a guest at the 1st Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which took place in September 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. One of the topics on the agenda was the decolonisation of African countries. The movement was summarised by Fidel Castro in his 1979 Havana Declaration as to ensure ‘the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security’ of non-aligned countries and to fight against imperialism, colonialism, and other forms of aggression and domination.
Michael Creswell	b. 21 September 1909, place unknown, d. 25 April 1986, place unknown Michael Creswell was a British diplomat. He was a guest at the 1st Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which took place in September 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. One of the topics on the agenda was the decolonisation of African countries. The movement was summarised by Fidel Castro in his 1979 Havana Declaration as to ensure ‘the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security’ of non-aligned countries and to fight against imperialism, colonialism, and other forms of aggression and domination.
Olof Palme	b. 30 January 1927, Stockholm, Sweden, d. 28 February 1986, Stockholm, Sweden Olof Palme was a Swedish politician and statesman who served as Prime Minister of Sweden twice, from 1969 to 1976 and 1982 to 1986. Palme led the Swedish Social Democratic Party from 1969 until his assassination in 1986. Frequently speaking out against Soviet and American foreign policy, Palme expressed his resistance to imperialism and authoritarianism. In support of African liberation struggles, Palme provided, sometimes controversially, support to a number of Third World governments.
Salah Ahmed Ibrahim	b. December 1933, Omdurman, Sudan, d. 15 May 1993, Paris, France Salah Ahmed Ibrahim was a Sudanese writer, poet, and diplomat. Ibrahim was considered one of the most important Sudanese poets in the generation following Sudan's independence. He campaigned against racism, oppression, and injustice.
Abel Alier	b. 23 June 1933, Upper Nile, Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Abel Alier is a South Sudanese politician, judge, human-rights lawyer and activist on behalf of Christians in the Sudan. He served as Vice President of Sudan between 1971 and 1982 and as President of the High Executive Council of the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region between 1972 and 1978. Alier was instrumental in the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 which permitted Southern Sudan to have its own autonomous government in Juba, and has often helped negotiate peaceful terms between the North and Southern Sudan.
Stella Gaitano	b. 1979, Khartoum, Sudan Stella Gaitano is a writer and pharmacist from South Sudan. She is known for her stories about discrimination, war, and displacement. Since the independence of South Sudan in 2011, she has published regularly on the political situation in Sudan and South Sudan. In 2022, she was a fellow of PEN’s Writers-in-Exile Program and resides in Kamen, Germany.
Trevor Huddleston	b. 15 June 1912, Bedford, United Kingdom, d. 20 April 1998, Mirfield, England Trevor Huddleston was an English Anglican bishop. Known for his book Naught for Your Comfort, Huddleston became president of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM) in 1981. This was a British organisation opposing the South African apartheid system.
Scholastique Mukasonga	b. 1956, Gikongoro province, Rwanda Scholastique Mukasonga is a Rwandan author living in France. She was born in the former Gikongoro province of Rwanda but left to Burundi before the genocide of the Tutsi, eventually arriving to France in 1992. Gallimard published her autobiographical work, Inyenzi ou les Cafards, which marked Mukasonga’s entry into literature. Her first novel, Our Lady of the Nile, won the Ahamadou Kourouma Prize and the Renaudot Prize.
Neil Kinnock	b. 28 March 1942, Tredegar, United Kingdom Neil Kinnock is a Welsh politician who served as Leader of the Labour Party from 1983 to 1992. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1970 to 1995, first for Bedwellty and then for Islwyn. From 1999 to 2004, Kinnock was Vice-President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004. As a student, Kinnock organised protests against apartheid and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela in South Africa.
Barbara Castle	b. 6 October 1910, Chesterfield, United Kingdom, d. 3 May 2002, Chiltern District, United Kingdom Barbara Castle was a British Labour Party politician. She was a Member of Parliament from 1945 to 1979. As a member of the Movement for Colonial Freedom, Castle promoted independence of Britain's colonies and was in opposition to white minority rule in the former African colonies.
Joan Lestor	b. 13 November 1931, Vancouver, Canada, d. 27 March 1998, place unknown Joan Lestor, also known as Baroness Lestor of Eccles, was a British Labour politician. She was MP for Eton and Slough between 1966 and 1983, and for Eccles from 1987 to 1997. As an anti-apartheid campaigner, Lestor spoke out against racism in South Africa even in defiance of her government’s policies.
David Steel	b. 31 March 1938, Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom David Steel is a retired British politician. From 1976 to 1988, he served as the final leader of the Liberal Party. He served as President of the Anti-Apartheid Movement from 1966 to 1969 and as Vice-President until its dissolution in 1994.
Frank Dobson	b. 15 March 1940, York, United Kingdom, d. 11 November 2019, London, England Frank Dobson was a British Labour Party politician. He was Member of Parliament for Holborn and St. Pancras from 1979 to 2015 and served as Secretary of State for Health from 1997 to 1999. Dobson was an active and outspoken member of the anti-apartheid movement throughout his political life.
Akyaaba Addai-Sebo	b. October 1950, Ghana, West Africa Akyaaba Addai-Sebo is a Ghanaian analyst, journalist and activist. He is credited with starting Black History Month in October in the United Kingdom from 1987. His activism spans the African continent, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Peter Brayshaw	b. unknown, d. unknown Peter Brayshaw was an economist and anti-apartheid campaigner working for freedom and equality in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. He served as Executive Chair and as Vice-Chair for Action for Southern Africa. Brayshaw also campaigned for international recognition of the MPLA government in Mozambique.
Richard Caborn	b. 6 October 1943, Sheffield, United Kingdom Richard Caborn is a British Labour Party politician who served as Minister of State for Regions, Regeneration and Planning from 1997 to 1999, Minister of State for Trade from 1991 to 2001 and Minister for Sport from 2001 to 2007. As a supporter of the anti-apartheid movement, Caborn has been outspoken on South Africa issues and has facilitated concerts in support of the African National Congress.
Hilda Bernstein	b. 15 May 1915, London, United Kingdom, d. 8 September 2006, Cape Town, South Africa Hilda Bernstein was an author, artist, and activist against apartheid and for women’s rights. Born in London, she emigrated to South Africa at the age of 18 where she became active in politics. Her husband, Lionel Bernstein, was tried and acquitted in the Rivonia Trial in 1964, after which government harassment forced the couple to flee to Botswana. She wrote about these experiences in her book The World that Was Ours, republished by Persephone Books in 2004.
Lionel Bernstein	b. 20 March 1920, Durban, Union of South Africa, d. 23 June 2002, Cape Town, South Africa Lionel Bernstein was a Jewish South African architect, anti-apartheid activist, and political prisoner. He played a key role in the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the African National Congress (ANC) and helped to form the South African Congress of Democrats. Bernstein worked closely with Nelson Mandela.
Martin Meredith	b. 1942, place unknown Martin Meredith is a British historian, journalist and biographer. He has written several books on Africa and was a foreign correspondent for The Observer and Sunday Times. His books include The State of Africa and The Fortunes of Africa.
Colin Legum	b. 3 January 1919, Kestell, Orange Free State, Union of South Africa, d. 8 June 2003 Western Cape, South Africa Colin Legum was a South African journalist and writer on African politics. He wrote several popular books and worked at The Observer for the majority of his career. As an anti-apartheid activist, Legum also worked to popularise African history in Britain.
Margaret Legum	b. 8 October 1933, Pretoria, South Africa, d. 1 November 2007, Cape Town, South Africa Margaret Jean Roberts Legum was a South African and British anti-apartheid activist and social reformer specialising in economics. She was the founder of the South African New Economics Network and her book, It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This: Global Economics – A New Way Forward, was published in 2003 based on a lecture series she gave at the University of Cape Town.
Basil Davidson	b. 9 November 1914, Bristol, United Kingdom, d. 9 July 2010, London, United Kingdom Basil Davidson was a British journalist and historian who authored many books on African history and politics. He was involved in the Anti-Apartheid Movement since 1969. Davidson was also a supporter of Pan-Africanism and critical of the white-minority government in Rhodesia.
Bénédicte Savoy	b. 2 May 1972, Paris, France Bénédicte Savoy is a French art historian who specialises in verification and stolen art works. She worked on a collaborative report in 2018 which proposed how French state-owned museums could return art and other cultural objects to former colonies in Africa.
Jane Alexander	b. 1959, Johannesburg, South Africa Jane Alexander is a contemporary artist working in South Africa. Her sculptures, installations, tableaux and photomontages draw on her experiences of growing up under apartheid. Alexander is best known for her work, Butcher Boys, from 1986.
Georgina Beier	b. August 1938, London, United Kingdom, d. 11 July 2021, Australia Georgina Beier was a British artist who was born in London and studied art there before moving to Zaria in northern Nigeria. Beier designed costumes and sets for Duro Ladipo’s theatre. As a member of the Oshogbo Group, she taught art workshops in the Yoruba town of Oshogbo from 1963 to 1966.
Ulli Beier	b. 30 July 1922, Glowitz, Weimar Germany, d. 3 April 2011, Australia Ulli Beier was a German writer and scholar who was instrumental in encouraging the production of literature, drama, and poetry in Nigeria, as well as in Papua New Guinea. A member of the Oshogbo Group, he conducted art workshops alongside other expatriates, including his wife Georgina Beier. When civil war broke out between Biafra and the federal government in 1966, the couple moved to Papua New Guinea.
Susanne Wenger	b. 4 July 1915, Graz, Austria, d. Oshogbo, Osun, Nigeria Susanne Wenger, also known as Adunni Olorisha, was an Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess. Her work centred on Yoruba culture and she built a cooperative of artists in Osogbo, Nigeria. An advocate for the preservation of the Osun Grove, Wenger was succesful in ensuring that the grove was made a national monument in 1965. It later earned world heritage site status.
Sue Williamson	b. 21 January 1941, Lichfield, United Kingdom Sue Williamson is an artist and writer. Her work spans photography, video, installations and constructed objects. A Few South Africans is a photo series celebrating women who resisted segregation. She has written several books on contemporary South African art and is the founding editor of Artthrob, an online art journal.
Cecil Skotnes	b. 1 June 1926, East London, South Africa, d. 4 April 2009, Cape Town, South Africa Cecil Skotnes was a South African artist. The son of missionaries, Skotnes was a member of the generation of artists who emerged after the Second World War. He worked to establish a mode of art embracing South African identity.
Esmé Berman	b. 1929, d. 4 June 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa Esmé Berman was a Jewish South African art historian. The author of numerous books, she is best known for Art and Artists of South Africa which was the first reference work on South African artists and was published in 1970. This became a foundational book for South African art history.
Robert Hodgins	b. 27 June 1920, London, United Kingdom, d. 15 March 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa Robert Hodgins was an English painter and printmaker. While living in apartheid-South Africa, Hodgins joined other artists in the community to make anti-apartheid statements through his art.
Alexis Preller	b. 6 September 1911, Pretoria, South Africa, d. 13 December 1975, Pretoria, South Africa Alexis Preller was a South African painter. He trained at the Westminster School of Art and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris. His work often explores history as shaped by colonialism and apartheid.
Glenys Kinnock	b. 7 July 1944, Roade, United Kingdom Glenys Kinnock is a backbench Labour Peer and was an activist and fund-raiser for the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Kinnock was Minister of State for Europe in 2009 and Minister of State for Africa and the United Nations from 2009 to 2010.
Fergal Keane	b. 6 January 1961, London, United Kingdom Fergal Keane OBE is an Irish foreign correspondent with BBC News. Keane was the BBC’s correspondent in South Africa and, between 1990 and 1994, Keane’s reports covered the first elections following the end of apartheid and the Rwandan genocide.
Shaun Johnson	b. 1959, place unknown, d. 24 February 2020, Cape Town, South Africa Shaun Johnson was a renowned anti-apartheid journalist. He was the founding chief executive of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and also served as Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Johnson was associated with Mandela for 23 years.
John Battersby	b. date and place unknown John Battersby is a journalist and author. He was editor-in-chief of the Sunday Independent in Johannesburg 1996-200 and also served as the New York Times southern Africa correspondent from 1987-1989. Battersby conducted many interviews with Nelson Mandela during his career.
Phyllis Ntantala-Jordan	b. 7 January 1920, Eastern Cape, South Africa, d. 17 July 2016, Michigan, United States Phyllis Ntantala-Jordan was a South African political activist, author and academic. Political pressures from the apartheid South African government forced her family to go into exile in 1961. They moved to America, where she lived and worked until her death.
Joel Goodman Joffe	b. 12 May 1932, Johannesburg, South Africa, d. 18 June 2017, Liddington, United Kingdom Joel Goodman Joffe CBE was a South African-born British lawyer and Labour peer in the House of Lords. Joffe was the defence attorney of the leadership of the African National Congress at the Rivonia Trial and represented Nelson Mandela and his co-defendants.
Verne Harris	b. date and place unknown Verne Harris is an archivist and author. He is presently Director of Archive and Dialogue at the Nelson Mandela Foundation and was Mandela’s archivist from 2004 to 2013. Verne has also worked for South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was the Director of the South African History Archive.
Lina Iris Viktor	b. 1987, United Kingdom Lina Iris Viktor is a British-Liberian visual artist. Her work spans painting, sculpture, performance, installations and photography. She draws on traditions and influences from African symbolism and both ancient and modern cosmology.
David Harewood	b. 8 December 1965, Birmingham, United Kingdom David Harewood OBE is a British actor, director, author and activist. He is a UNICEF UK Ambassador and has been a voice against racism and a champion of representation in the arts. In 1997, he played the National Theatre’s first-ever Black Othello.
Nick Cave	b. 1959, Fulton, Missouri Nick Cave is a visual artist and dancer. His so-called Soundsuits are surreal objects that serve as a second skin which intends to obscure race, gender, and class. These suits also reference African ceremonial regalia and African-American traditions. Cave released his first Soundsuit in 1992 as a statement against the brutal beating of Rodney King.
Ekow Eshun	b. 27 May 1968, London, United Kingdom Ekow Eshun is a British author, journalist, broadcaster, and curator. His books include In the Black Fantastic, published in 2022, and Africa State of Mind, published in 2018.
Hew Locke	b. 13 October 1959, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Hew Locke OBE RA is a Guyanese-British artist. Locke spent the years from 1966 until 1980 in Guyana before returning to the UK to study art. His work explores the visual language of power.
Jeannette Ehlers	b. 1973, place unknown Jeannette Ehlers is a Danish-Trinidadian artist based in Copenhagen. Her work explores the history of Denmark’s colonial past and poses questions around memory and race. She is well-known for co-creating the monumental public sculpture entitled I Am Queen Mary in 2018, located at Toldbodgade 40 on Copenhagen’s harbour front.
Michelle Eistrup	b. date unknown, Copenhagen, Denmark Michelle Eistrup is a visual artist based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Eistrup’s work explores themes of identity, memory and post-colonialism. It often draws on her own background which is part Danish, Jamaican, and American.
Laura Trevelyan	b. 21 August 1968, London, United Kingdom Laura Trevelyan is a British-American journalist. She worked for the BBC for 30 years but left to become a full-time slavery reparations campaigner. In 2023, the Trevelyan family apologised for ownership of more than 1,000 enslaved African people.
Per Hernæs	b. date and place unknown Per Hernæs is a Danish academic. His work explores the history of the Danish slave trade and colonialism.
Astrid Nonbo Andersen	b. date and place unknown Astrid Nonbo Andersen is a Danish academic. Her research focuses on historical justice, reconciliation and restitution. Andersen is focused on addressing aspects of the relationship between Scandinavian countries and their former colonies.
Erik Gøbel	b. 1 May 1949, Helsingør, Denmark Erik Gøbel is a Danish academic who is presently Senior Researcher at the Danish National Archives in Copenhagen. He has published books in English including A Guide to Sources for the History of the Danish West Indies in 2002. His work has helped to expand awareness of and reckoning with Denmark’s colonial past.
Holger Weiss	b. date and place unknown Holger Weiss is a Finnish academic who is Professor of General History at Åbo Akademi University, Finland. His research explores West African environmental history and Islamic studies, particularly with a focus on Ghana.
Gunvor Simonsen	b. date and place unknown Gunvor Simonsen is a Danish academic who specialises in 18th and 19th century Atlantic history, with a focus on Caribbean cultural and social history. Their work is especially focused on the colonial history of the Danish West Indies. Simonsen's work helps to expand awareness of Denmark’s colonial past.
Pernille Ipsen	b. 31 December 1972, Copenhagen, Denmark Professor Pernille Ipsen is a Danish historian of gender, women, feminism, race and colonialism in Scandinavia and the Atlantic. Her most known work is Daughters of the Trade: Atlantic Slavers and Interracial Marriage on the Gold Coast, published in 2015.
Daniel Dencik	b. 9 May 1972, Stockholm, Sweden Daniel Dencik is a Danish writer and director currently living in Samoa. His film, Gold Coast from 2015, tells the story of a young botanist who is sent to Africa by a Danish king to oversee the work of a coffee plantation. The film explores Danish colonial guilt and the horrors of the West African slave trade.
Idris Elba	b. 6 September 1972, London, United Kingdom Idrissa Elba OBE is an English actor. He is a patron of the Black Cultural Archives in London, which grew from a community response to the New Cross Massacre of 1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act from 1984 and the underachievement of Black children in British schools. The Archives work to enhance the representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom.
Bernie Grant	b. 17 February 1944, Georgetown, British Guiana, present-day Guyana, d. 8 April 2000, London, United Kingdom Bernie Grant was a British Labour Party politician. He was a Member of Parliament for Tottenham, London, from 1987 until his death in 2000. Grant was one of the first people of African descent to be elected to the House of Commons. He founded the Africa Reparations Movement with the aim of seeking reparations for the harm done to Africa and the African diaspora through enslavement, colonisation, and racism.
Tony Benn	b. 3 April 1925, London, United Kingdom, d. 14 March 2014, London, United Kingdom Tony Benn was a British Labour Party politician who served as a Cabinet minister in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a Member of Parliament for the majority of the period between 1950 and 2001. Benn was active in anti-apartheid demonstrations and discussions and was well known for his anti-racism.
Tony Banks	b. 8 April 1942, Belfast, Northern Ireland, d. 8 January 2006, Fort Myers, Florida, United States Tony Banks was a British Labour party politician. He was Minister for Sport from 1997 to 1999. Banks was active in the Anti-Apartheid Movement and was photographed attending a 1989 demonstration in London alongside Jeremy Corbyn, holding up documents of solidarity with South-African and Namibian miners.
Len Garrison	b. 13 June 1943, St. Thomas Parish, Jamaica, d. 18 February 2003, Brixton, London Len Garrison was an educationalist, community activist and historian. He devoted much of his life to cataloguing the development of the black British identity and its history. Garrison was one of the founders of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London.
Jenna Bass	b. 1986, London, United Kingdom Jenna Bass is a South African film director and writer. She has written short stories under the name of Constance Myburgh. Her film Flatland from 2019, is set in South Africa’s desolate Karoo region and is the story of two girls escaping abuse and domestic oppression.
Stephen A. Small	b. date and place unknown Stephen A. Small is a professor in the Department of African American Studies at Berkeley. His research focuses on public history, the African diaspora in Europe and British imperialism. Small was part of the management committee of the Africa Reparations Movement.
Willard White	b. 10 October 1946, Jamaica Sir Willard Wentworth White, OM, CBE is a Jamaican-born British opera singer. He is a patron of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, which grew from a community response to the New Cross Massacre of 1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in 1984 and the underachievement of Black children in British schools. The Archives work to enhance the representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom.
Kwame Kwei-Armah	b. 24 March 1967, Hillingdon, United Kingdom Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE is a British actor, playwright, director and is presently Artistic Director of the Young Vic in London. He is a patron of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, which grew from a community response to the New Cross Massacre of 1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in 1984 and the underachievement of Black children in British schools. The Archives work to enhance the representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom.
Colin Jackson	b. 18 February 1967, Cardiff, United Kingdom Colin Jackson, CBE is a Welsh former sprint and hurdling athlete. Jackson is a patron of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, which grew from a community response to the New Cross Massacre of 1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in 1984 and the underachievement of Black children in British schools. The Archives work to enhance the representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom.
Paul Boateng	b. 14 June 1951, London, United Kingdom Paul Boateng is a British Labour Party politician. He became the UK’s first Black Cabinet Minister in May 2002. Boateng is a patron of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, which grew from a community response to the New Cross Massacre of 1981, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act in 1984 and the underachievement of Black children in British schools. The Archives work to enhance the representation of people of African and Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom.
Linda Bellos	b. 13 December 1950, London, United Kingdom Linda Bellos OBE is a campaigner and political activist. Starting from the early 1980s, Bellos has worked as a policy and equality advisor for government and private companies. She joined the Spare Rib feminist collective in 1981 and was elected Leader of Lambeth Council in 1986. As chair of the London Strategic Policy Unit, Bellos can be credited with the implementation of Black History Month, an annual event that is celebrated across Britain.
Liz Johnson Artur	b. 1964, Sofia Bulgaria Liz Johnson Artur is a Russian-Ghanaian photographer. She moved from East Germany to London in 1991 to study for a Master of Arts at the Royal College of Art and has lived there since. Her practice revolves around photographing the daily life of the African diaspora in London and around the world. She has gathered this work under the title The Black Balloon Archive, which takes its name from the song Black Balloons, by Oscar Brown Jr and recorded by Syl Johnson on the album Is It Because I’m Black from 1969.
Esther Stanford-Xosei	b. December 1972, Place unknown Esther Stanford-Xosei is a British activist and legal specialist. She has been engaged in reparatory justice activism for more than twenty years. Stanford-Xosei specialises in law as resistance and coordinates the Stop The Maangamizi: We Charge Genocide/ Ecocide Campaign (SMWeCGEC). She has contributed to the establishment of the International Network of Scholars & Activists for Afrikan Reparations and All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations in the UK Houses of Parliament. In addition, she is a co-founder of the Extinction Rebellion International Internationalist Solidarity Network.
Sam Hopkins	b. 1979, Rome, Italy Sam Hopkins is an artist and researcher. His work is ineradicable from his Kenyan identity and is characterised by collaboration and co-production. With art historian Marian Nur Goni, he edited the project Invisible Inventories: Questioning Kenyan Collections in Western Museums. This was published in English and German by Kerber in 2021.
Marian Nur Goni	b. Date and place unknown Marian Nur Goni is an art historian. She is the co-founder of the online journal Trouble dans les collections. Her research focuses on museum studies and the origin stories of collections.
King Willem-Alexander	b. 27 April 1967, Utrecht, Netherlands Willem-Alexander is the King of the Netherlands. He acceded to the throne following his mother’s abdication in 2013. In October 2023, King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima visited the Slave Lodge museum in Cape Town, South Africa. This was as part of a trip tracing and reckoning with the Netherlands’ 150 year involvement in slavery. They were met with protesters outside the building.
Hugh Swynnerton Thomas	b. 21 October 1931, Windsor, United Kingdom, d. 7 May 2017, London, United Kingdom Hugh Swynnerton Thomas, Baron Thomas of Swynnerton, was an English historian and writer. Although best known for the book The Spanish Civil War, he is also the author of The Slave Trade, published in 2006, and many other books. Additionally, Thomas was Chairman of the Centre for Policy Studies.
Toby Green	b. 12 February 1974, London, United Kingdom Toby Green is a British historian. He is a Professor of Precolonial and Lusophone African History and Culture at King’s College London. As a historian of West Africa and of global inequality in the past and the present, Green has worked both on pre-colonial history in Western Africa and on the response to the Covid pandemic and its relationship to global inequality.
Leif Svalesen	b. 21 December 1939, Arendal, Norway, d. 25 July 2010, Place unknown Leif Svalesen was a Norwegian author. He is known for having found the wreck of a slave ship, Fredensborg, together with two other amateur divers in 1974. He participated in the marine archaeological excavations under the auspices of the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Aust-Agder Museum. Subsequently, Svalesen wrote a book about the slave ship’s last voyage from 1767 until 1768. Between 1994 and 2004, Svalesen was a member of UNESCO’s scientific committee for the Slave Route Project. This is dedicated to identifying, preserving and providing access to the documentary heritage of the slave trade.
Julia Friedel	b. Date and place unknown Julia Friedel is a German curator. She works in the African department at the Weltkulturen Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. Friedel co-curated the exhibition COLLECTED. BOUGHT. LOOTED?.
Frauke Gathof	b. Date and place unknown Frauke Gathof works at Weltkulturen Museum in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Gathof was involved with a large-scale international research project aiming to build a database of Kenyan art objects held in museums in Europe and North America. Gathof also contributed to the publication Invisible Inventories, edited by Marian Nur Goni and Sam Hopkins, which critically reflects on museum and restitution politics concerning objects pertaining to the cultural heritage of Kenya.
Clara Himmelheber	b. Date and place unknown Clara Himmelheber is Expert for the Africa Collection at Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum Köln. Himmelheber contributed to the publication Invisible Inventories, edited by Marian Nur Goni and Sam Hopkins, which critically reflects on museum and restitution politics concerning objects pertaining to the cultural heritage of Kenya held in cultural institutions across the globe.
Leonie Chima Emeka	b. Date and place unknown Leonie Chima Emeka is an art historian. Emeka works on the International Inventories Programme (IIP),a database and provenance research programme that started in 2018 and seeks to investigate objects pertaining to the cultural heritage of Kenya that are held in cultural institutions, such as ethnographic museums, across the globe.
Simon Rittmeier	b. Date and place unknown Simon Rittmeier is a director and cinematographer known for Drexciya, released in 2013. He contributed to the publication Invisible Inventories, edited by Marian Nur Goni and Sam Hopkins, which critically reflects on museum and restitution politics concerning objects pertaining to the cultural heritage of Kenya that are held in cultural institutions, such as ethnographic museums, across the globe.
Mark Rutte	b. 14 February 1967, The Hague, Netherlands Mark Rutte is a Dutch politician. He has served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010 and was the leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy from 2006 until 2023. In December 2023, Rutte gave a speech at the National Archives in The Hague in which he apologised for the past actions of the Dutch State and to enslaved people in the past who suffered as a consequence, as well as to their descendants.
William A. Pettigrew	b. 1978, Place unknown William A. Pettigrew is Professor of History at Lancaster University. His work focuses on how British history has been shaped by global forces and the effects that the British state has had on the world, including the transatlantic slave trade.
Marie Rodet	b. Date and place unknown Marie Rodet is a senior lecturer in the history of Africa at SOAS. Her research focuses on modern migration history, gender studies and the history of slavery in francophone West Africa. Her current work is specifically around emancipation strategies for enslaved Africans at the end of slavery.
Peter Cunliffe-Jones	b. Date and place unknown Peter Cunliffe-Jones is a British journalist. He has been a foreign correspondent for more than two decades for The Economist, The Independent and Agence France Presse news agency. He has reported from all over western Europe, the Balkans, West Africa, and East Asia. In 2012, Cunliffe-Jones founded Africa Check, the first independent fact-checking organisation in Africa.
Nick Westcott	b. 20 July 1956, Place unknown Nick Westcott is a British diplomat. He was Director of the Royal African Society from 2017 until 2023 and is a research associate at the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS, University of London. He is the author of Imperialism and Development: The East African Groundnut Scheme and its Legacy, published in 2020. Westcott also serves on the editorial board of African Affairs.
Lutz Marten	b. 12 December, Hamburg, Germany Lutz Marten is a German linguist and Africanist. He is Professor of General and African Linguistics at SOAS, University of London. Most of Marten’s work focuses on African languages of Eastern and Southern Africa, in particular Bantu languages such as Swahili, Bemba and Herero. His most recent project was Morphosyntactic Variation in Bantu: Typology, contact and change.
Stephen Chan	b. Date unknown, New Zealand Stephen Chan is a professor in the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS, University of London. In 2010, he was appointed an OBE for his services to Africa and higher education. As an international civil servant, Chan was involved with diplomatic initiatives in Africa such as working to implement electoral observation. He has published more than thirty books.
Christopher Cramer	b. Date and place unknown Christopher Cramer is Professor of the Political Economy of Development at SOAS, University of London. Cramer is Chair of the Management Committee of the African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics and was Vice-Chair of the Royal Africa Society for more than ten years.
Jeremy Corbyn	b. 26 May 1949, Chippenham, United Kingdom Jeremy Corbyn is a British politician He served as Leader of the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020 and as MP for Islington North since 1983. Corbyn was a campaigner against apartheid in South Africa and served on the National Executive of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. In 1984, he was arrested for picketing outside South Africa House during the City of London Anti-Apartheid Group protest.
Magdalena Naum	b. Date and place unknown Magdalena Naum is a historical archaeologist. Her work centres on colonial history, migration, histories of collecting and museums. She is focused on Swedish and Danish colonial complexities.
Maud Sulter	b. 19 September 1960, Glasgow, Scotland, d. 27 February 2008, Dumfries, Scotland Maud Sulter was a Scottish contemporary fine artist, photographer, writer and educator. As a curator of Ghanaian heritage, she started her career as a poet, winning the Vera Bell Prize with her collection As a Blackwoman, Poems 1982–1985, in 1985. That same year, she took part as a visual artist in The Thin Black Line, an exhibition curated by Lubaina Himid.
Dawn Hill	b. Date and place unknown Dawn Hill CBE SRN became the Chair of the Black Cultural Archives in 2012 and received a Points of Light award for her voluntary work in 2017. Hill was awarded a CBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours for her services to Culture. She is President of the Mary Seacole Trust.
Eddie Chambers	b. 1960, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom Eddie Chambers is a British artist and curator. Chambers is a Professor in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin. He teaches visual arts of the African Diaspora. Chamber was prominent in networks that helped to shape cultural discourse in the 1980s.
Rasheed Araeen	b. 15 June 1935, Karachi, Pakistan Rasheed Araeen is a conceptual artist, writer and curator. Between 1989 and 1990, Araeen curated a major exhibition entitled The Other Story at the Hayward Gallery in London. This brought together work by Asian, African and Caribbean artists. Despite its diverse focus, the show was notable for almost completely excluding women.
Marlene Smith	b. 1964, Birmingham, United Kingdom Marlene Smith is an artist. She is one of the founding members of the BLK Art Group, an association of young Black artists exploring what Black art was and what it could become. Smith was the UK Research Manager for the AHRC-funded Black Arts and Modernism (BAM) project at the University of the Arts London from 2015 to 2018. Her work is widely exhibited.
Aurella Yussuf	b. Date and place unknown Aurella Yussuf is a writer and art historian. Her work focuses on Black artists internationally. She is a founding member of interdisciplinary research collective Thick/er Black Lines and the convener of Kitchen Table Crit, a monthly salon for Black artists and writers. Her writing has appeared in Frieze, Hyperallergic, Artskop, Arts.Black and other art publications.
A.S. Francis	b. Date and place unknown A.S. Francis is an author and PhD student at the University of Chichester. She is primarily involved in researching women’s involvements in Britain’s Black radical organisations during the periods including and between the 1960s and 1980s. Francis is author of Gerlin Bean: Mother of the Movement, a biography celebrating the longstanding activism of Gerlin Bean, published in 2023. Francis is also a consultant to the Young Historians Project, member of the History Matters collective and co-founder of the History Matters Journal.
Heidi Safia Mirza	b. 6 April 1958, London, United Kingdom Heidi Safia Mirza is a British academic and author. She is Professor of Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths, University of London, Professor Emerita in Equalities Studies at the UCL Institute of Education and a Visiting Professor in Social Policy at the London School of Economics. Mirza became one of the United Kingdom’s first female professors of colour in the 1990s. Her work uses postcolonial and intersectional frameworks to explore equality and human rights issues, especially around race and culture.
Suzanne Scafe	b. 1952, Place unknown Suzanne Scafe is Associate Professor of Literature at London South Bank University. She was a member of the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent and the Brixton Black Women’s Group. With Stella Dadzie and Beverley Bryan, she is author of The Heart of the Race: Black Women's Lives in Britain, which reclaims and records Black women’s place in British history.
Stella Dadzie	b. 1952, London, United Kingdom Stella Dadzie is a British educationalist, activist, writer and historian. In 1978, she co-founded the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent to discuss and address Black and Asian women’s issues. With Beverley Bryan and Suzanne Scafe, she is author of The Heart of the Race: Black Women's Lives in Britain, which reclaims and records Black women’s place in British history.
Beverley Bryan	b. 18 August 1949, Portland Parish, Jamaica Beverley Bryan is a Jamaican educationist and retired academic. She a professor of language education at the University of the West Indies in Mona. With Stella Dadzie and Suzanne Scafe, she is author of The Heart of the Race: Black Women's Lives in Britain, which reclaims and records Black women’s place in British history. Bryan was a British Black Panther and a founding member of the Brixton Black Women’s Group.
Kennetta Hammond Perry	b. 1979, Place unknown Kennetta Hammond Perry is an author and academic. She is Assistant Professor of History at East Carolina University. Her research focuses on transnational race politics, Black Europe and the connections between emancipation and citizenship. She is author of London Is The Place For Me: Black Britons, Citizenship and the Politics of Race.
Dahomey Amazons	b. Mid-18th century, Kingdom of Dahoney, present-day Benin, d. 1892, Benin The Dahomey Amazons were soldiers for the Kingdom of Dahomey in present-day Benin. Fighting for freedom, they resisted European forces in one of the final battles before the kingdom became a French colony in 1892. It is said that only 17 out of 434 Amazons returned from the conflict.