London, United Kingdom, 2026
African Leadership Magazine (ALM) has released its Top 40 African Finance Leaders for 2026, spotlighting individuals driving financial transformation at a defining moment for the continent.
From stabilising currencies and reforming fiscal systems to expanding banking access and unlocking capital for infrastructure, this year’s honourees are shaping the systems that power Africa’s economies.
READ ALSO: Top 40 African Finance Leaders 2026” to Be Unveiled at Washington, D.C. Forum
“This is not just a list. It is a statement on where Africa is headed,” said Dr Ken Giami, Executive Chairman of African Leadership Magazine. “These leaders are not waiting for change. They are engineering it.”
The 2026 honourees will be celebrated at the African Finance Leaders Forum and Awards 2026, scheduled for April 14, 2026, at the US Senate Building.
Held under the theme “40 Leaders. One Vision. Africa Rising.” the event will convene top policymakers, investors, and financial leaders to shape the next phase of Africa’s economic growth.
Who Made the List
The 2026 cohort brings together a strong mix of banking executives, finance ministers, central bank governors, development financiers, and investment leaders.
Key names include:
1. Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Group
2. Tony Elumelu, Heirs Holdings
3. Jeremy Awori, Ecobank Group
4. Mary Vilakazi, FirstRand
5. Daniel Mminele, Absa Group
6. Olusegun Alebiosu, FirstBank of Nigeria
7. Othman Benjelloun, Bank of Africa
8. Dr Aklilu Wubet, Wegagen Bank
9. John Gachora, NCBA Group
10. Paul Russo, KCB Group
11. Sonny Zulu, Standard Bank Zambia
12. Dr Abdulmajid Nsekela, CRDB Bank
13. Ibrahima Diouf, Oragroup
14. Dr Desalegn Ambaw, Ethiopian Deposit Insurance Fund
15. Henri Claude Oyima, BGFIBank Group
16. Suleiman Alazzabi, Jumhouria Bank
17. Dr George Elombi, Afreximbank
18. Dr Sidi Ould Tah, African Development Bank Group
19. Samaila Zubairu, Africa Finance Corporation
20. Serge Ekué, BOAD
21. Enoch Godongwana, South Africa
22. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia
23. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Sierra Leone
24. H.E Carla Alexandra Loveira, Minister of Finance of Mozambique
25. Dr Zacch Adedeji, Nigeria
26. Gareth Guadalupe, São Tomé and Príncipe
27. Bihi Iman Egeh, Somalia
28. Olavo Correia, Cape Verde
29. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Djibouti
30. Ahmed Kouchouk, Egypt
31. Henry F Saamoi, Liberia
32. Johnson Asiama, Ghana
33. Dr Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor, Mauritius
34. Abdellatif Jouahri, Morocco
35. Johnny Ohisa Damian, South Sudan
36. Lesego Caster Moseki, Botswana
37. Hon Boima S Kamara, WAMA
38. Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, MOFI Nigeria
39. Naguib Sawiris, Orascom Investment Holding
40. Mr Youssouf Fadiga, BNI Côte d’Ivoire
How the Leaders Were Selected
The ranking is based on five key pillars:
Institutional influence and scale
Policy and economic impact
Innovation and financial inclusion
Continental and global relevance
Sustained leadership performance from 2024 to 2026
Selections were rigorously reviewed to ensure true continental balance.
What the 2026 List Reveals
Banking continues to lead, while development finance is rising rapidly
West Africa dominates in volume, while Southern Africa leads in scale
Development institutions are emerging as central players
Policy and central bank leaders are more influential than ever
Africa’s future will be shaped by how effectively it finances its ambitions.
“This is a moment of responsibility,” Dr Giami added. “Africa needs bold financial leadership, and these are the people stepping forward.”
The honorees shall be hosted to a special reception ceremony in London United Kingdom on the 28th April 2026.
About African Leadership Magazine
African Leadership Magazine is a leading pan African platform that promotes excellence in leadership, policy, and business across the continent.
Media Contact
African Leadership Magazine
editor@africanleadership.co.uk
++44 20 3051 1883
