Ranks Africa People of the Year 2026: Public Nominations Are Now Open

Ranks Africa officially opens public nominations for the Ranks Africa People of the Year 2026, celebrating individuals whose leadership, achievements, innovation, influence and impact are helping shape industries, communities and the African story.

For the first time, members of the public can nominate outstanding individuals across selected industries and fields — from business, fashion, beauty and entertainment to technology, sports, finance, real estate, tourism, aviation, healthcare, public service, social impact and more.

PUBLIC NOMINATIONS
Opens: 1 August 2026
Closes: 15 September 2026

One outstanding individual will be selected as Person of the Year in each major industry.

And from across the continent, one individual will receive the highest annual distinction:

RANKS AFRICA PERSON OF THE YEAR 2026

Public nomination does not automatically determine selection. All nominations will proceed through Ranks Africa’s research, verification and editorial assessment process, with consideration given to measurable impact, achievement, leadership, innovation, influence and relevance during the year under review.

Ranks Africa People of the Year 2026 — Categories

1. Ranks Africa Person of the Year — Overall
2. Business Person of the Year
3. Entrepreneurship Person of the Year
4. Fashion Person of the Year
5. Beauty Person of the Year
6. Entertainment Person of the Year
7. Film Person of the Year
8. Music Person of the Year
9. Media Person of the Year
10. Sports Person of the Year
11. Technology Person of the Year
12. Finance Person of the Year
13. Banking Person of the Year
14. Real Estate Person of the Year
15. Construction Person of the Year
16. Architecture & Design Person of the Year
17. Automobile Person of the Year
18. Tourism Person of the Year
19. Hospitality Person of the Year
20. Aviation Person of the Year
21. Energy Person of the Year
22. Oil & Gas Person of the Year
23. Healthcare Person of the Year
24. Agriculture Person of the Year
25. Manufacturing Person of the Year
26. Retail Person of the Year
27. Logistics & Supply Chain Person of the Year
28. Marketing & Communications Person of the Year
29. Advertising Person of the Year
30. Public Relations Person of the Year
31. Creator Economy Person of the Year
32. Arts & Culture Person of the Year
33. Education Person of the Year
34. Legal Person of the Year
35. Sustainability & Environment Person of the Year
36. Social Impact Person of the Year
37. Public Service Person of the Year
38. Young Person of the Year

PUBLIC NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

For the first time, Ranks Africa is opening its annual People of the Year recognition to public nominations.

Nomination Period:
1 August – 15 September 2026

To nominate an outstanding individual, send an email to:

Poty@ranksafrica.com

Subject: People of the Year 2026 Nomination – [Nominee’s Name]

Please include:

• Full name of nominee
• Country
• Profession/industry
• Category being nominated for
• Current role, organisation or brand, where applicable
• A brief profile of the nominee
• Key achievements and impact in 2026
• Why you believe the individual deserves recognition
• Relevant website or social media links
• Supporting links, publications or evidence of achievements, where available
• Name and contact details of the person submitting the nomination

Self-nominations are permitted.

There is no fee to nominate.

All nominations are subject to research, verification and editorial assessment by Ranks Africa. The number of nominations received does not automatically determine selection.

Nominations close 15 September 2026.

RANKS AFRICA PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2026
Recognising the people shaping industries, communities and the African story.

One year. Multiple industries. One overall Person of the Year.

This is the Ranks Africa People of the Year 2026.