Meet the Africans who have won the Nobel Prize from 1960 to 2026

Across literature, peace, science and economics, several Africans have earned global recognition for their outstanding contributions to humanity.

Meet some of Africa’s Nobel Prize laureates whose groundbreaking achievements have made history, shaped their respective fields and inspired generations across the world.

1. WOLE SOYINKA – NIGERIA NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE, 1986

Wole Soyinka made history in 1986 as the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nigerian playwright, poet and novelist was honoured for his exceptional literary contributions, which explore human experiences, political struggles and the complexities of African society.

2. NELSON MANDELA – SOUTH AFRICA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 1993

Nelson Mandela received the Nobel Peace Prize alongside F.W. de Klerk for their efforts to peacefully end apartheid and establish democracy in South Africa. Mandela became the country’s first Black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison.

3. WANGARI MAATHAI – KENYA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2004

Wangari Maathai became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The environmentalist and founder of the Green Belt Movement was recognised for her contributions to sustainable development, democracy and peace. Her movement mobilised women to plant millions of trees across Kenya.

4. KOFI ANNAN – GHANA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2001

Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General, shared the Nobel Peace Prize with the United Nations for their efforts towards a more peaceful and organised world. He was also recognised for his commitment to human rights and addressing global challenges.

5.DESMOND TUTU – SOUTH AFRICA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 1984

The South African Anglican archbishop and human rights activist received the Nobel Peace Prize for his opposition to apartheid. He became one of the most prominent voices advocating for racial equality and non-violent resistance in South Africa.

6. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF – LIBERIA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2011

7. ABDULRAZAK GURNAH – ΤΑΝΖΑΝΙΑ NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE, 2021

The Tanzanian-born novelist was recognised for his compassionate exploration of colonialism, displacement and the experiences of refugees. His novels often examine identity, migration and the lasting effects of colonial rule.

8. AHMED ZEWAIL – EGYPT NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY, 1999

Ahmed Zewail became the first Egyptian and first Arab scientist to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He was recognised for developing femtochemistry, a technique that allows scientists to observe chemical reactions at incredibly short timescales.

9. DENIS MUKWEGE – DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2018

Denis Mukwege is a Congolese gynaecologist who has dedicated his life to treating women who have survived sexual violence during armed conflicts. He was recognised for his efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

10. LEYMAH GBOWEE – LIBERIA NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, 2011

Leymah Gbowee was recognised for leading a non-violent women’s peace movement that helped bring an end to Liberia’s devastating civil war. She mobilised Christian and Muslim women to demand peace and played a significant role in the country’s peace process.

11. Chief Albert Luthuli Nobel Peace Prize (1960)

Awarded for his nonviolent struggle and leadership against the apartheid regime. He was the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

12. F.W. de Klerk Nobel Peace Prize (1993)

Jointly awarded with Nelson Mandela for his role in dismantling apartheid and facilitating the transition to democracy.

13. Navi Pillay Nobel Peace Prize (2026)

Honored for her lifelong work in promoting international law, human rights, and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. She is the first South African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

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