Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote and United States President Donald Trump have been included in the 2026 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people, published on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, by TIME Magazine.
The annual list recognizes 100 individuals across sectors whose work and decisions have influenced global developments in business, politics, technology, and culture.
Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, was listed in the “Titans” category, which focuses on business leaders and industry figures. His profile was written by Tony Elumelu, who described him as “indefatigable, resilient, and foresighted.”
“He has shown Africans can create value with our own resources on our continent,” Elumelu wrote.
Over the years, Dangote has expanded industrial production across Africa, with investments spanning cement, fertilizer, sugar, and energy. His group reported profits of about ₦1 trillion in 2025, according to the report. This is his second appearance on the TIME100 list, following his first in 2014, when he was profiled by Bill Gates.
Trump was named in the “Leaders” category, which includes political figures influencing national and international policy. His profile was written by journalist Eric Cortellessa.
Other political figures on the list include China’s leader Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Mark Carney. Pope Leo XIV was also listed among global leaders.
In business and technology, those named include Sundar Pichai and Neal Mohan, both recognized for shaping major digital platforms. Designer Ralph Lauren and technology entrepreneurs Michael and Susan Dell were also included in the “Titans” category.
The list also features individuals in culture, fashion, and entertainment, such as Anok Yai, Coco Jones, Dakota Johnson, Ranbir Kapoor, and Kate Hudson, as well as figures in science, sports, and digital media.
TIME organizes the list into six categories: Leaders, Titans, Innovators, Pioneers, Artists, and Icons.
Explaining the selection process, TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs said the list reflects individuals linked to major global developments.
“Our selections are led by the stories that are shaping the world each year and the people who write them,” Jacobs said. “To find them, we poll our editors, reporters, and sources around the world, and review the recommendations that are sent to us every day.”
He added that some individuals on the list are widely known, while others are recognized within specific fields, noting that the selection spans areas including technology, health, climate, and digital culture.
The 2026 honourees are expected to be recognized at the TIME100 gala, scheduled for later in April 2026 in New York.
Dangote is the only Nigerian named on this year’s list, according to the publication.
