Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, has been named African Educationist of the Year 2025 by African Leadership Magazine, following a tightly contested vote.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed his gratitude on social media, writing: “The vote sponsored by Africa Leadership Magazine for African Educationist for 2025 was very tight, but we made it. I thank all my friends, followers and everybody who believes in and appreciates what we are doing at Makerere University for your support.”
The annual Persons of the Year Awards by African Leadership Magazine recognize outstanding leaders across the continent for their contributions to governance, innovation, enterprise, public service, and sustainable development.
Other honourees for 2025 include:
African Political Leader of the Year: H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia
African Female Leader of the Year: H.E. Mandisa Maya, Chief Justice of South Africa
Africa Peace & Security Leader of the Year: Gen. Mbaye Cissé, Chief of the General Staff, Senegal
African Industrialist of the Year: Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Founder & Chairman, Petrolin Group, Benin
African Philanthropist of the Year: Samuel Tafesse, Founder, Sunshine Investment Group, Ethiopia
The full list of awardees spans various sectors, including public health, agriculture, governance, and philanthropy.
The Persons of the Year Awards Ceremony is scheduled for 27–28 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where all honourees will be formally celebrated.
Prof. Nawangwe’s recognition highlights his leadership in advancing higher education in Uganda and across Africa, cementing his role as a key figure in African academia.
