It’s that time of year when the world pauses to honour brilliance, courage, and discovery. And while new names are being unveiled in Stockholm, Africa already carries a proud legacy written in gold.

From Wole Soyinka’s literary genius to Wangari Maathai’s green revolution, here are Africans whose brilliance once shook the world and won them a Nobel Prize.

Here’s a look at some of them and the years they won:

1. Max Theiler (South Africa) – Physiology or Medicine, 1951.
Developed a vaccine against yellow fever.

2. Albert Luthuli (South Africa) – Peace, 1960
Recognised for his non-violent resistance against apartheid.

3. Anwar Sadat (Egypt) – Peace, 1978
For his efforts in achieving peace between Egypt and Israel.

4. Desmond Tutu (South Africa) – Peace, 1984
For his strong moral leadership in the fight against apartheid.

5. Wole Soyinka (Nigeria) – Literature, 1986
For his powerful plays and essays that blend culture, politics, and humanity.

6. Nadine Gordimer (South Africa) – Literature, 1991
For her bold and humanistic writings against racial injustice.

7. Nelson Mandela (South Africa) and F.W. de Klerk (South Africa) – Peace, 1993
For their joint efforts to end apartheid and establish democracy.

8. Kofi Annan (Ghana)– Peace, 2001
Jointly with the United Nations for promoting peace and human rights.

9. Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – Peace, 2004
For her environmental activism and role in founding the Green Belt Movement.

10. Abdulrazak Gurnah (Tanzania) – Literature, 2021
For his exploration of colonialism and displacement in East Africa.

Since the Nobel Prizes began in 1901, about 25 Africans have received the honour — most from South Africa and Egypt. As the 2025 announcements continue, many on the continent are watching closely, hoping to see another African name added to the world’s most respected list of achievers.