Africa Somali magazine unveils 100 most influential Somalis of 2025

Somali Magazine CEO and Founder Ridwan Yusuf speaking during the unveiling of the 2025 honourees.

Africa Somali Magazine has unveiled the list of the 100 Most Influential Somalis of 2025, celebrating leadership, impact, and excellence across politics, business, public service, and community development.

The annual list brings together prominent leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and public figures whose work shaped national and international conversations throughout the year.

The recognition highlights individuals who demonstrated outstanding influence, responsibility, and commitment to Somali communities at home and abroad.

Speaking during the announcement, the magazine’s CEO and founder, Ridwan Yusuf, said the initiative is designed to honour excellence while encouraging a culture of appreciation and accountability.

“The whole concept of awarding those who deserve it is a way of reminding them that there are people who care. Some people see their efforts and want to say thank you,” Yusuf said.

“It is often said that people in East Africa and Africa in general are not very good at appreciating success. This platform exists to change that narrative.”

He explained that the 2025 edition followed a rigorous and transparent process, which began with nominations on October 10, 2025, followed by two months of public participation and voting.

“This year, we had a two-month nomination process, followed by a voting phase. The response was overwhelming. It showed how much people care about leadership, progress, and positive impact in their communities,” Yusuf noted.

Chairman and founder of Docol Group Yusuf Ahmed Dhadhaow

At the centre of this year’s edition is the person of the year 2025 person of the year is Yusuf Ahmed Dhadhaow.

Ahmed’s leadership is defined by strong governance, disciplined execution, and ethical business practices.

He places high importance on transparency, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring that each project contributes meaningfully to national development.

His approach has earned Docol Group a reputation for reliability and professionalism in complex operating environments.

The magazine also named Ahmed Dahir Nur as the Business Person of the Year 2025.

Nur is the CEO and Founder of StarSky Aviation Limited and Diamond Wings Aviation Limited.

CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, Ahmed Dahir Nur.

His recognition highlights his role in advancing aviation and business leadership within the region, especially in the critical air transport sector.

Yusuf said the business category reflects the growing influence of Somali entrepreneurship across East Africa and beyond.

“The importance is to increase competition across East Africa. When people see that business leaders are being recognised, it encourages others to do more. This recognition motivates companies and individuals to create more impact,” he said.

The special issue further features the 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2025, a carefully curated list that reflects the diversity and depth of Somali leadership.

The list includes high-ranking government officials, respected scholars, entrepreneurs, social leaders, and creatives who played visible roles in shaping public life throughout the year.

Among those featured are H.E Abdi Farah Shirdon, H.E Abdirahim Ahmed Hassan, H.E Fahad Yasin Dahir, Osman Mohamud Dufle, H.E Aden Bare Duale, Hon. Omar Fateh, Sheikh Muhammad Shakir, Abdihakim Mohamed Isma’il, Rukia Bulle, Abdirashid Duale, Abdisamad Abdullahi (Sharma Boy), and Maama Ugaaso.

Their inclusion reflects a wide range of leadership roles and public engagement, capturing the many ways Somalis continue to contribute to governance, development, innovation, and social change.

The visual presentation of the list places faces and names at the forefront, offering readers a direct connection to the individuals shaping Somali society.

The layout reflects both national pride and international relevance, reinforcing Africa Somali Magazine’s role as a key platform for Somali narratives and achievements.

Yusuf emphasised that the awards are not just about recognition, but about inspiring future leadership and long-term impact.

“This is the seventh consecutive year we are doing this. It is about encouraging people to keep doing good work and reminding them that their efforts matter. Today it is them, tomorrow it will be others. This is how we build a culture of excellence and responsibility,” he said.