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 Politician of
the Year 2025, awarded to Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia’s Permanent
Representative to the United Nations.
His recognition reflects a year marked by diplomatic
engagement and global advocacy for Somalia.
The honour places Ambassador Osman among the most visible
Somali leaders in international affairs, underlining the importance of
diplomacy in shaping Somalia’s image, partnerships, and international standing.
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.