Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has stood as one of the world’s most prestigious honours, celebrating individuals and organisations whose efforts have advanced peace, justice, and human rights.
- The Nobel Peace Prize, initiated in 1901, honors contributions to global peace, democracy, and human rights.
- María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 prize for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela.
- African laureates such as Nelson Mandela and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf exemplify impactful peacebuilding efforts.
- Decisions regarding prize recipients highlight principles of democracy and transformative leadership.
Over the decades, Africa has produced several remarkable Nobel Peace Prize laureates whose leadership and courage have shaped global conversations on freedom, reconciliation, and social progress.
From Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid to Abiy Ahmed’s pursuit of regional peace, these winners reflect the continent’s enduring role in promoting dialogue and hope amid conflict.
While the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to María Corina Machado of Venezuela for her work in promoting democratic rights in her country and across the Americas, Africa’s contribution to the history of the award remains deeply significant.
No Trump Effect
This year’s announcement ended weeks of speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump might emerge as the winner, following reports of his involvement in recent mediation efforts with Egypt over the Israel–Gaza ceasefire.
However, the Nobel Committee’s decision ultimately refocused global attention on the principles of democracy and peaceful reform, renewing interest in Africa’s past laureates whose contributions to peacebuilding have been both historic and transformative.
Below is a record of African individuals and organisations who have received the Nobel Peace Prize since its inception.
Africa’s Role in the Pursuit of Peace
African Nobel Peace Prize winners have emerged from diverse backgrounds, political systems, and historical periods. Albert Luthuli, the first African laureate, was honoured in 1960 for leading a nonviolent resistance against apartheid in South Africa.
Figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu later continued this legacy, guiding the country toward reconciliation and multiracial democracy.
The continent’s representation also extends to other spheres of leadership. Anwar Sadat of Egypt was recognised in 1978 for his role in the Camp David Accords, while Wangari Maathai of Kenya became the first African woman to receive the award in 2004, championing environmental conservation and sustainable development.
In West Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee shared the 2011 prize for promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding in Liberia.
Similarly, the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet was celebrated in 2015 for helping guide Tunisia’s democratic transition after the Arab Spring.
Denis Mukwege, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, represent more recent examples of African leaders whose work has focused on human rights, medical support for victims of violence, and regional reconciliation.
Resilience and dialogue
Although the number of African laureates remains relatively small compared to other continents, their collective impact has been substantial.
From anti-apartheid activism to grassroots peace movements and environmental justice, Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners continue to symbolise resilience and dialogue in the face of adversity.
The renewed global attention on this year’s Nobel announcement underscores the enduring significance of the award, not just as a recognition of individual achievement, but as a reflection of humanity’s ongoing struggle to secure peace in an increasingly divided world.
