Three Sierra Leoneans Listed on 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026

Three Sierra Leoneans, including two aspirants for the All People’s Congress (APC) presidential flagbearer, and one globally respected journalist, have been listed among the 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026 by the Global Reputation Forum, in partnership with Reputation Poll International.

Mohamed Omodu Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban, Isha Sesay, and Dr. Ibrahim Bangura are the only Sierra Leoneans named on the 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026 list. Their inclusion places Sierra Leone among a diverse group of leaders spanning governance, enterprise, media, innovation, and social impact.

Image: 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026

The 100 Most Reputable Africans list recognises Africans in governance and enterprise, culture and science, media and civil society, sport, and innovation whose lives, leadership, and legacies consistently demonstrate integrity, credibility, and measurable impact.

Selection Process

According to the organisers, nominations were sourced through an open, multi-stakeholder process involving professionals, civil society leaders, industry experts, and members of the African diaspora. Each nominee was assessed against key reputation pillars, including integrity and ethical conduct, demonstrable impact and excellence, public trust and credibility, leadership and influence, and consistency over time.

An independent audit committee, comprising representatives from governance, business, media, academia, and civil society, reviewed all nominations using publicly verifiable records and conducted due diligence to ensure credibility and balance across regions, sectors, and generations.

Who Is Mohamed Omodu Kamara

Image: Mohamed Omodu Kamara

Mohamed Omodu Kamara, recognised under Enterprise, Wealth Creation & Economic Transformation, is acknowledged for his business leadership and economic influence. He is currently vying for the presidential flagbearership of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).

Popularly known as Jagaban, he is regarded as one of the strongest contenders in the APC flagbearer race. He gained national attention after travelling to China to procure a ferry intended to ease transportation challenges for Sierra Leoneans, an effort widely seen as part of his political strategy. He is also said to have donated billions of leones to organisations and the APC party to support lobbying efforts.

Who Is Isha Sesay

Image: Isha Sesay

Isha Sesay, a globally respected British-Sierra Leonean journalist, former anchor and correspondent for CNN International, and media executive, is honoured under Voices of Influence, Media & Narrative Leadership. She is recognised for her role in shaping international discourse and elevating African narratives through credible, impactful global journalism.

Who Is Dr. Ibrahim Bangura

Image: Dr Ibrahim Bangura

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, featured under Knowledge, Education & Innovation, is recognised for his contributions to research, innovation, and intellectual leadership. He is also considered one of the leading contenders for the APC presidential ticket ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Away from Sierra Leone, the list features some of Africa’s most influential and respected figures across leadership, enterprise, culture, and global impact. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, African philanthropy and governance advocate Mo Ibrahim, Nigerian business tycoon Tony Elumelu, Egyptian businessman and billionaire Naguib Sawiris, and Tsitsi Masiyiwa, as well as cultural and creative icons such as Angélique Kidjo, Bobi Wine, and Bonang Matheba – all made it to the 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026 list.