“Nominate Your Hero”: Public nominations open from 1 October to 20 November 2026, inviting Somalis worldwide to recognize outstanding leadership, achievement, and contributions to society.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — 1 OCTOBER 2026 — Somali Magazine has officially opened nominations for the 8th Edition of the 100 Most Influential Somali People 2026 and Person of the Year 2026, launching a public call to recognize outstanding Somalis whose leadership, achievements, and contributions are shaping communities and influencing the future of Somali society.
The nomination portal is open from 1 October to 20 November 2026, inviting individuals, institutions, businesses, professional associations, and the global Somali diaspora to nominate their heroes and celebrate the people making a meaningful difference across business, education, healthcare, technology, public service, entrepreneurship, media, philanthropy, and other sectors.
Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud Calls on the Public to Nominate Their Heroes
Speaking on the opening of nominations, Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud, CEO and Founder of Somali Magazine, called on the public to participate in recognizing individuals whose accomplishments and contributions deserve wider attention.
“The nomination portal is now officially open, and we invite everyone to nominate the people who inspire them and make a meaningful difference in their communities. Across the Somali community, there are individuals doing remarkable work, building businesses, advancing education, creating opportunities, serving communities, and inspiring future generations. Their achievements deserve to be recognized, documented, and shared with a wider audience,” said Mohamud.
He emphasized that the initiative seeks to highlight meaningful contributions across different professions and communities, including individuals whose work may not always receive widespread public recognition.
“Everyone has a hero whose leadership, achievements, or contributions have made a difference. This is your opportunity to recognize that person. As we launch the eighth edition of the 100 Most Influential Somali People, we also welcome nominations for Person of the Year 2026. We encourage the public to participate and help highlight the individuals whose work and achievements are contributing to the progress of Somali society,” he added.
Celebrating Somali Excellence Across Sectors
Now in its eighth edition, the 100 Most Influential Somali People is an annual recognition initiative highlighting individuals whose achievements and contributions have made an impact in their respective fields.
The initiative encompasses a wide range of sectors, including business, politics, public service, education, healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, media, culture, philanthropy, and community development. It also welcomes nominations for Somalis living and working in Somalia, across East Africa, and throughout the global diaspora.
Alongside the annual list, Person of the Year 2026 offers an opportunity to nominate an individual whose leadership, accomplishments, and contributions have made a notable impact on Somali society.
Through both recognition initiatives, Somali Magazine seeks to highlight stories of achievement, encourage excellence, and document the contributions of individuals helping shape the social, economic, professional, and cultural development of Somali communities.
Public Nominations Now Open
Somali Magazine encourages members of the public, businesses, institutions, and community organizations to participate by submitting nominations for both recognition categories.
Nominators are encouraged to provide accurate information about their nominees, including their achievements, leadership roles, professional accomplishments, and contributions to their communities or respective fields.
The nomination period closes on Friday, 20 November 2026. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to complete their submissions through the official portal before the deadline.
Nomination Details
– Recognition: 100 Most Influential Somali People 2026
– Edition: 8th Edition
– Additional recognition: Person of the Year 2026
– Nominations open: Thursday, 1 October 2026
– Nominations close: Friday, 20 November 2026
– Official nomination portal: https://somalimagazine.so/nomination/
NOMINATE YOUR HERO TODAY:
https://somalimagazine.so/nomination/
Somali Magazine invites the public to take part in this year’s nomination campaign by recognizing individuals whose leadership, achievements, and contributions deserve to be celebrated.
Your hero. Their achievements. Somali excellence.