Nigerians dominate Person of the Year shortlist

Following suggestions from Forbes Africa's readers and social media audience, official voting in the form of a poll, is now open to the public who can make their selection of the individual they deem most worthy of the Person of the Year title. Voting closes 4 November.

The Person of the Year Awards celebrate 'the individual who, for better or worse, has had the most influence on events of the year gone by' and Forbes Africa has welcomed the participation of the public in what is fast becoming one of the most momentous and anticipated annual events in Africa.

"Every year, we are excited to decide the Forbes Africa Person of the Year. We want to honour the big hitters of the continent who are making a difference in people's lives and we hope that in doing so, it will inspire others," commented Chris Bishop, the managing editor of Forbes Africa magazine.

Shortlist

The shortlist, comprising three Nigerians, one South African and one Zimbabwean, is as follows:

1. South African mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, plans on giving away more than half his fortune over the next five years.
   
2. Akinwunmi Adesina is Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and his vision is to make Nigeria a self-sustaining, food-producing nation and register 20 million farmers by 2015.
   
3. Aliko Dangote is Africa's richest man and his net worth has significantly increased on the back of his continued business success, allowing him to better the lives of millions.
   
4. Strive Masiyiwa is the founder of global telecoms group, Econet Wireless, and through Capernaum Trust he educates tens of thousands of Zimbabwean orphans.
   
5. Jim Ovia established Zenith Bank Group in 1990 - now West Africa's second largest financial services provider. His focus has turned to helping grow Africa's budding 'techpreneurs'.
   

2013 has been an exciting year for entrepreneurs and business across Africa. Who do you believe has made a real impact in business by stimulating economic growth, creating employment, spearheading innovation and bringing new technologies to the continent? The top five candidates will comprise a portion of what will be the Person of the Year Awards judges' final decision.

Go to Forbes Africa to vote.