 Top 10 Greatest African Leader of All Time African history is rich with remarkable leaders who have left a lasting impact on their countries and the continent as a whole. Here are 10 African leaders who have been widely recognized for their contributions to their countries and the continent. 10. Gunnel Abdel Nasser, Egypt. 9. Samoa Marshall, Mozambique. 8. Ahmed Sikutura, Guinea. 7. Thomas Sankar, Burkina Faso. 6. Hale Selassie, Ethiopia. 5. Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya. 4. Patrice Lumumba, Democratic Republic of Congo. 3. Julius Nyere, Tanzania. 2. Kuemeng Krumah, Ghana. 1. Nelson Mandela, South Africa.