They are always courageous, often incredible, with sometimes unexpected, sad or difficult stories. Nevertheless, the Pioneers were very real people, who despite constant adversity realized their dreams, doing this sometimes at great cost to their comfort and sometimes, their lives. These 50 African pioneers have forever marked the history of Africa, and therefore of humanity. They have cleared or are clearing (some are our contemporaries, sometimes very young!), the paths for current and future generations.

Immerse yourself in these portraits of their lives, and you will undoubtedly enjoy a jubilant moment of discovery, reading funny snippets, their history, hopes and rebellions, sympathies, fights, victories, and passions. The book delves into the lives, motivations, achievements, and innovations of some of the greatest pioneers in recent history in Africa, from governance to medicine, literature and culture, sport, arts, business, philanthropy etc…. If we look keenly around us, their legacies are visible across Africa today from women rights to freedom of speech. They paved the way for our dreams and should never be forgotten.

This unique book (perhaps the first on pioneers in Africa) is a tribute to all those who before us, in all corners of the continent, once dreamed beyond their own needs, dreamed for their people, for us. They acted on the African proverb that says, “If your dreams are all about yourself, then they aren’t big enough!”.