AGE: Unknown
OCCUPATION: Sudanese-born cell-phone magnate
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 1
In 2006 he started the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, handing out millions of dollars to regional leaders who demonstrates "excellence in African leadership." Last year's winner was Festus Mogae, the former Botswana President who is renowned for his work combating HIV/AIDS.
CON: To some critics, the dough-for-deeds plan seems like a regal form of bribery.