South Sudan’s Anok Yai and Zabib Musa Loro have been named among TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026, which was released on 15 April 2026.
The 2026 TIME100 list, highlights 100 individuals who have shaped the world over the past year through politics, technology, art, and activism. This year’s list is particularly notable for its focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) leaders, new global political shifts, and Olympic icons. This issue features four global covers, also known as the 2026 cover stars, including American actor and producer Zoe Saldaña, American country music superstar Luke Combs, Brazilian actor and activist Wagner Moura, and American comedian and actress Nikki Glaser.
The 2026 TIME100 list recognises people from around the world under these categories: pioneers, leaders, titans, artists, innovators, and icons.
Under Titans is Anok Yai, a South Sudanese-American fashion model and was named Model of the Year at the 2025 Fashion Awards (British Fashion Awards) on 1 December 2025. She is the second black model, after Naomi Campbell, to open a Prada show. She has made several appearances on i-D and Vogue covers, including American Vogue three times. Her bio on the list is written by Chanel Iman, a model and the founder and creative director of Chasa. Iman stated:
“Her ability to seem both timeless and modern sets her apart as a model. She brings depth to images and doesn’t just model clothes—she elevates them. She follows in the footsteps of Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek, continuing their legacy while also redefining it for a new generation.
The industry is more inclusive than before, but there’s still progress to be made. Anok is definitely part of that shift—her success has real impact, not just visibility. Her decision to step back to take care of her health was powerful. Her return feels grounded and intentional, which only adds to her strength and influence.”
Under Pioneers is Zabib Musa Loro, a South Sudanese human rights and gender activist with over a decade of experience in gender, sexual, and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), transitional justice, policy advocacy, mentorship, and development operations management. She specialises in fragile post-conflict settings, providing strategic guidance, conducting research, and overseeing projects focused on community engagement. Throughout her career, Musa Loro has held several leadership and representative roles at both national and regional levels.
Musa Loro has been a Member of the regional board of directors for the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), a South Sudan NGO Forum Steering committee member and CSO representative in the South Sudan Humanitarian Country Team (HCT). She has also held the position of Convenor at the Women Human Rights Defenders Network, as well as the title of Coordinator at the Civil Society Security Sector Reform Network. In addition, Zabib has been a member of the Women’s Technical Working Group for Public Finance Management, and Co-initiator of the Local Response Pool Fund. She is the former Chairperson of the Network of AIDS Service Organizations in South Sudan (NASOSS), a former chairperson of the East African National Network of Health Service Organizations (EANNASO), and the founder and Executive Director of Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE). Zabib has also been a leading implementer of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in grassroots communities across South Sudan.
Musa Loro’s bio on the list is written by Emi Mahmoud, award-winning Sudanese-American poet and activist UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. Mahmoud stated:
“Zabib Musa Loro’s incredible work in South Sudan speaks for itself, and also in support of generations of women and girls. This brilliant leader and champion of change forged a path towards peace in fragile contexts, creating progress one powerful initiative at a time. Zabib’s long résumé of consequential roles serving women in the region includes her work as founder and executive director of Women for Justice and Equality, which leads the charge for women’s rights, peace, and security all across South Sudan. She has stood as an unwavering voice and shield for the rights not only of women in her country, but of all people who have suffered at the hands of oppressive regimes. Zabib’s award-winning work is recognized internationally on the highest stages and felt deeply on the ground. As a thought leader, her reach is global; as a changemaker, her work is transformative; and to all women in South Sudan, Sudan, and the region at large, Zabib stands as a pioneer. I am proud to honour my sister in the struggle for freedom, peace, justice, and dignity. May her voice be championed for generations to come.”
To see 2026 TIME100 list, visit https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people/2026/
