Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
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Zimbabwean-born technology executive James Manyika has received one of Harvard University’s highest honours, the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, joining a list of internationally recognised figures who have made significant contributions to Black history, culture and public life.Manyika received the award at a ceremony held at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre on October 8, 2026.
The medal was presented by fellow Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyiwa, who received the same honour in 2024.Manyika’s journey began at the University of Zimbabwe, where he earned a first-class degree in engineering, before proceeding to the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.He is now a senior vice president at Google’s parent company, Alphabet, working in areas that include artificial intelligence, computing and scientific research.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Medal, established in 2000, is named after an influential African American scholar and civil rights activist. Previous recipients include media personality Oprah Winfrey, filmmaker Spike Lee, civil rights leader John Lewis and Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka.Manyika was among eight people honoured in 2026, alongside actress Angela Bassett, former Ivorian football star Didier Drogba and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings.
His achievement is another moment of international recognition for Zimbabwean talent, highlighting how a locally educated engineer has risen to a senior position in one of the world’s most influential technology companies. See less
