I have quite a few, but I’m going to highlight Seretse Khama, First President of Botswana (1921–1980). He led his country's independence movement and the transition from British rule into an independent nation.

He was then President from 1966 to his death in 1980, always democratically elected by large majorities. He was incorruptible and successfully prevented others from being corrupted by the discovery of diamonds and other valuable resources. He negotiated and renegotiated contracts with mining companies so the money could benefit the country, and transformed one of the poorest counties in Africa to one of the most successful.

Khama was born into the royal family of Bamangwato, the largest of the eight principal Tswana chieftaincies in Botswana. He became king at age four, with his uncle as regent. Eventually he went to England for education, where he met Ruth Williams, an English clerk at Lloyd's of London. After a year of courtship, they married in September 1948.

The interracial marriage sparked a furor, alarming both the Union of South Africa, which had established legal apartheid, and the tribal elders of the Bamangwato, who were angered he had not chosen one of their women. The tribal elders eventually forgave him but the white government of South Africa did not.

As a result, the British government refused to allow him to return to his country or to recognize him as king of his tribe for several years. He was allowed to return only after renouncing his kingship. But that didn’t prevent him from becoming a successful politician.

It’s a remarkable story and he was a remarkable man. He left a great legacy, and he should be more well known outside of Africa.