The actual origin and meaning of the word is not certain. For a discussion, see the link below.

The title AFRICANUS, has been attached to numerous people in recorded European History who were distinguished by their origins in, or association with, Africa.

several notable personages include:

Julius Africanus,

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08565a.htm

who greatly influenced the development of the European Calendar

and

Scipio Africanus, who was instrumental in the defeat of Hannibal and the attachment of Africa as a Roman Colony.

http://ragz-international.com/scipio_africanus.htm

Much later, in the 1500s, Leo Africanus was an educated "moor" whose history/geography of Africa became famous as one of the best.

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_2/leo_africanus.html