Africa is entering a defining era, one shaped by innovation, bold ideas, and leaders who refuse to accept limits. This Top 100 publication celebrates entrepreneurs, technologists, and business leaders who are not only excelling in their industries but actively pushing the continent forward.
These individuals represent the spirit of modern African leadership: visionary, resilient, impact-driven, and globally competitive. From groundbreaking startups and fast-scaling ventures to trailblazing executives building the future of finance, technology, healthcare, logistics, and beyond, each honoree embodies excellence and progress.
This list is more than a ranking; it is a tribute to the people writing Africa’s next chapter. Their stories inspire action, fuel transformation, and remind us that the continent’s greatest resource is its people— thinkers, builders, and innovators lighting the path for generations to come.
Yusuff Laidi Abiodun
Yusuff Liadi Abiodun is the Founder and CEO of iLEAD AFRICA, a civic-tech startup creating Tech for Good solutions across Africa.
He leads the development of tools like AmonaAI for safe migration, CivicPadi for civic education, and ZibaAI – SMART Climate for climate intelligence.
His work leverages technology to enhance governance, transparency, and social impact, building inclusive, human-centered solutions that empower citizens and advance democracy, climate resilience, and social justice.
Ambassador Omotayo Salako is a Nigerian entrepreneur and youth advocate, founder of the TIME Conference, 40 Under 40 CEO Nigeria Awards, and Iyanda Creative Nest.
Renowned for empowering young leaders and driving enterprise excellence, he has directly impacted over 20,000 entrepreneurs. A sought-after speaker and mentor, Salako has earned international recognition, including Ambassador of Peace by the Peaceful Mind Foundation, and was named one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspirational Men in 2023.
His mission centers on teaching, inspiring, mentoring, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
David Idris is a Nigerian software engineer, AI researcher, and founder & CEO of Glemad Inc., a global AI and software company advancing intelligent systems for security, productivity, and digital resilience.
He leads the development of proprietary technologies, including Dara AI, Africa’s first large-scale AI model, and enterprise solutions like Dara Edge and Glemad Cloud.
Recognized for driving digital transformation and ethical AI adoption across emerging markets, Idris combines technical expertise with principled leadership to ensure technology enhances both value creation and human potential.
Victor Tubotamuno is a Nigerian entrepreneur, author, founder & CEO of Spurbuddy Holdings, a multi-sector venture studio advancing education, technology, agriculture, and lifestyle enterprises across Africa.
Through brands like Earlybrite, RETTA Farmhouse, and The Elite Wanderer, he empowers thousands of students, farmers, and business leaders with skills, resources, and global opportunities. Tubotamuno’s leadership combines innovation, social impact, and strategic advisory to scale transformative ventures, creating pathways for Africa’s next generation.
His work reflects a commitment to practical learning, sustainable enterprise, and bridging digital, educational, and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the continent.
Adedayo Adegoke is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder & CEO of Payskul, a fintech and edtech platform providing flexible school fee payments and education insurance across Africa.
Formerly Head of Field Operations at Kobo360, he brings expertise in scaling operations and driving strategic growth. Under his leadership, Payskul has gained traction on mobile platforms, earned recognition from the West Africa Startup Awards, and partnered with Faster Capital to secure funding.
Adegoke is committed to financial inclusion, operational excellence, and leveraging technology to improve access to quality education across the continent.
Suleiman Abdulsalam is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Silver Group, a brand umbrella uniting ventures in real estate, technology, fashion, and luxury living.
He leads Silver Real Estate, Aurelius Ltd, Silver Residences, and Fldechsa, driving innovation, sustainable growth, and social impact.
Recognized in 2025 with the Garkuwan Matasan Arewa / Icon & Cynosure of National Patriotic Peace and Unity award, Abdulsalam is committed to youth empowerment and advancing Africa’s economic development through visionary entrepreneurship and transformative business solutions.
Chiagoziem Cyriacus Ugoh is a Nigerian entrepreneur, data scientist, and co-founder of Purple Finance Limited (PurplePay), a fintech startup advancing secure escrow-based digital payments.
With expertise in electronics, petroleum engineering, and big data analytics, he also serves as Transformation Advisor at Parcelforce Worldwide (Royal Mail, UK).
A mentor at TGA Hub and Bridge for Billions, and Python Lead at Data Living, Ugoh empowers emerging data professionals and entrepreneurs. His work bridges fintech innovation, AI-driven operations, and education, driving digital inclusion and fostering Africa’s transition to a data-informed economy.
Gloria Edukere is a Strategic Operations and Development Communications Consultant and Chief of Staff at Communiqué, where she drives growth for Africa’s media-tech ecosystem.
With over seven years of experience across consulting, fintech, education, health, and the creative economy, she has shaped strategy and communications for organizations including Mastercard Foundation, IDRC, and Africa Practice.
A board member of African Women in Technology, Edukere’s work explores the intersection of culture, technology, and inclusion to advance sustainable development across Africa and the Global South.
Mayowa Fajobi is a Platform-focused DevOps Engineer specializing in developer-centric infrastructure that enhances productivity and system reliability.
He designs internal platforms at a Fortune 500 company and contributes to open-source projects including kgateway, GitHub MCP Server, and Homebrew. Recognized by industry leaders such as Solo.io and GitHub, Fajobi advocates treating platforms as products to elevate engineering culture.
Through his work in enterprise systems and open source, he continues to advance cloud-native application deployment and scale, shaping engineering practices across Africa and the global technology ecosystem.
Philip Ade-Akanbi is a Nigerian technology executive, AI product leader, and founder & CEO of DecisionSpaak Technologies, a global innovation and analytics group.
He also serves as Partner and Chief Business & AI Officer at StareNow. Ade-Akanbi is a published researcher, educator, and speaker, passionate about training 10 million Africans in AI.
Through his ventures, including an AI lab, venture studio, and the Data and AI Gist Podcast, he drives transformational innovation, analytics adoption, and entrepreneurship, empowering startups, corporates, and governments across Africa and the global technology ecosystem.
Olufemi Ayedun is a Nigerian tech-focused entrepreneur and Founder/CEO of Propfizer Global Services Limited, a fast-rising PropTech company transforming property management through automation, AI, and shared rental systems.
With a background in Electrical Engineering, is building an AI-powered platform that simplifies rent collection, maintenance, and tenant relations for property owners across Africa. Olufemi’s vision is to reshape how people rent, manage, and invest in properties using data- driven technology to improve transparency and efficiency in the real estate sector.
He holds an MBA in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and is currently pursuing a second MBA in Business Administration Management at the International European University (Malta)
Philips Olajide-Philips is the Founder and CEO of KorinAI, Africa’s first AI-powered music lab.
A software developer, AI expert, and Generative AI Hackathon 2024 winner (3rd place out of 4,000+ participants), he brings over 10 years of experience building innovative tech solutions across industries.
With a background in Music Technology and Business Management, Philips combines creativity and technology to empower artists through AI-driven music creation and production.
Omotola Kuku is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder & CEO of ReliAssist, helping organizations and founders scale sustainably through operational systems, automations, and accountability frameworks.
Recognized as a Global Talent, she has directed high-growth initiatives across Africa, Europe, and the UK, and partnered with brands including Microsoft, Binance, and JICA. A mentor and strategist, Kuku guides professionals in achieving global career opportunities while driving operational excellence.
Her work bridges entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology, shaping scalable businesses and the future of work across multiple continents.
Amaka Chidere is a Nigerian finance professional and founder of The Finance Muse, a platform integrating mindfulness, technology, and financial wellness.
With nearly a decade of experience in banking and strategic business development, she is recognized for championing human-centered finance.
Chidere’s work has been featured by Financial Nigeria, TechCabal, and Market Media USA, and she has been honored as a Women in Business and Women in Finance finalist. Through The Finance Muse, she inspires mindful wealth creation, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership across Africa and beyond.
Emmanuel Ozomah is a Nigerian IT professional, entrepreneur, and technology strategist, founder & CEO of Techtink Solutions and co-founder & CEO of Centio Healthcare.
He builds transformative, user-centered digital products across sectors, from healthcare to corporate services, delivering solutions in Nigeria, the UK, and Canada. Ozomah has launched innovations like Centio Centra and Centio Telemed, digitizing healthcare delivery in Africa.
Recognized among MSME Africa’s Top 50 Founders in 2024, he combines product strategy, technology, and social impact, including consulting for the ILO on digital initiatives combating child labor.
Dapo Agboola is a leading legal-technology and data-privacy professional with over a decade of experience bridging law, dispute resolution, and information systems.
A Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) and holder of CIPP/US, CIPM (IAPP) and CDPSE (ISACA) credentials, he was recently named among Africa Legal’s Top 10 Rising Stars in Technology Law.
Dapo co-counseled a sovereign state in a US $5.2 billion ICC arbitration that saved over US $4 billion and produced research cited in expert opinions before U.K. courts. He advocates ethical innovation, AI governance, and data-driven growth shaping Africa’s digital future.
Makozi Marizu-Ibewiro is a Nigerian software engineer specializing in reliable financial and digital systems across Africa.
With experience in banking and fintech, he builds platforms for payments, mobile apps, onboarding, and digital service delivery, enhancing efficiency and user experience.
He leads product development teams, mentors junior engineers, and trains young Africans in practical software skills. A nominee for the Green RSE Prize, Marizu-Ibewiro has contributed solutions impacting SMEs, students, and digital workers, reflecting his commitment to technology that drives growth and strengthens Africa’s digital and financial ecosystems.
Ishaq Wilson, is a multidisciplinary founder using technology, design, and systems thinking to build scalable solutions across Africa.
With nearly a decade of experience bridging physical infrastructure and digital products, He currently leads MyKreeb, a PropTech startup creating AI-driven rental intelligence for smarter, safer housing decisions.
With specialization in identifying industry gaps, building intuitive and scalable products, and moving quickly from vision to traction.
As a faith-driven entrepreneur, he is committed to building purpose-led, redemptive startups that expand access, shift behavior, and elevate African innovation on a global stage.
Light Ihesiulo is a Nigerian CEO, brand strategist, and AI innovator, founder of Lognetics, one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech companies.
Combining engineering, software, and design expertise, he builds scalable, technology-driven solutions such as Netics AI and Netics Hub.
Ihesiulo also founded XPLORE, a major African technology festival promoting innovation and collaboration.
Recognized globally for his visionary leadership, he transforms ideas into impactful products and inspires creatives, technologists, and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond, advancing the continent’s presence in the global tech ecosystem.
Aisha Tofa is a Nigerian entrepreneur and Board Chair at Startup Kano Center for Innovation Development, a hub accelerating social impact and technology for economic growth.
She is also Managing Partner at Hills & Sands Investments, supporting women in finance and investment. With over a decade in startups and mentorship, Tofa has guided 500+ founders and facilitated $1M+ in funding.
She leads the Women Founders Group and curates Nigeria’s Women Founders Conference, promoting education, economic resilience, and inclusion. Recognized globally, she is a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper and UN Feature Award recipient for advancing gender equality through technology.
Dr. Ibimina Excel Peters is a Nigerian computer engineering lecturer, entrepreneur, and content creator from Abonnema, Rivers State.
With advanced degrees in software engineering, cloud computing, and organizational leadership, he teaches ICT and digital skills to students and young Africans.
Peters is founder of multiple initiatives promoting tech education and innovation, and serves as President of the United Nations Inter-Pacific Association (UNIPA), Rivers State Chapter.
Recognized with awards including Africa Healthcare Ambassador and Digital Teacher Ambassador, he blends leadership, education, and entrepreneurship to empower the next generation in technology, digital literacy, and innovation across Nigeria and beyond.
Olatide Jeremiah is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and CEO of Petroleumprice.ng, a digital platform providing real-time fuel pricing and market intelligence.
With over a decade of experience in oil and gas, he is a respected analyst frequently featured in major media for insights on Nigeria’s energy sector.
Jeremiah has positioned Petroleumprice.ng as a trusted resource for industry stakeholders, blending technological innovation with deep sector expertise to enhance transparency, efficiency, and informed decision-making across Nigeria’s petroleum market.
Chioma Porshia Ukpabi is a Nigerian educator and co-founder & CEO of Suwk Technologies, an edtech company transforming vocational skills training across Africa.
She leverages technology to bridge learning and livelihood, training thousands of learners through nine trade programs and pioneering innovations like digital logbooks and offline learning.
Recognized as a TechWomen Emerging Leader, Nasdaq Milestone Maker, and YALI awardee, Ukpabi builds inclusive learning communities and reshapes how Africa values blue-collar work, amplifying her thought leadership through media and a widely read founder newsletter.
Joshen Indarjee is a South African entrepreneur and Director of Afribiz Connect, a digital software and marketing firm delivering AI-driven solutions across Africa.
Under his leadership, Afribiz Connect reaches over 1 million people weekly and partners with Microsoft on transformative digital initiatives.
Indarjee also founded Kasi Digital Connect, empowering 500+ township businesses annually through technology.
A recipient of multiple international awards and a Forty Under 40 nominee, he is recognized for driving brand innovation, inclusive growth, and social impact across South Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Toritseju Boyo is a Nigerian IT support professional and founder of Toresttech, a platform empowering IT support talent globally.
Since starting his tech journey in 2018, he has built Nigeria’s first IT support–focused community, organized mentorships and webinars, and designed a widely adopted IT support curriculum.
Recognized with awards including Most Promising IT System Specialist (NITDA) and a Global Recognition Award in 2025, Boyo is now building Veryn, an AI-powered platform connecting support professionals with opportunities worldwide, redefining IT support, and fostering a global, interconnected talent community.
Jacob A. Osae is an award-winning Ghanaian poet, screenwriter, and author, co-founder of Creative Brilliance Afroverse (CBA), a non-profit promoting science-focused literature.
Known for works such as A Walking Rainbow, Oaks of Definition, and the DNA series, he blends sci-fi and fantasy with thought-provoking storytelling.
A Physics graduate from the University of Ghana, Osae advocates for STEM education, literacy, diversity, and inclusion, mentoring emerging writers and fostering innovation in science literature across Africa and beyond.
Abdulkereem Kereem is a technology entrepreneur and founder of DockHive, a decentralized cloud platform that empowers developers to deploy and scale applications across community-powered nodes.
Through DockHive, he is pioneering the future of distributed computing in Africa, enabling developers and miners to collaborate seamlessly while earning rewards in a transparent, blockchain-powered ecosystem.
Abdulkereem’s work focuses on building open infrastructure that advances accessibility, innovation, and digital sovereignty across emerging markets.
An ambitious young man from Kanyamazane, Nelspruit, with a deep passion for cycling, was once crowned Mpumalanga’s road cycling champion.
My journey of discipline and determination took flight when I became a private pilot, but my true calling came when I decided to soar even higher as an entrepreneur.
That’s when SmartSight South Africa was born, a vision-driven company using technology to empower the hearing-impaired and those in need. The impact we’ve created continues to inspire me to extend SmartSight’s reach to every community where innovation can change lives.
Kingdom-Giant Ikechukwu Preachers is a Nigerian educator and digital innovator, serving as President of IPPN Global Academy.
He leads initiatives that equip youth with practical skills in AI, web development, graphic design, CPA marketing, and forex trading, fostering entrepreneurship and digital independence.
With over six years in academic administration at First Harvard Academy International Schools and FH Genesis Group, Preachers blends education, technology, and strategic leadership.
Holding a B.A. in English from Ambrose Alli University and pursuing an MBA at Miva Open University, he champions technology-driven empowerment across Africa.
Sibabalwe Mvelo is the Founder of MYHEAT, a technology company driving innovation through accessible digital solutions for small businesses and communities across Africa.
With a background in Software Quality Assurance, Web Design, and Branding, Sibabalwe has led MYHEAT’s mission to empower entrepreneurs with affordable digital tools through initiatives like the Ignition Drive Package.
His work reflects a strong belief in technology’s power to create inclusive growth and meaningful social impact.
Wale Ayantoye is a Nigerian-American tech executive and founder & CEO of GiriToday Inc., an AI-powered B2B marketplace connecting African artisans with global buyers.
With experience leading compliance and risk programs at Flutterwave, Etsy, and Cash App, he has scaled governance and financial crime frameworks across five continents.
Ayantoye is passionate about bridging Africa’s creative economy with global markets, advancing cross-border trade, economic inclusion, and global Black wealth through technology.
Jezeiyn Naidoo is a digital skills practitioner and social impact advocate, serving as Head of Operations and Partnerships at Digital Skills Africa.
He leads programs equipping youth and underserved communities with skills in cybersecurity, data engineering, and systems integration. With experience across MEA, EMEA, and APJ, Naidoo has collaborated with Fortune 500 executives, governments, and enterprises to advance digital transformation.
A qualified Cisco Networking Academy instructor and former NTT Data consultant, he has empowered over 10,000 learners, aligning skills development with ESG priorities and creating pathways into Africa’s digital economy.
Kelechi Mbah, FIMC, CMC, is a seasoned C-level executive and Chief of Staff to the Chairman at Signal Alliance Technology Holdings, overseeing operations, strategy, and growth across Africa and the Middle East.
With 18+ years in telecoms, fintech, BPO, and technology, she has led startups to market success and scaled high-impact initiatives. Founder of Workplace Women, Mbah empowers thousands of women with workplace readiness, skills, and entrepreneurial support.
Recognized as a Mandela Washington Fellow and Top 100 Career Women in Africa (2023), she is celebrated for advancing technology, digital inclusion, and gender equity across the continent.
Abel Mudenga is an AI advocate, engineer, and founder of AfroAI, an edtech startup transforming digital skills education across Africa through AI-powered tutoring and human-AI collaboration.
With a background in software development and mathematics, he bridges technology and learning to address the continent’s digital divide.
Recognized as Southern Africa Technopreneur of the Year and a Forbes Africa Under 30 nominee (2025), Mundenga also serves as Head of Partnerships at The Mesh Global Network and Global Girl Code Mentor, advancing AI education, digital literacy, and gender inclusion for Africa’s next generation of innovators.
Asieri Odusi is a Nigerian product strategist, innovation ecosystem builder, and real estate entrepreneur.
He co-founded Efiko Media, providing digital solutions for SMEs and non-profits, and leads Efiko Homes, a PropTech-inspired real estate brand helping professionals build profitable property portfolios.
Asieri also manages Bayelsa Tech Hub and co-founded Startup Bayelsa, empowering youth with digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
With a background in marine engineering and expertise in digital transformation, strategy, and ecosystem development, he drives scalable growth, mentorship, and sustainable innovation across Africa’s technology and real estate sectors.
Sibongile Mongadi is a South African entrepreneur and founder of Ukuhamba, a company creating affordable, customized prosthetic limbs using advanced technology and sustainable materials.
Inspired to restore mobility and dignity to amputees, she has led Ukuhamba to national and international recognition, including winning the Uvu Africa Online Tech Pitch Competition and being named among the Top 100 Inspiring Young South Africans.
Mongadi’s work blends innovation, compassion, and entrepreneurship, driving inclusion and meaningful change in Africa’s healthcare and assistive technology sectors.
Elissa Moonsamy is a South African entrepreneur and founder & CEO of Arkive, a digital document management platform that enables individuals and organizations to securely store, organize, and access critical files from anywhere.
With a background in digital transformation and product lifecycle management in financial services, she founded Arkive to combine enterprise-grade security with user-friendly design.
Under her leadership, Arkive empowers users to take control of their digital lives, setting new standards for secure, accessible, and efficient document management in the digital era.
Nathaniel Ike is the founder of Techclout Africa, a tech media company amplifying African startups, innovators, and events.
A 2× Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 nominee, author, and award-winning entrepreneur, he also leads the Nathaniel Ike Foundation, supporting community development.
Through media, partnerships, and mentorship, Ike drives visibility, innovation, and growth across Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Ethel Adonu is a Marketing and Communications Strategist driving digital visibility, engagement, and inclusion for African brands and social-impact organizations.
With experience across fintech, media, and nonprofits, she supports platforms like BusinessDay Media and WIA Philanthropy to amplify community impact and product adoption.
A B.Sc. graduate in Parasitology and Entomology and Tekedia Mini-MBA alumna, Adonu was named an INMA Elevate Africa Scholar (2025), recognized as one of Africa’s emerging media professionals shaping the future of digital communication.
Nhlanhla Malakoane is a South African entrepreneur and founder & CEO of Spoink, a “nano-blogging” social platform limiting posts to six words.
A magna cum laude Computer Science graduate from Midrand, he blends UX, product design, and strategy to create digital solutions for African users.
With over 11 years of experience in tech and corporate digital product teams, Malakoane is driving Spoink to empower mobile internet users across Africa with simple, human-centered digital expression.
Ngozi Ofoefule is an engineering leader and co-founder of Hemingway Global Services, with over 14 years’ experience delivering large-scale technology systems and guiding high-performing engineering teams.
She has built national platforms in Nigeria, including CAC and NIMC systems, and led analytics and service engineering at Microsoft and Moniepoint.
Ofoefule specializes in scalable, data-driven architectures and digital transformation, driving engineering excellence and lasting impact across Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Solomon Sanusi is the Managing Director of social media Centre, where he leads digital strategy and media execution for brands across Nigeria and beyond.
Known for transforming businesses through effective online visibility, Solomon has built a reputation for turning struggling brands into high-engagement success stories.
Under his leadership, Social Media Centre has delivered impactful campaigns, trained thousands of young people in digital skills, and supported SMEs with affordable media solutions.
His work continues to shape the digital marketing space, positioning him as one of the notable voices driving growth, innovation, and youth empowerment in today’s social media ecosystem.
Jeffrey Uzoka is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and co-founder & CEO of MandatesVR, a virtual reality platform enabling immersive property tours and technical training across Africa.
With a background in real estate, SaaS, and AI, he previously founded BreeHive and led product development at Surf Pager, scaling AI-powered solutions for top real estate companies.
Uzoka combines product leadership and spatial computing expertise to build innovative tools that enhance access, efficiency, and decision-making in African PropTech and digital infrastructure.
Don Khabana is the Co-founder and Chief Growth & Impact Officer of BikoToday, an AI-driven platform connecting African students with work experience and SMEs with affordable talent.
His work blends technology, youth empowerment, and SME growth, addressing unemployment while strengthening small businesses.
With a background in creative production, marketing, and consulting, Khabana has contributed to global social-impact campaigns and now drives scalable solutions that create opportunity and build fair pathways for Africa’s next generation.
Somto Ifezue is a technology entrepreneur and the CEO of Piggyvest, Nigeria’s leading digital savings and investment platform.
He oversees product innovation and long-term strategy, helping millions of young Africans build financial discipline through automated saving tools.
Under his leadership, Piggyvest has grown into one of Africa’s most trusted fintech brands.
Tope Awotona is the founder and CEO of Calendly, a global scheduling automation platform used by millions worldwide.
Born in Nigeria, he built Calendly into a billion-dollar SaaS company recognized for simplifying meeting coordination.
Awotona is celebrated for his resilient entrepreneurial journey and his influence in the global tech ecosystem.
Mark Anthony Essien is a Nigerian software developer and founder of Hotels.ng, one of Africa’s biggest hotel booking platforms.
He is known for pioneering online travel infrastructure in Nigeria and supporting early-stage tech talent through mentorship and startup investments.
Essien continues to shape Africa’s digital economy through innovation and community building.
Strive Masiyiwa is the founder and executive chairman of Econet Global, a multinational telecommunications and technology group.
A leading African business icon and philanthropist, he has built successful ventures across telecoms, fintech, and renewable energy.
Masiyiwa champions entrepreneurship, digital access, and youth empowerment across the continent.
Ire Aderinokun is a pioneering Nigerian front-end developer, co-founder of Helicarrier, and one of Africa’s leading voices in UI/UX engineering.
She is known for advancing web standards, digital payments, and blockchain adoption in Africa. Through writing, community building, and leadership, she continues to inspire the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of two African unicorns: Andela and Flutterwave.
Recognized for shaping Africa’s talent pipeline and digital payments landscape, he now focuses on early-stage investment and nation-building through his firm, Future Africa. Aboyeji is one of the continent’s most influential innovation leaders.
Mitchell Elegbe is the founder and CEO of Interswitch, a leading African integrated payments company.
A pioneer of Nigeria’s electronic payment revolution, he built Interswitch into a multi-billion-dollar fintech powering secure transactions across the continent.
Elegbe is widely recognized for driving financial inclusion and digital transformation.
Sim Shagaya is the founder and CEO of uLesson, an education technology company providing high-quality digital learning across Africa.
Known for building Konga and pioneering e-commerce, he now focuses on transforming education through accessible tech solutions. Shagaya is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most visionary entrepreneurs.
Patricia Obo-Nai is a Ghanaian telecoms executive and CEO of Vodafone Ghana. With extensive experience across engineering and operations, she is celebrated for leading digital transformation initiatives in telecommunications.
Obo-Nai advocates for women in technology and champions inclusive connectivity across Africa.
Betelhem Dessie is an Ethiopian AI and robotics innovator affiliated with iCog Labs. She is known for advancing youth-focused technology programs and contributing to Africa’s AI research ecosystem.
Recognized globally, Dessie works on educational initiatives that empower young Africans with skills for the future.
Julius Ijidola is a Digital Strategist, Entrepreneur, and Investor. He helps founders and businesses scale using technology, data-driven marketing, and practical business strategies.
He has built and supported multiple digital products across Africa, including platforms in payments, learning, and business growth.
His focus is on helping businesses use tech to grow sustainably, stay profitable, and reach more customers.
Ada Nduka Oyom is a software engineer and founder of She Code Africa, a community empowering thousands of African women in tech.
She leads developer relations initiatives and builds inclusive tech ecosystems across the continent. Ada is widely recognized for advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in African technology.
Ashish Thakkar is the founder of Mara Group and Mara Foundation, driving entrepreneurship, impact investment, and digital transformation across Africa.
A serial entrepreneur with ventures spanning technology and manufacturing, he is known for championing youth empowerment and supporting SMEs through the Mara ecosystem.
Leo Stan Ekeh is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Zinox Group, one of Africa’s leading technology conglomerates.
Known for advancing digital literacy and local hardware manufacturing, he later acquired Konga.com to strengthen Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape. Ekeh is a notable advocate of technology-driven development.
Charity Wanjiku is a Kenyan engineer and co-founder of Strauss Energy, a company providing affordable, solar-integrated roofing solutions.
She focuses on renewable energy access for underserved communities and is recognized for innovation in sustainable housing and clean technology across Africa.
Rapelang Rabana is a South African technology entrepreneur and founder of Rekindle Learning, an edtech company redefining digital and corporate learning.
Known for her earlier work with Yeigo Communications, she champions skills development, digital transformation, and accessible learning solutions across emerging markets.
Jay Alabraba is the co-founder of Paga, Nigeria’s leading mobile payments company.
He leads growth and international expansion, driving financial inclusion through innovative digital payment solutions. Alabraba is recognized for his role in transforming mobile money adoption across Africa.
Silas Adekunle is a robotics engineer and founder of Awarri, a company focused on AI and robotics education in Africa.
Known globally for creating the world’s first gaming robot, he now works to expand advanced technology learning for African youth and innovators.
Juliet Ehimuan is the founder of Beyond Limits Africa and former Google West Africa Director.
A respected technology leader, she focuses on leadership development, digital transformation, and business innovation.
Ehimuan is celebrated for her contributions to Africa’s digital growth and talent advancement.
Olugbenga “GB” Agboola is the co-founder and CEO of Flutterwave, a leading pan-African payments technology company.
Under his leadership, Flutterwave has expanded across global markets, enabling seamless commerce for businesses.
He is recognized for driving fintech innovation and financial infrastructure development.
Maya Horgan Famodu is the founder of Ingressive Capital and Ingressive for Good, supporting Africa’s tech ecosystem through venture funding and talent development.
She has backed some of the continent’s fastest-growing startups and is a leading advocate for tech-driven opportunities for African youth.
Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and COO of Piggyvest, a platform enabling secure savings and investments for Nigerians.
Known for her operational excellence, she also co-founded Feminist Coalition. Eweniyi is recognized for advancing fintech adoption, women empowerment, and social impact in Africa.
Ham Serunjogi is the co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a leading cross-border payments platform serving millions across Africa.
Originally from Uganda, he is recognized for building inclusive fintech products that simplify global transactions and expand financial access across emerging markets.
Mounir Nakhla is the founder and CEO of MNT-Halan, one of Egypt’s largest fintech and mobility platforms.
He is known for driving financial inclusion through digital lending, payments, and e-commerce solutions for underserved communities. Nakhla is an influential figure in Africa’s fintech landscape.
Pascal Murasira is a Rwandan entrepreneur and CEO of JOble, a platform connecting African talent to global opportunities.
He focuses on digital employment pathways, youth empowerment, and workforce development. Murasira is recognized for fostering innovation and economic inclusion across East Africa.
Rebecca Enonchong is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and founder of AppsTech, a global enterprise software company.
She is widely known for her leadership in African tech advocacy, startup mentorship, and digital policy. Enonchong is a prominent voice for innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Tosin Eniolorunda is the founder and CEO of Moniepoint, a fintech powering payments and financial services for businesses across Africa.
He is known for building inclusive digital infrastructure and supporting SMEs with reliable transaction tools. Eniolorunda is a key driver of Nigeria’s fintech growth.
Tarneem Saeed is a Sudanese technology leader and head of Cashi, a digital financial services platform focusing on cashless payments and financial access.
She champions digital transformation and inclusive financial tools for underserved populations across emerging markets.
Hema Vallabh is a South African engineer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of WomHub, an innovation hub supporting women in STEM.
Her work focuses on leadership development, venture building, and creating opportunities for women-led businesses in Africa’s tech and engineering sectors.
Yasmin Belo-Osagie is the co-founder of She Leads Africa, a platform empowering young African women through entrepreneurship, skills training, and community.
She is recognized for championing women’s economic participation and creating pathways for leadership and business growth.
Mark Shuttleworth is a South African entrepreneur and founder of Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu operating system.
A pioneer in open-source software and Africa’s first space tourist, he continues to influence global computing infrastructure and support entrepreneurial initiatives through technology.
Richmond Bassey is the co-founder and CEO of Bamboo, a platform enabling Africans to invest in global stocks.
He focuses on democratising wealth creation and improving access to international financial markets. Bassey is recognized for driving investment inclusion across Africa.
Ralph Mupita is the Group CEO of MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator. With deep experience in telecoms and financial services.
He leads MTN’s strategic expansion across digital, fintech, and connectivity services. Mupita is a central figure in Africa’s digital transformation
Serame Taukobong is the Group CEO of Telkom South Africa, where he drives telecommunications expansion and digital innovation.
With decades of industry experience, he leads operational transformation and customer-focused connectivity solutions for millions of users across South Africa.
Werner Kapp is the Group CEO of Altron, one of Africa’s leading technology and digital solutions companies.
He focuses on enterprise transformation, cybersecurity, cloud services, and data innovation. Kapp is recognized for strengthening Africa’s digital competitiveness.
Lincoln Mali is the CEO of Lesaka Technologies, a fintech transforming financial access for underserved South African communities.
He drives innovation in digital banking, payments, and financial inclusion, with a focus on grassroots economic empowerment.
Amit Makan is the CEO of AYO Technologies, a South African investment firm focused on digital transformation, ICT solutions, and strategic growth across the tech sector.
He is recognized for driving value creation and advancing technology ecosystems.
Francis Dufay is the CEO of Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform. He oversees marketplace expansion, logistics optimization, and profitability efforts across the continent.
Dufay is committed to improving online retail access and digital commerce adoption in Africa.
Opeoluwa Fayomi is the founder of Pullus Africa, a logistics and supply chain company leveraging technology to improve delivery systems across West Africa.
She focuses on efficiency, innovation, and building scalable infrastructure for African businesses.
Adora Nwodo is a Nigerian software engineer and founder of NexaScale, a platform providing cloud engineering education for Africa’s growing tech workforce.
She is a leading voice in cloud computing, community building, and digital upskilling across the continent.
Bunmi Akinyemiju is the co-founder and managing partner of Greenhouse Capital, an investment firm supporting Africa’s fastest-growing fintech and tech startups.
He focuses on venture building, capital deployment, and strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Jason Njoku is the founder and CEO of IrokoTV, one of Africa’s largest digital entertainment platforms.
He pioneered Nollywood streaming globally, expanding African content distribution. Njoku is also an active investor supporting early-stage startups across the continent.
Miishe Addy is the co-founder and CEO of Jetstream Africa, a supply chain and logistics company simplifying trade across African markets.
She is recognized for driving efficiency through digital tools and for championing Africa’s participation in global commerce.
Tolu Alabi is the co-founder of Cleva, a financial platform enabling Africans to receive international payments seamlessly.
She focuses on simplifying borderless finance, supporting freelancers and businesses. Alabi is a rising leader in Africa’s digital payments ecosystem.
Dr. Omobola Johnson is a senior partner at TLcom Capital and former Nigerian Minister of Communications Technology.
She is known for championing digital policy, startup growth, and technology investment across Africa. Johnson plays a key role in scaling Africa’s venture ecosystem.
Nneile Nkholise is a South African biotech entrepreneur and founder of iMed Tech, which focuses on medical innovation and prosthetics manufacturing.
She is recognized for advancing healthcare technology and empowering women in STEM fields across Africa.
Jihan Abass is the founder and CEO of Lami Insurance Technology, a Kenyan insurtech platform building digital insurance infrastructure for Africa.
She is celebrated for democratizing insurance access and driving innovation in financial protection products.
Diwura Oladepo is the co-founder and Executive Director of Tech4Dev, a non-profit driving digital literacy, gender inclusion, and technology education across Africa.
She focuses on empowering youth and women with future-ready skills for economic advancement.
Adekunle Kadri is a Nigerian product generalist focused on building meaningful, data-informed products across Africa.
With over a decade of experience in telecoms, fintech, startups, and financial services, he bridges strategy, product development, and analytics to drive growth. Kadri has built and led teams of 0–150+, delivered products generating $1M–$75M+ ARR, and established scalable processes that turn insights into action.
A mentor, community leader, and public speaker with 50+ tech talks, he champions analytics, UX, and the future of work across Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Christian Chidubem Edward-Ngwu
Christian Chidubem Edward-Ngwu is a Nigerian entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, and youth leader. He is the founder of Novalith Marketing, Stratos HQ, and the Glorylight initiatives, empowering young Africans through innovation and strategic leadership.
Serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Youth Creative Conference and a Global Youth Ambassador with Theirworld, he amplifies education, skills, and opportunities for youth worldwide.
With an Economics background from Babcock University, Christian blends creativity, technology, and purpose to shape Africa’s next generation of innovators and change-makers.
Kolawole Yusuf
Kolawole Yusuf is a Nigerian software engineer and founder of SportIntel.app, a sports tech platform using AI and automation to simplify sports storytelling. With experience in enterprise software, digital infrastructure, and high-value financial systems, he builds reliable, data-driven solutions for creators and journalists.
Yusuf’s leadership and innovation earned him the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for Excellence and Integrity.
A Computer Science graduate and Certified International Professional Manager (CIPM) with IPMA-UK, he is recognized for advancing digital innovation and ethical technology across Africa’s sports and media ecosystems.
Azeez Ibrahim
Azeez Ibrahim is a Forward-Deploying Engineer atPort.io with over 5 years building high-performance, cloud-first systems across fintech and developer platforms.
He ships integrations on Port’s Ocean framework, designs CI/CD and microservices on AWS/Azure/GCP, and has delivered customer demos that expanded adoption to large engineering orgs. Previously at Kyshi, Bloc, Jasetech, and Samaritan, he led full-stack and integrations work, authored a Terraform ROI module and blueprint validator, and contributed features to open-source tooling.
An entrepreneurial builder, Azeez launches products like Tresbon while leveling up in cloud engineering, turning complex platform problems into pragmatic, scalable solutions.
Tobi Ayeni
Tobi Ayeni is a Nigerian tech creator and the founder of MissTechy, one of Africa’s most influential digital review platforms.
She is known for simplifying consumer tech for everyday users and shaping brand conversations through creative content. Ayeni advocates for digital literacy and women in tech.
Oluwatobi Adeogun
Dr. Oluwatobi Adeogun is the CEO and Founder of Thrivyx Nigeria, a forward-thinking enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through innovation, technology, and strategic capacity development.
A seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and leadership expert, Dr. Adeogun has led multiple ventures spanning education, digital transformation, and social impact.
His career reflects a passion for building sustainable ecosystems that drive human potential and economic growth across Africa.
Aisha Tijani
Aisha Tijani is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Devavonne, an AI-powered fashion and lifestyle company merging technology with sustainable style.
With experience in climate-led data analytics initiatives in the U.S., she combines analytical expertise and creativity to design solutions that simplify personal styling.
Tijjani’s work empowers individuals to express identity and purpose through fashion, building a global brand at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and everyday convenience.
Oluwatosin Ajayi
Oluwatosin Ajayi is a Nigerian automobile expert, auto tech advisor, and founder of Tush Ladymechanic Autoworks, a tech-driven automotive company delivering innovative vehicle maintenance and repair solutions.
Under his leadership, the company has become a hub for excellence and inclusion, offering free training programs that have equipped over 20 young students with technical skills to start their own workshops.
Ajayi combines industry expertise with mentorship and empowerment, driving change and opportunity in Africa’s automotive sector.
