When it comes to building bridges between Africa’s youth and the opportunities of the digital age, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji has been one of the most consistent and visionary voices of her generation. A social entrepreneur, policy advocate, educator, and technology thought-leader, she has spent nearly two decades designing solutions at the intersection of education, youth development, and innovation. Through her ventures, writing, and advocacy, she continues to inspire a continent-wide conversation on how technology, especially artificial intelligence, can be harnessed for social good.
Early Life and Education
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, on November 8, 1983, Toyosi grew up in a middle-class family as the eldest of four siblings. She pursued a degree in Civil Law at the University of Jos, graduating with Second Class Upper honours. But her ambitions extended far beyond the legal profession.
Determined to understand public policy and governance at a global level, she earned a Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration as a Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, followed by executive training at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School. Today, she is a PhD Fellow at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where her research explores digital transformation and its implications for national and economic security.
Rise Networks: From Vision to Impact
In 2007, Toyosi founded Rise Networks, a social enterprise that has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for youth development, education, and technology advocacy. Rise has organized nationwide debates, leadership programs, and training initiatives, always with a strong emphasis on preparing young Africans for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Her innovation extends beyond advocacy. She launched Passnownow.com, an e-learning platform that delivers curriculum-based education to secondary school students via web and mobile devices, bridging gaps in access to quality learning. More recently, through Rise Interactive Studios, she has ventured into media and storytelling as tools for empowerment, producing socially relevant content including Makemation, Africa’s first AI-themed feature film aimed at inspiring young girls in STEM.
Recognition and Influence
Toyosi’s work has increasingly focused on artificial intelligence, not as a distant technology but as a present-day force shaping lives and livelihoods. Recognized as one of the Top 30 Global AI Ambassadors by Swiss Cognitive in 2023, she has been outspoken about the need for ethical, inclusive AI frameworks in Africa.
Under her leadership, Rise Networks represented Nigeria at the UK AI Safety Summit, and she was appointed to the #AI4Dev Reference Group of the UNDP. Her message is clear: Africa must not only consume technology but actively shape its development and governance.
Her impact has attracted both local and global recognition. Forbes named her one of the 20 Most Powerful Young Women in Africa, while her work has earned her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading social entrepreneurs. She is also a sought-after speaker on issues of youth, technology, and public policy, addressing international conferences and institutions where she champions the inclusion of African voices in global decision-making.
Philosophy and Leadership
At the heart of Toyosi’s leadership is a deep belief in education as the most powerful equalizer. She sees technology as a multiplier of opportunities but insists it must be harnessed responsibly. Her approach blends entrepreneurship with policy reform, building ventures while simultaneously engaging governments and institutions to adopt youth-centered policies.
Her philosophy is also anchored in inclusivity, mentoring young people, amplifying women’s participation in technology, and ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind in the digital revolution.
