Visionaries. Disruptors. Innovators. Storytellers
African tech is no longer on the rise, it’s defining the future. And at the heart of this transformation are leaders whose bold ideas, relentless drive, and groundbreaking solutions are shaping a new reality for the continent.
Last month, Crest Africa celebrated Leaders Shaping Africa, trailblazers driving progress across sectors. Today, we continue that journey of recognition by shining a spotlight on a group whose innovations power change in the digital age.
Too often, these voices work beyond the spotlight. Their contributions are profound, yet their stories remain untold. At Crest Africa, we believe it’s time to amplify them.
We proudly present Top 50 Voices in African Tech 2025, a tribute to the visionaries, creators, and changemakers building Africa’s digital future. This list is more than recognition. It’s a celebration of those pushing boundaries, rewriting narratives, and inspiring a continent through their ingenuity and purpose.
These are the voices proving that Africa’s tech future isn’t coming, it’s already here, shaped by the solutions they build and the communities they uplift.
Here are the Top 50 Voices in African Tech 2025, the bold minds driving Africa forward.
Naufal Ahmad is the inaugural Director General of Katsina State’s Digital Transformation Agency (KATDICT), where he bridges public policy with grassroots innovation across Northern Nigeria. With expertise in GIS, International Affairs, and Resource Development, Naufal combines technical knowledge and strategic vision to create socio-economic impact through technology.
He led fiber connectivity deployments and AI/robotics learning initiatives in rural schools, established Nigeria’s first state-level tech hub, and championed the Not Too Young To Run campaign, promoting youth inclusion in governance. Naufal also delivered digital services via mobile kiosks and supported thousands of informal innovators at Kasuwar Tsaye.
At KATDICT, he drives digital democratization by partnering with government and private sectors to empower MSMEs, nurture STEM talent, and formalize informal tech commerce. His work continues to empower communities and drive digital transformation across Northern Nigeria.
Ebunoluwa Arimoro is a trailblazer transforming how everyday Nigerians access trusted services through Jobapay AI, a platform she co-founded to connect users with verified providers using AI and smart matching. With a strong foundation in software engineering and a deep commitment to community empowerment, she’s building solutions that solve real problems and reflect the needs of African users.
As a mentor with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ebunoluwa supports early-stage entrepreneurs continent-wide, providing practical and experience-driven guidance. She also leads HER-dacity Network, a growing female-led community empowering women to lead confidently and thrive in tech and business.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science (Software Engineering), she blends technical expertise with leadership, driving discussions on responsible AI, inclusive innovation, and African representation in tech. Her work in both product development and community-building is driven by a mission to enable more Africans to build, earn, and grow through technology. Her journey is a dedication to empowering Africa through innovative technology and leadership.
Mark Shuttleworth
Founder & CEO, Canonical, Space Tourist, Open-Source Advocate
Mark Shuttleworth is a South African-British entrepreneur and founder & CEO of Canonical Ltd., the company behind Ubuntu, the popular Linux-based operating system. As Canonical’s product design lead, he remains closely involved in open-source innovation.
A University of Cape Town graduate in Business Science (Finance & Information Systems), Mark launched Thawte, a digital certificate authority, from his garage and later sold it to VeriSign for R3.5 billion.
In 2002, he became the first South African and first citizen of an independent African country to travel to space aboard Soyuz TM-34. That same year, he founded the Shuttleworth Foundation to support social innovation and open-source efforts.
A long-time FOSS advocate, Mark contributed to Debian, founded the Ubuntu Foundation with $10 million, and supported projects like Impi Linux and KDE.
Globally recognized for advancing science, education, and open-source tech, Mark Shuttleworth continues to shape inclusive, collaborative technology that impacts millions around the world.
Pearl Nwade
Senior Data and Analytics Engineer
Pearl Nwade is a Senior Data and Analytics Engineer with over 4 years of experience in programming, statistical modeling, data visualization, and data object modeling within financial technology.
She has consistently delivered excellence across global fintech leaders, VALR, Lo Adej, Binance, and KoraPay. Pearl has designed robust data pipelines, optimized dashboards, and provided actionable insights that sharpen decision-making and fuel business growth. With an M.Sc. in Financial Technology (Distinction) from the University of Exeter and a B.Sc. in Banking and Finance from Covenant University, she pairs deep technical skill with strategic vision.
Her mastery of SQL, Python, Tableau, PowerBI, DBT, Looker, BigQuery, and Google Analytics positions her as a force driving innovation. Pearl doesn’t just analyze data, she transforms it into powerful stories that shape the future of financial services. Her journey is a testament to data-driven innovation and impact.
Oriyomi Badmus is a Nigerian-born, UK-educated Cybersecurity and DevOps Engineer with nearly a decade of experience across the UK, UAE, and Africa. He focuses on secure digital transformation, cloud-native development, and ethical AI deployment.
As lead author, he has published peer-reviewed research, including Zero Trust Security Model in DevOps for Cloud Native Environments (TIJER, 2024) and Comparative Analysis of GitOps Tools and Frameworks (Path of Science, 2025).
Badmus serves as a technical reviewer for the Journal of Engineering and Innovation (JEI) and mentors at DevLaunchers on secure software delivery and compliance. He co-founded an AI-based environmental health project using geospatial intelligence to support contaminated site remediation in the US. His work spans high-security tech in Dubai and UK DevOps teams, aligning pipelines with international standards. His journey is a testament to driving digital security, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
Rukayat Balogun is a data leader, AI advocate, and digital innovator dedicated to shaping Africa’s tech future through inclusion, ethics, and impact. With a Master’s in Data Analytics and Technologies, she founded Lunddr, a tech-driven laundry management system that boosts efficiency for local businesses.
She co-authored the AI Global Manual, an educational resource simplifying AI concepts, adopted as the official curriculum for Cross River State’s 2025 AI Literacy Campaign, which has reached over a million people through training, broadcasts, and partnerships. Rukayat uses TV and radio platforms to educate millions in Nigeria about AI and digital innovation, making technology accessible and inspiring curiosity.
She co-organizes major events like the Next Generation AI Conference and Data for Social Impact Summit, connecting changemakers to promote inclusive growth. Recognized internationally with awards like the Excellence in Leadership (UK) and Best Innovator of Ogun State, Rukayat continues to build inclusive digital ecosystems for the AI era. Her journey is one of education, leadership, and inclusive innovation.
Rutherford Atayobo is a trailblazing entrepreneur leading innovation across the digital and travel technology landscapes. As Co-Founder and COO of Sinverse, the world’s first mafia-themed blockchain metaverse, he is redefining immersive Web3.0 gaming experiences. His pioneering role extends to Manilla Finance, a CeDeFi platform that bridges real-world utility and travel bill payments with digital assets.
Rutherford also founded Borderless Travels, a traveltech platform streamlining flights, accommodations, and transfers across emerging markets. With a strong background in Oil & Gas and expertise in manpower management, safety, and strategic operations, he blends industry experience with visionary execution.
Known for his strategic clarity and transformative leadership, Rutherford drives operational excellence and growth, championing technology and entrepreneurship across Africa and beyond. His journey is one of innovation, impact, and unlocking new frontiers.
Cynthia Onyenze
Azure Solutions Architect, Application Manager, Data Analytics and Reporting
Cynthia Chidinma Onyenze is a result-driven IT leader dedicated to aligning technology with business goals through best practices in business analysis and solution delivery. With expertise across banking, ATM systems, cards, mobile apps, internet banking, collections, and payment solutions, she has led major implementations such as Bankworld testing, ransomware deployment across ATM terminals, Vpay card management, and Maxtravel for Diamond Bank.
Cynthia brings deep experience in IT support, business analysis, data reporting, and project management, combined with skills in process design, requirements gathering, and stakeholder management. She holds a B.Sc. in Microbiology, PGD in Computer Science, and professional certifications in Microsoft Azure and cybersecurity.
Known for her analytical mind, strategic thinking, and customer-centric approach, Cynthia delivers solutions that enhance operational efficiency, quality, and business value while supporting technology alignment with strategic objectives. Her work continues to drive impactful digital transformation and business growth.
Wilson Dike is an award-winning enterprise-SaaS rain-maker and co-founder of Lexlytic, an AI-powered regulatory intelligence platform. Named Global Tech Sales Leader of the Year at the 2022 Beacon of ICT Awards and inducted as the 211ᵗʰ Certified Global Tech Hero, Wilson has driven growth for investor-backed startups and Fortune 500 firms.
He’s secured multi-million-dollar SaaS deals, brokered landmark partnerships, and accelerated pilot projects into nationwide rollouts in under 90 days, boosting user adoption by 25%.
A CBAP-certified business analyst, IEEE associate, and active mentor with Startupbootcamp Africa and VC4A, Wilson expertly blends data-driven strategy with execution to deliver measurable commercial advantage across the UK, Middle East, and Africa. His journey is a proven path of turning technology into impactful business growth.
Miracle Ezechi is a seasoned marketing leader, brand strategist, and digital communications expert known for driving business growth and amplifying brand influence across fintech, HR-tech, edtech, professional services, and real estate. She excels at using data-driven strategies and innovative storytelling to position brands for success in competitive markets.
At Hydrogen Payment Services, Miracle oversees product marketing, public relations, digital campaigns, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. She led a rebranding campaign that boosted brand awareness by 70%, doubled social media engagement, and drove a 200% increase in sales through effective email marketing.
Passionate about female empowerment, she runs “Dear Corporate Girlies,” a thought leadership series helping women advance their careers. Miracle has trained over 10,000 young Africans in digital skills and volunteers in social impact initiatives, using marketing to create opportunity and change. Her journey is a powerful blend of marketing mastery and community empowerment.
Olorundare Philip Adeniran is a dynamic tech entrepreneur and the founder of KPA Tech, a rising tech company focused on Web3 development, mini apps, and full-stack digital solutions. With a strong foundation in software development, Philip leads a team dedicated to building decentralized applications, blockchain platforms, and seamless mobile-first user experiences.
At the core of KPA Tech is his vision to bridge traditional technology with the future of the internet, empowering both businesses and individuals through smart, accessible digital products.
Known for his creativity and precision, Philip is deeply committed to shaping Africa’s presence in the Web3 revolution, delivering innovation that’s user-focused and future-ready. He believes that Tech should be simple, powerful, and accessible, and that’s exactly why he built KPA Tech. His work continues to push boundaries and define Africa’s digital future.
Maya Horgan-Famodu
Venture Capital Investor, Founder of Ingressive Capital
Maya Horgan-Famodu is a venture capital investor and entrepreneur recognized twice by Forbes 30 Under 30. She is a Kauffman Fellow and member of both the Young Leaders Council and Young Leaders Global. Maya founded Ingressive Capital, managing a $60 million fund dedicated to early-stage African tech startups.
She also leads Ingressive for Good, a nonprofit offering micro-scholarships, skills training, and talent placement, and Ingressive Advisory, which supports corporates and investors with market entry and tech research.Her portfolio includes leading startups like Paystack, Bamboo, Carry1st, Mono, and 54gene. Ingressive Advisory has partnered with over 50 venture firms, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, facilitating over 70 investments into Africa’s tech scene.
Maya’s background includes studies at Pomona College and Cornell University, banking experience at JPMorgan Chase, and emerging market research in Africa and Latin America. Her commitment is to help brilliant people everywhere access the resources they need to build wildly scalable businesses.
Strive Masiyiwa
Telecom & Tech Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Founder of Econet Group
Strive Masiyiwa is a pioneering entrepreneur and global investor with nearly four decades of building telecom and tech companies across Africa, Europe, the U.S., Asia, and beyond. He is the founder of Econet Group and has launched and invested in ventures like Mascom Wireless, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Cassava Technologies, and Africa Data Centres.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Masiyiwa studied Electrical Engineering at Cardiff University. After starting as a telecom engineer, he went on to build businesses in more than 40 countries. He continues to lead through a family office and investment companies focused on scalable innovation and infrastructure.
His philanthropic foundations, Higherlife and Delta, have awarded over 350,000 scholarships and drive impact across education, health, youth, and rural development. Recognized with awards from Harvard, Yale, and the World Food Prize, he and his wife Tsitsi are also signatories of the Giving Pledge. His work continues to shape Africa’s future through business, innovation, and impact.
Sophia Alj
Co-founder & COO, Chari
Sophia Alj is a visionary co-founder and COO of Chari, a fast-growing B2B e-commerce app with embedded FinTech serving French-speaking African countries. Chari enables mom-and-pop shops to easily order consumer goods with free delivery, while accessing financial services like payments, micro-credit, and micro-insurance.
Since its founding in January 2020, Chari has expanded rapidly and recently earned a payment institution license from the Central Bank of Morocco. Before Chari, Sophia was a McKinsey consultant, supporting diverse clients across Africa with digital transformation projects, including banks, industrial firms, and government ministries.
She is also a Y Combinator-backed founder and an Endeavor Entrepreneur, committed to advancing tech-driven solutions that empower small businesses and drive economic growth across the continent. Her work continues to inspire innovation and uplift the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.
Olumide Balogun
Director at Google West Africa
Olumide Balogun is a passionate Nigerian tech leader dedicated to using technology to create lasting impact across Africa. As Google’s Director for West Africa, he oversees the company’s operations and drives initiatives to train young people in vital digital skills.
A Computer Science graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Olumide has held key roles at global tech giants including Microsoft and Nokia. Before his current role, he led Google’s consumer apps for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Olumide is inspired by the power of emerging technologies like AI to address unique African challenges, from automating small business tasks to bringing world-class education to classrooms across the continent. He envisions technology breaking geographical and language barriers, empowering entrepreneurs, learners, and communities. His work continues to unlock new opportunities and shape Africa’s digital future.
Muji Bekomson
Founder of iLIVE Digital Health
Muji Bekomson is the founder of iLIVE Digital Health, a startup committed to making healthcare more accessible through AI-powered solutions. She launched the FEMME Women’s Health Challenge to support women facing challenges from hormonal changes to mental wellness, using digital tools tailored to their needs.
Driven by the principle of putting people before technology, Muji’s work focuses on empowering women to take control of their health with meaningful and effective support. Her passion for healthcare innovation earned her recognition as one of She Leads Africa’s Top 50 Under 30 Rising Moguls.
While her current focus is women’s health, Muji’s broader vision for iLIVE Digital Health is to build a global platform that ensures equitable access to care and support for all. Through her pioneering work, she’s reshaping the future of digital health to be more inclusive, empathetic, and impactful. Her journey is a bold reimagination of digital care for all.
Roosevelt Elias is a product technologist and Founder & CEO of Payble, a ProductTech company transforming financial access and business tools for micro and small enterprises across Africa and beyond. With over a decade of experience, Roosevelt combines product design excellence, entrepreneurial resilience, and deep insight into grassroots markets.
He began his career in creative technology, founding and exiting DEFT Digital, a successful print and digital design business. Roosevelt later co-founded Advanced Teamworks, a live-streaming SaaS company serving top African artists and global events. His expertise in payments, commerce, and design led to Payble, a unified financial platform offering payment infrastructure, intelligent business tools, and AI-driven financial insights.
Holding degrees in Computer Science and IT Security, Roosevelt champions enterprise-grade tools for small businesses to scale globally, driven by purpose and innovation. His journey is a dedication to empowering underserved communities through tech.
Nenne Adaora Nwodo
Platform Engineering Manager, Founder of NexaScale
Adora Nwodo is a multi-award-winning Engineering Manager and a visionary at the forefront of Cloud Engineering and Developer Platforms. With a First Class Computer Science degree from the University of Lagos, she combines a strong software engineering foundation with a passion for emerging cloud technologies.
As Vice President of the Nigerian chapter of the VR/AR Association, Adora drives awareness and adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality across Africa. She is the founder of NexaScale, a social enterprise empowering tech enthusiasts by providing resources and opportunities to kickstart and grow their careers.
Adora is also a prolific digital creator, running the AdoraHack blog and YouTube channel, where she shares insights on infrastructure automation, software engineering, and career growth. She authored the widely acclaimed books “Cloud Engineering for Beginners” and “Beginning Azure DevOps” (published by Wiley).
A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, Adora actively supports women in tech, co-organizes community events, contributes to open source projects, and speaks at conferences worldwide. Her work continues to inspire the next generation of cloud engineers and developers across Africa and beyond.
Michael Okpotu Onoja
Digital Technology Leader, Software Engineer, DevOps Expert, Innovator
Michael Okpotu Onoja is a visionary Nigerian technology leader known for creating digital solutions that address critical African challenges. His expertise spans software engineering, DevOps, cloud architecture, and trust engineering. Michael founded Ayema, Nigeria’s homegrown social network, building its scalable real-time infrastructure and earning government recognition for data compliance.
At Procare Hospital, he enhanced digital trust and expanded patient reach through SEO and digital strategy, achieving nearly two million search impressions and a 4.8-star rating. He led IT operations for Access Bank PLC in Nigeria’s volatile Northeast, improving system efficiency and delivering significant cost savings. Creator of KwickApp, a no-code platform, Michael empowers startups to innovate without coding barriers. As a United Nations Digital Volunteer for over nine years, he supports NGOs and vulnerable communities across Africa.
He holds an MSc in ICT and a BSc in Computer Science, alongside multiple professional certifications. His journey is a testament to innovation with purpose and inclusive digital transformation.
Damilola Adelekan
Lead Project Manager, Remedial Health
Damilola Adelekan is a visionary digital product leader championing inclusive innovation across Africa’s healthtech and fintech landscape. At Remedial Health Solutions, ranked #3 on Financial Times’ Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025, she leads with purpose, building and scaling platforms that support over 14,000 healthcare providers.
Her work goes beyond code and systems, it’s about delivering hope, access, and equity through technology. Fusing technical depth with human-centered design, Damilola has earned recognition from TechCabal, TechNext, BusinessDay, Leading Ladies Africa, and Tech Unite Africa 2024.
She’s also a passionate mentor for non-traditional talent, using her voice to open doors and challenge limitations in Africa’s digital space. Her journey is a reflection of fierce dedication, purpose-driven leadership, and a heartfelt commitment to building tech that truly serves people.
Senior Data Analyst
Joshua Aaron is a dynamic data analyst and digital technology professional with a strong focus on analytics, product strategy, and driving business growth through innovative technological solutions.
Originally from Nigeria and now based in the United Kingdom, he has worked with various organizations applying data to inform product decisions, identify market opportunities, and deliver measurable business value. Beyond his core professional work, Joshua actively contributes to the broader technology ecosystem through volunteering, public speaking, and publishing thought leadership on the transformational potential of data.
His work explores product innovation, data-driven decision-making, and the strategic role of technology in business. He has earned awards for excellence in the field, underscoring the impact of his contributions beyond the workplace.
With a passion for bridging the gap between business insight and technology execution, Joshua remains committed to advancing data-driven innovation within product-led environments. His work continues to shape the future of data-driven innovation.
Nathaniel Ike is the founder of Techclout Africa, a leading tech media company that amplifies the voices of African tech innovators, startups, and events. Through his platform, he offers visibility and credibility for clients, while partnering with ed-tech organizations to provide affordable, high-quality talent for market-ready MVPs.
A two-time Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 nominee (2022 & 2023), Nathaniel is also an author of four books and recipient of awards like the Connected Awards’ Global Tech Hero (2022) and the Icons Africa Award (2024). He has worked with top tech events including MarkHack and the Global Tech Africa Conference, and was recently honored as the ICON of Tech Media Innovation by NACOS.
His entrepreneurial journey began during his time at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he founded OAU Trends. He also leads the Nathaniel Ike Foundation, dedicated to community empowerment and development. His journey is a powerful commitment to innovation, leadership, and Africa’s tech growth.
Terhile Ikyo
Senior Project Manager, FCMB Group, Coach, Upskill Digital
Terhile Ikyo is an experienced Growth and Go-To-Market Engineer and Agile Project Manager with over 12 years in fintech, healthcare, and telecommunications. As a Growth Mentor at Digital Boost, he has helped more than 20 UK-based small businesses overcome growth challenges through better market strategies. At FCMB Group, Terhile led a $1.34 million cybersecurity project that reduced security incidents by 30% and improved performance by 12%, managing 15 security deployments.
He also increased sprint speed by 30% as Scrum Master at Hydrogen and improved operations by automating processes at FCMB, raising efficiency by over 50%. His skills include B2B marketing, Agile delivery, program management, and AI integration, enabling him to build strong growth plans for tech-focused companies.
Senior Project Manager, FCMB Group, Coach, Upskill DigitalTerhile Ikyo is an experienced Growth and Go-To-Market Engineer and Agile Project Manager with over 12 years in fintech, healthcare, and telecommunications. As a Growth Mentor at Digital Boost, he has helped more than 20 UK-based small businesses overcome growth challenges through better market strategies.
At FCMB Group, Terhile led a $1.34 million cybersecurity project that reduced security incidents by 30% and improved performance by 12%, managing 15 security deployments. He also increased sprint speed by 30% as Scrum Master at Hydrogen and improved operations by automating processes at FCMB, raising efficiency by over 50%.
His skills include B2B marketing, Agile delivery, program management, and AI integration, enabling him to build strong growth plans for tech-focused companies. His journey is marked by clear leadership, improving business operations, and driving ongoing innovation.
Uchenna Victor Moses
Project & Program Manager, Lead Author, The Global Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence
Uchenna Victor Moses is a pan-African digital leader and UK-based project delivery professional shaping global conversations around AI inclusion, infrastructure, and digital justice. As lead author of the Global AI Manual, officially endorsed by the Cross River State Government and adopted as the sole curriculum for a two-day state AI policy event, he supports governments and students in engaging with responsible AI development.
He co-organised the 2024 Next Generation AI Conference in the UK, which hosted over 500 attendees and led to the launch of the Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIOTH), a university-backed AI hub influencing curriculum and ethical AI training.
Victor was named Outstanding IT Leader 2025 by Limitless Without Borders. He interpreted the EU AI Act in a widely recognised explainer and proposed the Federated Justice Data Protocol (FJDP) to digitise Nigeria’s justice sector.
A public speaker, IEEE professional member, and mentor to over 1,200 youth through Tech Corner, Victor has been featured by THISDAY, The Guardian Nigeria, BusinessDay, and The Bolton News for bridging African innovation with global governance. His journey is a bridge between inclusion and innovation.
Dr. Omopeju Afanu
Tech Entrepreneur, Business Transformation Consultant
Dr. Omopeju Afanu is a business transformation consultant and tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, specializing in using technology and data-driven solutions to improve business performance. She leads two startups, HandyQServe and Sanicle.Cloud, delivering innovation in service industries and workplace health through AI, automation, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity.
She has collaborated with different levels of government in Nigeria, including the Lagos State SDGs Office, and served as the Regional Impact Coordinator for the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation. As a mentor, she’s contributed to major programs like the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, VC4A-IFC She Wins Africa, and Deloitte’s Women in Africa Mentoring Programme.
Omopeju is a strong advocate for the SDGs, technology, and youth and women empowerment. She has spoken at global events such as the 79th UN General Assembly and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Her journey is a blueprint for transformative leadership through tech and purpose.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
CEO & General Partner of Future Africa
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a visionary investor and entrepreneur shaping Africa’s innovation landscape. As CEO and General Partner at Future Africa, he leads a bold fund backing mission-driven founders across fintech, healthtech, agritech, and edtech. With over 100 portfolio companies worth more than $6 billion, Future Africa powers ventures like Moove and Itana, connecting opportunities to impact across the continent.
Before launching Future Africa, Iyinoluwa co-founded two of Africa’s most celebrated startups: Andela and Flutterwave, both transforming global talent and digital payments. His passion for social justice and global development was sparked during his studies in Legal and International Studies at the University of Waterloo.
Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Iyin continues to inspire a new generation of builders determined to turn Africa’s challenges into global solutions. His work continues to push boundaries and reimagine Africa’s future through innovation.
Charity Wanjiku
Green Buildings Sustainability Consultant, Architect, Project Manager
Charity Wanjiku is an award-winning sustainability expert and architect with over 15 years of experience driving green building projects across Kenya. She specializes in corporate sustainability and board governance for emerging markets, managing mission-critical infrastructure and hyperscale data center projects valued at over USD 100 million.
Her achievements include recognition by Ascent Club’s “Top 100 Career Women in Africa” (2024) and Forbes’ “Top 50 Women in Tech in the World” (2018). Charity also won the World Economic Forum’s “African Female Tech Entrepreneur” award (2017) and was named one of Kenya’s most influential women in Business Daily’s “Top 40 Under 40” (2016).
Passionate about gender equality and women’s empowerment, Charity leads diverse teams with strategic insight and fosters strong relationships. She balances her work with outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. A respected international speaker, she shares her expertise across Africa, the US, Europe, and the UK. Her work continues to advance sustainability and empower women across sectors.
Michael Oladele
Serial Tech Entrepreneur
Michael Oladele is a dynamic technical leader using technology to drive inclusive innovation, social impact, and language preservation. As Co-Founder and CTO of MyDialecta, he leads the development of AI-powered tools that preserve indigenous African languages by democratizing the global language economy, enabling anyone to learn or teach their native language from anywhere and at any time.
Under his leadership, MyDialecta became a speech-enabled, culturally rooted platform that helps learners practice and empowers native speakers, especially women, to earn dignified income as educators. Its innovation earned global recognition at VivaTech 2025 in Paris.
Michael is also Co-Founder of Petaverse, a social impact hub offering free software training to youth, and Homerun, an errand platform supporting local communities and eco-friendly practices.
He has actively contributed to the advancement of technology, serving as a panelist at events like Tech4Dev Women Techsters and authoring articles that shape conversations within the tech ecosystem. His journey is a mission-driven path toward inclusive tech transformation.
Samuel Linus
Founder of Nerdy Eye
Samuel Linus is an innovator who brings nearly a decade of experience designing and building SaaS products across FinTech, EdTech, and SaaS industries.
As founder of Nerdyeye.com, he has generated over $500,000 in revenue and helped dozens of startup founders avoid costly mistakes while building scalable products. A Fellow of UK 1000 Black Voices 2023 and winner of Lagos Business School’s A.I. Preneur 2024, Samuel’s work has supported startups across Nigeria, the UK, Canada, and the USA.
He has contributed to startups and MVPs that have generated over $20 million in revenue, served more than 100 million users worldwide, and reached over 130 countries. Samuel is also founder and startup advisor at Dear Founder Community, empowering founders to build with confidence. His journey is rooted in impactful innovation, startup growth, and helping founders turn ideas into successful products.
Deji Garuba is a visionary innovation leader and ecosystem builder committed to advancing African tech. As Executive Director of the Africa-Nordic Innovation Exchange, he drives impactful partnerships that connect African startups with Nordic investment, technology, and policy support.
Deji is also the founder of Arewa Tech Fest, one of West Africa’s largest tech events, which brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and developers to showcase innovation and opportunity in Northern Nigeria.
Serving on the Advisory Board of Afrilab AI Hub, he advocates for inclusive and ethical AI development tailored to Africa’s unique needs in healthcare, agriculture, and education. With over a decade of experience bridging policy, technology, and development, Deji is a respected mentor and speaker passionate about building resilient, future-ready African tech ecosystems. His journey is one of leadership, innovation, and building bridges across continents.
Light Ihesiulo is a visionary CEO, award-winning brand strategist, and AI innovator leading Lognetics, one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech companies. With a background in civil engineering, software, and design, Light combines creativity and advanced technology to deliver impactful solutions worldwide.
Known for his forward-thinking vision, he transforms complex ideas into scalable products that reshape how brands and tech operate globally. Under his leadership, Lognetics has launched initiatives like Netics AI, an interactive life assistant platform, and Netics Hub, a collaborative space for creators and technologists.
Light also founded XPLORE, one of Africa’s largest technology festivals, designed to empower innovation through collaboration and leadership. With multiple global awards, his work inspires a new generation of creatives, technologists, and entrepreneurs across the world. His journey is defined by innovation, excellence, and visionary leadership.
Abel Dawha
Founder & CEO of CFE Consultancy Services
Abel Dawha is a passionate founder and CEO who transforms complex AI and cybersecurity challenges into clear, actionable solutions through CFE Consultancy Services. A Petroleum Engineering graduate, Abel’s courageous shift into cybersecurity has made him a beacon of guidance for newcomers and organizations eager to protect their digital futures.
In just over two years, Abel has gained deep expertise and become a trusted consultant, helping clients confidently integrate AI and cybersecurity into their operations. A seasoned speaker with years of teaching experience and author of numerous insightful articles, Abel excels at making complex concepts accessible and actionable.
As a proud member of the International Association of Engineers, Black in AI, and ForbesBLK, Abel brings a fresh, human-centered perspective to a technical field that can often feel overwhelming. His journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and bridging the gap between technology and people to make security accessible for all.
Aisha Tofa leads as Board Chair at Startup Kano Center for Innovation Development, a hub accelerating social capital and technology to drive economic prosperity in Nigeria. With over a decade of experience, she has mentored 500+ startups, helping many secure more than $1 million in funding.
As Managing Partner at Hills & Sands Investments, she empowers women to invest wisely and grow their financial knowledge. Aisha’s leadership has shaped projects with global partners like the British Council, UN, Google, and the Mastercard Foundation, impacting over 100,000 young Nigerians.
She also heads the Women Founders Group and curates Nigeria’s leading Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship Conference, bringing influential voices to inspire and promote economic resilience.
Aisha has a strong background in communications, holding a Master’s degree and additional training from Voice of America, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, British Council, and Google. She is a member of Global Shapers at the World Economic Forum and a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper. A multiple award-winning woman in tech, her most recent honor is the United Nations Feature Award for DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.
She serves on multiple boards, offering strategic guidance and mentorship. Her journey reflects lifelong commitment to empowerment, innovation, and inclusive opportunity.
Ayodeji Audu is a visionary startup operator, VC fellow, and trailblazing product strategist with deep expertise in fintech, e-mobility, e-commerce, and retail ecosystems. As a second-time founder, he excels at building and scaling revenue-generating products, while guiding early-stage founders through strategic product consulting, fundraising readiness, and investor matchmaking.
He leads Reown Africa, pioneering a vehicle history data platform for electric vehicles and accelerating EV adoption among commercial drivers via a lease-to-own model. Ayodeji has successfully navigated startups from ideation to market launch, developed investment data rooms, and secured funding with compelling investor narratives.
A graduate of Immerse VC Academy and founder of Swipe, Ayodeji masterfully connects product execution to long-term growth. His journey is a commitment to innovation, growth, and empowering Africa’s startup ecosystem.
Olorunleke Olorunshola is a seasoned digital transformation leader, solution architect, and Microsoft 365 professional with a proven track record of building enterprise systems that drive operational efficiency, data insight, and scalable growth. With several years of experience working across top-tier companies and industries, he has successfully delivered complex solutions that align with business strategy and regulatory needs.
He specializes in Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI), Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Customer Engagement and Finance & Operations), and enterprise integration. His work focuses on solving real business problems, automating manual processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and delivering actionable intelligence through smart dashboards and workflow systems.
Olorunleke has played key roles in designing and deploying solutions across customer service, sales, HR, health & safety, compliance, procurement, and finance.
He also mentors young tech professionals, contributes to knowledge-sharing initiatives, and supports digital skills development across Africa and the UK. His journey is a reflection of purpose, innovation, and impact through technology.
Austin C. Eneanya is a seasoned product communications specialist at DLM Capital Group with over 11 years of experience in product management, marketing, communications, and design. Since 2015, he has trained business owners within and outside Lagos and helped entrepreneurs secure grants to launch their ventures.
He was awarded the Exceptional Global Tech Talent Hero (Growth category) by Connected Awards and is currently developing a hybrid AI and blockchain payment solution to combat cross-border fraud in trade.
Austin is an alumnus of the Unilag Incubator Programme (where he won $1,000) and is part of the Dreamups Incubator in Romania. He holds a Master’s degree, has reviewed PhD research papers for 3 institutions, earned 245 citations in over 90 countries, and authored two business books published on Amazon, LULU, and Smashwords.
His models have helped startups scale, including one that grew from $20K to $2.3M. His journey is a testament to innovation, impact, and global reach.
Ola John Ajiboye is a visionary technologist and accomplished leader with deep expertise in building large-scale distributed systems and customer-facing platforms. As Co-founder and CTO of GiriToday, he merges strategic leadership with technical brilliance to develop innovative solutions that bridge global markets and empower businesses.
At Amazon Web Services, Ola played key roles in architecting machine learning platforms for high-impact business use cases. Prior to that, at Delivery Hero Berlin, he built and enhanced systems serving over 50+ countries, streamlining global food delivery operations.
His experience at Boston Consulting Group sharpened his management consulting and organisational strategy skills, aligning technology with measurable business impact. He has a proven track record in leading teams, mentoring engineers, and driving cross-functional collaboration.
Ola remains deeply committed to ethical, scalable, and customer-centric technology that drives sustainable growth and connects markets worldwide. His journey is a fusion of innovation, strategy, and global impact.
Nnedinma Obioha is a pioneering Nigerian tech entrepreneur and educator reshaping Africa’s digital future. As CEO of Centre Point Multi-Solutions Group, she leads multiple ventures, including West Africa’s largest female-led Aptech ICT franchise and TecTerminal, a digital career accelerator for youth. With over 10,000 students trained, she champions access to globally certified tech education in web development, cybersecurity, software engineering, and more.
Her mission is to build tech talent pipelines and equip Africa’s youth for the future. Beyond business, Nnedinma founded the Heart of Gold Foundation, a philanthropic initiative promoting digital literacy, education, and social equity.
Through this work, she empowers underserved communities across Southeast Nigeria and beyond. Her efforts in technology, education, and philanthropy continue to drive meaningful change. Her journey is a beacon of innovation, empowerment, and social impact.
Glory Ebube Igabari is a visionary African tech entrepreneur and founder of a fast-rising crypto-fintech startup revolutionizing how Africans interact with digital currencies. Focused on financial inclusion, he has built platforms enabling seamless bill payments, peer-to-peer exchange, and digital asset use without relying on traditional banks.
Beyond fintech, Glory invests deeply in Artificial Intelligence and frontier technologies to create user-centered solutions tailored to uniquely African challenges. From validating MVPs on lean budgets to scaling products organically, he is known for bold execution and visionary leadership.
A strong advocate for African-built solutions, Glory actively shapes conversations around digital finance, emerging tech, and inclusive tech ecosystems across the continent. His work continues to advance digital finance and tech innovation in Africa.
Gideon Akhigbe is a visionary leader in music technology in Africa, blending his background in banking and finance to power innovation. As Founder of SoundMac, he has registered nearly 5,000 artists and collaborated with over 10,000 to build a thriving music ecosystem.
SoundMac has formed key partnerships with Deezer (February 2025), Jaxsta (October 2024), and LyricFind (January 2024). Under Gideon’s leadership, SoundMac pioneered tools for independent artists, including Billboard chart registration, Africa’s first in-built music converter, and advance royalties of up to $1,000 to support emerging talent.
In 2021, he conceptualized and executed Artist Xperience, one of Africa’s largest online music events, attracting over 1,000 industry professionals.
Gideon’s work showcases an innovative, artist-first approach that bridges creativity with cutting-edge technology. His work continues to transform Africa’s music landscape through innovation and empowerment.
Adedeji Femi
AI Visionary; Founder & CEO of Meritlee Byforce Limited
Adedeji Femi is the visionary Founder & CEO behind Meritlee Byforce Limited, a Lagos-based company driving sustainable development through innovation. His leadership spans a diverse portfolio that includes fashion, entertainment, AI-driven agriculture, and technology services, each contributing to a broader mission of transforming everyday life in Africa.
Femi’s unique journey from recording artist to tech expert and seasoned marketer reflects his belief that Africa’s future depends on how we dress, eat, enjoy life, and support local businesses.
Under his direction, Meritlee Byforce is integrating technology and creativity to build a more successful, balanced, and proudly African future. His work continues to fuse culture, innovation, and purpose for a thriving continent.
Uchenna Nwafor is a trailblazing Product Designer and Manager with over four years of success building impactful products across fintech, SaaS, e-commerce, B2B, and B2C sectors.
He co-led Peppa’s MVP, taking it from an escrow-payment concept to a $100K pre-seed raise and a 4,000-user launch, contributing to its growth into a thriving vendor marketplace.
Uchenna has also driven e-commerce launches like Mudaala and led SaaS initiatives such as MyPeppa, expanding product impact across East Africa (Uganda) and the UK.
With a hands-on approach to design and execution, he consistently transforms ideas into user-centered solutions that scale. His work continues to shape user-first digital products with global reach.
Oluwafemi Adelekan is an innovative Senior Product Designer leading the charge in AI-powered design solutions. With a proven track record in UI/UX innovation for global enterprise platforms, he has helped shape products ranging from intelligent job application tools to automated content generation systems.
Blending design strategy, front-end development, and advanced AI integration, Oluwafemi creates seamless, user-centric digital experiences that elevate functionality and engagement.
His portfolio spans major industries, including technology, healthcare, real estate, and enterprise solutions, where he’s delivered scalable, results-driven systems that reflect a deep understanding of digital interaction.
At the heart of his work is a passion for merging creativity with intelligent tech, positioning him at the forefront of the evolving AI-design landscape. His work continues to redefine digital experiences through intelligent and visionary design.
Victor Chukwu
Product Designer, Co-founder of C-Qube
Victor Chukwu is a talented Product Designer and mentor shaping the future of Africa’s tech industry. At Roqqu, he helps build innovative crypto products that simplify financial services and make Web3 more accessible to users.
As co-founder of C-Qube, a digital agency, Victor supports businesses with software, branding, and design solutions that drive growth and success. Previously, he led design projects at Charisol, overseeing key product launches and enhancing internal tools.
Victor also leads Design Essence, a community dedicated to nurturing and mentoring young designers. He regularly speaks on topics like financial literacy, product design, and technology innovation.
Beyond his work in tech, Victor expresses his creativity through music as a singer and songwriter. His work continues to inspire fresh ideas and fuel growth in Africa’s tech and creative communities.
Wale Ayantoye
Founder & CEO of GiriToday
Wale Ayantoye is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned executive whose impact spans FinTech, e-commerce, crypto, and payment regulation. As the Founder and CEO of GiriToday, he is leading a mission to connect African sellers with global buyers, bridging markets through cross-border commerce and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Across top global companies, Wale has built industry-defining programs in compliance, risk management, and internal audit. At Flutterwave, he served as Global VP of Internal Audit and later as Global Head of Product Compliance. At Etsy Inc., he directed financial crime strategy, and at Block/CashApp, he led product compliance initiatives across key markets.
His leadership has shaped trusted systems across 42 countries, advancing responsible innovation in digital trade. Through GiriToday, Wale is empowering entrepreneurs, supporting scalable development, and helping Africa take its place in the global digital economy. His work continues to champion secure growth and inclusive digital trade worldwide.
Iremide Olatunji
Founder & CEO, Data @nalytics Elites Global Ltd
Iremide Olatunji is a visionary tech entrepreneur and data leader, driving transformation through analytics and innovation. She is the Founder and CEO of Data @nalytics Elites Global Ltd, a leading institution that has trained over 5,000 aspiring professionals, helping them thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world.
With nearly a decade of experience as Head of Data Analytics and Strategy, Iremide has led powerful, data-driven initiatives across FMCG, retail, e-commerce, and ed-tech, boosting efficiency, business intelligence, and profitability.
Her expertise spans machine learning, strategic insight, and advanced analytics. She holds certifications from HarvardX, Microsoft, HackerRank, McKinsey, and Apache, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and growth.
Iremide is not just building careers, she’s shaping an ecosystem. Through her company, she continues to nurture global data talent and push the boundaries of what’s possible in analytics. Her work continues to shape the future of data and inspire new generations.
Mark Essien
Founder & CEO of Hotels.ng, Co-founder, HNG Internship, Software Developer
Mark Essien is a seasoned software developer and tech entrepreneur known for building some of Africa’s most impactful tech platforms. He is the founder and CEO of Hotels.ng, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest online hotel booking platforms, and co-founder of the HNG Internship, a free, remote coding bootcamp that has placed over 10,000 Africans into tech jobs.
With deep roots in C++ and experience in Python and Go, Mark has worked across industries from file sharing and media encoding to language learning and online travel. Before launching Hotels.ng, he built iPhone apps and created Ingolingo, a language learning platform, as well as a DirectShow MPEG encoder.
Born and raised in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, Mark studied Computer Engineering at BHT Berlin and earned a Master’s in Computer Science from Freie Universität, Berlin. He enjoys biking and tinkering with hardware in his spare time. His work continues to drive Africa’s tech talent and digital innovation forward.
Eniola Abiola Aminu
Senior Product Designer at Flutterwave
Eniola Abiola Aminu is a London-based Senior Product Designer at Flutterwave specializing in fintech design. With over five years of experience, she has led mobile-first projects, notably Flutterwave’s Barter remittance app, blending user-centered design with tangible business outcomes.
Her tech journey began in Nigeria through freeCodeCamp and Stutern, followed by a UI/UX bootcamp. After securing her first role at Swifta and progressing through remote jobs, she joined Flutterwave full-time.
Eniola approaches design with empathy and clarity, emphasizing research, user needs, wireframing, and iterative testing. Beyond her role, she mentors designers on ADPList and promotes a make-and-learn approach.
Passionate about UX fundamentals, African literature, and wellness, she remains a rising force in fintech and a committed advocate for mentorship and continuous learning. Her journey is a powerful testament to growth through empathy, community, and perseverance.
Jamiu Akande
Founder, Cybersecurity Expert, Exceptional Young Leader
Jamiu Akande is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a decade of experience driving impactful security solutions across Security Engineering, consultancy, and advanced incident response for a global MSSP. His leadership shines through his coaching and community roles, including as former Co-curator of the Birmingham Global Shapers (World Economic Forum) and President of the Urban Professionals Toastmasters Club.
Certified in key areas such as CISSP, CEH, Azure Security (AZ-500), and Splunk, Jamiu strengthens organizational security postures and governance while advancing cloud security practices. As a PhD candidate in Cybersecurity, he is committed to research that shapes future defense strategies. Passionate about speaking and mentoring, he empowers professionals to grow and thrive.
His work continues to blend technical expertise with transformational leadership and community engagement, driving progress in cybersecurity and professional development.
Nancy Amam
Founder & CVO of Workgital Africa LTD
Nancy Amam is a distinguished consultant, strategist, and technology leader with a decade of experience helping SMEs achieve increased visibility, streamlined operations, digital adoption, and scalable growth. As Founder and CVO of Workgital Africa LTD, she blends deep technical expertise with business strategy to drive digital transformation and sustainable impact.
Nancy has developed and deployed proprietary HR tech assets, contributed to Femtech innovation in Delaware, and scaled fintech startups. She’s led digital transformation projects, created 25+ websites and apps, and spearheaded initiatives that improved efficiency and profitability. Beyond technology, Nancy is a seasoned speaker, mentor, and compere, with impactful contributions to events like Social Media Lagos and marketplace activations with Essence and BabyFace.
Her qualifications span Azure DevOps, ethical hacking, cybersecurity, data science, and product management. Nancy’s unique ability to merge innovation with strategy has made her a transformative force in Africa’s tech space. Her work continues to inspire innovation, empowerment, and impact across the continent.
