The Crest Africa Awards celebrate excellence, vision, and innovation across the continent. More than a recognition platform, the awards are a statement of Africa’s growing influence in education, technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the creative economy.
Each year, the Crest Africa Awards honor outstanding individuals whose work is shaping industries, transforming communities, and inspiring the next generation. From visionary educators and academic mentors to digital pioneers and corporate leaders, our honorees embody resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to impact.
The awards are not just about achievements on paper but about legacies in motion. They highlight those who are challenging the status quo, redefining possibilities, and building bridges of opportunity across Africa and beyond. By spotlighting these remarkable contributions, Crest Africa fosters a culture of excellence that encourages others to dream bigger, lead boldly, and act with purpose.
Below, we proudly present some of the distinguished recipients of the Crest Africa Awards, each recognized for their unique contributions and lasting impact.
Ifeyinwa Marisa Madu Honored with Crest Africa Award for Outstanding Educator and Academic Mentor 2024
Ifeyinwa Marisa Madu has been honored with the Crest Africa Award for Outstanding Educator and Academic Mentor 2024, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to education, mentorship, and the empowerment of future leaders in technology.
The award was presented on June 29, 2024, celebrating her remarkable contributions to shaping minds and driving inclusive innovation in Africa’s academic and technology ecosystem.
With nearly three decades of experience as an educator, researcher, and technology professional, Ifeyinwa has advanced computer science education, supervised postgraduate research, and mentored hundreds of students.
Her expertise in machine learning, data analytics, and applied mathematics continues to influence the integration of technology in education and research.
Speaking on the recognition, Ifeyinwa expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to mentorship and STEM advocacy.
“This honor is humbling and inspiring. My mission has always been to open doors for learners, especially women and underrepresented voices in STEM. This recognition strengthens my resolve to keep teaching, mentoring, and ensuring that education remains a tool of empowerment for the next generation.”
The Crest Africa Awards remain one of the continent’s most prestigious platforms, spotlighting leaders and innovators whose work is driving transformation across Africa. Ifeyinwa’s recognition as Outstanding Educator and Academic Mentor 2024 is a powerful testament to the role of education, mentorship, and innovation in building Africa’s future.
Morgan Nwaiku Honored with Crest Africa Award for Nextgen Leader in Digital Technology 2024
Morgan Nwaiku has been honored with the Crest Africa Award for Nextgen Leader in Digital Technology 2024, a recognition of his outstanding leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the future of technology.
The award was presented on June 29, 2024, in celebration of his visionary contributions that are shaping the future of digital transformation and inspiring a new wave of progress.
Through his work, Morgan has accelerated the adoption of next-generation technologies, demonstrating how innovation and leadership can drive sustainable growth in Africa’s digital economy.
His forward-thinking approach continues to position technology as a catalyst for opportunity, development, and empowerment across the continent.
Speaking on the recognition, Morgan expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to digital innovation.
“This award is not just about me, it is about the potential of digital technology to transform lives, industries, and societies. I am honored to be part of this journey and to contribute to a future where Africa takes the lead in global digital transformation,” he said.
The Crest Africa Awards remain one of the continent’s most prestigious platforms, shining a spotlight on leaders and innovators whose work is driving meaningful change.
Morgan’s recognition as Nextgen Leader in Digital Technology 2024 is a testament to the power of vision and innovation in shaping Africa’s future.
Austin Orumwense Honoured with Crest Africa Award for Excellence in Cybersecurity Innovation & Community Impact
Austin Orumwense, cybersecurity specialist and founder of AstroSec Group, has been honoured with the Crest Africa Award for Excellence in Cybersecurity Innovation & Community Impact, receiving the accolade on June 26th, 2025.
The recognition highlights his contributions to strengthening enterprise security, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and delivering practical solutions that make digital spaces safer for businesses and communities across Africa and the UK.
“This award is not just about me,” Austin said. “It reflects the dedication of my team at AstroSec, efforts of young professionals, and the communities that inspire us to do more.”
Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Austin has contributed significantly to research and public policy debates. His widely read opinion piece, “Cybersecurity and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Protecting Democracy in Our Digital Age”, addressed the vulnerabilities of election technologies like BVAS and IReV, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. The article called for the creation of an Electoral Cybersecurity Operations Centre (e-CSOC), updated laws, and grassroots voter education to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process in the digital era.
Austin’s academic and professional record adds further weight to his achievements. He holds an MSc with distinction in Cloud and Network Security from the University of Bolton and serves as a member of the Industry Advisory Board at the University of Greater Manchester, where he helps shape cybersecurity curricula to align with industry needs.
“My mission has always been to ensure cybersecurity knowledge is not just theoretical,” Austin explained. “It must translate into practical solutions that protect real people, real businesses, and entire communities.”
The Crest Africa Award recognises Austin as one of the continent’s rising leaders in digital technology.
With AstroSec continuing to grow in influence and his thought leadership shaping debates on both cybersecurity practice and policy, he represents a new generation of African innovators bringing global relevance to local solutions.
Mobolaji Olalekan Komolafe Honoured with Crest Award for Excellence in Banking and Risk Management Leadership
Mobolaji Olalekan Komolafe, a seasoned Credit Risk Specialist and Risk Management Expert, has been honoured with the Crest Award for Excellence in Banking and Risk Management Leadership.
With over 23 years of progressive experience in Nigeria’s banking industry, Komolafe currently serves as a Senior Credit Risk Analyst at Zenith Bank Plc, where his leadership has helped shape the bank’s reputation for prudence, innovation, and strong governance.
Throughout his career, Komolafe has led transformative initiatives that strengthened the integrity, resilience, and profitability of complex loan portfolios exceeding ₦500 billion, while upholding world-class governance and compliance standards.
At Zenith Bank, he has built and managed multidisciplinary teams overseeing end to end credit operations, including underwriting, covenant tracking, portfolio administration, and restructuring.
Speaking on the recognition, Komolafe expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to driving ethical and impactful financial practices.
“This award is a reminder that integrity and diligence still matter in our industry. I am deeply honored to be recognized by Crest Africa and inspired to continue raising the bar for excellence in banking and risk management,” he said.
Under his leadership, the bank achieved remarkable results including a 40% portfolio growth rate, a reduction in servicing exceptions from 5% to less than 1%, and three consecutive years of 100% audit readiness.
He also spearheaded the automation of servicing workflows through Kastle LOS and CBN EFASS, enhancing operational visibility and regulatory compliance across the enterprise.
Beyond operational achievements, Komolafe is celebrated for fostering a strong institutional credit risk culture and mentoring emerging leaders in risk governance, analytics, and decision integrity.
His contributions have not only reinforced Zenith Bank’s standing as a benchmark of excellence within Nigeria’s financial system but have also positioned him as a professional of extraordinary ability whose influence aligns with global standards of financial stewardship.
The Crest Africa Awards celebrate exceptional professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across their industries. Komolafe’s recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector.
