CREST AFRICA’S TECH POWER LIST 2025

Disruptors. Innovators. Trailblazers.

Africa’s tech ecosystem is no longer emerging.
It is accelerating, bold, dynamic, and impossible to ignore.

At the centre of this continental momentum stand the leaders whose influence drives industries forward, shapes digital systems, and sets new benchmarks for what technology can achieve for over a billion people.

Throughout the year, Crest Africa has remained committed to spotlighting excellence, scale, and impact across sectors. Among the many distinguished recognitions released this year were:

The Top 50 Voices in African Tech 2025, released in June, celebrating innovators, shifting conversations and transforming the continent’s digital narrative; and

The POWER 100: UK’s Most Influential African Entrepreneurs, released in November, honouring Africans redefining business leadership and economic influence across the United Kingdom.

Now, as the year draws to a close, we turn the spotlight back to the beating heart of Africa’s innovation engine.

Introducing Crest Africa’s Tech Power List 2025, a definitive recognition of the individuals whose work does not merely exist within the ecosystem, but powers it.

These are the builders turning concepts into scalable systems, operators reinforcing the infrastructure behind billions in value creation and leaders whose decisions shape the continent’s digital destiny.

Yet, too often, their brilliance is muted by the noise. This list cuts through that noise, celebrating the ambition, resilience, influence, and the undeniable force they bring to Africa’s technological future.

This is more than a list. It is a platform of honour, a deliberate elevation of the people whose impact deserves the continent’s full spotlight.

Here are the visionaries setting the pace for Africa’s next bold chapter in tech.

Nelson Leramah is a passionate Senior Mobile Engineer who brings creativity, curiosity, and precision to every mobile experience he crafts. With over 7 years of shaping iOS and Android applications, he thrives on turning bold ideas into seamless, user-friendly realities.

Nelson loves the challenge of navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape, leading teams with vision and empathy, and building software that delights users while serving broader business goals. He is equally at home solving complex technical puzzles and inspiring those around him to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Curious, inventive, and driven by a genuine love for innovation, Nelson seeks opportunities where technology meets imagination, and where collaboration sparks meaningful impact. His work continues to inspire remarkable mobile experiences and connect people through technology.

Ikechukwu Arthur Anoke is an award-winning transformational leader with over 20 years of experience, including 17 years in senior leadership. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Play Group Limited, a company providing 360-degree mobile content, entertainment, and experiential marketing.

He sits on multiple boards, including Brandlife and Imaginative EA Marketing Agency. At age 27, he became Group CEO of MTech Communications PLC, leading it to become Africa’s largest music content aggregator and expanding operations into 17 countries while diversifying into fintech.

A strong advocate for accessible healthcare and women empowerment, he is also a proud husband and father of two girls. Today, he leads Zuri Health, a multi-award-winning healthtech company focused on delivering universal healthcare on demand. His work continues to inspire transformation across Africa.

Kehinde Olosunde Ademola is an accomplished Senior Software Engineer and Architect with over nine years of experience building scalable, high-performance systems. He specializes in .NET Core, C#, Azure, JavaScript, LLMs, and Microservices, with a proven record of leading cross-functional teams and improving development workflows.

His expertise spans RESTful API design, CI/CD implementation, and cloud-based architectures that prioritize scalability, security, and reliability. A strong problem solver, Kehinde is passionate about AI innovation and creating intelligent technologies that enhance business efficiency.

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, he is also deeply committed to accessibility and advocates for inclusive AI solutions that empower people with disabilities. His work continues to push the boundaries of software engineering, cloud technology, and AI-driven innovation.

Temitope Balogun is a globally recognized digital consultant shaping the future of the digital and tech ecosystem in Africa and beyond. As the Lead Consultant at ESPACT, she drives AI and digital transformation initiatives that equip children, youth, and entrepreneurs with essential skills, ethical technology practices, and access to inclusive digital education.

With over a decade of experience delivering impact across Africa, Europe, the United States, and other regions, Temitope has earned multiple honors, including World Bank Youth Delegate (2025), Top 25 Digital Product Innovator for Livelihood and Employment by UNITAR (2024), and the YouthConnekt Africa–UNDP Innovation Award (2018).

She remains committed to empowering underserved communities through technology-driven opportunities. Her work continues to redefine digital transformation and inclusive tech empowerment across the global digital landscape.

Faith Sodipe is an accomplished Software Engineer and technology leader passionate about building scalable digital solutions and driving innovation across Africa’s tech ecosystem. With over six years of experience, he designs and implements high-performance backend systems using .NET, Azure, and Flutter, contributing to financial technologies that simplify payments, strengthen security, and enhance user experience.

Beyond engineering, Faith is committed to developing future tech talent. He has been featured on TVC News and Channels TV, and his thought leadership appears in Vanguard Nigeria, Daily Times, and TechPression, where he writes on innovation, software scalability, and technology’s human impact.

He mentors upcoming developers, leads engineering teams, and champions technology as a tool for empowerment and progress. His work continues to advance software engineering, digital safety, and tech innovation across Africa’s digital economy.

Adekola Akeem Abiose is a seasoned growth strategist and tech-driven entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in marketing, technology, content strategy, and business development. He has helped multiple startups achieve 9-digit annual revenues by leveraging digital systems, brand strategy, and AI automation.

As Founder & CEO of Wyze AI, Africa’s first Agentic AI Automation agency, he develops AI workers, automated workflows, and smart systems that help businesses increase efficiency, reduce costs, and scale faster. He has trained over 100 individuals and business owners on adopting AI for business and digital transformation.

His cross-industry experience spans real estate, travel, digital media, fintech, and service sectors, with a strong track record in business restructuring, system design, and tech-driven growth. His work continues to transform African businesses through AI innovation and automation.

Ibiniyi Obikoya, popularly known as HybeeCodes, is a Senior Backend Engineer and Technical Lead at Kora Payments, where he leads the Merchant Platform and Tools team. With six years of experience building scalable software solutions, he has contributed his expertise to notable companies including Paystack, Global Accelerex Ltd., and FindthePro.

A Computer Science graduate from the University of Ibadan, Ibiniyi is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. As a mentor at Grazac Academy, he has guided numerous individuals into successful tech careers.

He is also the convener of the Christian Tech Community, fostering a faith-centered tech ecosystem in Africa, and shares insights through his YouTube channel, “HybeeCodes,” and speaking engagements. His work continues to advance backend engineering, mentorship, and faith-driven tech innovation across Africa.

Ochieng Quinter is an impact-led entrepreneur transforming Africa’s clean energy and digital access landscape. She holds a degree in GIS Engineering from the University of Nairobi and further advanced her leadership skills through entrepreneurship programs at Strathmore Business School.

She is the Co-founder and CEO of Chargebyte, a Pan-African EdTech and energy access company that designs and manufactures smart, solar-powered hybrid charging stations, providing reliable energy and real-time digital engagement. Prior to Chargebyte, she founded TUSC Concept and Art for Change and co-founded Wecharge, pioneering tech-enabled advertising solutions in Kenya.

Ochieng’s leadership has earned her recognition including the UN Women Impact Organizations Award (2023), Forty Under 40 Africa Award (2024), and being named among the 100 Most Influential Pan-African Youth Leaders in Tech (2024). Her work continues to advance clean energy access, digital connectivity, and technological empowerment across Africa.

Oluchukwu Chiadika is the founder of Your Personal Finance Girl (YPFG), dedicated to helping young Africans build wealth, understand investments, and take control of their personal finances. Through YPFG, she has empowered thousands with practical knowledge on money management, investing, and financial growth.

She previously contributed to the growth of platforms like Cowrywise (YC20), expanding their ambassador community to over 3,000 members across Nigeria and driving thousands of new sign-ups. Oluchukwu also led marketing at Amani Health, Nigeria’s leading teletherapy platform for children, increasing nationwide adoption and awareness.

Recognized for her efforts in promoting financial literacy and digital inclusion, she continues to create initiatives that help Africans achieve long-term financial security. Her work continues to advance financial literacy, digital inclusion, and wealth-building across Africa.

Toritseju Boyo is an IT Support professional and the founder of Toresttech, a platform dedicated to empowering and spotlighting IT Support talent globally. Since starting her tech journey in 2018 as an IT Support intern, she has become a leading advocate for the IT Support ecosystem across Africa and beyond.

Through Toresttech, Toritseju built Nigeria’s first IT Support–focused community, organizing mentorship sessions, industry conversations, and webinars for audiences in Africa, the UK, and the USA. She also designed a widely adopted IT Support curriculum for individuals transitioning into tech support roles.

Her work has earned recognitions including Most Promising IT System Specialist at the Nigeria Technology Awards, a Global Recognition Award (2025), and a Golden Entrepreneur Award nomination. Her work continues to advance IT support, professional development, and global opportunities for tech talent.

Wale Ayantoye is a global tech executive and risk leader with extensive experience across fintech, e-commerce, and AI. He has led compliance and risk programs at Flutterwave, Etsy, and Cash App, scaling governance and financial crime frameworks across five continents.

As the Founder and CEO of GiriToday Inc., an AI-powered B2B marketplace, Wale connects African artisans with global buyers, driving cross-border trade and economic inclusion.

A first-generation Nigerian-American, he is passionate about bridging Africa’s creative economy with global markets and enabling Black wealth worldwide through technology. His work continues to advance AI-powered marketplaces, global trade, and economic inclusion for African creatives.

Ishaq Willson is a visionary entrepreneur, creative technologist, and product designer pioneering the intersection of design, creative strategy, and innovation across Africa. With nearly a decade of experience in architecture, PropTech, and AI product development, he is redefining how technology can drive sustainable growth on the continent.

As Co-founder and CEO of MyKreeb Africa, Ishaq is building Africa’s rental intelligence platform, empowering renters, landlords, and governments with data-driven insights, tenant verification, escrow-backed trust, and AI-powered neighborhood analytics, serving over a thousand users.

He is also developing Kwayvo, an AI quantity surveying platform aimed at transforming construction project delivery in emerging markets. His work continues to advance PropTech, AI innovation, and data-driven solutions for sustainable growth across Africa.

Oluwatosin Adelaja is a Nigerian software engineer and technology writer based in the United Kingdom, passionate about leveraging emerging technologies like AI, automation, and open systems to drive Africa’s digital growth.

He combines hands-on technical expertise with thought leadership, publishing original articles and research-driven insights that help engineers and founders design scalable, trustworthy systems. His work on Open Banking and resilient system architecture has been featured on TechCabal and other respected tech platforms.

Through writing, public talks, and open technical collaboration, Oluwatosin aims to make complex ideas accessible and inspire the next generation of innovators across Africa’s tech ecosystem. His work continues to advance scalable system design, thought leadership, and digital innovation across Africa.

Victor Ariyibi-Oke is a visionary entrepreneur and technology executive with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, marketing, and business leadership. He is the Founder and CEO of BHrave, a next-generation Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and Endpoint Security platform under Snaarp Inc., empowering organizations to monitor, secure, and control all devices from a single interface, integrating vulnerability testing, patch deployment, zero-trust enforcement, remote access, and compliance automation.

Previously, Victor co-founded and managed the Metropolitan School of Business & Management (MSBM UK & Dubai), scaling it to serve over 2 million learners across 185 countries. His early ventures include PoiseMedia Communications and Careerslip, shaping his cross-sector approach to integrated innovation.

A global thought leader, Victor is passionate about AI-driven productivity, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. His work continues to advance endpoint security, cloud intelligence, and digital innovation for businesses worldwide.

Emmanuel Oluwagbemi is a dynamic business leader and strategist with over five years of experience in business development, operations, HR management, data analytics, and organizational growth.

He is the Founder and CEO of Talenta Africa, a platform that enables personalized upskilling and connects talents with global job opportunities.

Under his leadership, Talenta Africa partnered with LSETF and Jobberman to train 30,000 people across Lagos State, equipping them with skills needed in today’s business environment. Emmanuel also serves as Lead Business Development Consultant at Emmviron, driving market expansion into the UK, Rwanda, Ghana, Cyprus, and the U.S. His work continues to advance talent development, global employability, and skills empowerment across Africa.

Caroline Nyaga is a visionary STEM advocate, educator, and the Founder & CEO of the Women in STEAM Initiative, a nonprofit empowering girls and young women in rural Kenya with digital literacy, coding, robotics, and STEM career pathways.

A former teacher and teacher-trainer, she has advanced gender-responsive STEM education across Africa through leadership roles, including Head of the African Women’s Network in STEAM under ASAE and Vice President of WiSTEM Africa. Caroline also serves on advisory boards of international organizations focused on inclusive education and innovation.

A respected speaker featured on UNESCO platforms, she has been recognized among Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women. Her work continues to advance STEM education, gender inclusion, and digital empowerment for girls across Africa.

Ezeabasilim Emzor is the visionary Founder and CEO of Thrive7 Group, a Nigerian innovation and technology company driving business transformation across Africa. Since 2022, he has led over 270 projects, empowering startups, SMEs, and enterprises through software development, SaaS solutions, and digital transformation.

He is also the Founder of Tethral Technologies, a tech innovation hub focused on training and connecting talent to companies. Through his initiatives, he has mentored over 3,000 individuals and launched the Women in Tech Scholarship Program, training over 200 women in tech.

Ezeabasilim also leads ThriveFest, an annual event celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship. His work has earned recognition from Forbes and other tech excellence platforms. His work continues to advance technology-driven business growth, digital empowerment, and innovation across Africa.

Makozi Marizu-Ibewiro is a results-driven software engineer focused on building reliable financial and digital systems across Africa. He has extensive experience in banking and fintech, working on platforms for payments, mobile apps, customer onboarding, transaction processing, and digital service delivery, enhancing system efficiency, product quality, and user experience at scale.

He leads product development teams, mentors junior engineers, and actively supports local developer communities. Makozi also trains young Africans in practical software skills and professional growth.

Recognized for promoting sustainable software practices, he was nominated for the Green RSE Prize. His solutions have empowered SMEs, students, and digital workers across Africa. His work continues to advance fintech innovation, software reliability, and digital empowerment across the African ecosystem.

Priscilla Muhiu is an accomplished business leader with over 17 years of experience driving growth, strategy, and innovation across Africa’s technology and digital sectors. She has a strong track record in scaling operations, building brands, and leading high-performing teams.

As Group COO at MYDAWA, Priscilla oversees nationwide operations and leads initiatives to diversify revenue streams. Previously, as General Manager at Glovo Kenya, she doubled user acquisition and brand revenues while launching Glovo in Kenya and Ivory Coast. She also pioneered marketing and business development at OLX, scaling brand presence across multiple African markets.

Priscilla mentors founders through Google for Startups, Stanford Seed, and Strathmore’s iBiz Accelerator, empowering emerging African entrepreneurs. Her work continues to advance digital business growth, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial development across Africa.

Victoria Olajide is a Product and Content Marketing Executive passionate about helping African talent and businesses grow through creativity, clarity, and strategy. With over six years of experience in marketing and storytelling, she leads Marketing at Devcenter, connecting more than 23,000 African tech professionals to global opportunities.

She is the founder of TVOTRIBE, a creative startup empowering over 1,000 African creatives with education, growth tools, and community support, and Child Creative Production Studio, which helps startups and creators tell intentional stories that attract global audiences.

Through her work, Victoria champions African creativity, leveraging storytelling, systems thinking, and brand strategy to build scalable and globally competitive brands. Her work continues to advance creative entrepreneurship, brand development, and African storytelling on a global scale.

Abraham Oludare Babarinde holds a Master of Science in Industrial and Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan and is the Founder & CEO of Richfill Multi-Services, a software development company advancing technology education across Africa.

His contributions have earned recognition from the Empowering Africa through Education Initiative, the Southern Youth Assembly of Nigeria, and the Convention Against Gender Abuse Initiative, where he serves as an ambassador. Abraham is also the founder of the “Help the Needy Group,” positively impacting over 1,000 orphans and underprivileged individuals.

A member of the Project Management Institute, Institute for Sustainability and Development, and Toastmasters International, he combines professional excellence with thought leadership, philanthropy, and creativity, including published poetry supporting charitable causes. His work continues to advance technology education, youth empowerment, and societal development across Africa.

Omowonuola Fagbemi is a data enthusiast and the founder of Analytica Haven, a learning hub and community dedicated to empowering Africans with practical data, digital, and soft-skill training. She has trained over 200 professionals across diverse fields, including analysts, virtual assistants, designers, educators, entrepreneurs, and digital service providers.

She coordinates multi-niche learning programs, leads expert-driven community initiatives, and has collaborated with organizations such as Cognifyz and Code Alpha on projects combining data analytics, product management, and project execution.

Omowonuola is passionate about creating accessible learning pathways, fostering community development, and driving skills-driven transformation in Africa’s tech ecosystem. Her work continues to advance data literacy, digital skills development, and professional empowerment across Africa.

Adewale Aderoju is an accomplished IT professional and executive leader with over seven years of experience driving innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and fintech. He currently serves as Vice President of Information and Data Security at Expedier, directing tech and security strategy for a leading North American fintech.

He is also the founder of Gbogbonise, an AI-powered health platform delivering 24/7 intelligent healthcare assistance by connecting users to verified specialists within minutes. Adewale has received global recognition, including the 2024 Global Tech Hero Award, and holds elite cybersecurity certifications such as C|CISO, CEH, CCNA, and CCSE.

A dedicated mentor and educator, he has trained over 1,000 young cybersecurity professionals worldwide and previously served as an instructor at Google LLC and Andela. His work continues to advance cybersecurity, AI innovation, and accessible digital healthcare across Africa.

Deborah Fadeyi is a senior energy and sustainability professional with over a decade of global experience in decarbonisation, energy transition, and climate finance across the UK, EU, Africa, and Asia. She has a proven track record in delivering sectoral net zero strategies, implementing renewable and low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen, SAF, CCUS, and biochar, and managing multimillion-pound sustainability portfolios.

Deborah is skilled at bridging technical analysis, policy design, commercial strategy, and stakeholder engagement to accelerate systemic transitions aligned with national and corporate net zero goals.

Her expertise combines strategic vision with practical implementation, driving measurable impact in energy and climate initiatives. Her work continues to advance sustainable energy solutions, decarbonisation, and climate innovation across Africa and beyond.

James Ogunjimi is a Nigerian marketing leader, growth strategist, and entrepreneur passionate about leveraging technology to build meaningful businesses. With expertise in brand strategy, growth marketing, and digital transformation, he has helped companies across multiple industries sharpen their narrative, build scalable systems, and convert attention into action.

In 2023, he founded Skeepy, Nigeria’s first pet-HMO, where he serves as CEO. Skeepy provides structured access to affordable pet healthcare and promotes responsible pet ownership across Africa’s growing pet economy. The platform combines subscription-based models with strong partnerships across veterinary clinics to address real-world challenges in pet care.

His work continues to advance pet healthcare innovation, business growth, and responsible ownership across Africa.

Excellence Ifechukwu Law-Onwo is the visionary Founder and Lead Strategist of Etscroc Tech, Finance & Business Agency, a pioneering enterprise transforming the intersection of technology, finance, business innovation, and healthcare in Africa. With a foundation in Computer Science, she leads a team driving impact through digital transformation, telehealth solutions, and business and financial consulting.

Under her leadership, Etscroc empowers individuals and organizations through tech and business education, data-driven strategies, and digital health initiatives that expand access to quality information and services. Excellence is committed to building Africa’s digital future, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress across multiple industries.

Her work continues to advance digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and business empowerment across Africa.

Isaac Kofi Maafo is a visionary technology leader with over 33 years of experience driving digital transformation across Ghana and West Africa. Known as “Africa’s Go-To AI Consultant,” he combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence with strategic business insight to deliver innovation in FinTech, AgriTech, EdTech, and Telecom sectors.

As Executive Director of BulkSMS Ghana, he led a 300% growth in customer base and integrated AI-powered communication solutions into mobile services. At DigiTransact Ltd, he oversees AI strategy and product development, creating over 100 GPT-driven AI solutions and establishing an AI education platform for African enterprises. Previously, as CEO & Founder of M-Visions Ltd, he delivered ICT solutions to 150+ businesses and pioneered e-learning platforms. 

His work continues to empower organizations and communities through innovative AI and digital solutions.

Jude Chikezie is the founder and CEO of Oyster, an AI-powered beauty-tech platform redefining skincare retail across Africa. Oyster combines AI, dermatology, and commerce infrastructure to remove guesswork from skincare, achieving over 135,000 consumer scans and establishing a presence in Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, with vendor traction from South Korea to the UK.

Before Oyster, Jude led global expansion and commercial strategy at Curacel (YC W22), launching operations in the Middle East and securing multi-country deals with top insurers. He also ran a beauty growth agency that powered Nigeria’s largest e-commerce beauty brands.

Through Oyster, he continues to push the boundaries of AI-first commerce in emerging markets. His work continues to innovate and transform skincare retail across Africa.

Jackson Sankara is the Founder and CEO of Kozi Rwanda, a digital employment platform bridging the gap between job providers and support workers such as housemaids, janitors, manpower, and chefs. The platform addresses the challenges of unstructured and unfair employment for informal workers by providing verified, trained, and well-managed staff to trusted employers.

Operating across several districts in Rwanda, Kozi Rwanda has placed and manages over 96 domestic workers, ensuring fair treatment and decent work. With growing impact and partnerships, the company aims to expand its model across other African countries, empowering millions of informal workers through dignity, opportunity, and technology.

His work continues to create fair, structured, and technology-driven employment opportunities for informal workers across Africa.

Dennis Maina is the Managing Partner of Suss Ads, Africa’s pioneering digital marketing and technology agency that redefines brand-consumer connections through data-driven advertising, AI-powered marketing automation, and predictive analytics. He has driven million-dollar revenue growth for African and global brands by integrating AI, machine learning, and real-time performance optimization, delivering ROIs exceeding 300% across e-commerce, fintech, and consumer goods sectors.

Under his leadership, Suss Ads has become a continental leader in performance marketing, introducing AI-driven campaign automation, proprietary analytics platforms, and generative AI for creative asset optimization. Dennis built the company from a startup to a 50+ team powerhouse, launched Africa’s first AI Marketing Academy, and partnered with top African unicorns to scale digital acquisition by 10x.

He also empowers the next generation through pro bono digital transformation programs and thought leadership on AI ethics. His work continues to drive digital excellence and transformative impact across Africa.

Karen Cherono is a visionary technology leader and entrepreneur driving innovation at the intersection of agriculture and artificial intelligence. As Co-founder and CEO of AgroMind AI, she is transforming how smallholder farmers across Africa access digital agricultural extension services, climate-smart advisory, and AI-powered crop insights.

Under her leadership, AgroMind AI developed a mobile platform that empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions, reduce yield losses, and adapt to changing climate conditions. Her mission is to close the agricultural extension gap and enhance food security across the continent through scalable digital tools.

Karen’s professional background spans technology governance, digital transformation, and risk management, with international certifications such as CISA. She has led strategic digital initiatives across public and private sectors, emphasizing ethical technology adoption and sustainable impact. Her work continues to promote AI-driven empowerment and equitable growth for African communities.

Sam Omondi is an EdTech advocate dedicated to transforming learning and community through technology. As the founder of LETCed, he collaborates with schools and organizations to empower young people, especially underserved learners, with essential digital and creative skills. His initiatives promote digital literacy, coding, and chess to foster critical thinking, reimagining classrooms as inclusive hubs of innovation and opportunity.

This year, Sam partnered with AHA to expand digital learning in Kasarani, Nairobi, providing learners access to 21st-century skills. Beyond EdTech, he champions civic empowerment through his podcast, “Stool Moments with Sam Omondi,” and his blog, educating youth on democracy and active citizenship.

Known for walking the streets of Nairobi with his chessboard, he uses chess to teach problem-solving and critical thinking to Kenyan youth. His work continues to shape the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.

Chinedu Onwukike is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over ten years of experience advancing offensive security, red teaming, and cyber resilience. At Amazon, he leads large-scale offensive security operations across healthcare, e-commerce, and cloud environments, strengthening the security posture of complex networks.

A PTDF Scholar and University of Bristol graduate with a Master’s in Advanced Computing (Internet Technologies with Security), Chinedu has also contributed at IBM Canada, Canada Life, First Bank of Nigeria, and Deloitte, where he established red team programs, proactive threat intelligence labs, and mentored future cybersecurity professionals. His pioneering work on Zero Trust Architecture for Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems provides a framework for defending power, water, and manufacturing sectors against modern cyber threats.

His work continues to influence cybersecurity strategy and enhance digital safety across global organizations.

Moshood Raji Banji is a software engineer, digital marketer, and founder of RJB Xclusive Properties, a blockchain-powered real estate platform focused on tokenized property investment and global accessibility. He combines expertise in software development, digital growth strategy, and real estate innovation to bridge traditional property markets with the emerging Web3 economy.

Through RJB Xclusive, Banji aims to make verified property investment transparent, inclusive, and borderless, enabling investors to access real estate opportunities with confidence. His approach integrates cutting-edge technology with practical solutions to transform how people engage with property markets globally.

His work continues to advance accessible and innovative property investment solutions using blockchain and digital technologies.

Dennis Ekamah is the visionary Founder & CEO of coHouse.ng, a prop-tech platform that connects potential homeowners through resource pooling to help them achieve their dream of homeownership faster, for living or investment purposes. He is a second-time founder with over seven years of experience in storytelling and filmmaking across Africa.

Dennis has helped top brands execute their stories through motion pictures, working with companies such as Etisalat (now 9Mobile), Google, Triller, Indomie, Nestlé, Maggi, Gino, and Malta Guinness. He is also a cinematographer, video editor, and certified YouTube Channel Brand Manager, leveraging his expertise to craft compelling visual narratives for businesses and audiences.

His work continues to empower individuals and brands through innovative property solutions and impactful storytelling across Africa.

Roy Njoka is a seasoned fintech and e-commerce entrepreneur with over a decade of experience building technology solutions that address Africa’s unique challenges. He co-founded Terralima, a digital commodity chain platform connecting African farmers to global food producers and cooperatives, ensuring traceability, fair pricing, and access to embedded finance.

Earlier, Roy founded Digiduka, a fintech startup that revolutionized digital payments for over 200,000 kiosks across five African countries, demonstrating how technology can bridge financial gaps. Beyond agriculture, he is now leading initiatives to support artisanal and smallholder miners, promoting financial inclusion and better market access.

As a founding board member of the Association of Fintechs in Kenya (AFIK), Roy drives thought leadership, regulatory engagement, and fintech partnerships. He continues to build scalable solutions, raise capital, and invest in Africa’s next wave of innovators. His work continues to leverage technology to unlock Africa’s potential.

Belyse Uwambayinema is a Rwandan woman in tech and the visionary founder of Aura Hub. She is building an AI-driven mental health ecosystem that connects teen mothers and rural youth to healing, support, community, and economic opportunity.

With experience in digital learning and community development, Belyse places humanity at the center of innovation. Her work demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to transform lives and empower underserved communities.

She represents a new wave of African innovators proving that tech-driven solutions can address social challenges while fostering community resilience and growth.

Her work continues to create transformative impact through AI-driven mental health and community support initiatives.

Awe Joseph Mofifoluwa is a certified software engineer and founder of AJWORLDWEB, a SaaS and technology education company. He specializes in full-stack development, PHP, JavaScript, database management, mobile development, and AI-driven solutions.

He is also the creator of CodeChamp, a digital learning platform designed to equip secondary school students with practical coding skills. With a strong passion for innovation and capacity building, Joseph has contributed to numerous edtech, school management, and enterprise software projects across Nigeria.

Through his work, he is committed to using technology to drive growth, empower young people, and shape the future of digital Africa.

His work continues to advance technology education and empower the next generation of African innovators.

Kevin Frey is the Founder and CEO of Just Keep Going Inc. (JKG), a U.S.-based company driving sports-tech and national digital transformation initiatives across Ghana’s sports ecosystem. He works with the National Sports Authority to deploy Sports Connect, the first nationwide digital backbone for sports in Ghana, integrating AI, blockchain, data analytics, and next-generation athlete performance technology.

Kevin serves as an Ambassador for SingularityNET and is a Board Member of the International Board of Ethics in AI (IBEAI). He also represented Ghana as a delegate at the 2024 IWF World Congress, contributing to global discussions on AI, governance, and performance innovation.

In addition, he has managed and supported national athletes at World and African Championships, guiding them to multiple international medals. His work continues to elevate Ghanaian athletes and advance technology-driven sports innovation.

Stephen Otoo is a visionary African innovator and entrepreneur driving digital transformation across the continent. He is the Founder and CEO of Mania Technology, which revolutionizes fintech, e-governance, and access to essential services through intelligent, human-centered solutions.

At 16, Stephen began his journey with a bold vision, creating Government Connect, a digital platform enabling Kenyan counties to collect revenue efficiently, enhance healthcare delivery, and improve access to government services. He also founded Marie Pay, a fintech ecosystem integrating AI, digital wallets, and WhatsApp for seamless money transfers, payments, and communication.

As Co-Founder of Cradle Voices Africa, he continues to connect people and businesses through affordable and reliable digital tools. Stephen’s work demonstrates how innovation can empower communities and drive financial inclusion.

His work continues to advance digital solutions that strengthen systems and foster inclusive growth across Africa.

Philip Kweku Assan is a Ghanaian technology entrepreneur and Innovation Strategist committed to shaping Africa’s digital future. He is the Founder and CEO of InnoviTEQ, a tech company dedicated to building sustainable, human-centered technology solutions under the guiding belief, “Empowering Africa’s Digital Future.” Its tagline, “Building Platforms. Creating Impact,” reflects Philip’s approach to leadership and innovation.

He also leads TECH HUB (in alliance with InnoviTEQ), a community initiative providing accessible tech and digital security education for beginners, equipping young people across Ghana with skills to participate in the digital economy. InnoviTEQ’s impact has earned recognition, including being named Eminent Innovative Business of the Year at The Eminent Awards (Quadra Honor) 2025.

His work continues to drive technology-driven solutions and empower the next generation of African innovators.

Peter Arina is a Kenyan tech innovator and Co-Founder of Xantonn Group, a multi-venture company driving transformative solutions across health, mobility, and technology in Africa. Recognized as FOYA 30 Under 30 Healthpreneur of the Year Africa (2022) and a 2025 nominee for the 40 Under 40 Africa, he has spent the last decade building impactful systems bridging underserved communities with life-changing technology.

Through Swift Wellness, Peter leads the development of the Jolly Device, an AI-enabled, noninvasive diagnostic and symptom-tracking solution that empowers thousands of women with early detection support for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. He also heads Medicore Solutions, providing Electronic Health Records systems across rural and urban hospitals, and Ewave, producing electric three-wheelers using up to 80% locally sourced materials.

His work continues to drive innovation, community empowerment, and scalable African-built solutions.

Mike Ikenwa is a technologist and the founder of Univad, an online learning institution offering diplomas and skills-based programs in partnership with global universities and tech companies. His work focuses on making quality education accessible to Africans through flexible online learning and career-focused training.

With over a decade of experience as a frontend and AI engineer, Mike has built products that connect people to real opportunities. He also created OrixAI, an academic assistant used by learners across different institutions to study, research, and navigate their career goals.

His work centers on leveraging technology to help people learn better, grow faster, and access opportunities that shape their future.

His work continues to empower learners across Africa through innovative, accessible, and technology-driven education solutions.

Nelson Asemota is a passion-driven social entrepreneur with a deep-rooted interest in social change and a strong commitment to advancing society through impactful contributions to the digital economy using advanced technology. Over the past years, he has worked consistently on promoting corruption-free public spaces within African government institutions by introducing innovative digital utility approaches.

These efforts focus on enabling a more digitally driven economy while addressing critical corruption challenges and governance loopholes through technology. He provides alternative IT-based platforms designed to strengthen accountability within the operational systems of government institutions.

As Founder and CEO of Tech Power Corporate Service in Dubai and Bankless Technologies Ltd in Nigeria, Nelson is focused on delivering cutting-edge digital technology services across Asia and Africa. Currently based in Dubai, he is working on projects aimed at reshaping narratives around Africa’s economic competitiveness within the global community. His journey is a pursuit of purposeful innovation.

Oladapo-Ogunsanya Segun, popularly known as KaganTech, is a Nigerian tech creator whose digital journey has grown steadily for over a decade. He is widely recognized for producing relatable, practical technology content that helps everyday users make smarter digital choices. KaganTech creates engaging videos and reviews across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, simplifying gadgets, apps, lifestyle tools, and digital hacks. His honest opinions have made him a trusted voice for users seeking clarity before buying or using tech products.

He began his digital career in 2011 and has worked as a music producer, blogger, social media manager, and digital marketing specialist. His skills span web design, SEO, graphics design, and content production, combining technical knowledge with creative storytelling.

Through simple, fun, and practical explanations, his content builds awareness, supports informed decision-making, and spotlights innovations shaping Africa’s digital culture. His work continues to simplify technology for everyday users.

Gu Abraham is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Zagasm, a company built around his commitment to innovation and business growth. As the driving force behind the brand, he leads its strategic direction, development, and long-term vision.

Through Zagasm, he demonstrates a strong entrepreneurial mindset focused on building value, fostering creativity, and developing solutions that strengthen competitiveness within the tech and business space. His leadership reflects an active role in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem, where his work supports the advancement of new ideas and enterprise growth.

By guiding the company’s operations and future outlook, Gu Abraham continues to concentrate on creating impact through technology-driven initiatives and business development efforts aligned with his mission of innovation and sustainable growth. His work continues to influence enterprise development within Nigeria’s tech sector.

Kwabena Poku Appiah, known as @kobby_true_king, is a tech entrepreneur blending technology, culture, and sustainability. He co-founded The BOND TECH, a company developing biodegradable, eco-conscious digital devices like the Bond Plus and Bond Business Tag, designed to simplify connectivity while prioritizing environmental responsibility.

He also leads events and production at Tech Connect Africa, connecting innovators across the African diaspora through tech festivals, cultural experiences, and collaborative platforms. His work emphasizes storytelling and cultural authenticity, building bridges between heritage and modern technology.

By showcasing African innovation on global stages and creating solutions that are purposeful and impactful, Kwabena demonstrates how technology can be both practical and socially conscious. His work continues to promote sustainable, culture-driven technology.

Atu Bohela is the founder of Kipaji Talent Management, a full-service talent and PR agency in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She leads the company’s work across talent management, public relations, and event planning, helping clients gain visibility and professional representation within the creative industry.

Under her leadership, Kipaji Talent Management connects talent with strategic opportunities, strengthens public profiles, and builds meaningful brand relationships. Atu’s work demonstrates a commitment to elevating creativity, supporting both emerging and established talents with the guidance, exposure, and resources needed to grow and succeed.

Her work continues to empower creative talent and enhance professional representation within the industry.

Olawale Kolawole is a seasoned IT professional who oversees and drives IT operations and strategy across multiple organizations. He has extensive experience implementing infrastructures, governance frameworks, IT security measures, and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

Passionate about leveraging emerging technologies, Olawale optimizes business processes, elevates customer experiences, and drives organizational growth. He has led key IT projects, including migrations to cloud and on-premises solutions, IT security framework implementation, and infrastructure performance improvements.

By collaborating closely with stakeholders, he ensures IT objectives align with organizational goals. His work continues to strengthen IT operations and enable technology-driven growth.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a visionary leader and the CEO of Future Africa, an innovation fund providing capital, coaching, and community to bold African entrepreneurs. Under his leadership, the fund has invested in over 100 companies across fintech, edtech, healthtech, and agritech, collectively valued at over $6 billion. Notable investments include Moove, empowering Uber drivers in Nigeria, and Itana, a network for African tech talent.

Before Future Africa, he co-founded Flutterwave and Andela, two of Africa’s most influential startups, transforming global payments and engineering ecosystems.

His education in Legal Studies and International Studies equips him with critical thinking and strategic insight to address complex challenges. His work continues to empower visionary leaders and advance Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

Emmanuel Obuobi is a Ghanaian tech content creator known for simplifying technology through short, engaging videos. He produces informative content on smartphones, gadgets, software tools, and emerging tech trends, helping everyday users understand technology and maximize the value of their devices.

His content blends education with easy-to-follow demonstrations, product explanations, and practical tips, making him a trusted voice for young tech enthusiasts in Ghana.

With a growing community across digital platforms, Emmanuel focuses on clarity, relevance, and real-life usability, aiming to make tech knowledge accessible and valuable across Africa. His work continues to make technology understandable and practical for everyday users.

Tope Awotona is the founder and CEO of Calendly, a scheduling platform that helps individuals, teams, and organizations automate meetings, close deals, hire candidates, and grow their businesses efficiently. Under his leadership, Calendly has grown to over 20 million users, transforming scheduling by eliminating back-and-forth emails and streamlining workflows.

Before founding Calendly, Tope worked in enterprise software sales with companies including IBM, Perceptive Software, and Dell Technologies, and also launched multiple startups.

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, he moved to the United States in 1996 and holds a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Georgia. His work continues to simplify scheduling and empower productivity globally.

Mark Anthony Essien is a Nigerian entrepreneur and software developer, best known as the founder and CEO of Hotels.ng, one of Africa’s leading online hotel-booking platforms. He grew Hotels.ng from a small hotel listings site into a major travel-tech company, making online accommodation accessible to thousands of travelers across Nigeria and beyond.

Before Hotels.ng, Essien developed and sold a file-sharing software product called Gnumm, along with other tech projects, demonstrating his early passion for software engineering and digital solutions. He also created HNG Internship, a talent-accelerator program dedicated to training software developers and empowering young Africans with practical tech skills and career opportunities.

Widely recognized in Africa’s technology ecosystem, Mark Essien is celebrated for his technical expertise and entrepreneurial leadership, building scalable platforms while strengthening Africa’s tech talent pipeline. His work continues to advance digital innovation and talent development across the continent.

David Adeleke is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zeeh Africa, a fintech company building open-banking infrastructure across the continent. He leads the development of identity verification systems, credit-data access, fraud-prevention tools, and secure payment solutions that power digital lending and financial products throughout Africa.

As CEO, David drives the company’s strategic direction, product innovation, and market expansion. His work strengthens digital finance by enabling fintechs, lenders, and businesses to operate more securely and efficiently.

Prior to Zeeh Africa, he gained experience in investment management and business operations, building a strong foundation in financial systems. His expertise in fintech, risk mitigation, and data-driven product development guides Zeeh Africa’s mission to make financial access safer and more inclusive for millions. His work continues to advance secure, reliable, and accessible digital finance across Africa.

Isaya Yunge is a visionary thinker and digital innovator passionate about entrepreneurship and technology. He is the founder and CEO of Goodsam Technologies and co-founder of Smart Kaya LLC, Africa’s first hands-free smart speaker, aimed at turning every home in Africa into a smart home.

Recognized by Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 and awarded “The Queen’s Young Leaders Award” by Queen Elizabeth II, Isaya has leveraged technology to create sustainable digital solutions that positively impact communities. At 17, he became a UNICEF Africa Youth Ambassador and spoke at the G8 Summit advocating for child rights.

Trained in Sustainable Business Models by the Swedish Institute, Leading Change by Cambridge University, and an alumnus of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program, Isaya combines vision, expertise, and innovation to drive change. His work continues to advance digital solutions and smart technology adoption across Africa.

Regina Honu is the CEO of Soronko Academy, a leading technology, coding, and digital skills development center in Africa. She pioneers initiatives that empower young people, especially women and girls, to achieve economic independence by equipping them with technical and soft skills for dignified, fulfilling careers while addressing the gender gap in technology.

Under her leadership, Soronko Academy, the first coding and human-centered design academy in West Africa, has trained over 20,000 women and girls and expanded to include boys, men, and children with disabilities. Recognized globally, Regina has received awards from CNN, Ashoka, BBC, UN Women, and the Aspen Institute, among others, for her impact in technology and women’s economic empowerment.

A fellow of Ashoka, Aspen Institute, and Vital Voices, her work continues to inspire and equip the next generation of African tech leaders.

Obafemi Banigbe is a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and consultant with extensive experience driving technological innovation and strategic initiatives across Africa. As CEO of 9 Mobile, he leads a talented team focused on organizational turnaround, operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional value to customers.

With over two decades of leadership in the telecom industry, Obafemi has a proven record of steering companies through challenges, fostering a culture of excellence, and implementing strategies that ensure sustainable growth. His expertise spans strategic planning, operational restructuring, and leveraging technology to create competitive advantages.

Guided by transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, he empowers teams, promotes inclusivity, and maintains strong stakeholder relationships. His work continues to transform telecom operations and advance technology-driven growth across African markets.

Jack May is the founder of Pasby, a company transforming digital identity, authentication, and digital signatures across Africa by making secure digital identity seamless, accessible, and future-proof.

He operates at the intersection of technology, strategy, and execution, building scalable SaaS solutions, driving high-impact integrations, and developing modern digital infrastructure. His expertise spans product development, API ecosystems, and next-generation digital solutions aimed at strengthening African innovation and tech entrepreneurship.

Hailing from Bonny, Southern Rivers State, Nigeria, and shaped by international experiences, Jack combines patriotism with Pan-African perspectives. He is dedicated to creating impactful solutions, fostering African pride, and advocating for policy reforms that enable tech startups to thrive.

Outside of work, he enjoys extreme sports, lawn tennis, and landscape exploration. His work continues to advance secure digital identity and empower African technology ecosystems.

Oluwasoga Oni is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MDaaS Global, a health-tech company building and operating tech-enabled diagnostic centers across Nigeria, delivering imaging, laboratory, and cardiac services to underserved communities.

With advanced training in engineering and system design, he began his career as a software engineer before transitioning into healthcare innovation, driven by the challenge of limited access to quality diagnostics across Africa.

He helped evolve MDaaS from a medical-equipment supplier into a full diagnostic-services provider focused on affordability and accessibility. Combining technical expertise with a mission-driven approach, Oluwasoga leads the company’s expansion and development of new care models designed to scale reliable diagnostic services where they are needed most.

His work continues to expand access to essential diagnostic healthcare for underserved populations.

Oyin is a venture capital, startup acceleration, and corporate innovation professional focused on mobilizing human and financial capital for economic development. As Managing Director at Techstars, she launched and led the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, a partnership between Techstars and ARM Labs supporting fintech founders across Africa. During her tenure, she invested in 24 African startups spanning fintech, ecommerce, logistics, healthtech, and cleantech, with 46% led by women co-founders.

Previously, she co-founded and served as COO of Movemeback, a Google-funded community platform connecting global talent with African opportunities. Her career began at Goldman Sachs in Private Wealth Management across EMEA, followed by roles at Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and as Managing Director of multiple family offices in London.

Her work continues to champion African entrepreneurship and venture investment globally.

Caleb Maru is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Safari, an African tech media and community platform dedicated to showcasing innovation across the continent. He leads a fast-growing media brand focused on telling Africa’s technology story through deep-dive reporting, thoughtful analysis, and compelling storytelling.

Under his leadership, Tech Safari has grown from a newsletter into a full media company featuring community-driven events, original content production, and technology-focused narratives that bring together founders, investors, creatives, and tech enthusiasts.

Caleb is driven by a commitment to spotlight groundbreaking work shaping Africa’s digital future while fostering an ecosystem where technology talent and innovators can learn, collaborate, and scale across the continent. His work continues to amplify Africa’s innovation narrative and strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem.

Joyce-Ann Wainaina is the Managing Partner of Chui Ventures, where she focuses on backing Africa’s next generation of innovators and scalable, mass-market solutions. After decades of leadership experience at one of the world’s largest banks, she transitioned from corporate banking into venture investment driven by a mission to help reshape the continent’s economic future.

At Chui Ventures, she leads with a strong commitment to gender inclusion as a core investment strategy, actively targeting a balanced mix of male and female founders. She believes diverse leadership builds stronger, more resilient businesses that enable families to thrive, communities to progress, and economies to expand.

Through her work, Joyce-Ann champions entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for inclusive growth and long-term development across Africa. Her work continues to invest in possibility and build a more inclusive future for African innovation.

Kola Aina is the Founding Partner at Ventures Platform, an early-stage venture capital fund joyfully committed to discovering and backing Africa’s boldest entrepreneurs. Blending entrepreneurial drive with investment and technical expertise across technology, finance, media, agriculture, infrastructure, and real estate, he champions ideas that reshape everyday life. His portfolio features standout companies disrupting financial services, healthcare, education, agriculture, and enterprise software, including Mono, PiggyVest, Reliance HMO, and Paystack, acquired by Stripe in 2020.

Beyond investing, Kola founded Ventures Park and Ventures Platform Foundation to empower founders with access to capital, education, and digital resources while advocating for entrepreneur-friendly policies.

His leadership spans advisory roles with national institutions and private organizations dedicated to job creation, youth empowerment, and creative technology advancement. His work continues to inspire possibility and fuel Africa’s entrepreneurial future.

Philip Ade-Akanbi is a technology executive, AI product leader, portfolio entrepreneur, and venture investor who serves on the boards of multiple startups. He is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of DecisionSpaak Technologies, an innovation and analytics group building an interconnected global network of data-driven decisions. He also partners at StareNow as Chief Business and AI Officer, advancing advertising innovation alongside other venture pursuits.

A published academic researcher, Philip holds education, certifications, fellowships, and professional affiliations with institutions including the University of East London, Lagos Business School, University of Ilorin, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Institute of Management Consultants, Qatar Economic Forum, Forbes, and Blacks in Technology.

A sought-after global speaker, he shares insights on AI and transformational innovation worldwide. His work continues to inspire knowledge growth and expand AI access across Africa.

Ahmed Moataz Salah is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tech Expo, a startup dedicated to empowering high school students in STEM and technology through interactive bootcamps, engaging events, and personalized mentorship. Through a community built alongside industry experts, Tech Expo equips students with hands-on skills in programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence while nurturing creativity and confidence.

Deeply passionate about programming, AI, and modern technologies, Ahmed thrives on exploring new ideas and continuously expanding his knowledge to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving digital world. He is committed to connecting with fellow professionals and innovators who share a vision for advancing technology through collaboration, shared learning, and problem-solving that addresses the challenges of tomorrow.

His work continues to ignite young minds and promote accessible, future-ready tech education.

Dr. Stanley Jacob is a global tech executive and business leader with a strong passion for platform orchestration, nurturing startups, driving innovation, and building strategic partnerships. He is currently the CEO of Zest, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, and serves as President of FintechNGR, championing the growth of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. His expertise spans fintech, BigTech, payments, digital enablement, brand alliances, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, telecom, and business leadership.

Recognized for his outstanding impact, Dr. Stanley has received prestigious awards including Payment CEO of the Year (West Africa) 2024, Payment Innovator of the Year (West Africa) 2023, and Titan of Tech (Africa) 2023. Combining strategic vision with hands-on execution, he drives sustainable growth, accelerates innovation, and empowers startups and organizations to thrive in today’s fast-evolving markets.

His work continues to shape Africa’s technology and financial landscape.

Nnaemeka Clinton is a leading African tech entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, best known as the Founder and CEO of Africa Technology Expo (ATE). He also convenes the Africa Startup Festival, creating vibrant platforms where founders, investors, business leaders, and policymakers connect to explore innovation and drive growth across the continent.

Under his leadership, ATE has evolved into a major continental gathering, attracting thousands of tech professionals and enterprise decision-makers. Clinton is celebrated for building communities and opportunities for startups, talent, and enterprises, earning a reputation as a connector and “brand doctor” who helps shape Africa’s innovation landscape.

His work emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and fostering the next generation of African innovators. His work continues to strengthen Africa’s tech ecosystem and inspire meaningful innovation.

Rotimi Thomas is building impact-driven companies from Africa that tackle frontier market challenges and improve lives. He has extensive experience in project development, infrastructure investment, entrepreneurship, wealth management, and HR across North America, Europe, and Africa.

His career highlights include launching a gas-to-power investment desk with a $5 billion pipeline, developing microgrids across the Americas, executing high-level projects for CEOs and CFOs, launching an energy startup, and trading over $200 million in securities for clients.

He is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Aspire Power Solutions, a decentralized virtual utility focused on digitalizing energy value chains to deliver cleaner, more reliable, and accessible energy. He also leads SunFi, a fintech platform enabling solar providers to offer payment plans and better services to clean energy consumers. His work continues to transform energy access and drive sustainable innovation in Africa.

Timmy Iwoni is a visionary entrepreneur turning ideas into impactful digital solutions for businesses across Africa and beyond. As Founder and CEO of Reconnaissance Technologies, he helps small and medium-sized enterprises thrive, building trust across industries like Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Real Estate, Retail & eCommerce, and Education.

Under his leadership, the company blends creativity with technology, offering product design, web and mobile development, cloud infrastructure, AI/ML, and cybersecurity solutions. Timmy spearheaded Nebula, an AI-powered CRM platform, transforming how clients manage relationships and scale operations.

Known for his forward-thinking approach, he drives initiatives that solve complex challenges, boost efficiency, and fuel growth. His work continues to empower businesses with cutting-edge technology and inspire innovation across industries.

Chidalu Onyenso is the Founder and CEO of Earthbond, a climate-tech startup dedicated to making clean solar energy accessible and affordable for small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria. She leads the development of a solar-energy marketplace and financing platform that enables businesses to transition from costly generators to reliable solar power, leveraging embedded financing, vetted solar installers, and carbon-accounting solutions.

Before Earthbond, Chidalu built a strong career as a product manager in fintech, developing products for both African and global markets. With a foundation in Political Economy and advanced studies in business and innovation, she combines strategic insight with hands-on execution.

Driven by her mission to transform energy access, Chidalu champions sustainable infrastructure that reduces costs, improves reliability, and unlocks growth for entrepreneurs across Africa. Her work continues to accelerate clean energy adoption and empower African businesses.

Confidence Staveley is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience helping organizations build secure products and navigate evolving digital threats. She is the author of “API Security for White Hat Hackers”, an Amazon bestseller guiding professionals on defending against modern API threats.

Renowned for her exceptional communication skills, Confidence simplifies complex cybersecurity concepts and helps organizations innovate confidently. She is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and major global events to deliver engaging and transformational talks.

Through her non-profit, CyberSafe Foundation, she runs CyberGirls Fellowship, Africa’s largest cybersecurity training and mentorship program for women. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including Top 40 Global Thought Leader in Security 2024, Top 25 Leaders in Cybersecurity 2024, and Cybersecurity Woman of the World 2023. Her work continues to empower organizations and women in cybersecurity across the globe.

Kofo Akinkugbe is a leading African technology entrepreneur and a respected voice in manufacturing, innovation, and digital security. As Founder and Group CEO of SecureID Group, she oversees a globally certified smartcard and digital solutions company serving clients across 21 African countries. Under her leadership, SecureID launched Sub-Saharan Africa’s first smartcard production facility, certified by global industry leaders such as MasterCard, VISA, Verve, and GSMA.

She chairs SID Digital, delivering secure fintech platforms, and Transport Payment Solutions, powering automated fare collection across transit networks. Recognized nationally with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Kofo champions local capacity, African-led innovation, and mentorship for women and youth.

She also serves on boards including Cadbury Nigeria and ICS Outsourcing. Her work continues to drive industrialization and amplify Africa’s technological potential globally.

Collins Imonlemen is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vergio Tech Innovations Africa, a high-performance computing and hardware engineering company known for building custom PCs and advanced systems for gamers, creatives, enterprises, and specialised industries.

Under his leadership, Vergio has expanded from a custom PC-building brand into a full technology company delivering locally engineered computing solutions tailored to African users. One of Vergio’s standout achievements is the development of a high-tech flight simulator for the Nigerian Air Force, demonstrating the company’s capacity for complex, mission-grade innovation.

Collins is driven by a mission to prove that world-class technology can be built in Africa, reducing reliance on imported systems and empowering African creators, engineers, and businesses with reliable, high-performance tools. His work continues to drive Africa’s hardware innovation forward.

Kingsley Madu
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Expedier

Kingsley Madu is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Expedier, a fintech company focused on expanding financial inclusion and redefining how underserved individuals build credit. His work centres on supporting immigrants, small businesses, and communities often overlooked by traditional financial systems.

Expedier enables users to build creditworthiness through everyday financial activity such as rent payments, utility bills, savings behaviour, and remittances, rather than relying solely on traditional credit history. The platform also offers services that include global remittance, digital wallets, bill payments, and cross-border transactions. Under Kingsley’s leadership, Expedier continues to grow and strengthen its ecosystem with tools designed to help users access credit, manage financial obligations, and build long-term financial stability.

Before launching Expedier, Kingsley co-founded and contributed to ventures including a transit-sharing platform and various digital solutions, reflecting his broader interest in technology, mobility, and community-driven innovation. His work continues to advance financial access for underserved communities.

Emmanuel Marakwe-Ogu is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Marasoft Pay, a Nigerian fintech and business-automation company transforming how enterprises operate across Africa. Under his leadership, Marasoft Pay has grown into an integrated platform that combines payments with ERP solutions, inventory management, invoicing, customer loyalty systems, and real-time analytics.

The company supports sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, and consumer brands, enabling them to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and scale with greater control.

Through Marasoft Pay, Emmanuel provides businesses with seamless tools that eliminate fragmented systems and manual processes. His work focuses on creating intelligent, unified solutions that help enterprises manage financial operations, track performance, and enhance customer engagement from a single platform. His work continues to drive efficiency and smart operations across Africa.

Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest, Nigeria’s leading digital savings and micro-investment platform. She played a key role in transforming Piggybank.ng into PiggyVest, one of Africa’s most trusted fintech products, offering automated savings, fixed plans, goal-oriented savings, and investment opportunities to millions of users.

She is also the co-founder of FirstCheck Africa, a seed and pre-seed investment fund supporting high-growth startups, particularly women-led ventures, and co-founded The Feminist Coalition, an advocacy and civic-engagement group focused on gender equality, financial empowerment, and women’s rights.

Through her leadership at PiggyVest and contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem, Odunayo has become one of the continent’s most respected young technology leaders, championing financial inclusion, gender equity, and innovation. Her work continues to empower financial and social progress across Africa.

Tayo Oviosu is the Founder and CEO of Paga, a leading Nigerian fintech company delivering digital payments and financial services to millions of users. Under his leadership, Paga has evolved from a mobile payments platform into a comprehensive financial technology ecosystem, offering money transfers, bill payments, savings, merchant solutions, and bank integrations.

With expertise in engineering and business, Tayo drives Paga’s mission to increase financial inclusion by making digital financial services accessible, affordable, and easy to use for individuals and businesses across Nigeria and beyond. His strategic vision enables the company to partner with banks, technology providers, and global platforms, broadening financial access for underserved populations.

Tayo is recognized as a pioneer in Africa’s fintech landscape, known for bridging traditional banking and digital financial services. His work continues to redefine financial access and inclusion across Africa.

Sim Shagaya is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of uLesson, a leading African edtech company transforming student learning through rich digital content, interactive tools, and mobile-first education products. Under his leadership, uLesson has become one of the continent’s most influential education platforms, enabling millions of learners to access high-quality learning experiences.

Before uLesson, Sim founded several prominent ventures, including Konga.com, one of West Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms, DealDey, and E-Motion Advertising, establishing himself as a pioneer in Africa’s digital commerce and media space.

He is widely recognized for advancing technology-driven solutions across Africa, addressing systemic challenges through innovation, and championing educational transformation. His work continues to shape Africa’s digital economy and inspire the next generation of tech builders.

Shola Akinlade is a Nigerian software engineer, entrepreneur, and the Co-founder and CEO of Paystack, one of Africa’s most influential financial technology companies. He co-founded Paystack in 2015 with Ezra Olubi to provide modern, reliable payment solutions that help African businesses accept payments seamlessly online and offline. Today, Paystack powers tens of thousands of businesses and plays a key role in accelerating digital commerce across the continent.

Under Shola’s leadership, Paystack became the first Nigerian startup accepted into the global accelerator Y Combinator and later achieved a landmark acquisition by Stripe. He continues to guide Paystack’s expansion across multiple African markets, strengthening its infrastructure and advancing its mission to empower businesses with secure, simple payment tools.

His work continues to advance fintech innovation and digital payment accessibility across Africa.

Olugbenga Agboola is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, one of Africa’s leading fintech companies. Under his leadership, Flutterwave has become a major payments infrastructure provider, enabling businesses and individuals to make and receive payments seamlessly across Africa and globally. The platform supports global merchants, enterprises, and small businesses with solutions for online and in-store payments, payouts, and financial integrations.

Since its founding, Flutterwave has grown rapidly, establishing partnerships with major global companies and expanding its reach across Africa and internationally. Agboola’s vision focuses on simplifying payments, driving financial inclusion, and empowering African businesses with world-class digital financial tools.

He is widely recognized as a key leader in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, shaping the future of digital commerce and financial services on the continent. His work continues to advance financial technology and inclusion across Africa.

Pelonomi Moiloa is the CEO and founder of Lelapa AI, a company building the world’s most efficient language infrastructure. She leads Lelapa’s mission to unlock the digital economies of the Global South, starting in Africa, by developing scalable, locally optimised language AI for constrained environments and pioneering more efficient modelling techniques for global use.

Pelonomi has been recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, a Bloomberg Catalyst, and a Mozilla Rise 25 Award recipient. She is also a TED speaker, sharing insights on SLMs and human-centric AI.

In addition to her work at Lelapa AI, she serves as a trustee of a girls’ scholarship fund and a director of a community-based nonprofit, applying her expertise to education and community development. Her work continues to advance human-centric AI and expand digital access across the Global South.

Tosin Eniolorunda is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc, a leading fintech company expanding access to digital financial services across Africa. He is driven by a mission to facilitate financial happiness for individuals and businesses through innovative software tools and payment infrastructure that simplify how banks, companies, and people pay, collect, grow, and manage money.

Under his leadership, Moniepoint has evolved into a robust platform offering payment solutions, banking services, agency banking, business accounts, and digital tools tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. His strategic vision emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and inclusion, bridging gaps in financial access for underserved communities.

Tosin is widely recognized as a key leader in Africa’s fintech ecosystem, known for creating impactful financial infrastructure that supports economic participation and growth. His work continues to expand financial access and opportunity across Africa.

Blessing Abeng is a leading African branding and communications expert and the Co-founder and Director of Communications at Ingressive for Good, an edtech nonprofit empowering African youth through tech training and startup resources. She grew the community from zero to 250,000 members, trained over 100,000 individuals, and led women-focused tech programs with partners including Coursera, DataCamp, Facebook, and Figma.

Prior to this, she co-founded Disha, a digital tech startup acquired by Flutterwave. Blessing mentors youth through initiatives like She Leads Africa and has built a global community of over 50,000 creators.

She is recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and one of the UN 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40. Her work continues to empower African youth and shape the continent’s tech ecosystem.

Mark Kaigwa is a technology and marketing professional leading Nendo, a Nairobi-based digital growth services firm with work spanning over 12 African markets. Nendo helps brands accelerate business outcomes through three practices: Advisory, providing research, insights, and data-driven strategy; Agency, delivering brand, marketing, and communications solutions; and Academy, offering high-value courses, workshops, and seminars used by executives, boards, and universities across the continent.

Mark is also a professional speaker on strategy, innovation, and consumer habits in Africa, having addressed over 20,000 people across 37 countries.

He curates “The Letter N” newsletter, read by over 2,000 people globally, and is passionate about using business as a force for good. His work continues to drive digital growth and knowledge-sharing across Africa.

Kofi Genfi is a serial entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in software development and business strategy. He co-founded Mazzuma, a software innovation company leveraging web3 and artificial intelligence to build solutions for developers and enterprises in developed and emerging markets.

At Mazzuma, he led the company’s business strategy and vision, collaborating with engineers and designers to deliver products that are fast, secure, and scalable.

Kofi is passionate about empowering people and businesses with tools and skills to thrive in the digital economy. He holds degrees from Ashesi University and the Oxford Fintech Programme at Saïd Business School and has received accolades including Forbes 30 Under 30 Technology, EMY Discovery of the Year, and Future Awards Africa. His work continues to drive innovation and digital empowerment across Africa.

Dorothy Ooko is a strategic leader with over 20 years of experience shaping narratives at the heart of Africa’s digital evolution. She has driven public affairs at Google Africa and led engagement across Nokia, securing landmark initiatives like the 2008 VAT waiver on mobile phones in Kenya. Dorothy advises boards and leadership teams on narrative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and responsible leadership in an AI-driven world.

She serves on the boards of Technoserve Kenya, Alliance Française de Nairobi, GAIA Africa, and Ushahidi, and is a certified Search Inside Yourself (SIY) facilitator.

She hosts the No Head podcast, exploring presence, African stories, and mindful leadership. Multilingual, she speaks English, French, Spanish, Luo, Swahili, and understands Portuguese. Her work continues to advance inclusive, human-centered communication and leadership across Africa.

Pascal Murasira is an operational leader with over 15 years of experience scaling ventures and building ecosystems across Europe and emerging markets. He helps organizations adopt AI responsibly, streamline operations, and develop future-ready teams.

His work includes launching AI platforms and SaaS solutions, leading digital health and agtech rollouts impacting millions, and building Africa’s largest startup hub supporting over 1,200 entrepreneurs.

Passionate about empowerment, Pascal mentors startup teams in AI, green tech, and women-led ventures, and teaches at the university level. Featured by Forbes, BBC, CNN, TechCrunch, and FD.nl, he shares insights with over 60,000 followers on technology, efficiency, and sustainable growth. His work continues to advance innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa and beyond.

Silas Adekunle is a robotics engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur renowned for his pioneering work at the intersection of robotics and AI. As co-founder and former CEO of Reach Robotics, he created MekaMon, the world’s first intelligent gaming robot blending lifelike robotics with augmented reality, redefining interactive entertainment and STEM education.

Today, as CEO and co-founder of Reach Industries, Silas leads the development of Lumi, a visual intelligence platform for science automation. Through Awari, he champions frontier technology in Africa, inspiring innovation, bridging educational gaps, and applying robotics and AI to solve real-world challenges.

Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, the Financial Times, and the Maserati 100, Silas continues to push the boundaries of intelligent machines, driving innovation and inspiring a new generation of creators. His work continues to transform technology, education, and innovation across Africa and the world.

Toluwani Adeniyi is a results-driven digital strategist and growth operator with over seven years of experience building brands and unlocking digital momentum. He has led high-impact campaigns for global and local names including Unilever, ByteDance (TikTok), and MAC Cosmetics, blending sharp data insights with bold creative execution.

Specializing in audience research, digital marketing, content strategy, and performance optimization, he designs campaigns that drive measurable growth, boost engagement, and increase brand traction in competitive markets. Known for balancing global brand standards with local market nuances, Toluwani brings both precision and heart to every initiative.

His strategic mindset, growth focus, and hands-on approach empower businesses to scale digitally and connect authentically with their audiences. His work continues to spark meaningful growth and create lasting digital impact for brands.

Tolu Alabi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cleva, a fintech company building a USD banking platform that helps individuals and businesses in Africa receive international payments, manage funds in U.S. dollars, and access tools for global digital commerce. Launched in 2023, Cleva quickly gained traction as part of Y Combinator’s Winter 2024 cohort, securing early funding to scale its offerings.

Before Cleva, Tolu developed deep product expertise as a Product Manager at Stripe, working on banking and credit-card products, and as a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, contributing to logistics and augmented reality solutions. She holds an MBA from Stanford and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.

Under her leadership, Cleva simplifies cross-border payments and financial management for freelancers, remote workers, and African businesses. Her work continues to expand financial access and global opportunities for African businesses.

Nneile Nkholise is a mechanical engineer, award-winning entrepreneur, and a powerful voice in Africa’s tech ecosystem. She is the founder of Thola, a technology company providing an AI-powered building health and safety platform that generates maintenance schedules and tracks sustainability in real time, as well as ventures in medtech, agritech, and AI-powered facilities monitoring.

Nneile transforms infrastructure and operations across healthcare, industrial, and utility sectors, leveraging expertise in mechanical systems design, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency to deliver scalable, innovative solutions. Her work bridges technology and social impact, empowering communities and businesses to operate smarter, safer, and more sustainably.

Globally recognized for her vision and leadership, Nneile inspires innovation at the intersection of technology, engineering, and social change. Her work continues to shape Africa’s tech landscape and drive sustainable, tech-enabled solutions.

As Nigeria’s first Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola expanded digital infrastructure, increased broadband penetration, and strengthened the national technology ecosystem. She previously built a distinguished 25-year career at Accenture, rising to Country Managing Director, and co-founded WIMBIZ, advancing women in leadership.

She serves on multiple boards and is recognized as a leading voice in technology, investment, and policy. Her work continues to shape Africa’s technology and entrepreneurial landscape.

Hema Vallabh is a trailblazing engineer-turned-entrepreneur and founding partner at Five35 Ventures, a pan-African VC fund fueling early-stage, female-focused startups. She is the co-founder of WomHub, Africa’s first female-centric tech co-working hub, and the spin-out of her award-winning non-profit WomEng, empowering women and girls across every stage of the engineering pipeline.

Over 18 years, Hema has built an ecosystem that ignites potential, transforms talent into opportunity, and champions women in STEM. A certified coach, angel investor, and inspiring speaker, she blends vision with action, creating pathways for women to thrive in technology and entrepreneurship.

Her work continues to spark innovation, break barriers, and uplift women across Africa’s tech and startup ecosystem.

Zainab Azeez is a passionate Product Manager and digital innovation advocate with over four years of experience turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. She has shaped product strategies across FinTech, analytics, and digital platforms, helping organizations create user-focused products and grow engaged communities.

Zainab thrives at the intersection of technology and business, connecting market needs, technical possibilities, and strategic goals to deliver seamless experiences. She is dedicated to building inclusive, collaborative teams, mentoring talent, and sharing insights on AI, FinTech, and product innovation through her Medium articles.

Her expertise spans product strategy, go-to-market planning, data analysis, and stakeholder management, always with a focus on simplicity, efficiency, and impact. Her work continues to inspire innovation and elevate product excellence across West Africa and beyond.

Tarneem Saeed is a visionary industrialist and internet entrepreneur transforming African consumer markets. As CEO of Cashi and Head of Strategy at the Saeed Industrial & Commercial Group, she drives bold initiatives that blend technology, manufacturing, and innovation, creating products and services that empower millions.

A champion of youth-driven change, Tarneem builds mass-market solutions that are tangible, digital, and impactful. She is the founder of Alsoug, Sudan’s leading online marketplace, and through Cashi, she is modernizing payments and digital financial services to make transactions seamless and accessible.

With a foundation in corporate law and strategy, her work combines analytical rigor with a passion for Africa, reshaping industries, digital infrastructure, and opportunities across the region. Her work continues to inspire innovation and unlock economic possibilities across Africa.

Engr. Shafiu Shuaibu Basirka is a visionary engineer, lecturer, and tech entrepreneur from Gwaram LGA, Jigawa State. He is the Founder and CEO of SHKA Engineering and Tech Nig. Ltd, a company dedicated to delivering innovative engineering and technological solutions in Nigeria.

His experience includes working with the United Nations and serving as the Director of ICT for the APC Youth Wing National, where he demonstrated impactful leadership in technology and public service.

He is also a lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria, and a strong advocate for youth empowerment, digital transformation, and community development. His work continues to advance engineering, technology, and digital innovation in Nigeria.

Yahaya Umar is a Nigerian photographer and digital storyteller passionate about exploring culture, identity, and creative innovation through visual narratives. As Director at Mojiiittto, he focuses on documenting how tradition and modern expression intersect across Northern Nigeria.

His work with TFDYLL Studios has been showcased in exhibitions such as Turban and Tradition, Brick by Brick, and Trials and Tribulations. In 2024, he served as the official photographer for the Co-Cr8 Artist in Residence Program in Kaduna, capturing the creative process of artists and community engagement.

Through his photography, Yahaya preserves heritage, evokes emotion, and tells stories reflecting Africa’s evolving cultural landscape.

His work continues to advance visual storytelling, cultural preservation, and creative expression across Africa.