This development marks a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and elevating West Africa’s connectivity.

Building on IXPN’s existing PoP at Digital Realty’s campus located in Victoria Island, the newly activated PoP at the company’s Lekki data center extends IXPN’s reach, offering access from 12 data centers across Nigeria. IXPN is now uniquely available in all major data centers in Lagos, further positioning Lagos as a hub for local and regional interconnectivity.

Strategically located, Digital Realty’s Lekki data center serves as the landing point for the 2Africa subsea cable system, one of the world’s most expansive subsea cable projects, linking over 46 locations throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

This can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity and can help enhance Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.

With the opening of Digital Realty’s Lekki data center alongside its campus in Victoria Island, Digital Realty became the first carrier-neutral data center provider in Lagos to operate two campuses, offering enhanced resilience and disaster recovery options for the industry.

With improved access to IXPN at the Digital Realty’s Lekki campus, networks and service providers can benefit from expanded, resilient public peering options.

These enhancements can reduce latency, improve efficiency, support robust data exchange for content providers and cloud platforms, and enable enterprises to meet growing demands both locally and internationally.

“This activation at our Lekki campus represents a deepening of Digital Realty commitment to connecting the local and regional digital economy to global networks,” said Ike Nnamani, managing director, Digital Realty in Nigeria. “By integrating IXPN’s exchange point, we are delivering resilient peering that enables lower latency and can increase operational efficiency for our customers.”

For IXPN, the move supports its expanding community of over 130 peering members – spanning ISPs, global content, and cloud operators – delivering greater resilience and more efficient local internet traffic exchange.

“Expanding IXPN to Digital Realty’s Lekki campus is a significant step in our journey to enhance connectivity across Nigeria,” said Muhammed Rudman, CEO, IXPN. “Our members are expected to benefit from faster, low-latency pathways, allowing broader digital inclusion and fueling Nigeria’s digital economy,” Rudman continued.

IXPN continues to play a pivotal role in localising internet traffic, a key factor in performance improvements and cost reductions. Peak domestic internet traffic at IXPN surpassed 1 terabit per second (Tbps) in April 2025 and grew to over 2 Tbps by March 2026, demonstrating IXPN’s significant role in local traffic exchange.

Industry data shows that keeping traffic local reduces latency, boosts connectivity speeds, and delivers substantial annual savings for ISPs and content providers.

Across Africa’s rapidly evolving technology and digital economy landscape, women are not just participating; they are building companies, shaping policy, driving digital inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

In recognition of these impacts, Techeconomy proudly unveils its “100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026.”

This special feature celebrates trailblazing women whose contributions are redefining technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation across Nigeria and the African continent.

“These women embody the spirit of Give to Gain. Through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation, they are giving their expertise, courage, and vision to industries that historically underrepresented them.

“In return, the ecosystem gains stronger institutions, inclusive innovation, economic growth, and a more balanced digital future”, says Joan Aimuengheuwa, managing editor at Techeconomy.

From technology executives and startup founders to policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders, the women on this list represent the growing force shaping Africa’s digital narrative.

Their stories are not only about personal success; they are about creating pathways for others, expanding opportunities, and proving that when women lead, entire societies move forward.

100 Women Shaping the Future: Techeconomy Power List 2026

1. Uche Ofodile, CEO, MTN Benin

Uche Ofodile runs one of West Africa’s fast-growing telecom operations as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Benin. Since taking the role in 2020, she has focused on expanding digital services, improving network reach and strengthening the company’s role in Benin’s growing digital economy.

Her leadership combines strong commercial instincts with solid experience in brand development and customer strategy.

Stretching across Africa, Europe and the United States, covering advertising, marketing and executive management.

She entered the telecom sector in 2002 as Corporate Brand Manager at Econet, now Airtel Nigeria. That move opened the door to senior roles at MTS First Wireless and Nutricima before she joined Vodafone Ghana, where she served as Chief Marketing Officer and helped reposition the company during a period of intense competition.

Ofodile later moved into chief executive roles, first at Tigo Democratic Republic of Congo. There, she led a turnaround plan that delivered about 20% year-on-year growth while improving profitability.

The result drew attention across the industry. She later worked with Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi initiative as Regional Head for Africa and also served as CEO of MTN Liberia before taking charge at MTN Benin.

She studied Political Science at Ramapo College in the United States and completed a Strategic Marketing programme at Columbia Business School.

Over the years, the industry has recognised her work, including being named among the “Top 50 Women to Watch in Global Telecoms” in 2017. Beyond business results, Ofodile is known for mentoring teams and promoting leadership opportunities for young professionals and women across the sector.

| LinkedIn Profile

2. Dr. (Mrs.) Omowunmi HASSAN, CEO/ Presiding Officer, High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth

Dr. Omowunmi Hassan is an esteemed IT professional and policy strategist whose doctoral research at Obafemi Awolowo University and Oxford Internet Institute provided the foundational analysis for the creation of Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications Technology.

She has spearheaded critical national policy reviews, including the transition to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and has designed strategic ICT frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force and the UNDP.

Her career spans significant roles as a systems analyst and researcher at institutions like Michelin and NACETEM, alongside her work as a certified Nigeria-Korea trainer for national e-Government capacity building.

As the Chief Executive of the High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth, she has spent nearly two decades empowering thousands of citizens through nationwide ICT camps and STEM initiatives. Currently serving as the Managing Director of HOJOB Consults and co-Chair of the TTSWG Board, Dr. Hassan remains a leading consultant for multiple federal ministries, driving the intersection of technology, sustainability, and governance in Nigeria.

| LinkedIn Profile.

3. Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji

Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, AI for development expert, and social innovator reshaping Africa’s digital and human capital landscape.

She is the Founder and CEO of Rise Networks, a Lagos-based data, artificial intelligence, and technology for development social enterprise dedicated to equipping young Africans with the skills, mindsets, and platforms needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Under her leadership, Rise Networks has delivered groundbreaking projects, including West Africa’s first AI-powered career chatbot, recognised by the United Nations AI for Good initiative, and positioned Nigeria at prominent global platforms such as the UK AI Safety Summit and the AI Impact Summit.

Dr. Akerele-Ogunsiji also leads Rise Interactive Studios, the production company behind Makemation, Africa’s first feature film centred on artificial intelligence, which harnesses storytelling to inspire youth engagement with technology. She champions ethical and inclusive AI, serving as a member of the UNDP AI for Development Reference Group and earning recognition as one of the Top 30 Global AI Ambassadors.

A Mid-Career Master in Public Administration alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and an Executive education graduate of Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, she also holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies, exploring the intersection of digital transformation and national security.

Throughout her career, Dr. Akerele-Ogunsiji has been celebrated internationally, including being named by Forbes as one of the 20 Most Powerful Young Women in Africa, and remains a prominent voice in tech policy, youth development, and innovation across the continent. Her work continues to advance education, technology access, and responsible digital transformation for inclusive growth and opportunity.

| LinkedIn Page

4. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC

Rimini Makama is a distinguished lawyer and public policy expert currently serving as the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she plays a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s digital economy agenda by fostering strategic partnerships between regulators and industry players.

Her extensive career includes seven years as Government Affairs Director for MEA Emerging Markets at Microsoft, where she shaped policies for public cloud adoption and served as an expert voice on AI Ethics.

Previously, she led strategic communications at Africa Practice for global giants like Google, Uber, and PayPal, and began her legal career at INTERPOL’s Office of Legal Affairs in France.

Recognized by Forbes as one of Africa’s most powerful young women, she holds an LLM in International Law and is also an accomplished creative producer behind acclaimed films acquired by Netflix.

| LinkedIn Profile

5. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, National Identity Management Agency (NIMC)

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote has over eighteen (18) years of experience in information technology telecommunications, finance, oil & gas, healthcare, government, and public utilities.

She served as the Technology & Communications head at Bate Litwin (an engineering company, a former subsidiary of Litwin, France) on projects such as Chevron ESA (JV with Atlas, etc.).

Prior to her stint at Bate Litwin, she has held several key positions in different companies, where she was responsible for information technology policies and systems implementation, project management and software development, across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. With her expertise and wealth of experience in information technology and data management, she has consulted for various entities on development and implementation of robust electronic identity database management systems.

She was the General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (“LASIMRA”).

As the General Manager of LASIMRA, her day-to-day functions, saw her managing key utility infrastructure providers, telecommunication, power, and gas operators, to promote standards and procedures in infrastructural development and maintenance, reducing damage to public utilities whilst fostering collaboration amongst the stakeholders in improving public safety and transforming Lagos state to a smart city.

Her innovative work at LASIMRA was impactful within the utility infrastructure space and well acknowledged amongst its stakeholders and the public, which saw her being recognised as one of the value-driven CEOs of excellence that powered Nigeria’s economic growth in 2022 based on LASIMRA’s contribution to digital infrastructure.

Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote is currently the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC.

| Profile

6. Jane Egerton-Idehen, MD/CEO, Nigerian Communications Telecommunications Satellite

Prior to leading NIGCOMSAT, Egerton-Idehen spent over two decades in the private sector, holding pivotal leadership positions including Head of Sales for Middle East and Africa at Meta (Facebook) and Country Manager for Avanti Communications.

Her extensive background also includes technical and sales management roles at Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks, providing her with the private-sector grit necessary to modernize Nigeria’s satellite agency.

Under her leadership, NIGCOMSAT has undergone a commercial transformation to compete with global entities like Starlink.

Key initiatives include a Strategic Blueprint focused on flexible pricing and the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme, which fosters space-tech startups in agriculture, healthcare, and education.

She has also prioritized infrastructure by initiating the development of the NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 satellites to ensure uninterrupted service as the current satellite nears its 2026 lifespan limit.

Egerton-Idehen is a central figure in Nigeria’s digital inclusion efforts, particularly through Project 774 LG Connectivity, which targets broadband access for all 774 Local Government Areas.

Additionally, her Big Picture initiative, in partnership with the NBC, leverages sovereign satellite technology for Direct-to-Home digital broadcasting, significantly reducing reliance on terrestrial towers and promoting local content distribution across the continent.

Beyond her executive duties, Jane is a fierce advocate for women in STEM and the author of the Amazon bestseller, Be Fearless: Give Yourself Permission to Be You. Through her NGO, Women and Career, she mentors female professionals navigating male-dominated industries.

Her leadership represents a New NIGCOMSAT – one that is commercially driven, innovation-focused, and deeply committed to bridging the digital divide through private-sector efficiency and public-sector impact.

| LinkedIn Profile

7. Confidence Staveley, Founder/ Executive Director, CyberSafe Foundation

Confidence Staveley is a Cyber security professional, inclusion advocate and a cyber talent developer with over a decade experience in technology.

She is the founder and Executive Director of CyberSafe Foundation, a leading non-Governmental organisation dedicated to improving inclusive and safe digital access in Africa. Through her foundation, Staveley is helping to protect the most vulnerable people and businesses in our communities.

She graduated with a first class degree from the University of Middlesex where she studied IT and Business Information Systems, and also graduated with distinction from the University of Bradford where she studied IT Management.

Among her numerous professional certifications and industry recognitions, Staveley was recently named a 2021 African Obama Leader and is an awardee of the U.S State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Awards.

Staveley, an avid global speaker who has spoken at countless global and continental cybersecurity events, including EC Council Masterclass Webinar Series, World CyberSecurity Summit and Africa Cyber Defense Forum, shares her experiences in the cybersecurity space, and her effort to encourage more girls to embrace the field.

| LinkedIn Profile

8. Emelia Sunday-Edet, Head of Engineering/Product at FlashChange

Emelia Sunday-Edet is the Head of Engineering/Product at FlashChange, a fintech platform redefining secure digital asset exchange across Africa.

With a strong background in Quality Assurance, she has played a key role in shaping, building and delivering reliable financial products in emerging markets.

Drawing on her testing expertise, she brings a rare quality-first lens to product leadership, ensuring that reliability, security, and user trust are embedded from ideation through release.

Over the years, Emelia has led cross-functional teams across Product, QA, and Engineering, delivering resilient financial products tailored to emerging markets.

Her strength lies in translating complex financial and technical systems into seamless user experiences backed by structured execution and operational excellence.

Beyond her work at FlashChange, she serves as the Training Lead at The Bug Detectives, a global QA community where she mentors aspiring testers and supports professionals transitioning into tech.

Through this work, she is actively shaping the next generation of quality-driven innovators who understand that sustainable technology begins with precision and accountability.

Emelia is deeply passionate about trust-centered innovation and building inclusive financial systems across Africa.

She advocates for technology that solves real-world problems and drives measurable impact at scale.

LinkedIn Page

9. Kanessa Muluneh, Founder of Nyle

Kanessa Muluneh is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a remarkable track record, having led six businesses and achieved four successful exits totaling over $9.5 million, including a telehealth startup exit at just 21.

Born in Ethiopia and raised in the Netherlands, she leverages her global strategy and local insight as the founder of Nyle, an investment vehicle that deviates from traditional venture capital by utilizing a network of high-net-worth individuals to provide high-impact funding and hands-on operational support to African startups.

Beyond finance, Kanessa is the creator of Rise of Fearless, a battle-royale mobile game inspired by Ethiopia’s historic victory at the Battle of Adwa.

This project aims to reclaim the African narrative in a gaming industry that reached $1.8 billion in 2024 but remains dominated by Western content.

Through her diverse ventures in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, Kanessa is dedicated to unlocking the continent’s investment potential.

She serves as a strategic bridge for the African diaspora, focusing on profitable, execution-first ventures across sectors such as entertainment, real estate, and mining.

LinkedIn Profile

10. Rashidat Adebisi, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Zenvolve Tech Limited

Rashidat Adebisi is a seasoned financial executive. She is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Zenvolve Tech Limited, a forward-thinking technology partner driving cultural and systemic transformation specialising in last-mile digital solutions at the intersection of innovation and real-world application focused on last mile delivery.

Promoters of FileAm a novel solution exclusively dedicated to revolutionizing the tax ecosystem. Designed to bridge the critical gap between tax authorities and taxpayers, transforming apprehension into empowerment.

With over 20 years of experience in the financial services value chain, she is recognized for her expertise in insurance, pension fund administration, and corporate strategy.

Her career is defined by a commitment to enhancing the customer experience through digital innovation and data-driven insights.

Prior to her current role, she served as the Executive Director of the Client Services Division at AXA Mansard Insurance, where she was instrumental in streamlining operational efficiencies and improving policyholder retention.

She has held several high-level positions within the AXA Mansard Group, including Head of Human Resources and Head of the Financial Control Group. Her versatile leadership has allowed her to navigate the complexities of both human capital management and rigorous financial auditing.

A passionate advocate for gender diversity and youth empowerment, Rashidat is a frequent speaker at summits focused on leadership and financial literacy.

She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and holds an MBA from the Lagos Business School. Her professional journey reflects a Winning Strategy of Intrapreneurial Leadership, having successfully led multiple diverse departments within a single global organization to drive localized impact.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she is known for her mentorship of young professionals and her efforts to bridge the financial inclusion gap in Nigeria. She embodies the modern executive who balances technical financial rigor with a human-centric approach to business, ensuring that technological advancements in the pension sector serve to simplify, rather than complicate, the user journey.

LinkedIn Profile

11. Ememobong Udofot, Head, Branding & Corporate Communications, FlashChange

Ememobong Udofot is a high-impact brand and communications strategist currently leading the narrative and market positioning for FlashChange, a fast-growing Nigerian digital currency ecosystem. With a unique academic background in Agriculture, she applies a systems-thinking approach to branding, viewing it not as mere aesthetics but as the essential infrastructure behind consumer trust and market relevance.

Throughout her tenure, she has successfully guided FlashChange’s evolution from a niche gift card platform into a broader fintech powerhouse, translating complex digital products into human-centered stories. She is a staunch advocate for the measurable power of perception, bridging the gap between quantitative business data and qualitative brand value to drive long-term loyalty.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Ememobong is deeply committed to social responsibility, leading community initiatives focused on poverty alleviation and educational support for underserved populations. She embodies a leadership style that is both structured and imaginative, proving that business growth and social impact are most effective when integrated.

As a vocal advocate for women in technology and leadership, she uses platforms like International Women’s Day to reinforce the importance of female presence in boardrooms and strategy hubs. Ememobong represents a rising generation of African women leaders who are intentionally building influence and redefining the intersection of technology, narrative, and trust without waiting for permission.

| LinkedIn Page

12. Owen Odia, General Manager, Blockchain.com Africa

Owenize Odia is a prominent fintech leader and digital finance expert with over 15 years of experience scaling technology platforms in the African market.

Currently serving as the General Manager, Blockchain.com Africa. He was the pioneer Country Manager for Luno in Nigeria where she was instrumental in growing the platform’s user base to over 4 million customers while leading critical regulatory advocacy for blockchain and digital assets.

Her career is built on a strong foundation in traditional banking, having previously spearheaded the Mobile Payment division at Zenith Bank Plc, where she bridged the gap between legacy finance and emerging mobile money solutions.

With an academic background in Computer Science and an MSc in Data Communications and Software Engineering, she possesses a deep technical understanding of mobile computing and crypto-economics.

Owenize is widely recognized for her strategic leadership, particularly her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and black swan economic events.

Beyond her corporate role, she is a dedicated educator and public speaker, frequently contributing to global discourse on financial inclusion, DeFi, and the empowerment of women in the digital economy.

| LinkedIn Page

13. Odulu Amos, Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications Manager, RedTech

Odulu Amos is a strategic marketing leader and the current Head of Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications at Redtech Limited, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, a prominent African investment company.

With over a decade of experience, including a foundational five-year tenure at Softcom Limited, she has established himself as an expert in bridging the gap between complex fintech solutions and human-centric storytelling.

A recognized mentor on ADPList and a frequent speaker at events like Social Media Week Lagos, she is a central figure in shaping the narrative of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Amos is a thought leader in influencer strategy, advocating for a shift from viral moments to sustainable brand equity.

She categorizes influencers into five strategic groups, Amplifiers, Trendsetters, Opinion Leaders, Community Aggregators, and Brand Advocates, to help brands align their marketing spend with specific business outcomes.

Her core philosophy emphasizes the Belief Factor, suggesting that the most successful collaborations occur when an influencer’s persona aligns naturally with a brand’s values.

She maintains that quality engagement from a niche Opinion Leader often yields a higher ROI than mass-market Amplifiers with mismatched audiences.

As a guest contributor and advisory board member, Amos continues to champion brand strategy as a disciplined architecture for driving financial inclusion across Africa.

| LinkedIn Profile

14. Cynthia Alabi, Head of Customer Experience, Transactworld Digital

Cynthia Alabi is a technology business leader redefining the role of Customer Experience (CX) within Africa’s digital payments ecosystem.

As the Head of Customer Experience at Transactworld Digital, a CBN-licensed Payment Solution Service Provider, she champions the transition of CX from a traditional support cost into a high-impact revenue function.

By merging her background in business development with deep operational expertise, she implements service strategies and onboarding optimizations that do more than just resolve issues; they actively accelerate merchant adoption and strengthen trust in regulated fintech environments.

With nearly a decade of experience across the Fintech, Mobility, and Aviation sectors, Cynthia specializes in translating complex products into scalable commercial outcomes. She is a vocal advocate for CX as a proactive revenue center, focusing on data-driven engagement systems that reduce churn while identifying opportunities for upselling and expanded activation.

Her leadership in KYC and onboarding transformation initiatives has consistently unlocked new revenue streams by ensuring that the customer journey is built on a foundation of growth and retention.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Cynthia is an active architect of the African tech ecosystem through startup advisory and mentorship.

She is particularly passionate about expanding commercial leadership pathways for emerging talent and supporting early-stage founders.

By helping teams design scalable revenue systems and robust customer foundations from day one, she ensures that the next generation of African startups is equipped for sustainable, long-term growth.

| LinkedIn Page

15. Toyosi Badejo-Okusanya, Founder, Adaptive Atelier

Toyosi B-O. is a multi-disciplinary strategist and the founder of Adaptive Atelier, a venture operating at the intersection of design, accessibility, and lifestyle.

With a legal background from the University of Kent, she seamlessly blends analytical rigor with creative flair to build inclusive narratives and manage strategic reputations across the UK and African markets.

Her current work focuses on fostering inclusivity within the creative economy, ensuring that design and technology serve diverse and underserved audiences.

Her professional trajectory includes significant roles in both the social impact and luxury sectors, having served as a Communications Specialist for SignHealth and a Brand Specialist for Jo Malone London.

At SignHealth, she spearheaded efforts to make health information accessible to the Deaf community, while her tenure at Jo Malone and FOLA PR honed her expertise in high-end storytelling and premium market positioning.

Expert in inclusive communication and luxury brand strategy, Toyosi leverages her legal foundation to navigate complex areas of risk assessment, contracts, and advocacy.

She is a prime example of Non-Linear Tech Success, demonstrating how diverse expertise can be channeled into building adaptive tech-adjacent brands. Her leadership underscores a vital truth in the modern economy: that technical evolution requires strategists who prioritize human accessibility and social impact as much as digital innovation.

| LinkedIn Profile

16. Chioma Chimere, Coordinating MD (CMD), TD Africa

Mrs. Chioma Chimere is the Coordinating Managing Director (CMD) of TD Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest technology and lifestyle distribution company. A consummate marketing professional, she transitioned from a successful career in broadcasting at DBN Television to the IT sector, joining Task Systems Limited before rising through the ranks to her current executive leadership role.

She is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the company’s marketing blueprint, ensuring that internal structures align with shareholder objectives and global partnership standards.

Under her guidance, TD Africa has solidified its dominance in the African ICT ecosystem, expanding its regional footprint and strengthening alliances with global technology giants. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and a relentless focus on results.

She is widely recognized as a trailblazer within the Zinox Group, having consistently driven significant value across every layer of the organization’s supply chain.

Beyond her strategic and commercial impact, Mrs. Chimere is an admired mentor known for building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation and integrity.

She has participated in numerous global executive development programs, further refining her expertise in business leadership and operational strategy.

A family-oriented leader, she balances her corporate influence with a dedication to personal growth and long-term value creation for the African tech industry.

| LinkedIn Profile

17. Oyebukola Alawiye, Product Manager, RedTech

Oyebukola is a product leader with deep expertise in building and scaling electronic voting solutions, payment ecosystems, virtual accounts, lending solutions, web acquiring, POS infrastructure, and mobile financial platforms across Africa.

She is committed to enabling business growth and organisational scalability by offering strategic advisory support to emerging and growing enterprises.

She leads prodsuct portfolios processing over ₦30trillion+ in annual transaction value and 5+ billion transactions, delivering high-growth digital financial products across consumer and SME segments.

Oyebukola led the market research and product development of solutions that have scaled across UEMOA markets (Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali and Senegal), improving customer accessibility and securing approval from the Central Bank of West Africa for interoperability services.

Oyebukola is passionate about people development, dedicating time to mentoring young professionals and school leavers through structured and unstructured programs that equip them to navigate career pathways with clarity and confidence.

| LinkedIn Profile

18. Sandra Ani, Founder, Helpsphere Foundation

Sandra Ani is a recognized Values Advancement Strategist and Moral Development Advocate, renowned for driving transformational initiatives that strengthen character and rebuild the moral fabric of society.

She leads the internationally acclaimed Values for Daily Living (VDL) movement, born from her groundbreaking book now used in schools across the world, providing a unifying framework that addresses moral decline and promotes value-driven living across cultures.

As founder of the Help-Sphere Foundation, Sandra steers high impact programs that empower young people, promote ethical leadership, and champion community transformation through conferences, essay initiatives, and widespread advocacy campaigns.

A sought-after speaker, Sandra is known for her compelling insights and her ability to inspire audiences toward ethical consciousness, personal responsibility, and purposeful leadership.

She is also the founder of the Parent Conclave, a vibrant community helping young mums raise value-grounded children, and the author of influential parenting guides, ROOTS and LIFE ALARM, which equip families with practical wisdom for intentional parenting Beyond her advocacy, Sandra serves as the Vice President of Mexygabriel Ltd, a leading African technology company.

Celebrated for her work with teens and youth, she continues to inspire ethical consciousness and purpose-driven living through her coaching, media engagements, and thought leadership. Grounded in her faith as a lover of Christ and devoted to her family as a wife and mother of four, Sandra Ani stands as a dynamic force shaping a values-driven generation and advancing moral renewal across the globe.

| LinkedIn Profile

19. Adedayo Adejokun, Deputy General Manager, eTranzact PLC

Adedayo Adejokun is a seasoned legal and business strategist whose work sits at the intersection of technology, policy, and corporate governance.

With deep expertise in commercial law and regulatory frameworks, she has worked with leading organisations to unlock strategic growth, navigate complex legal landscapes, and drive sustainable development across Africa’s digital economy.

She currently serves as a Senior Legal & Compliance Executive with a proven track record in advising technology firms, financial institutions, and multinationals on governance, risk management, and compliance matters.

Known for her razor-sharp insight and pragmatic leadership, Dayo has played an instrumental role in facilitating regulatory engagement, protecting intellectual property interests, and steering high-impact negotiations that have fortified business resilience in competitive markets.

Dayo is also an advocate for ethical tech and inclusive policy design, helping organisations build frameworks that balance innovation with accountability, data protection, and stakeholder trust. Her strategic contributions have strengthened institutional capacity and paved the way for more robust legal ecosystems that support tech-enabled growth across the continent.

Through mentoring emerging professionals and championing diversity in tech leadership, Dayo continues to elevate standards in legal practice and corporate strategy, amplifying the role of women in shaping Africa’s future digital landscape.

| LinkedIn Profile

20. Seyi Onasanya, Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)

Seyi is a transformational C-suite executive, strategist, and technology advocate shaping Africa’s digital and knowledge economy. As Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), she leads strategic operations and initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s internet governance ecosystem, advance digital inclusion, and support the growth of the nation’s digital economy.

With over two decades of leadership experience, Seyi has held senior roles at PwC, FITC, SNEVA Global Associates, and a leading Nigerian bank, driving large-scale transformation projects across financial services, aviation, energy, manufacturing, real estate, and the public sector in Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, South Africa, and Asia.

A respected thought leader in governance, leadership development, and organizational transformation, she has collaborated with governments, boards, and global institutions including the World Bank, DFID, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance on national reform programs such as MTSS, AMCON transformation initiatives, and the Lagos State Transformation Strategy amongst others.

With a First-Class degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Managerial Psychology, Seyi combines analytical rigor with deep insights into human behaviour, enabling her to lead complex digital transformation and organizational change initiatives across Africa.

Seyi also holds executive certifications in Digital Transformation from MIT Sloan and the University of Cambridge. Also, a Fellow of CIPM, BPS-accredited Competence Assessor, and executive coach, she is passionate about empowering leaders and building Africa’s digital future.

Through her leadership at the intersection of governance, technology, and strategy, Seyi continues to help build the digital foundations that will power Nigeria’s and Africa’s future economy.

| LinkedIn Profile

21. Ngozi Madueke-Dozie, Head of Nigeria & Ghana, Android Platform & Ecosystem Google

Ngozi Madueke-Dozie is a prominent Nigerian executive and a driving force in Africa’s digital economy. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in scaling technology, telecommunications, and digital media platforms across the continent.

Madueke-Dozie has held pivotal leadership roles at some of Africa’s most influential media-tech companies:

• Kwesé iflix: As General Manager for West Africa, she spearheaded market expansion and strategic partnerships with telecom operators to boost streaming adoption.
• IrokoTV: As Chief Partnerships Officer, she focused on consumer acquisition and diversifying mobile payment options to make digital content more accessible.
• Foundational Experience: Her career includes strategic roles at global and regional giants like MTN Group and MTV Base, focusing on digital distribution.
• Strategic Partnerships: Building bridges between content providers, tech stakeholders, and telecom giants.
• Digital Transformation: Advocating for high-level innovation that moves beyond “basic connectivity” toward African-owned tech solutions.
• Market Expansion: Navigating the complexities of the West African digital ecosystem to drive business growth and platform reach.

Beyond the boardroom, she is a vocal advocate for inclusive economic growth. She champions the idea that technology should be a tool for empowerment, encouraging the development of platforms that allow Africans to create and control their own digital narratives.

| LinkedIn Profile

22. IfeOluwa Dixon, Deputy Director, First Asset Management Limited

Ifeoluwa Dixon is a distinguished Nigerian investment professional and Deputy Director at FBNQuest Asset Management, where she specializes in fixed-income markets and institutional portfolio management.

With approximately 15 years of experience, she oversees substantial assets valued between ₦200 billion and ₦250 billion, managing diverse portfolios including money market, fixed-income, and Eurobond funds.

Her professional journey includes pivotal roles at Crusader Sterling Pensions and AXA Mansard Investments, where she led technical teams in structuring investment strategies for high-level clients.

Beyond her corporate duties, Dixon has actively shaped the industry as a leader within the Fund Managers Association of Nigeria, focusing on raising technical standards and market enlightenment.

She possesses a robust academic and professional foundation, holding specialized certifications such as Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and Advanced Certified Islamic Finance Executive (ACIFE).

Through her expertise in macroeconomic forecasting and financial analysis, she remains a key figure in helping investors navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.

| LinkedIn Profile

23. Dr. Adétọ́lá Aríyìíkẹ́ Salau, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Education on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences) and Corporate Sector Engagement 

Dr. Adétọ́lá Aríyìíkẹ́ Salau is a Nigerian-American education policy strategist, STEM education advocate, and social innovator known for advancing science and technology education and building partnerships between government and industry to strengthen human capital development.

Dr. Salau currently serves as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Education on STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences) and Corporate Sector Engagement, where she works to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and education stakeholders to promote innovation, workforce readiness, and modern learning systems in Nigeria.

She has more than two decades of experience in education policy, curriculum innovation, and STEM advocacy, focusing on transforming African education systems to be more inclusive, future-ready, and aligned with global development goals.

Before her federal appointment, she served as Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation and Human Capital Development to the Governor of Kwara State, and Senior Special Assistant on Education to the Governor of Lagos State, where she led initiatives promoting STEAM education and teacher capacity development.

Dr. Salau is also the founder of Carisma4U Educational Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes equitable STEM education, especially for girls and underserved communities across Nigeria.

She is also an author of multiple books on STEM education and innovative thinking, and has contributed to policy discussions on education reform, workforce development, and digital transformation in learning.

Dr. Adétọ́lá Salau is a leading voice in Nigeria’s education transformation, working at the intersection of STEM education, policy reform, and public-private collaboration to prepare young Africans for the future economy.

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24. Funke Shobanjo, Chief Operating Officer, FBNQuest

Funke Shobanjo is a Nigerian financial services executive, strategy leader, and transformation specialist with more than two decades of experience across global investment banking, financial markets, and enterprise transformation.

She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at FBNQuest, the investment banking and asset management arm of FBN Holdings Plc. In this role, she oversees group operations, strategic planning, innovation initiatives, brand strategy, talent development, and digital transformation programmes across the organisation.

Before becoming COO, Shobanjo served as Head of Strategy and Transformation, where she led enterprise-wide strategy articulation and execution, including major digital and operational transformation initiatives designed to improve organisational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

Shobanjo began her international career at Goldman Sachs in London, where she joined as a graduate trainee and spent nearly a decade rising to the position of Executive Director responsible for product development in the firm’s execution and clearing business. She later worked with Bloomberg LP, managing strategic relationships with stock exchanges and onboarding new market data services, and also held a senior programme management role at Traiana, where she led initiatives focused on straight-through processing (STP) for foreign exchange trade flows across global financial institutions.

Her career has focused on strategy development, operational leadership, digital transformation, and financial market infrastructure, helping institutions adapt to rapidly changing technological and regulatory environments.

Academically, Shobanjo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Birmingham and a Master’s degree in Finance, Economics and Econometrics from Cass Business School (City, University of London). She has also completed executive leadership programmes at London Business School, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and Lagos Business School.

In addition to her academic qualifications, she holds professional certifications including the Certificate in Risk Governance from the DCRO Institute, reflecting her commitment to strengthening governance and responsible risk-taking in corporate institutions.

Through her leadership in strategy, governance, and digital transformation, Funke Shobanjo continues to contribute to the evolution of Nigeria’s financial services sector, promoting innovation, strong governance frameworks, and sustainable organisational growth.

| LinkedIn Profile

25. Chioma Nwoke, Executive Director/Group Strategic HR Management, Zinox Technologies

A motivated, result-driven Executive with hands-on experience in Human Resource and Administrative functions. Chioma is a certified Human Resource Practitioner with over 13 years of experience in the ICT industry.

She is adept in people and project management and holds a BSc. in Geography from the University of Lagos, Akoka and an MSc. in Environmental Engineering and Project Management from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.

She also has a Certificate in Strategic Human Resource Management from Harvard University, Massachusetts, and Lagos Business School.

As a strategic HR practitioner, Chioma has been able to successfully steer the execution of Human Resource and Administrative strategies and champion the transformation of HR into a function that proactively contributes to the achievement of key business objectives.

Chioma is known for her excellent interpersonal skills which enables her build strong relationships with employees at various levels thereby promoting a positive work environment and culture.

| LinkedIn Profile

26. Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji, Head of the English Unit, Pan-Atlantic University

Dr. Ruth Karachi Benson Oji is an Associate Professor at Pan-Atlantic University’s Institute of Humanities and a pioneering voice at the intersection of language, technology, and education.

As former Head of the English Unit (PAU) and former Writing Centre Lead at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management, she is reshaping how institutions leverage communication and AI to address 21st-century challenges.

Dr. Oji’s research in pragmatics and digital discourse analysis has produced over 25 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious international journals, examining how language shapes social narratives in media, politics, and digital spaces. Her work on misinformation, digital activism, and algorithmic communication provides critical frameworks for organizations navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

A certified IBM Data Analytics professional and thought leader on AI in higher education, Dr. Oji recently addressed the Association of Commonwealth Universities Congress on “AI and the Future of Higher Education in the Commonwealth.”

She serves as ACU Ambassador for Pan-Atlantic University, Associate Editor of JELTAN, and panel chair for the International Pragmatics Association, where she convenes global conversations on language as a catalyst for societal change.

Through her syndicated column in three national newspapers and training programs for organizations including Lagos Business School and the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Oji translates complex linguistic insights into practical communication strategies that drive organizational effectiveness and social impact across Africa and beyond.

| LinkedIn Profile

27. Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, Ag. VC, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha is a trailblazing academic and public servant currently serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

A distinguished Professor of Mass Communication, she made history as the first Professor of Gender and Communication in Nigeria and the second female Professor in her field nationwide.

Her eight-year tenure as Anambra State’s Commissioner for Education (2014–2022) is marked by enviable legacies, most notably the Teaching on Air initiative which maintained educational continuity during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Beyond the classroom, she serves as a Southeast Regional Consultant on Human Capital Development for the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Her leadership at Nnamdi Azikiwe University saw the rise of UNIZIK 94.1 FM, which was recognized as Nigeria’s best campus radio station under her guidance.

An alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School, Professor Omenugha balances her extensive corporate and board roles with a deep commitment to philanthropy, mentorship, and her family.

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28. Amal Hassan, Founder and CEO, Outsource Global

Amal Hassan is a leading Nigerian technopreneur with diverse interests across different technology verticals.

In 2003, Amal set up the first organized ICT training institute in Kano that provides IT training to young Nigerians especially women.

Her passion to unlock Nigeria’s developmental potentials through technology-driven innovation and value addition led her to build, capitalize and restructure a series of technology-related businesses that succeed in developing talents and creating employment for young Nigerians.

In 2013, she founded the Outsource Global, a contact center business process outsourcing that now has offices in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna.

Under her leadership, Outsource Global has emerged as the leading Nigerian contact center provider servicing the international market, turning the company into a truly global BPO giant, creating over 700 jobs and putting Nigeria on the global map for contact center business process outsourcing.

Amal’s entrepreneurial prowess and business acumen continue to set her apart as a highly regarded emerging business leader in Nigeria.

Over the years, she has participated in local and international business missions and attended various professional and leadership courses, conferences and seminars both locally and abroad.

Widely regarded as a role model for the girl-child and women especially in northern Nigeria, she has continued to mentor young leaders across her industry.

Amal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administrations from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria and a Master degree in Business Administration from the same university.

Amal is a partner in Bluetag Group the holding company for Parkway Projects, HealthStation, Bluetag Technologies, Bluetag Synergy and Outsource Global.

Amal is also an Alumna of Fortune-US Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Programme- which links young female leaders to Fortune‘s most powerful women.

| LinkedIn Profile

29. Adepeju Ajayi, Manager of Mobile Advertising, MTN Nigeria

Adepeju Ajayi is a powerhouse in Nigeria’s digital economy, currently serving as the Manager of Mobile Advertising at MTN Nigeria.

She is most notably recognized as a revenue growth catalyst, having orchestrated an extraordinary transformation of MTN’s Mobile Ads division by scaling monthly revenue from ₦20 million to ₦1 billion, a 5,000% increase.

With over a decade of experience across telecommunications and marketing operations at firms like Smile Communications, Ajayi excels at bridging the gap between complex telco data and consumer behaviour.

Beyond her corporate achievements, she is a dedicated mentor and thought leader, frequently appearing in the Techeconomy Business Series and at the ICTEL Expo to advocate for the professionalization of tech sales in Africa.

Currently advancing her expertise through the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), she remains a pivotal figure in ensuring Nigeria’s digital advertising landscape is both highly productive and ethically grounded.

| LinkedIn Profile

30. Omobola Emmanuel-Ogbolu, Brand Strategist

Omobola Emmanuel-Ogbolu is a premier Brand Clarity Strategist and communications leader with over 12 years of experience at the intersection of PR, corporate communications, and brand strategy.

Known for her radical clarity philosophy, she has dedicated her career to closing the gap between the world-class value Nigerian companies build and how they are perceived globally.

Her expertise spans reputation management, executive positioning, and sustainability programs, with a proven track record of securing high-level coverage in global outlets like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Vogue.

Unlike traditional publicists, Emmanuel-Ogbolu focuses on building long-term communication systems and cultural fluency, ensuring that ambitious organizations find a voice built on conviction rather than imitation.

She helps Nigerian founders and executives move away from asking for permission to be taken seriously, instead helping them own their narrative on their own terms.

Recognized as both a high-level strategist and an expert executor, she builds communications functions from the ground up that deliver compounding value over time.

Her work is viewed as a contribution to the broader story of Nigeria, empowering local brands to expand the global narrative of African excellence.

31. Nyifamu Ogechi Manzo, Founder and CEO, Farmatrix

Nyifamu Ogechi Manzo is the founder of Farmatrix Agro Allied and Technology Company, a Nigerian-based AgriTech company committed to leveraging technology to empower smallholder farmers with Climate Smart Agricultural Practices and bridge the gap between agricultural producers and markets.

In the last 6 years, she has created strategic partnerships with leading industry players and positioned Farmatrix as a key player in the agricultural value chain.

Nyifamu is also an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC where she was being trained on distinctive leadership and entrepreneurial skills, A Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum and a Climate Reality Leader.

She has been a speaker at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos and the Trade Connect Africa Conference in Cambridge, UK where she passionately shares her engagement with small-holder farmers in Northern Nigeria to improve food security. Sharing the impact of Farmatrix on platforms like GITEX Africa and The Africa Food Systems Forum has further amplified the work she does with over 2000 small-holder farmers.

She is a Fate Foundation alumnus and a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur. Farmatrix was part of the 100 startups in Africa that were sponsored by the SAFEEM X Seedstars team.

She is an advocate and a young leader committed to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and has contributed immensely in the areas of Zero Hunger, No Poverty, Decent Work, and Economic Growth. She strongly believes that entrepreneurship is the gateway to national prosperity, so she is so passionate about building sustainable businesses.

| LinkedIn Profile

32. Aisha Shuaibu, Founder, SWA Global & SWA Sports

Aisha Shuaibu is an entrepreneur with the experience and skill set for business management and brand development.

She is the founder of restaurant business Waffle Way, the managing director of business solutions company, SWA Global, and the president of sports marketing agency, SWA Sports.

Aisha is a creative with a gift for ideation and strategic growth, providing value to industries in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Outside the business world, Aisha is passionate about gender equality and inclusion advocacy. She champions the rights of women and youth by bringing attention to systemic barriers faced by marginalised communities. She is an editorial board member for Nigeria’s leading newspaper, Thisday Newspaper.

Aisha is committed to using her experiences in business and social impact to create a more equitable world, one where all people particularly young women such as herself can thrive and reach their full potential. With her tireless energy and unwavering dedication to her work, Aisha is a force to be reckoned with on her daily mission to live purposefully for the greater good.

| LinkedIn Page

33. Tola Odeyemi, Postmaster General/CEO, NIPOST

Tola Odeyemi is a transformative engineer and public administrator who serves as the 11th Postmaster General and CEO of the Nigerian Postal Service.

Since her appointment in October 2023, she has leveraged her extensive background at global tech giants like Uber and Binance to instill a digital-first culture within the legacy agency.

Her tenure is highlighted by the landmark 2026 approval of a GIS-enabled Alphanumeric Digital Postcode System, a critical infrastructure project that finally addresses Nigeria’s long-standing last-mile delivery challenges.

Under her leadership, NIPOST achieved an extraordinary 275% revenue increase in the 2024 fiscal year through rigorous leakage plugging and the enforcement of logistics licensing compliance.

She further modernized the institution by mandating a 100% cashless policy in 2025 to improve transparency and financial inclusion across its nationwide network.

Beyond internal reforms, Odeyemi has repositioned the post office as a vital economic engine by partnering with SMEDAN to offer discounted shipping for small businesses and launching logistics initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses for rural farmers.

By upgrading half of the agency’s physical locations and expanding its transport fleet, she has successfully turned a traditional government body into a high-speed, 21st-century technology and logistics hub.

| LinkedIn Profile

34. Enitan Tanimowo, Public Relations Manager, PalmPay

Enitan Tanimowo is a distinguished strategic communications leader who has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion and building consumer trust within Nigeria’s fintech landscape.

Over the past two years at PalmPay, she has successfully bridged the gap between complex digital infrastructure and everyday users through high-impact initiatives like the Purple Woman program.

This leadership brand has empowered approximately 250 young women over three years, providing them with strategic visibility and direct employment opportunities within the technology ecosystem.

Beyond gender-focused advocacy, she designed and led the comprehensive PalmPay Fraud Awareness Week campaigns, which reached millions of Nigerians through executive-led education and anti-fraud walks in major hubs like Lagos and Kano.

These efforts significantly boosted positive brand sentiment and positioned the company’s leadership as authoritative voices in digital governance and security.

Ultimately, Tanimowo’s work exemplifies a commitment to consumer education and transparent communication, contributing to the development of a secure and trusted payment infrastructure across Africa.

| LinkedIn Profile

35. Linda Ochugbua, Seasoned Marketing and Sales Professional

Linda Ochugbua is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with over 13 years of working experience.

She started her marketing career in 2008 in Ryden Oil and Gas where she worked for a few years before proceeding to the United Kingdom where she barked a First class honors from the prestigious University of Surrey– with an MSC degree in Management.

She recently got an Entrepreneurship certificate from Harvard Business School, she is also an alumni of the prestigious Lagos Business School. After her studies, Linda worked a few years in ERAC Ltd where rose to becoming a team lead.

On returning to Nigeria she joined BusinessDay Media Limited the leading business newspaper in West Africa.

Linda joined BusinessDay in 2012 and led the strategic digital transformation of the advert department leading to increased revenue sources for the company. Linda is an avid panel speaker having spoken at notable conferences like Social Media Week and other conferences worldwide.

She loves to watch movies and reviews movies weekly across various platforms. She anchors an IGLive series “The African SME Story”, she anchors a podcast weekly “Growing Your Business With Linda” on her platforms and on Africa Business Radio. Linda is also the anchor of a new show she is working on called “Linda’s Nuggets” where she reviews books, life issues and business tips.

| LinkedIn Profile

36. Imelda Usoro Olaoye, CEO ThinkMint Nigeria

Imelda Usoro-Olaoye is steadily changing how Nigerians approach property ownership. As founder and CEO of ThinkMint Nigeria, she blends marketing expertise with digital tools to make housing easier to access.

Her goal is to open the door to affordable homes for more Nigerians, especially first-time buyers who usually find it difficult to enter the property market.

Her background cuts across marketing, communications, and business development. Imelda studied at the University of Port Harcourt and later strengthened her professional training at Edinburgh Business School and the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

That mix of education and practical experience helped her build ThinkMint into a respected marketing and real estate consultancy firm with offices in Lagos and Estonia.

She has also pushed innovation within Nigeria’s housing finance space. Through Green Mortgage, she introduced a fully online mortgage facilitation platform designed to simplify access to home financing.

The platform works with key housing funds to help Nigerians secure lower-interest mortgage loans. In an industry constantly criticised for complexity, she focuses on removing limitations and making the process more transparent.

Beyond business, Imelda invests time in growing the ecosystem around her and has received numerous recognitions, including the T.I.M.E. Special Recognition Award (2024) and Time Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

She founded the Real Estate Discussions and Awards (REDA), an industry event that gathers developers, investors and policymakers each year. At the same time, her NGO, Business Women Hub, supports female entrepreneurs with mentorship and guidance. Imelda believes that business success carries a responsibility to open doors for others and ensure more women take their place in the economy.

| LinkedIn Profile

37. Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, MD/CEO, CreditRegistry

Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun has spent decades working at the meeting point of technology and finance. Today, as Managing Director and CEO of CreditRegistry Nigeria, she helps in strengthening the country’s credit system.

Her work helps banks and financial institutions make better lending decisions while expanding access to finance for individuals and businesses.

She took over leadership of CreditRegistry Nigeria in 2014 after serving as Executive Vice President for Business Development.

Since then, she has helped grow the organisation’s presence across Nigeria’s banking sector. Under her watch, the company expanded its subscriber base and strengthened the use of credit data across financial institutions. That progress has supported a stronger credit culture and improved risk management across the industry.

Before moving into fintech, Sharrieff-Ayedun built an international engineering career. She worked at Microsoft as a global programme manager, focusing on identity management and online services. Earlier roles with General Motors took her across several regions, including North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Those experiences impacted her global outlook on technology and enterprise leadership.

Her influence is seen across the fintech ecosystem. She co-founded CreditRegistry Corporation in the United States and serves as Vice President of FintechNGR. Through platforms such as the Africa Credit Expo, she promotes financial literacy and responsible borrowing.

With more than 30 years of experience behind her, Sharrieff-Ayedun continues to advocate a simple idea: reliable credit data can unlock opportunity and drive economic growth.

| LinkedIn Profile

38. Bimbo Ikumariegbe, Deputy Managing Director/COO at VDT Communications Limited

Bimbo Ikumariegbe has spent more than two decades helping to build Nigeria’s broadband and enterprise connectivity sector. As Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of VDT Communications, she oversees operations that keep businesses and institutions connected in the digital economy.

Her journey with the company began in 2001 when she joined as a sales executive. Over the years, she moved through several leadership roles, steadily enhancing the organisation’s commercial direction. As General Manager of Sales and Marketing, she helped strengthen the company’s sales structure and expanded its market reach, contributing to the steady growth of the VDT brand within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Today, Ikumariegbe focuses on operational strategy and service delivery. She works closely with technical teams to ensure reliable broadband services for enterprise clients across the country. Her leadership has also supported improvements in service quality and the successful recertification of the company’s international quality management standards.

Ikumariegbe studied English Language at Obafemi Awolowo University and later earned an MBA from the same institution. She also completed executive programmes at Lagos Business School and holds certifications in IT service management and ISO quality systems. Her career has been consistently focused on operational excellence and digital infrastructure, two pillars that highly support Nigeria’s growing tech-driven economy.

| LinkedIn Profile

39. Aderonke Adeyegbe, Managing Director, Comercio

Aderonke Adeyegbe has spent more than two decades working across technology, telecommunications and enterprise services. Today, she leads Comercio Limited and Comercio Cloud Computing, where she oversees the delivery of cloud infrastructure and digital services to organisations across Nigeria.

Her work focuses on helping businesses move their operations to secure and reliable cloud platforms while strengthening their technology backbone.

Her professional journey started in international organisations, including Swiss International Air Lines, Panasonic, and Sitel UK/British Telecommunications.

Those roles exposed her to global standards in customer service, sales strategy and business development. Over time, she built strong experience in client management and marketing communications, skills that later proved vital in steering technology services companies.

At Comercio, Adeyegbe has guided the company’s expansion into key areas such as enterprise cloud services, cybersecurity, IT support, software development and cloud hosting.

She has also built strategic partnerships with technology manufacturers and original equipment makers, allowing the company to supply both hardware and software solutions to businesses across Nigeria. Through these partnerships, Comercio supports organisations focused on digital change.

Again, Adeyegbe is active within the ICT community where she has served on boards and committees of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, contributing to discussions around policy and industry sustainability.

A graduate of the University of Ibadan with a master’s degree in Marketing Communications from Pan-Atlantic University, she also mentors young entrepreneurs through programmes organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Her work attracts recognition among Nigeria’s leading ICT and telecom professionals.

| LinkedIn Profile

40. Dr. Ebehijie Juliet Momoh, Managing Director/ CEO, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited

Dr Ebehijie Juliet Momoh has built a long career within banking and digital payments, spanning more than 30 years. She now leads AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, where she drives the rollout and growth of AfriGO, Nigeria’s domestic payment card scheme.

The initiative aims to give the country a secure and cost-effective card system designed to support digital transactions nationwide.

Her role involves overseeing strategy, partnerships and market acceptance for the AfriGO card. The goal is to expand card usage while strengthening the country’s payment infrastructure. Under her leadership, the programme ensures wide access to electronic payments, particularly for individuals and small businesses that remain outside the formal financial system.

Before taking on this role, Momoh spent several years with Mastercard, where she served as Senior Vice President and Country Head for West Africa. She managed operations across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia, working with banks and governments to deepen digital payment adoption.

Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Standard Chartered Bank, First City Monument Bank, Diamond Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, building experience across retail, SME and commercial banking.

Momoh studied Chemistry at the University of Lagos before earning MBA degrees from the University of Benin and Bangor University.

She also belongs to several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Chartered Banker Institute in the United Kingdom and the Chartered Institute of Directors.

Over the years, she has become widely respected for her contribution to Nigeria’s payment systems and her role in improving financial access across the region.

| LinkedIn Profile

41. Folakemi Onipede, Business Lead, TROISSITINI

Folakemi Onipede has spent more than 20 years working across entertainment, media production and marketing communications. Known for her storytelling ability, she has built a career that moves easily between television, advertising, digital content and brand strategy.

Today, she leads projects at TROISSITINI, bringing creative direction and communication expertise to brands looking to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Her journey into the creative industry began in entertainment. Folakemi gained early visibility as a Pepsi ambassador during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. From there, she moved into content creation, writing and producing scripts for television and digital platforms.

Her work soon appeared on networks such as Channels TV, MTV Base, TVC and Glitz Network, while she also produced television commercials for brands including Mastercard and VConnect.

Over time, her role expanded from content production to marketing communications strategy. She began helping companies build their brand voice and develop campaigns that speak clearly to their audience.

Her portfolio includes work with organisations such as 9mobile, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, Wema Bank, Power Oil, Hero Lager, Wild Turkey, Evercare Hospital, BetKing and McVities, among many others. Several of these campaigns earned industry recognition.

Folakemi is also known for her voice work, having featured in projects linked to MTV Base, Cussons Baby, Hero Lager, McVities and the Indomie “Indomitables” series, as well as collaborations with artists including Ladipoe, Blackmagic and Wizkid. Across media, advertising and entertainment, she combines creativity with strategy, helping brands tell stories that stay with their audiences.

| LinkedIn Profile

42. Mapouna Calixte, Country Manager, pawaPay

Mapouna Calixte is a prominent Cameroonian fintech leader and operations expert, currently serving as the Country Director for pawaPay in Cameroon.

With a multi-disciplinary academic background in Law, Sustainable Development (IRIC), and an MBA in Operations Management (ESSEC), she is uniquely equipped to navigate the dual linguistic and complex regulatory environments of the CEMAC region.

Under her leadership, pawaPay Cameroon has consistently ranked among the top five market aggregators, and she has successfully spearheaded the company’s expansion into Gabon and the Central African Republic.

Her professional journey began at Orange Cameroon, where she honed her skills in customer experience and corporate social responsibility before transitioning to the fast-paced world of digital financial services.

Affectionately known as Queen Calixte, she is celebrated for a leadership style that balances high-level strategic discipline with a natural ability to foster institutional partnerships.

She views technology not merely as a business venture, but as a critical tool for securing transactions and driving inclusive economic growth across Africa.

Outside of her executive role, she is a multi-talented individual who enjoys travel, swimming, and basketball, embodying a modern, balanced approach to African corporate excellence.

| LinkedIn Profile

43. Ngozi (Ndidi Okonkwo) Nwuneli, President/ CEO, ONE Campaign

Ngozi Nwuneli has built her reputation around one idea, which is that development must ensure opportunities for people.

Now President and Chief Executive Officer of the ONE Campaign, she leads the global organisation’s work to combat extreme poverty and preventable diseases while advocating stronger economic opportunities for African communities.

Her professional journey began at McKinsey & Company before she returned to Nigeria to lead the FATE Foundation, an organisation that supports entrepreneurs.

That experience strengthened her interest in leadership development and social impact. In 2002, she founded LEAP Africa, a non-profit focused on nurturing ethical and effective leaders across the continent.

Nwuneli’s work later expanded into agriculture and food systems. She founded Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition, AACE Foods and the African Food Changemakers initiative, organisations working to strengthen agribusiness and improve nutrition across more than 30 African countries. These ventures support farmers, entrepreneurs and food companies building sustainable supply chains.

Her academic background includes a degree in Economics from the Wharton School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Nwuneli also serves on several international boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Chanel Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Group.

She has written widely on social enterprise, publishing books such as Social Innovation in Africa and Food Entrepreneurs in Africa. Recognitions including the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader honour and the Schwab Foundation fellowship reiterate the influence her work carries across the development space.

44. Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA

Angela Wamola works at the centre of Africa’s mobile and digital policy space. She is the Head of sub-Saharan Africa at the GSMA, coordinating regional programmes aimed at expanding mobile connectivity, strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting policies that support inclusive growth across the continent.

Her responsibilities involve working with governments, telecom operators and development partners to expand broadband access and encourage investment in digital services. The programmes she oversees also support initiatives around digital identity, mobile innovation and sustainable network expansion, areas many African economies rely on as digital adoption grows.

Before joining the GSMA in 2022, Wamola spent more than a decade at Safaricom in Kenya, where she rose through the technology division to senior leadership roles. During that time, she contributed to projects that improved the operator’s network infrastructure and supported the rollout of Kenya’s early undersea cable connections, helping to strengthen internet access across the country.

Wamola studied Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi and later earned an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town. She also founded the Safaricom Women in Technology initiative in 2011, a programme created to support women pursuing careers in science and engineering. Her contributions have earned several recognitions, including the Safaricom Technology Heko Award and honours from the Kenya ICT Authority for promoting women in STEM.

| LinkedIn Profile

45. Yemi Keri, Heckerbella Limited

Yemi Keri moves comfortably between technology leadership, investment and mentorship. She heads Heckerbella Limited, a digital transformation company that builds technology solutions for governments and large organisations.

The firm focuses on practical systems such as biometric payroll platforms and automation tools designed to improve efficiency and accountability in public institutions and corporate operations.

Her experience stretches across both the private and public sectors. Keri previously worked with SAP Africa, where she served as Regional Manager, supporting enterprise technology adoption across several markets.

She later became the pioneer Managing Director of the Edo State Directorate of Information Communications and Technology Agency, helping to introduce digital systems aimed at modernising government operations and service delivery.

Beyond technology leadership, she is highly involved in Africa’s investment ecosystem. Keri co-founded Rising Tide Africa, a women-led angel investment network encouraging more women to participate in venture funding and cross-border investing.

She has also served as president of the African Business Angel Network and sits on the Board of Governors of the Lagos Angel Network.

Her investment work extends to the Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund, where she contributes to decisions supporting African agribusiness ventures.

Keri studied Accounting at the University of Maiduguri and later earned a master’s degree in IT Project Management from the American InterContinental University in Illinois. Her contributions to technology leadership were recognised with Nigeria’s Most Outstanding Public Sector CIO award at the ICT Centenary Awards in 2014.

She also serves on several boards, including First City Monument Bank, Investment One Financial Services, the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre and GAIA Africa. Through teaching and mentoring at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, she guides entrepreneurs and professionals exploring digital innovation.

| LinkedIn Profile

46. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO Naspers South Africa

Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa occupies one of the most influential corporate roles in Africa’s technology and investment sector.

She serves as South Africa Chief Executive Officer of Naspers, the global technology investor known for building businesses in e-commerce, fintech and digital media. Her appointment in 2019 made her the first Black woman to lead the company’s South African operations.

Her career spans finance, infrastructure investment and private equity. She began in project finance at Fieldstone in New York before returning to South Africa to work with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. From there, she moved into leadership at Shanduka Group, serving as chief executive for more than a decade and expanding the investment company’s presence across energy, mining and property.

Mahanyele-Dabengwa later co-founded Sigma Capital, an investment firm focused on African growth opportunities. At Naspers, she oversees top businesses including e-commerce platform Takealot, fintech operation PayU and media group Media24. She also supports programmes such as Naspers Foundry and Naspers Labs, which fund entrepreneurs and create opportunities for young innovators across South Africa.

Her work has earned global recognition having been named among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International in 2020 and earlier received the Forbes Woman Africa Businesswoman of the Year award.

Mahanyele-Dabengwa studied Economics at Rutgers University and later completed an MBA at De Montfort University. She also serves on boards including Vodacom Group and Discovery Insure while contributing to initiatives linked to the United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa and the BRICS Business Council.

| LinkedIn Profile

47. Oyin Solebo, Partner, Cone Ventures Studio

Oyin Solebo is well focused on venture investment, entrepreneurship and global talent networks. She is a Partner at Cone Ventures Studio and also serves as an Operating Partner at Cascador.org. Her work focuses on helping African startups access capital, mentorship and international partnerships.

Her professional journey began in investment management at Goldman Sachs, where she advised high-net-worth clients across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She later joined the global consultancy Roland Berger and helped establish its Sub-Saharan Africa practice. Along the way, she also managed investment portfolios for several London-based family offices.

In 2014, Solebo co-founded Movemeback, a platform connecting global professionals with opportunities across Africa. The initiative received attention for helping skilled diaspora talent reconnect with companies and startups across the continent. The platform’s impact earned recognition from the London Stock Exchange and support from Google.

Her influence in the startup sector expanded further when she became the founding Managing Director of the ARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator in 2022. During her time leading the programme, it backed 24 startups working in areas such as fintech, logistics, health technology and clean energy. Nearly half of those companies were founded by women.

Solebo studied Economics at the London School of Economics and later earned an Executive MBA with distinction from London Business School. She also sits on the board of GiveDirectly and mentors founders while advocating wider access to venture capital across Africa.

| LinkedIn Profile

48. Eloho Omame, Co-Founder & General Partner at FirstCheck Africa

Venture capital in Africa has gotten new voices in recent years, and Eloho Omame stands among those driving the conversation forward.

She is a Partner at TLcom Capital and also co-founded FirstCheck Africa, a female-led investment fund backing early-stage startups across the continent. Her work focuses on giving promising founders the first financial support and guidance they need to build sustainable companies.

Omame’s professional background blends finance, corporate strategy and entrepreneurship. She began in investment banking with Credit Suisse and Renaissance Capital before moving into corporate development at First Bank of Nigeria. Later, she joined global growth-equity firm General Atlantic, where she worked on investment opportunities across sub-Saharan Africa.

Her involvement in the startup ecosystem grew further when she founded Amari Business Advisory and later launched Endeavor Nigeria, serving as its founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from 2018 to 2021. During that period, she helped establish a strong network for high-growth Nigerian entrepreneurs, connecting them with global mentors, investors and markets.

Today, Omame influences Africa’s venture space through TLcom Capital, which manages funds of over 200 million dollars and has backed companies such as Andela, Twiga Foods and uLesson. Through FirstCheck Africa, launched in 2021, she works directly with women founders across Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa.

She also contributes to national policy discussions as a member of Nigeria’s National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship under the Nigeria Startup Act.

| LinkedIn Profile

49. Kemi Adetiba, Creative Tech Entrepreneur

Few filmmakers have altered the tone of modern Nollywood quite like Kemi Adetiba. Her work blends strong storytelling with bold visual style, drawing audiences both in Nigeria and beyond. Through films, documentaries and music videos, she has built a creative brand that influences how African stories reach global screens.

Adetiba grew up in a Lagos household where media and engineering were everyday conversations. Her father, Dele Adetiba, worked in broadcasting while her mother, Mayen Adetiba, was one of Nigeria’s early female civil engineers.

She initially studied law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar before deciding to pursue filmmaking, later attending the New York Film Academy.

Her career first got public attention in broadcasting. She worked as a radio presenter at Rhythm 93.7 FM and later appeared on television programmes including Studio 53, Temptation Nigeria and Maltina Dance All. From there, she moved into directing music videos for artists such as Wizkid, Olamide and TY Bello, earning recognition for her distinctive visual approach.

Adetiba’s breakthrough in cinema came with The Wedding Party in 2016, which became the highest-grossing Nigerian film of its time. She followed with the political drama King of Boys, later expanding the story into a Netflix series. Her 2025 release To Kill a Monkey further extended her reach on global streaming platforms. Through her production company, Kemi Adetiba Visuals, and projects like the documentary series King Women, she continues to mentor emerging creatives while amplifying the voices of African women.

| Profile

50. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications, NITDA

At the National Information Technology Development Agency, Hadiza Umar manages one of the most visible communication roles within Nigeria’s digital policy landscape. As Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, she leads the messaging and public engagement initiative that explains government technology programmes to citizens, businesses and industry stakeholders.

Her work places strong emphasis on clarity and accessibility. Under her guidance, NITDA’s communication approach highlights issues such as data protection, digital literacy and support for local technology innovation. The goal is to ensure people understand how national technology policies affect everyday life and economic opportunity.

Umar’s approach has brought fresh energy to public-sector communication. She promotes open dialogue with the technology community while helping position NITDA as an agency that listens as well as informs. Campaigns around digital inclusion and responsible technology use have strengthened public awareness of Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Her contribution to the profession gained national recognition in 2025 when she was named among Nigeria’s Top 50 Public Relations Professionals by GLG Communications and The Guardian, under the PR Power List’s Rising Voices category.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Umar also mentors young communicators and takes part in initiatives that encourage more women to pursue careers in technology and public communication.

| Profile

51. Prof. Emeje Chizomam Ann, Managing Director of Troop Pharmaceuticals Limited

For more than four decades, Professor Emeje Chizomam Ann has combined academic work with business leadership in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. She currently leads Troop Pharmaceuticals Limited while also serving as Head of the Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Trinity University, Lagos. Her career reflects a rare mix of pharmacy practice, entrepreneurship and supply chain expertise.

Her academic background is extensive, studying Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University before pursuing further training in Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management.

She later earned two doctoral degrees in Logistics Entrepreneurship, a field still developing globally. Through teaching and research, she has helped expand understanding of logistics and supply systems within healthcare delivery.

At Troop Pharmaceuticals, Professor Emeje introduced early computerisation into community pharmacy operations, improving record keeping and service efficiency. She also encouraged diversification among pharmacy practitioners, promoting contract manufacturing and other business models within the industry. Long before it gained acceptance, she also supported telehealth services as a practical way to extend medical access to more communities.

Her professional influence extends beyond business and academia. She is a Fellow and Vice Chairman of the Courier and Logistics Management Institute and participates actively in several professional and entrepreneurial bodies. Through publications, training programmes and community health education initiatives, she contributes to the growth of pharmaceutical practice and healthcare awareness in Nigeria.

52. Tinuade Oguntuyi, GM, Technical, Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL)

Delivering reliable connectivity across difficult terrain usually requires both technical depth and determination. Tinuade Oguntuyi brings both to her role as General Manager, Technical at Information Connectivity Solutions Limited. Her work focuses on expanding network infrastructure and improving digital access, particularly in communities that remain outside Nigeria’s main connectivity grid.

Over the past 15 years, she has led technical teams responsible for designing and deploying network systems across several African markets. Her projects cover fibre networks, microwave systems, satellite connectivity and other infrastructure that supports enterprise communications and internet services. Many of these initiatives focus on bringing connectivity to underserved areas where reliable access has remained limited.

Oguntuyi studied Computer Science at Olabisi Onabanjo University and later completed specialised training in telecommunications and business innovation.

She is also pursuing an Executive Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Rome Business School.

Her work in the industry has drawn international recognition, including the Paul Muchene Award from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and fellowship participation at ICANN events.

She is active in global conversations on digital infrastructure, speaking at technology gatherings such as MWC Barcelona, AfricaCom and BIG Tech Tunisia. Beyond engineering and policy discussions, Oguntuyi advocates greater participation of women in technology fields.

Through the TinuAdeniyi Tech Foundation, which she co-founded, she supports young women and underserved communities seeking opportunities in STEM careers.

| LinkedIn Profile

53. Gbemisola Osunrinde, CEO, Smartcomply

Cybersecurity has become a huge concern for businesses moving deeper into the digital economy. Gbemisola Osunrinde works at the front line of that challenge as Chief Executive Officer of Smartcomply, a company focused on helping organisations manage cybersecurity risks while meeting regulatory requirements.

Her background combines technical expertise with operational leadership. Osunrinde holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Management from the University of Warwick and studied Information and Communication Technology at Covenant University. She also holds several professional certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, CCNA and CCNP.

Before launching Smartcomply, she worked with several technology and cybersecurity firms, including Inlaks, MainOne, Halogen Group’s cybersecurity division, Cybervergent and Esentry. During that period, she led projects involving security monitoring, risk assessment and compliance frameworks for organisations undergoing digital transformation.

At Smartcomply, she leads efforts to simplify complex security and compliance processes through automated tools designed for African businesses. Her work focuses on frameworks such as ISO standards, PCI DSS, SOC 2 and GDPR. Beyond corporate work, Osunrinde trains professionals across the continent on cybersecurity awareness and regulatory best practice, helping organisations build stronger digital trust.

| LinkedIn Profile

54. Martina Ogbebor, CEO, Pawnith Limited

Access to capital is one of the toughest challenges for many small businesses in Nigeria. Martina Ogbebor is working to address that gap through Pawnith Limited, a private credit and capital deployment platform she leads as Chief Executive Officer. The company focuses on providing structured financing that helps small and medium-sized businesses grow and expand.

Her professional journey began in the telecommunications sector with 9Mobile, then known as Etisalat Nigeria. There, she worked on national marketing campaigns and youth-focused engagement programmes that reached millions of consumers. The experience introduced her to large-scale brand strategy and market development.

Ogbebor later moved into senior marketing leadership at inq. Digital Nigeria, formerly Vodacom Business Nigeria. In that role, she led integrated campaigns across cloud services, connectivity, security and digital infrastructure solutions. Her work helped strengthen brand visibility while driving customer growth through targeted partnerships and data-driven marketing.

Today, she focuses on finance and enterprise development. Through Pawnith, she supports businesses looking for alternative funding options outside traditional banking channels. Ogbebor studied Microbiology at the University of Benin and holds professional certification in Integrated Marketing Communications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She also completed executive training at Harvard University focused on evaluating and scaling new business ideas.

| LinkedIn Profile

55. Dr. Ogechi Assumpta Ibeh Obinna, Head, Procurement, National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF)

Dr. Ogechi Assumpta Ibeh Obinna is a procurement strategist, academic, and public-sector leader specializing in technology-driven financial governance. She serves as Head of Procurement at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) in Abuja, where she leads initiatives to modernize procurement systems and strengthen transparency within Nigeria’s legislative knowledge infrastructure.

She earned a Ph.D. in Accountancy in 2025 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, focusing on government e-payment platforms and corruption in procurement, particularly the role of the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS). Her work combines academic research with practical implementation in public financial management.

Dr. Ogechi’s core expertise includes digital procurement transformation, financial governance and forensic accounting, strategic procurement leadership, and gender advocacy in technology governance. At NALTF, she has overseen strategic sourcing for projects such as the National Assembly Digital Archiving System and implemented digital compliance mechanisms to strengthen accountability and reduce procedural risks.

Beyond her professional role, she is a strong advocate for women’s inclusion in finance and technology. She mentors young female professionals in the public sector and holds leadership positions in alumni networks, including President of the Owerri Girls Alumnae Association (Enugu Chapter) and National Financial Secretary of the Imo State University Alumni Association.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ogechi aims to advance the integration of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and smart contracts into Nigeria’s public procurement systems to improve transparency and efficiency while fostering gender-inclusive leadership in governance.

| LinkedIn Profile

56. Nonye Ujam, Director, Government Affairs, West Africa, Microsoft

    

    Nonye (Nonyelum Adanma) Ujam is a Nigerian technology policy expert, development practitioner, and public-private sector strategist with more than 17 years of experience spanning technology, government affairs, financial systems, and socio-economic development.

    She currently serves as Director of Government Affairs for Nigeria and emerging markets in Africa at Microsoft, where she leads engagement with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders on issues such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and technology policy reform. Her role involves advancing collaboration between government and industry to support responsible digital innovation and economic development.

    Before joining Microsoft, Ujam worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria, where she contributed to initiatives in information technology, development finance, and financial inclusion. During her time at the bank, she helped design and implement programmes aimed at addressing development finance gaps and strengthening regulatory frameworks for Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

    She also served as Technical Adviser on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the office of Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. In that role, she supported the design and implementation of policies and social intervention programmes focused on inclusion, education access, and poverty reduction.

    In 2024, Ujam received the Dean’s Prize for Outstanding ALM Capstone from Harvard University Extension School for her master’s thesis on improving access to basic education in Nigeria. Her research explored community-driven approaches and social intervention programmes aimed at addressing the country’s out-of-school children crisis.

    Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in Global Development Practice from Harvard University, an MSc in Computing, IT Law and Management from King’s College London, and a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science.

    Her academic work and policy research focus on technology for development, digital governance, gender equity, and education access.

    Beyond her corporate and policy roles, Ujam is an advocate for sustainable development and social impact.

    She founded Azar Initiative for Development in Africa (AID Africa), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and youth through education, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes.

    Through her work across technology, public policy, and development initiatives, Nonye Ujam continues to contribute to shaping Africa’s digital policy landscape while advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development.

    | LinkedIn Profil

57. Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder, PiggyVest
58. Rebecca Enonchong – Founder/CEO, AppsTech
59. Uche Pedro – Founder/CEO, BellaNaija
60. Ada Nduka Oyom – Founder, She Code Africa
61. Temie Giwa-Tubosun – Founder, LifeBank
62. Aisha Abdullahi – Executive Director, Credit and Portfolio Management, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP)
63. Tomilola Majekodunmi – Managing Partner at Salem Advisory Services
64. Uche Uzoebo – CEO, SANEF
65. Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – Founder/CEO Futuresoft
66. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu – Chairman, Africa Finance Corporation Board Chairman
67. Dr. Joy Buolamwini – AI ethics researcher
68. Timnit Gebru – Founder & Executive Director at The Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR)
69. Tokunboh Ishmael – MD and Co-Founder, Alitheia Capital
70. Bernice Omiunu – Operations Lead at Women in Blockchain Africa.
71. Hilda Mugasia – Specialist Lawyer in Crypto and IP at Thompsons Legal Alliance.
72. Cheryl Owala – Technical Lead at Web3wayAfrica.
73. Juliet Ehimuan – Founder, Beyond Limits
74. Esther Kimani – Founder of Farmer Lifeline Technologies, using AI for pest detection.
75. Leonora Tima – Founder of Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT), using data to support survivors of GBV
76. Nkiru Balonwu – Strategy and leadership advisor
77. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, PhD – Edtech leader
78. Nnenna Nwakanma – Internet governance leader
79. Amina Mohammed – UN Deputy Secretary-General
80. Thato Schermer – Founder of Zoie Health, making quality women’s healthcare accessible.
81. Chinwe Udo-Davis – Founder of Instollar, a green-tech platform for renewable energy jobs.
82. Jihane Ouhejjou – Developer of AI systems for water distribution and resource management.
83. Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank, driving major digital expansion and SME funding.
84. Dr. Noxolo Kubheka-Dlamini – Founder of Zowiumi Holdings, a key voice in digital transformation and security.
85. Ethel Cofie – Founder of Women in Tech Africa and CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting.
86. Angela Semwogerere – Founder of Coding In Heels and consultant on 4IR technologies.
87. Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa – CEO of Naspers South Africa, overseeing massive tech investments.
88. Jihan Abass – Founder of Lami Insurance Technology, digitizing insurance across the continent.
89. Solape Akinpelu – Founder of HerVest, providing financial tools for women farmers and SMEs.
90. Oluwatosin Olaseinde – Founder of Money Africa and Ladda, leading financial literacy through tech.
91. Chioma Okotcha – Co-founder/COO of PayHippo, providing instant credit to SMEs.
92. Folayemi Agusto – Co-founder of Tix Africa, building event-tech and payment infrastructure.
93. Nelly Chatue Diop – Founder of Ejara, a leading crypto and investment platform in Francophone Africa.
94. Mai Massoud – Founder of Taiseer, a Sharia-compliant digital micro-investment platform.
95. Kesheni Moodley – Regional Director for Africa at Paymentology.
96. Betelhem Dessie – Founder of Anyone Can Code, a pioneer in robotics and AI education.
97. Blessing Ikpia – Co-founder of Elite Global AI, driving growth for AI brands.
98. Ire Aderinokun – Co-founder/VP of Engineering at Helicarrier (Buycoins), building crypto infrastructure.
99. Sarah Idahosa – Founder of Women in DeFi, bridging the gender gap in decentralized finance.
100. Yvonne Kagondu – Founder of ICP Hub Kenya, leading blockchain adoption.

“This Techeconomy Power List is more than recognition. It is a celebration of influence, resilience, and the transformative power of women who continue to give their talents and leadership to build a future where innovation works for everyone. Congratulations to the Celebrants!”, says Oluwatosin Aloba, Brand Manager at Techeconomy.

Ajene’s elevation marks both a personal milestone and a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s financial talent.

Since taking the helm of Standard Chartered Nigeria in April 2024, he led the bank to strong year-on-year performance, including meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ₦200 billion recapitalisation requirement ahead of the March 2026 deadline, a feat that demonstrated strategic execution under pressure.

“Having had the privilege of leading Standard Chartered Nigeria over the past two years, I am deeply honoured to now take on broader responsibilities across Africa,” Ajene said in a statement on his appointment. “This transition reflects the strength of our franchise, the resilience of our teams, and the impact we have delivered in a period of significant change and development.”

From National to Continental Leadership

Ajene’s career trajectory has been rooted in banking excellence. Prior to joining Standard Chartered, he was CEO of Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, and his professional journey spans major global financial centres, bringing both international experience and local insight to his new role.

In his new position, Ajene will oversee a broad portfolio that spans Standard Chartered’s business across Africa, driving growth in Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth, and Retail operations, while strengthening the bank’s footprint in trade finance, structured solutions, and development finance.

“Across the region, Standard Chartered remains a key partner … leveraging technology to deliver client-centric services anchored on trust,” he added, signalling his strategic focus on innovation and customer value.

A Strategic Shift with Local Foundations

Ajene’s promotion also aligns with leadership continuity in Nigeria: Ayodeji “Deji” Adelagun, a seasoned banker with over 26 years of experience and nearly two decades at Standard Chartered, has been appointed Acting CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria.

This move ensures operational continuity while the bank broadens its strategic reach across the continent.

Adelagun brings deep expertise in financial markets, trading, and risk management, skills he honed over years working across banking operations and securities trading. On assuming the acting CEO role, he said he was “deeply honoured to lead the bank’s strategic agenda in Nigeria at this pivotal time,” with Nigeria remaining a priority market under his leadership.

What This Means for African Banking

Ajene’s new role reflects Standard Chartered’s long-term faith in Nigeria’s leadership capabilities and the country’s importance within its African strategy.

As banks across the continent navigate a mix of regulatory changes, capital requirements and digital transformation, having an experienced Nigerian at the helm of continental operations sends a powerful message about the depth of local executive capability in the global finance ecosystem.

Under his leadership, Standard Chartered aims to accelerate growth, mobilise capital, and create sustainable value for clients, stakeholders, and the communities it serves, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa’s dynamic and diverse markets.

During its pilot phase, Clea processed more than USD 4 million in cross-border transactions, demonstrating strong early demand from businesses navigating the complexities of global trade.

African importers have long struggled with limited FX access, unpredictable exchange rates, high bank charges, fraudulent intermediaries, and payment delays that slow or halt shipments.

The continent also faces a trade-finance gap estimated at over USD 120 billion annually, limiting importers’ ability to access the FX and financial infrastructure needed for timely international payments.

Clea addresses these persistent challenges by offering fast, transparent, and direct USD settlements, completed without intermediaries or banking bottlenecks.

Founded by Sheriff Adedokun, Iyiola Osuagwu, and Sidney Egwuatu, Clea was created from the team’s own experiences dealing with unreliable international payments. The platform currently serves Nigerian importers trading with suppliers in the United States, China, and the UAE, with plans to expand into additional trade corridors.

Key features include:

• Local payments in Naira with instant access to USD
• Instant, same-day, or next-day settlement options
• Transparent, traceable transactions that reduce fraud risk

Speaking on the launch, Sheriff Adedokun, CEO and co-founder, said,

“Importers face unnecessary stress when payments are delayed or rejected. Clea eliminates that uncertainty by offering reliable, secure, and traceable payments completed in the importer’s own name, strengthening supplier confidence from day one.”

Iyiola Osuagwu, co-founder & CTO, added,

“Our goal is to make global trade feel as seamless as a local transfer. By connecting local currencies to global transactions through blockchain technology, we are removing long-standing barriers that have limited African importers for years.”

Clea is already working with shipping operators who refer merchants to the platform and is also engaging trade associations and logistics networks in key import hubs.

The company remains fully bootstrapped but is open to strategic investors aligned with its mission to build a trusted global payment network for African businesses.

Looking ahead, Sidney Egwuatu, co-founder & COO, said,

“The next phase for us is scale. We are expanding across all 36 Nigerian states, strengthening partnerships, and opening new payout routes across Africa and beyond. Our focus is building a dependable financial infrastructure that genuinely supports importer growth.”

The ₦200 million facility, located within its recently commissioned building extension, strengthens the hospital’s capability to manage high-acuity cases requiring advanced monitoring and specialised intervention.

This facility directly tackles medical tourism by bringing world-class healthcare to Nigeria.

The unit operates 24/7 with a dedicated team comprising three intensive-care physicians, three critical-care nurses in rotation, three nursing assistants and on-call specialists, led by a Consultant Intensivist.

It is equipped to manage severe respiratory failure, post-operative complications, sepsis, cardiac emergencies, and multi-organ dysfunction.

The upgraded ICU is equipped with mechanical ventilators with multi-mode capabilities, continuous vital-signs patient monitors, an infusion system featuring multiple infusion pumps and syringe drivers, a defibrillator with backup pads, an ECG machine, a blood warmer, specialist ICU beds with pressure-relieving air mattresses, a medical-grade air-filtration system, an effective patient-transport system, and a low-pressure bedding system for preventing bed sores.

Speaking on the development, Dr Akinbiyi Oke, CEO, Avon Medical Practice, stated:

“The commencement of ICU operations at our No. 6 Building reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery. This ₦200 million investment in critical-care infrastructure demonstrates our resolve to bridge the gap in specialised healthcare access. With this addition, we are better positioned to manage critical emergencies and complex medical cases promptly and precisely, while reinforcing our commitment to ensuring Nigerians have access to world-class healthcare without the need to travel abroad.”

Dr Olubunmi Salako, head, Clinical Services, added:

“Our ICU team has completed extensive training in advanced life-support and critical-care protocols. With this upgraded capacity, we are equipped to deliver evidence-based care using international best practices, ensuring that every patient receives continuous expert attention around the clock.”

The ICU is accessible 24/7 through the Accident & Emergency Department and supports both private-paying and insured patients.

Avon Medical Practice is a 50-bed multi-speciality healthcare provider, committed to providing superior patient experience.

Its state-of-the-art facilities, including a full-service hospital, multiple on-site clinics, a state-of-the-art dialysis centre, and a trusted pharmacy and laboratory, reflect our commitment to excellence.

While the rest of the world gets older and runs out of steam, Africa’s cities are expanding, consumer demand is rising, and resources remain plentiful.

What this means is that in the next 25 years, over half of global population growth will emanate from Africa, shifting the currents of investment, infrastructure, and trade.

Deep historic and cultural links are keeping the West engaged in Africa, but changing geopolitical dynamics are changing how its economic and strategic importance is viewed.

First mover advantage

Recognising its potential as a new frontier for global economic growth early on, China was Africa’s first meaningful investor in the 21st century.

Over the past two decades, the Asian colossus has shifted its early focus on extractive industries to investing in renewable energy, railways, ports, manufacturing, digital networks, and healthcare. This commitment has helped lay much of the physical and digital backbone that Africa so desperately needs to grow.

Across the continent, projects backed by Chinese investment have strengthened critical systems and enabled new markets.

The National ICT Backbone in Tanzania has expanded broadband access, made e-health and e-learning possible, and strengthened e-government services.

In Sierra Leone, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, built over 7,700m², continues to enhance healthcare delivery and played a vital role during the Ebola outbreak. The proposed $1.4 billion upgrade of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway furthermore promises to revitalise a key regional trade corridor for copper exports and improve transport efficiency in the region.

Such stories about local projects may not dominate headlines abroad, but they stimulate markets, build skills, and engender the conditions for African businesses and consumers to thrive.

A partnership evolving with the times

China’s approach has evolved to match Africa’s economic trajectory. The early years were defined by sovereign-backed megaprojects.

Today, China invests in targeted, more manageable and commercially viable investments that encourage local participation and private-sector delivery while providing a clearer return on investment.

This “small and beautiful” phase of its Belt and Road Initiative is well suited to Africa’s priorities: building industrial capacity, expanding renewable energy, and accelerating digital transformation.

The automotive sector offers a clear example. In South Africa, nearly half of the 14 Chinese car brands that are now active in the country, entered the market in the past year.

BYD, one of China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, plans to triple its dealership network by 2026 and expand its range of electric and hybrid models.

Other manufacturers, including Chery and Great Wall Motors, are gaining ground by offering technology-rich, competitively priced vehicles tailored for African consumers.

These moves are about more than sales: they are building supply chains, creating jobs, and positioning South Africa as a hub for electric vehicle adoption and assembly.

Shifts in global trade are reinforcing these opportunities. As Western protectionism grows, including through US tariff regimes, China is expanding zero-tariff access for African goods and strengthening its role as a reliable trade partner. For African economies, this opens new markets and buffers against volatility in traditional export destinations.

Why engagement matters

For African governments, China’s role is pragmatic and strategic because it speeds up infrastructure delivery, broadens industrial bases, and opens new trade corridors.

For businesses, aligning with this investment momentum can mean first-mover advantage in high-growth markets, improved access to logistics and industrial hubs tied into global supply chains, and opportunities to co-develop products and services for a rapidly expanding consumer base.

However, simply being present in the right markets is not enough. Success depends on positioning: showing a clear understanding of local priorities, demonstrating long-term commitment, and framing participation as part of Africa’s wider development story, which is why those that approach this relationship with clarity and purpose will gain both economic and reputational value.

This requires communicating the partnership in a way that resonates with audiences in both Africa and China – replacing outdated narratives of dependency with a focus on mutual benefit, shared priorities, and tangible results. Because perceptions can shift quickly and decisively, telling that story effectively is as critical as the investment itself.

Trade, not charity

Africa must be a partner, not a passive recipient of Chinese largesse by making African Continental Free Trade Area rules bite at the border, cutting clearance times, lifting product standards, and expanding export finance so manufacturers are able to deliver volumes.

Manage debt in the open, and drop the tired “China asset grab” narrative, because outright takeovers are rare.

The real work is negotiating clear, enforceable contracts that secure skills transfer and grow local capacity.

The aim isn’t investment for show, but investment that builds competitive industries and export muscle. That’s how Chinese capital turns into jobs and exports.

Looking ahead

Africa’s annual infrastructure financing gap still exceeds $100 billion. No single partner can close it, but China’s willingness, scale, delivery capability, and track record make it an indispensable player in meeting that challenge.

For those who read the signs, the opportunities are boundless. The next decade will define the course of Africa’s growth and decide who reaps its rewards.

Businesses, investors, and decision-makers who seize the opportunity – and position their willingness – will help to write Africa’s new story.

In a sector long plagued by donor scepticism and opaque operations, one tech-powered nonprofit is rewriting the rulebook.

Helpster, a global charity startup founded to improve healthcare access for underserved children and pregnant women, has developed a sophisticated fraud detection system that is setting a new benchmark for trust, transparency and impact in the world of giving.

At the heart of Helpster’s approach is a proprietary platform that uses artificial intelligence, peer-reviewed medical oversight and real-time data validation to detect fraud and ensure every donation reaches the people who need it most.

The platform serves communities across Africa and Asia(Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia) where healthcare gaps are both systemic and urgent.

“Early on, we discovered that some people were pretending to be poor,” said Kate Lysykh, CEO of Helpster Charity. “Individuals were borrowing houses just to look eligible. We realised we couldn’t rely on goodwill alone. We had to build a tech infrastructure that could verify need, flag inconsistencies and protect donor funds at scale.”

Helpster’s system integrates AI to assess every case for risk, poverty level and urgency. Volunteer doctors across the globe independently validate medical cases online, flagging irregularities and weeding out inflated diagnoses and treatment plans. Once a case is approved, donors are able to track it in real-time, access treatment records and even choose to pay hospitals directly, an option rarely offered by nonprofits.

The charity’s radical transparency does not stop at the patient level. It refuses to transfer money to hospitals or partner NGOs without due diligence, instead relying on signed MoUs and outcome-based partnerships. Hospitals are continuously assessed both digitally and through on-ground checks. Any sign of inflated pricing or corruption results in delisting.

“If fintechs require KYC for users, charities should do the same for beneficiaries and service providers,” said Ms. Lysykh. “We apply that same logic to every hospital, volunteer and partner we work with.”

But building a fraud-resistant model in regions with unstable infrastructure has not come without challenges. Rumours, community backlash and even smear campaigns have emerged in response to Helpster’s anti-fraud measures. Yet the team has remained firm in its mission.

“In some communities, challenging a leader or rejecting a fake case is seen as disrespect,” she said. “We’ve even faced demands for bribes just to get a case validated. But we’ve held our ground. Our loyalty is to the people genuinely in need, and to the donors who believe in them.”

By publishing annual reports with case-level data, impact metrics and spending breakdowns, Helpster is making a bold statement: that charity does not have to be a black box. It can be a trust-led, data-driven, AI-enhanced ecosystem where giving is both compassionate and accountable.

As other nonprofits scramble to modernise, Helpster’s model is already attracting the attention of tech partners, global donors and impact investors.

Its scalable infrastructure not only delivers life-saving care but also raises the bar for what socially conscious technology can achieve. 

PAT aimed at catering to the telecommunication needs ranging from broadband, mobile telephony to other local value-added services in Africa.

A statement signed by its Board Chairman, Adefolarin Ogunsanya, reads:

“We are delighted to announce Osi Echezona Russell as the new Chief Executive Officer of PAT. We are confident in his strategic acumen, and we believe that his vision and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in guiding the Pan African Towers’ next phase of growth and transformation.”

Russell comes with vast experience having served as the Head of Network Deployment at Airtel Nigeria, Operations Director and Chief Technical Information Officer at MIC Tanzania, Chief Technology Officer roles at IPT PowerTech Nigeria, Rhino Niger Networks, and Biswal Nigeria.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science and Business Analytics.

“He takes over strategic and executive leadership of our company with notable professional accomplishments encompassing network expansion, technology innovation, operational excellence and executive leadership”.

“He will work closely with the Board of Directors and the executive management team to ensure continuity in our business operations and improved customer service delivery”, the TowerCo’s statement reads.

It’s called Revwit – an intelligent, local-first Sales Assistant already managing over $800 million in B2B deals across the continent.

Founded by Chinedu Ossai, Damilola Aluede, and Dayo Adekanmbi, Revwit was born from years of first hand experience in enterprise sales globally and sales advisory services to hundreds of B2B Sales teams in Africa.. Frustrated by expensive, foreign-built CRMs that didn’t match local sales realities, the trio created Revwit to simplify how African teams sell.

“We didn’t build Revwit just because it’s a business opportunity. We built it because we’ve led teams, chased deals, and wished there was something simpler,” said Damilola Aluede, Revwit Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer. “We want to give sales teams a tool that just works – so they can focus on selling, not struggling with software.”

Revwit lets African sales teams automatically capture leads from forms, emails, and calendars; enrich them using AI-powered data capture from a global database of over 200 million contacts; and track deals through customisable pipelines that reflect how African businesses actually buy and sell. It also enables one-to-one and bulk email outreach with built-in personalisation.

The product is easy to set up – users simply sign up and connect their email to get started. There’s no onboarding delay, no need for consultants, and no need for technical skills. Revwit is available in local currencies, starting with the Naira, and will soon support the Kenyan Shilling, Ghanaian Cedi, and South African Rand. It is also fully NDPR-compliant and GDPR-ready, ensuring enterprise-grade data security.

“Revwit is perfect for where we are as a company. It updates our leads automatically, which frees up our time to focus on what matters most – our customers,” said Napa Onwusah, CEO at Placidcode.

More than 200 African startups and professional services firms are already using Revwit to simplify and scale their B2B Sales operations. With its MVP now live, the team is doubling down on integrations, automation, and expanding payment support to make the product even more accessible across the continent.

“Revwit goes beyond traditional sales CRM capabilities. It’s a B2B Sales assistant because it does your CRM work for you,” added co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Chinedu Ossai. “It’s the tool we wish we had while chasing deals across Africa – one we didn’t have to spend hours a day updating contacts.”

The study, “Our Life with AI: From innovation to application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, finding that global AI usage has jumped to 48% and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57% vs. 43%, up from 50% / 50% last year).

In Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher. 70% of the online population have used generative AI, surpassing the 48% global average. Moreover, 87% are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.

“AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better,” said Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet. “Today’s survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”

AI Optimism on the Rise

The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings include:

• Generative AI Use: Among survey participants in Nigeria, 70% reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48%.
• Positive Outlook: A substantial 87% of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI.
• Economic Impact: A significant 81% of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
• Societal Impact: Furthermore, 90% of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.

How Nigeria Fares Versus Other Regions

Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates:

• Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
• This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.

AI Opportunity for Science and Medical Breakthroughs

The Nigerian online community sees immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:

• A significant 90% of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI.

AI as a Tool for Personal and Professional Growth

The surveyed online population in Nigeria recognises AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:

• Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources.

Pro-Innovation Sentiments Prevail

Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations.

This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation.

Global Comparison of 2023 and 2024 Results

“Our latest multinational survey with Google shows that people view the continuing development of AI as important and exciting, but something that should be done thoughtfully,” said Ben Page, CEO, Ipsos. “We find that as more people use and gain experience with AI, they are better able to see how AI can help them and the possibilities that AI gives them.

These results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement.

The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.

Charting the Course of AI in Nigeria’s Business Terrain

Google’s approach to AI

Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years – in fact, in 2018, the company was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm.

Two years ago, Google unveiled its Opportunity Agenda, which shares concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.