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18 Innovative Champions of 2024

Chris Iyovwaye

MD, WELLMANGROUP

Chris Iyovwaye, a professional with a background in International Studies and Diplomacy, managing director and CEO of Wellmann Group with multiple offices in Nigeria, and has achieved subsatncial milestones.

In February 2024, he was awarded the ‘Maritime Personality of the Year’ award at the Leadership Excellence (LEEX) award for his outstanding contributions to the maritime sector, including the transportation of 3,800 tons of cargo for Chevron in the year prior. His leadership has made Wellmann Group indispensable in major projects like the Chevron Meren Project and the Dangote Refinery Project.

In the month of August, Wellmann Group received the Jet Age Nation Builders Award for nation-building during the 5th edition of the ‘Africa We Want Conference’ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recognizing its significant contributions to the oil and gas industry and strategic alliances with local and international companies.

Adia Sowho

CEO, Thrive Agric

Adia Sowho, a management expert, tech expert, Nigerian business leader, engineer, and marketing genius, is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of MTN Nigeria.

She has made significant contributions to the technology and agriculture sectors. In 2024, she became MTN Nigeria’s first female Chief Marketing Officer. Under her rich career and leadership, ThriveAgric a brand she holds dear to heart launched the AYuTe project, empowering 125,000 smallholder farmers across eight northern Nigerian states with access to formal financial services and job opportunities.

In December of the year prior ThriveAgric hosted the ‘Abuja Tech Converge – TechXcelerate’ conference, which attracted over 500 attendees to discuss regional technology challenges and opportunities. The conference featured panels and a techathon, awarding N4.5 million in cash prizes to innovative solutions developed by interns. Sowho and ThriveAgric have made significant strides in promoting financial inclusion, empowering smallholder farmers, and fostering technological innovation in Nigeria.

Shola Akinlade

Co-founder/CEO, Paystack

Shola Akinlade, a Nigerian startup founder, co-founded Paystack in 2015 with Ezra Olubi to revolutionize the Nigerian digital economy.

Paystack, the Nigerian payment processing platform, has been recognized for its contributions to technology in finance and business. In October 2022, Akinlade was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari. In March of the following year, he acquired a 55% stake in Danish football club Aarhus Fremad to lead community development and international exposure for Nigerian talent.

In July 2024, Paystack processed over 1 trillion Naira in transactions, highlighting its significant role in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.

Throughout 2024, Paystack maintained its position as a leading payment platform in Nigeria, serving as an easy-to-go financial transactions for businesses and consumers.

Olugbenga Agboola

CEO/Co- founder, Flutterwave

Olugbenga Agboola, a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur, the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa.

Agboola, a prominent African tech entrepreneur, was appointed to the advisory board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art in November 2024. He was also recognized as a Young Global Leader by ThisDay in 2024.

Flutterwave, a tech startup, reached a valuation of $3.2 billion in May 2024, solidifying its position as Africa’s most valuable tech startup. The company expanded globally, acquiring new payment licenses in the US, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, and Malawi.

In 2024, Flutterwave received several prestigious awards, including Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Fintech of the Year at the Africa Banker Awards, and the Financial Services Infrastructure Innovation Award at the International Financial Inclusion Conference.

Mrs Toyin Ojora-saraki

Founder/President, Wellbeing Foundation Africa

Toyin Ojora-Saraki, a globally recognized advocate for maternal, newborn, and child health, gender equality, and social justice.

Mrs. Saraki was awarded the King’s Changemaker Award by King’s College London in June 2024 for her dedication to global development, particularly maternal, newborn, and child health. She also served as the Global Honorary Patron of LifeLine International, focusing on reducing suicide deaths and expanding crisis support services in regions with limited mental health resources.

In March 2024, she joined the AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council, aiming to advance global efforts in breast cancer combat and improve healthcare outcomes for women.

In September 2024, WBFA launched Project Oscar in Nigeria, focusing on providing phototherapy units for neonatal jaundice treatment. The project aims to equip healthcare facilities with essential technology to diagnose and treat jaundice, ensuring timely care for newborns.

These achievements highlight Mrs. Saraki’s and WBFA’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes and advocating for vulnerable populations in Nigeria and globally.

Sim Shagaya

Founder of Konga & E-motion, CEO Of uLesson

Sim Shagaya, a Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader, has founded several successful companies in various industries, including Konga.com, E-Motion Advertising, and uLesson Education.

He has made significant efforts in supporting African entrepreneurship and advancing education technology in 2024. He launched The Honey Badger Fund (HBF) in April, offering capital, mentorship, and guidance for entrepreneurs. In February 2024, uLesson Group reduced its educational software subscription fees by 50% to alleviate the economic burden on families.

Miva Open University, an initiative under uLesson Group, held its inaugural matriculation ceremony, admitting 532 students into programs in the School of Computing and the School of Management and Social Sciences.

These efforts demonstrate Shagaya’s commitment to advocating entrepreneurship and improving educational opportunities across Africa.

Tayo Oviosu

Founder/CEO, Paga

Tayo Oviosu, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, founder and Group CEO of Paga, Nigeria’s leading mobile payments company.

In 2024, Tayo Oviosu, achieved important milestones both personally and through his company. He was recognized as part of the 2024 Endeavor Outliers class, a program recognizing top-performing fintech companies. Paga celebrated its 15th anniversary, processing over N14 trillion in transactions since its inception.

Under Oviosu’s leadership, the company created 1,000 jobs and indirectly supported over 100,000 through its extensive agent network across Nigeria. The company also expanded its services by offering platform-as-a-service infrastructure to 150 businesses, contributing to economic growth. In July 2024, Paga was featured in the Financial Times’ “Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies” special report, highlighting its rapid growth and commitment to enhancing financial inclusion across Africa.

These huge accomplishments brings to light Oviosu’s visionary leadership and Paga’s pivotal role in transforming the financial landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole

Minister of industry trade and investment, Nigeria

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, jurist and academic has a diverse background including law, academia, banking, and government.

She has held various roles, including Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment and Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business. In 2023, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Muhammadu Buhari and appointed as a Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

In September 2024, MIPAD recognized her with a “Hall of Fame” Award for her contributions to business climate reforms. In November 2024, she was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, aiming to address exporters’ challenges through targeted policies.

Under her leadership, the Ministry has been involved in initiatives such as a $1.2 billion deal with China’s CNCEC to revitalize a key gas processing facility, aiming to boost aluminium production and economic diversification efforts. Dr. Oduwole’s vast experience and recent initiatives demonstrate her commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic development and improving the nation’s business environment.

Seun Onigbinde

Co-founder/CEO, BudgIT

Oluseun Onigbinde a Nigerian entrepreneur and open data analyst co-founder of BudgIT, a civic organization that uses technology to promote fiscal transparency and citizen engagement.

Oluseun Onigbinde has been a vocal advocate for fiscal transparency and open data in Nigeria. In 2024, he highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, which could generate up to $1 billion annually with appropriate policies and integration across sectors.

BudgIT celebrated its 10th anniversary with the Active Citizens Festival, focusing on suspicious allocations in the 2024 federal government budget. The festival also encouraged youth participation through a National Essay Competition. BudgIT has tracked over 16,738 projects worth billions of naira, completed over 7,000 constituency projects, and facilitated budget access at the subnational level. The organization reached approximately 17 million Nigerians and simplified the nation’s complex budgeting process, making it more accessible to the public.

Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji

CEO, Zenith Bank

Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, a Nigerian banker, is the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of Zenith Bank Plc. She is the first female to hold the position, appointed in June 2024.

Under her leadership, the bank expanded its international presence by starting operations in Paris, France, as part of broader agreements between Nigeria and France to enhance infrastructure development and food security.

Dr. Umeoji served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank from October 2016 to May 2024 and has been a member of the bank’s Board of Directors since October 2012. She is also known for her philanthropic efforts, founding the Pink Breath Cancer Care Foundation and the Adorable Foundation, which focuses on educating and providing for indigent children. In February 2023, she was awarded the Humanitarian Services Icon of the Year Award at The Sun Awards.

Guillaume NIARFEIX

President, Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Guillaume Niarfeix, President of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), appointed as the Managing Director for SPIE Global Services Energy’s West Africa operations in 2024, expanding his leadership from Nigeria and Ghana to the broader West African region.

Mr Niarfeix was inaugurated as the 17th President of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in May 2024, focusing on promoting the chamber’s values and strengthening business ties between Nigeria and France. He acknowledged challenges in facilitating French businesses’ access to the Nigerian market and expressed his determination to address these issues collaboratively with the chamber’s board members.

Under Niarfeix’s leadership, the FNCCI organized the 2024 French Week, which featured a startup conference and pitch tournament, highlighting the chamber’s commitment to being the fore-fronter innovation and supporting startups within the Nigerian economy. The FNCCI also called for the upholding of government policies to drive investment and growth, identifying power infrastructure as a fundamental area for government focus.

Tosin Eniolorunda

CEO, Moniepoint

Tosin Eniolorunda, the founder and CEO of Moniepoint Inc., a leading digital payments and banking platform in Nigeria.

In 2024, Tosin Eniolorunda. achieved mothwatering milestones in both personal and company aspects. He was named the “Outstanding Fintech Personality of the Year” at the Marketing Edge Awards, recognizing his contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector. Moniepoint secured $110 million in funding from investors, including Google’s Africa Investment Fund, elevating its valuation to over $1 billion and granting it “unicorn” status in October 2024.

At the same Marketing Edge Awards, Moniepoint was named the “Outstanding Digital Bank of the Year,” highlighting its innovative approach to digital banking in Nigeria. At the inaugural MSME Finance Awards in Lagos, Moniepoint received the “Best MSME Financial Inclusion (Microfinance Bank)” award, demonstrating its dedication to promoting financial inclusion and providing exceptional services.

Dr. Juliet Ehimuan

CEO, Beyond limits Africa

Dr. Juliet Ehimuan is a Nigerian technology executive, entrepreneur, and author known for her leadership in the tech industry and her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations across Africa.

Dr. Juliet Ehimuan achieved significant strides in 2024 through her initiative, Beyond Limits Africa. She was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Zenith Bank Plc, where she contributed her extensive experience in technology and leadership. Beyond Limits Africa, dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through coaching, leadership development programs, and innovative workshops. In 2024, the initiative continued its mission to inspire excellence and drive transformation across Africa.  

The organization’s ongoing efforts have paved way for personal and professional growth for indiciduals and brans alike, within the African tech ecosystem. Dr. Ehimuan’s commitment to leadership and innovation, combined with Beyond Limits Africa’s impactful work, has contributed significantly to the advancement of technology and leadership excellence in Africa throughout 2024.

Mitchell Elegbe

Founder/CEO, Interswitch group

Mitchell Elegbe, CEO and Founder of Interswitch Group, a company founded in 2002 to address inefficiencies in payment systems across Africa.

Elegbe was awarded the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the CIO Awards Africa in November 2023 for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape and innovative leadership at Interswitch. In June of the same year, he was inducted into the Ernst and Young World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, the only African global finalist. Interswitch, under Elegbe’s leadership, has made a huge leading advancement in the fintech sector, expanding payment solutions and introducing Africa’s first indigenous payment card, Verve.

These achievements highlight Elegbe’s exceptional entrepreneurial achievements and his contributions to the continent’s digital payment infrastructure.

Somachi Chris-Asoluka

CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation

Somachi Chris-Asoluka appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) in March 2023, a philanthropy that empowers young African entrepreneurs in 54 African countries.

With extensive experience in various roles, Chris-Asoluka has led the foundation’s mission of transforming Africa through entrepreneurship.

In 2024, TEF selected 1,104 entrepreneurs from 54 African countries for its annual entrepreneurship program, each receiving a non-refundable $5,000 grant. Since its inception in 2014, TEF has disbursed $100 million to over 20,000 beneficiaries, generating over 400,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in revenue.

These showcases Somachi Chris-Asoluka and the Tony Elumelu foundation’s commitment to leading the way in entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and reducing poverty. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing TEF’s mission and amplifying its impact throughout Africa.

Michael Oluwole

Co-founder/COO, Touch and Pay

Michael Oluwole, Co-founder and CEO of Touch and Pay Technologies (TAP), a Nigerian fintech company, has significant milestones in 2024 through advancing digital payments and financial inclusion in Africa.

Significant achievements include the expansion of the Cowry Card System, integration with Lagos Rail Mass Transit, and participation in GITEX Africa 2024. TAP’s Cowry Card system processed over ₦20 billion in transactions in 2024, reflecting the company’s growth and the increasing adoption of digital payment solutions in Nigeria.

The Cowry Card system also brought to light an easy and secure micro-transaction for millions of users. TAP’s Cowry Card system was showcased at GITEX Africa 2024, where it displayed its deep-rooted commitment to creating a cashless society and fostering financial inclusion across Africa.

Chijoke Dozie

Co-founder/CEO, Carbon

Chijioke Dozie, Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Carbon, a leading digital bank in Africa, has transformed traditional banking by offering credit-centric products, payments, and high-yielding investment opportunities exclusively on a digital platform

He has significantly contributed to financial inclusion in Africa. Carbon has evolved from a lending platform to a comprehensive financial services ecosystem, offering digital payments, investments, and personal finance management tools.

Dozie was recognized as one of the “40 Under 40 Nigerian CEOs” in 2024 for his contributions to the fintech industry. Carbon operates in Nigeria and Ghana, serving over 3 million people.

Dozie’s leadership positions Carbon as a trailblazer in the fintech space, driving financial literacy and inclusion across Africa

Aigboje Aig – Imoukhuede

Chairman, Access Bank Group

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede a Nigerian banker, businessman and philanthropist known for his leadership in the financial services sector, particularly as Chairman of Access Bank Group.

In 2024, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede returned to Access Holdings PLC as the Non-Executive Chairman after a decade-long hiatus. He was honored with the African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2024, recognizing his three-decade-long dedication to transforming the African banking and financial landscape.

Under his leadership, Access Holdings PLC reported impressive financial results in the first half of 2024, with a 107% increase in profit and total assets to $22.7 billion. Aig-Imoukhuede’s foundation, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, focuses on public sector excellence and healthcare improvement in Nigeria.

In November 2024, the Foundation partnered with the National Productivity Centre to enhance public service delivery and launched a nationwide call for nominations as part of the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP).

Dr. Jumoke Malachi

Head of Talent Management at Wema Bank.

Dr. Jumoke Malachi, the Head of Talent Management at Wema Bank.

She has been instrumental in the bank’s significant achievements in 2024. The bank was certified as a Great Place to Work for the 2024-2025 period, marking its second consecutive year of this prestigious recognition.

Under her care Wema Bank offers industry-leading employee benefits, including one of the longest standard leave days, a cost-of-living adjustment, and a salary increase for non-full-time equivalent employees. The bank provides access to a standard crèche and a fully equipped gym for staff, supporting work-life balance and physical wellness.

Chijoke Dozie

Co-founder/CEO, Carbon

Chijioke Dozie, Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Carbon, a leading digital bank in Africa, has transformed traditional banking by offering credit-centric products, payments, and high-yielding investment opportunities exclusively on a digital platform

He has significantly contributed to financial inclusion in Africa. Carbon has evolved from a lending platform to a comprehensive financial services ecosystem, offering digital payments, investments, and personal finance management tools.

Dozie was recognized as one of the “40 Under 40 Nigerian CEOs” in 2024 for his contributions to the fintech industry. Carbon operates in Nigeria and Ghana, serving over 3 million people.

Dozie’s leadership positions Carbon as a trailblazer in the fintech space, driving financial literacy and inclusion across Africa..

Lawrence Blessing

Olarewaju Lawrence is a versatile content writer known for his creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in the Chemical aspect of Engineering and visual arts, Lawrence has worked on diverse projects ranging from Charcoal drawing, contents creation to website layouts with years of experience. His ability to understand trending occurrences and translate them into powerful striking contents visually sets him apart.
Lawrence finds inspiration in nature, music, football and arts.

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