Celebrating International Awards: Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye’s Triumph in Digital Innovation

By Oladayo Nuel

In an inspiring showcase of talent and determination, Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye has emerged as a leading figure in the African tech landscape, clinching three prestigious international awards in 2024. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to digital technology, Oyinloye received the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity from the West African Youth Council, the Global Hero Conferment at the Connected Awards, and a distinguished recognition from the YALI Network. Each accolade cements his status as a role model for youth across the continent and underscores his expertise in digital innovation.

The journey began in May 2024 when Oyinloye was honored with the esteemed Nelson Mandela Leadership Award by the West African Youth Council, endorsed by H.E. Amb Emmanuel S. William, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Youth Council. This award is not just a recognition of individual achievement; it emphasizes the critical importance of ethical leadership and integrity among young leaders in West Africa. Oyinloye’s impactful work in digital technology has made significant waves among the youth, inspiring them to harness technology for positive change. This accolade from a prominent regional body like ECOWAS highlights the vital role of digital innovation in fostering economic growth and social progress across West African nations.

In August, Oyinloye’s accolades continued with the Global Hero Conferment at the Connected Awards. This prestigious international recognition is reserved for only the top 10 to 20 tech entrepreneurs across every continent, celebrating those who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of technology. Oyinloye’s inclusion in this elite group underscores his exceptional ability to simplify digital processes and elevate technological standards in Africa. Presented by founder Qazeem Oladejo, this award reflects Oyinloye’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital realm.

The pinnacle of Oyinloye’s achievements came during the YALI Network Africa National Conference, held in the last quarter of 2024 in Akwa Ibom State. Founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) aims to empower young leaders across Africa through training and networking opportunities. At the conference, Oyinloye was honored for his remarkable contributions to the tech sector, earning a spot among the top 10 digital technology experts in Nigeria. This distinction not only highlights his technical expertise but also his influential role in shaping the future of digital innovation throughout the continent. The top tech experts recognized at the conference include:

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – Co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, focusing on talent development and payment solutions.

Prosper Otemuyiwa – Renowned developer and advocate for open-source technology.

Ire Aderinokun – A leading web developer and UX designer known for her contributions to web standards.

Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye – Innovator behind the ride-hailing app ‘WakaForMe Ride.’

Funke Opeke- Founder of MainOne, a telecommunications company enhancing internet connectivity in West Africa.

Ireoluwa Akinwumi – Creator of various tech solutions aimed at improving local businesses.

Niyi Adebayo – Entrepreneur focused on digital marketing and business solutions.

Nneile Nkholise – CEO of 54gene, a biotechnology company improving health outcomes in Africa.

Ogundipe Olawale – Founder of a fintech startup revolutionizing financial services in Nigeria.

Chinonso Eke- Founder of a health tech startup that leverages technology to improve healthcare access in Nigeria.

As the visionary behind the ride-hailing app ‘WakaForMe Ride,’ Oyinloye has transformed transportation in Nigeria. The app has quickly risen to become one of the top five taxi-earning applications in the country, providing reliable services and creating numerous job opportunities for drivers. Oyinloye’s innovative approach has not only enhanced the commuting experience for Nigerians but also made a substantial impact on the local economy.

During his virtual address at the YALI conference, Oyinloye expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of African innovation. “This award is not just a personal achievement; it represents the potential of African ingenuity and the resilience of our tech ecosystem,” he remarked, inspiring attendees to dream big and leverage their skills for meaningful change.

The YALI Network National Conference serves as a vital platform for young leaders to connect, share ideas, and celebrate excellence across various fields. Oyinloye’s journey stands as a testament to the potential of young Africans to drive progress, highlighting the critical role of technology in shaping economies and improving lives.

As we celebrate Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye’s remarkable achievements, his story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring leaders throughout Africa. With innovators like Oyinloye leading the way, the future of Africa’s digital landscape appears not only promising but also filled with boundless possibilities.