African Union Unveils List of Digital Technology Entrepreneurs Who Have Shaped Africa Over the Last Decade

The African Union (AU), through its Youth Start-Up Programme, has unveiled a historic list of 10 Digital Technology Entrepreneurs Who Have Shaped Africa between 2015 and 2025, spotlighting innovators transforming the continent across E-Governance, Health Technology, Education Technology, FinTech, Agri-Tech, and Land & Property Verification Systems.

The announcement was made during the Intra African Trade Summit (IATS) held in Algiers, Algeria, from February 2 to 4, 2025.

According to the AU, the decade long recognition underscores the transformative role of African entrepreneurs who have built sustainable digital solutions addressing critical sectors from land verification and logistics systems, to telehealth platforms enabling patient-to-doctor video consultations, educational and credential verification tools, financial inclusion systems, and e-governance platforms that promote civic engagement and transparency.

The AU emphasized that those listed were carefully selected based on four core criteria:
1. Demonstrated innovation in applying technology to address African challenges.
2. Socioeconomic impact through job creation, capacity development, and cross sector collaboration.
3. Sustainability and scalability of their digital solutions within or beyond their regions.
4. Leadership and inclusion, showcasing both male and female pioneers in the digital technology ecosystem.

The selection committee reaffirmed that, just as Africa has produced outstanding men in the digital economy, women are equally leading in technological innovation and transformation, a balance visibly represented on this year’s list.

The 2015 to 2025 List of Digital Technology Entrepreneurs:

1.  Oluwatosin “Mr Eazi” Ajibade: PawaPay ( FinTech), EmPawa Africa (Creative-Tech, Digital Platforms)

2.  Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye: WakaForMe Ride (Logistics Tech); MacTech Global Venture Ltd (SaaS Solutions) — (Mobility & SaaS Innovation)

3.  Tope Omikunle: LogiPro (Agri-Tech & Logistics-Tech); Levy Pal (FinTech Platform) — (Agriculture, FinTech & Smart Transport)

4.  Seun Olatunji: WeVoteYou (E-Governance); EFIKO NG (EdTech, Learning Platform) — (Governance & Digital Education)

5.  Ayoola Adetutu Oniyinde: Cadastra360 (Land & Property e-Registry); MediTrust e-Clinic (Telehealth) — (LandTech & Health Innovation)

6.  Sophia Alj: Chari (B2B E-Commerce / FinTech, Morocco) — (E-Commerce & Financial Inclusion)

7.  Chidozie Felicitas Chiamaka: CredVerify App (Credential Verification); HealthSyn Nigeria (Telehealth Platform) — (Health & Education Technology)

8.  Juliana Rotich: Ushahidi (Civic-Tech); iHub (Innovation Hub) — (Open Data & Civic Engagement)

9.  Ifeoluwa Opeyemi Oladejo:  HTreasure Technology (SaaS Solutions); VaultSoft Nigeria (Land Registry Tech) — (Enterprise & Real Estate Technology)

10. Betelhem Dessie: iCog – Anyone Can Code (EdTech, AI Learning Platform, Ethiopia) — (Artificial Intelligence & Digital Literacy)

Driving Africa’s Digital Transformation

The African Union stated that this recognition reflects not just the achievements of individuals but also the continent’s steady march toward a digitally empowered future where technology is a bridge to governance reform, healthcare accessibility, credible education systems, and inclusive economic growth.

By unveiling these entrepreneurs at the Intra African Trade Summit (IATS 2025), the AU Youth Start-Up Programme reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Africa’s innovators, connecting youth entrepreneurship to continental integration goals outlined in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

This list, spanning multiple regions like West, East, North, Central, and Southern Africa celebrates both men and women whose innovations continue to redefine Africa’s place in the global digital ecosystem.