Michael Akinyemi Honoured with Crest Africa Award for Software Excellence and Impact

By Ugo Aliogo

Michael Akinyemi, a UK-based software engineer and co-founder of the CodeBridge Youth Initiative, has been honoured with the Crest Africa Award for Software Excellence and Impact.

The prestigious recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to backend development, cloud solutions, and tech-driven youth empowerment across Africa and the diaspora.

His selection reflects a career defined by technical excellence, mentorship, and his passion for building solutions that create lasting value.

In a statement shared after receiving news of the award, Akinyemi said, “This honour means a lot to me, not just as an individual but as someone who deeply believes in the transformative power of technology.

“I’ve always believed that software can do more than solve problems. It can unlock potential, shape careers, and build communities.”

The tech innovator’s journey is marked by resilience and purpose. From his early years in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to building complex systems for global firms in the UK, he has remained focused on delivering scalable digital solutions.

His expertise spans backend engineering, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise software development. He is also the driving force behind CodeBridge, a nonprofit initiative connecting African youth with coding resources and career opportunities in tech.

Beyond his technical work, Michael is known for empowering aspiring developers through mentorship, bootcamps, and hands-on training. His efforts have helped hundreds of young talents gain clarity, confidence, and access to global tech pathways.

By focusing on underserved communities, he continues to bridge the digital skills gap and champion African tech inclusion.
“Recognition like this reminds us why we started,” Akinyemi added. “When I look at the young people we mentor through CodeBridge, I see futures that are just one opportunity away from greatness. This award fuels the responsibility to keep creating those opportunities.”

The Crest Africa Awards are widely regarded for honouring African changemakers who lead with purpose and impact. This year’s edition featured leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, and governance.

Indeed, Akinyemi’s recognition in the software excellence category places him among an elite group of innovators shaping the continent’s digital future.

Looking ahead, he is committed to scaling his mentorship reach, contributing to open-source projects, and helping young engineers build solutions that meet global standards.

His long-term vision is to empower African developers not only to consume technology but to create it.

Akinyemi’s story stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation meets service. His work reminds us that lasting impact comes from consistency, clarity of vision, and a genuine desire to uplift others through tech.