The CIO and C-Suite Club Africa has honoured technology leaders who continue to shape Africa’s digital transformation landscape.The awards were in recognition of outstanding executives whose works have strengthened digital capacity in sectors ranging from telecommunications to financial services and amplified Africa’s presence in the global technology ecosystem.

The leaders played a crucial role in advancing technological excellence across the continent. Speaking at the sixth edition of the CIO and C-Suite Awards Africa, held alongside a high-level conference in Lagos, the Convener, Abiola Laseinde, said the initiative was created to spotlight technology leaders who have long worked behind the scenes.

She described the initiative as “a compelling vision” and “a movement” built to ensure digital leaders are no longer overlooked.Laseinde expressed deep concern over how technology leaders were ignored during critical national moments, noting that many worked tirelessly during the pandemic without recognition.

Speaking on the evolution of digital leadership across the continent, President of the CIO and CC-Suite Club Africa, Olusegun Dada, said the landscape has shifted significantly, with CIOs now taking central roles in corporate strategy. ‎ ‎“Before now, CIOs and technology experts had been left behind. This award has helped to bring recognition to them,” he said.‎ ‎Dada, in a fireside chat at the event, offered insights into the changing expectations of technology executives, noting that strategic communication has become essential in modern leadership.‎

‎He explained that CIOs must now translate technical complexity into simple language for boards and investors, highlighting the increasing blend of leadership, communication and innovation in today’s technology roles.‎ ‎He further highlighted the importance of building a strong leadership pipeline, stressing that young African professionals must be encouraged to embrace digital transformation. ‎

‎“If you are part of this club, you are part of something bigger — a continental network of leaders shaping Africa’s digital destiny,” he added.‎ ‎Reflecting on the collective impact of the initiative, Chairman, Project Team, Oluwakayode Adigun, said collaboration remains essential for Africa’s digital progress. ‎ ‎He noted that the most important thing is for people to collaborate because of the shift that is happening, adding that strategic partnerships will determine Africa’s influence in global technology conversations.‎

‎The Overall CIO Africa of the Year award was presented to Shoyinka Shodunke of MTN Nigeria, while Ademola Aladekomo, Chairman of Chams Group, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to digital development. Ade Bajomo was honoured with the Digital Innovation Award.