Group showcases young Africans driving future innovation, development

Concerned about spotlighting young Africans whose contributions to innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and community development are helping shape the continent’s future, the Future Awards Africa (TFAA) has unveiled nominees for its 2Oth edition, recognising young Africans whose achievements span technology, entrepreneurship, arts, sports, governance and community development, The milestone edition with the theme “Celebrating The Redefiners: Africa’s AI Generation,” features nominees across 26 categories, including technology entrepreneur Odunayo Eweniyi, Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo and Kenyan singer Nikita Kering.

Among other nominees include photographer Stephen Tayo Ajibare, filmmaker Eniola Korty Olanrewaju and author Damilare Kuku.
For two decades, TFAA has celebrated Africans aged 18 to 35 whose work demonstrates excellence, innovation, leadership and meaningful impact across various sectors.

The organisers said this year’s nominees represent a generation challenging conventions, creating opportunities and expanding possibilities across the continent.
Speaking on the nominations, Executive Director of TFAA, Ayodeji Razaq, said the awards had, over the past 20 editions, witnessed the transformative contributions of young Africans to industries, communities and the continent.

“Twenty editions into this journey, we have seen how profoundly young Africans can change the direction of an industry, a community and the continent itself,” Razaq said.
He added that the nominees’ originality, commitment and contributions to creating opportunities for others reflected the ambition behind this year’s theme.
According to him, the awards remain committed to giving young Africans the recognition they deserve and ensuring their contributions form part of the continent’s story.
The nominees will undergo the awards’ selection process, supported by its jury and Independent Audit Committee, to ensure fairness, credibility and integrity.

As the 20th edition approaches, attention will focus on the achievements, ideas and community impact of the nominees, whose work reflects the potential of Africa’s emerging generation of leaders and innovators.
Among the full list of nominees are
*Photography*
Agbaje Halimah; Daniel Msirikale; Oluwatosin Junaid; Chidubem Praise Nmeka; Stephen Tayo Ajibare.
*Technology and Innovation*
Odunayo Eweniyi; Maxwell Opondo; Charles Mfouapon; Wendy Okolo; Yanmo Omorogbe.
*Music*
Nikita Kering (Kenya); Shodade Solomon Segun (Shoday); Idris Lawal Oluwadamilare (Oshamo); Agboola Emmanuel Itunu (Abefe); Amalachukwu Okonkwo Chantell (Amma).
*On-Air Personality*
Claudia Naisambwa Leshoomo (Kenya); Joey Akan; Kanyinsola Olukoya; Nina Shaban (Kenya); Onyinyechi Aderibigbe.
*Entrepreneurship*
Iretidayo Zaccheaus; Keyinde and Taiwo Smith; Esther Uzodinma; Olamidun Ogundoyin; Adeola Adeyemi.
*Governance*
Emma Inamutila Theofelus; Rinsola Abiola; Abideen Olasupo; Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa; Khalil Nur Khalil.
*Advocacy and* *Activism*
Aisha Hamman; Habib Sheidu; Violet Ejiata; Joshua Okoduwa; Oluwaseun Ikusika.
*Law*
Dr Stanley U. Nweke-Eze; Taiwo Aromolaran; Maryam Dan-Habu; Oluwafunke Adeoye; Temijuopelo Alufa.
*Education*
Princess Natasha Momoh; Monalisa Agbata; Israel Oyedare; Jennifer Jonathan; Gloria Babarinde.
*Journalism*
Onyinyechi Obaroh Obaroh; Adesola Abisoye; Omolola Afolabi; Emmanuel Onwuka; Riyah Abdul.
*Agriculture*
Chiagoziem Nwakanma; Titilayo Aisha Damilola; Funmilayo Famuyiwa; Chioma Aniagolu; Adaeze Ruth Okonmah.
*Professional Service*
Fatou Jeng; Faith Emmanuel; Abraham Mbuthia; Ifeoluwa Ebiseni; Iheakachi Nwabueze.
*Sports*
Letsile Tebogo (Botswana); Ashleigh Plumptre; Tobi Amusan; Emmanuel Wanyoyi (Kenya); Nene Joy Ojo.
*Art*
Blessing Ejiroghene Adewale; Echezona Ogudu; Rahmal Houssig (Morocco); Anthony Azekwoh; Tioluwa Yoloye.
*Literature*
Damilare Kuku; Fatima Bala; Eloghosa Osunde; Somtochukwu Ihezue; Peter Okonkwo.
Community Action
Daniel Ajala; Damilola Feyide; Oyinkansola Akinbiyi; Deborah Aderogba; Mordecai Orimiladeye.
*Health and Wellness*
Dr Princess Akawor; Mobolaji Ajayi; Dr Cassandra Akinde; Kiki Diorgu; Faith Adewale.
*Fashion*
Goodnews Emmanuel; Fisayo Longe; Prudent Gabriel Peterson; Esther Yonkor; Desirée Oluwajana.
*Film*
Eniola Korty Olanrewaju; Abdulazeez Greene; Ogechi Chikezie; Damilare Adeeso; Jigar Ganatra; Ogheneyerhovwo Nana.
*Comedy Content Creation*
Aderonke Adepoju; Daniel Ekpe (Akwaman); Folagade Banks; Destiny Ogie Osarewinda (Dezny); Kennedy Odhiambo (Crazy Kennar) (Kenya).
*Lifestyle Content Creation*
Tobe Ugeh; Wode Maya (Ghana); Eric Gugua; Adenike Tejuoso; Chef T.
*Acting*
Bolaji Ogunmola; Teniola Aladese; Uche Nwaefuna; Rosman Sunshine; Taye Arimoro.
*Young Person of the Year*
Oluwadamilare James Popoola; Abdul Azeez Abdulyekeen; Taiwo Aromolaran; Deborah Johnson; Nora Awolowo.
*Creative Excellence*
Laetitia KY (Abidjan); Akintunde Ikudayisi Ikudayisi; Emmanuel Whajah; Kendo Grant; Ijeoma Mathew.
*Performing Arts*
Ibukunoluwa Oluyinka Ajagbe (Ibquake); Hafsat Abdulllahi; Victory Ashaka; Kingfahd Ibitoye; Diana Modeme.
*Energy and Sustainability*
Charlot Magayi; Brian Gadisi; Chiemela Anosike; Damilola Hamid Balogun; Oyinkansola Owoyemi.