The spotlight at the Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards & Summit, organized by Mayorkings Agency Group, shone brightly on Thembi Portia Shilenge on June 28, 2025. This chemical engineer-turned-crypto entrepreneur was recognized as one of the continent’s most influential young leaders, an acknowledgment of her profound impact on financial literacy and empowerment across Africa.
Shilenge’s journey is a powerful narrative of transition and triumph. Equipped with a background in chemical engineering and experience in South Africa’s mining industry, she took a bold leap into the world of cryptocurrency in 2017. Her analytical mind, honed in the lab, proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of the burgeoning blockchain space.
The result of this pivot was Crypto Dimensions, an academy she founded in 2018 with a clear mission: to democratize blockchain education and close critical financial literacy gaps, particularly within Africa’s often-overlooked communities. Under her visionary leadership, Crypto Dimensions has flourished, guiding students from foundational knowledge to becoming proficient practitioners in the crypto world. Her efforts have not only educated but also enriched lives, with hundreds of her mentees becoming successful traders, and over 100 reportedly achieving millionaire status.
But Thembi Shilenge is not just a successful entrepreneur; she is a dedicated philanthropist. Her commitment to social upliftment is evident in initiatives like donating 50,000 sanitary pads to rural schools and launching the “Fems in Tech” program, which actively encourages and supports female participation in the digital finance sector. These actions underscore her belief in holistic empowerment, extending beyond financial gain to address fundamental social needs and promote gender equality in technology.
Receiving the Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Award is a significant milestone, underscoring the vital role Shilenge plays in transforming industries and uplifting communities. This accolade validates her relentless pursuit of bridging digital inequality and fostering the growth of the next generation of African innovators. The summit provided a platform for her to connect with a network of elite young CEOs, all driving progress in diverse sectors across the continent.
In a moment of reflection, Thembi shared a powerful message: “This is for every young person who didn’t think they were enough. For every girl who was told to stay small – you’re powerful, and your dreams matter.” These inspiring words encapsulate the essence of her leadership: a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others.
Thembi Portia Shilenge stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, compassion, and decisive action. Through Crypto Dimensions and her broader advocacy work, she is not just championing African-led solutions to financial challenges but also actively nurturing talent and inspiring a new generation of leaders. This prestigious award not only solidifies her reputation as a trailblazer but also serves as a powerful call to action for others, especially young women, to embrace leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship with confidence and purpose.
