Global recognition for one of Africa’s most inspiring changemakers and education leaders April 2025 | Lagos, Nigeria – Orondaam Otto, trailblazing Nigerian social entrepreneur and Founder of Slum2School Africa, has been named to the prestigious Young Global Leaders Class of 2025 by the World Economic Forum. This highly competitive and globally respected honor is awarded to trailblazers under the age of 40 who are making bold strides across sectors and borders to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Chosen from thousands of global nominations, Otto’s selection reflects two decades of impactful work at the intersection of education, innovation, community development, and social justice. Through his leadership at Slum2School Africa, he has provided educational access to hundreds of thousands children across underserved communities, designed groundbreaking learning spaces, and mobilized thousands of volunteers and stakeholders across continents.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), launched by Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum, is a dynamic and forward-thinking community of the world’s most promising leaders under 40, driving change across government, business, civil society, academia, and media. With this recognition, Otto joins a powerful network of innovators, heads of state, Nobel laureates, and global CEOs working together to tackle the world’s most complex challenges.
Reflecting on his selection online, Otto shared:

“Over the past two decades, I’ve been burned by the problems I’ve seen in communities around me, but also fueled by the belief that we can build a better world — especially for Africa. That every child, no matter where they’re born, deserves the chance to dream big and thrive.

Joining the Forum of Young Global Leaders isn’t just a recognition for me — it’s an amplifier. A gateway into new rooms, bigger tables, and global conversations that matter.

I intend to use every opportunity to spotlight the incredible potential Nigeria and Africa holds — especially if we invest in our young people and fully harness the power of our human, natural, mineral, and creative resources.

I want to see an Africa where no child is left behind. Where girls and boys everywhere can rise, thrive, and lead. Where our stories shift from surviving to soaring.

I’m truly excited about this journey ahead and incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey and supported the work we do at Slum2School Africa. This recognition belongs to all of us.”

Described by the World Economic Forum as “a visionary development leader bridging local innovation and global impact,” Otto’s influence spans across education reform, youth development, digital learning transformation, and policy advocacy. He has been a vocal advocate for maximizing Africa’s demographic dividend and ensuring inclusive growth through education and human capital development.

As a 2025 Young Global Leader, Otto will participate in a three-year transformative leadership journey, engaging with thought leaders and institutions across the globe to co-create solutions that shape the future of education, equity, and leadership.
With this announcement, Otto joins an illustrious list of past YGLs, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, French President Emmanuel Macron, Meta’s Sheryl Sandberg, and over 1000 global leaders.
Orondaam Otto, who holds degrees and certifications from Harvard University, MIT, Henley Business School, and the University of Stellenbosch, continues to inspire a generation of young leaders and remains committed to building a world where every child counts and every story matters.