Threads of Legacy: Celebrating the Next Generation of African Changemakers
The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), the continent’s most influential platform for celebrating young African excellence, has officially unveiled the nominees for its highly anticipated 19th edition.
This year’s ceremony, themed “Threads of Legacy,” spotlights a generation of changemakers whose creativity, innovation, and leadership are shaping the fabric of Africa’s tomorrow. From tech entrepreneurs and artists to activists and educators, the 2025 nominees embody the spirit of a continent on the rise.
Recognizing the growing depth and diversity of young African achievement, this edition introduces 25 categories—the most in TFAA history. Among the updates are the separation of Arts and Literature into distinct categories, the introduction of Performing Arts to honour stage and performance excellence, and Service to Young People—an honorary category celebrating individuals championing youth development across Africa.
Speaking on this year’s nominees, Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, said:
“The story of Africa’s future is being written today, thread by thread, through the work of these nominees. They are artists, innovators, and advocates whose achievements do more than inspire—they build legacies. We’re proud to spotlight their stories and preserve their impact as part of Africa’s collective memory.”
The 2025 nominee list features some of the continent’s brightest names, including Rasheedat Ajibade, Fola David, Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo (Asherkine), Victor Ugo, Poco Lee, Gbubemi Ejeye, Tomike Adeoye, Kelvin Umechukwu, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, and Dongio Casil (Djec Fashion, Cameroon)—each reflecting the energy and influence of Africa’s next generation.
The categories span diverse fields such as Creativity & Innovation, Performing Arts, Fashion, Technology, Film, Journalism, Music, Entrepreneurship, and Governance. Full list of nominees is available below:
YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
- Fola David
- Tolulope Makinwa
- Alma Asinobi
- Kemi Olakunle (Health Vest)
- Ayelabola Ololade
- Hammed Kayode Alabi
- Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale (Olaolu Slawn)
PERFORMING ARTS
- SHEILAH GASHUMBA (GASHUMBA, DJ) (Uganda)
- Babatunde Kasumu (Babs Cardini, Magician)
- Daniella Peters (Spoken Word Artist)
- Big Bimi
- Iweh Pascal Odinaka (Poco Lee)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
- Tomiwa Aghedo
- David Onilude
- Muyiwa Babarinde
- Bode Roberts
- Oreoluwa Agunbiade
INTRAPRENEURSHIP
- Samuel Frank (Sahara Impact Ventures)
- Abiodun Ayobami (Finxpire Digital Network Ltd)
- Hakeem Akiode (Youverify)
- Elizabeth Abati (Google)
- Solomon Ayodele (Wema Bank)
ACTIVISM AND ADVOCACY
- Claire Benson Idoko (Nedeevah Aid Foundation)
- Damilola Osuolale (KIDNEY HEALTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION)
- Solomon Ayodele (Boys Quarters Africa)
- Aisha Hamman (Lift Africa Foundation)
- Ufuoma Nnamdi Udeh
LAW
- Markanthony Ezeoha
- Annie Oti
- Mina Obeten
- Bernice Asein
- Ogenetega Adedipe
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- Dr. Bukola Jaiyeola
- RJ Musah
- Fatima Babakura
- Ogechukwu Obah
- Tomike Adeoye
GOVERNANCE
- Otobong Obo
- Nafisat Buge
- Muhammed Kadade Sulieman
- Daniel OTABOR
- Abdulhaleem Ringim
EDUCATION
- Adeola (Della) Abayomi
- John Onuigbo
- Chioma Ukpabi
- Abigael Anaza-Mark
- Afeez iyiola
AGRICULTURE
- Basirat Abdullahi,( Founder, Happy Birds)
- Ajoke Amusat (The grocery lady)
- Baliqees Salaudeen (Green Republic Limited)
- Adetiloye Aiyeola (Produce Export Development Alliance)
- Owoyemi Olasunkanmi
TFAA’s judging panel, made up of respected leaders and visionaries from across industries, will ensure a transparent and rigorous selection process, maintaining the standard of excellence that defines the awards.
The 19th edition of The Future Awards Africa promises a night of innovation, courage, and celebration, a reminder that the future isn’t just coming; it’s already here, young, and unapologetically African.
For press enquiries or additional information, contact info@thefutureafrica.com
