The African Genius Awards (AGA) 2025 has unveiled a stellar lineup of 18 nominees whose work is redefining what it means to lead, innovate, and uplift communities across Africa and the diaspora.
From change-makers to scientists and visionary entrepreneurs to political pioneers and social reformers, this year’s nominees embody the spirit of African excellence.
The AGA continues to spotlight individuals whose contributions transcend borders, challenge global narratives, and inspire new generations to rise.
Here are the remarkable nominees:
1. Patricia Mawuli Porter – Ghana/USA
The first female civilian pilot in Ghana certified to build and maintain aircraft, Prof. Mawuli Porter is empowering girls through her AvTech Academy, transforming aviation, STEM education, and gender inclusion in rural Ghana and beyond.
2. Senator Crystal Asige – Kenya
A blind Kenyan senator and artist, Asige is a fierce advocate for disability rights. Her work in Kenya’s Senate and her activism through music are changing laws and perceptions, championing accessibility and inclusion.
3. Professor Deji Akinwande – Nigeria/USA
A global authority in nanotechnology and flexible electronics, Prof. Akinwande’s research in graphene-based devices is pushing scientific boundaries. He actively mentors young African scientists, amplifying the continent’s role in tech innovation.
4. Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – South Africa
An outspoken advocate for decolonized education, Prof. Phakeng is a force in South African academia. Her legacy includes expanding higher education access and inspiring a generation of black scholars in mathematics and science.
5. Beth Koigi – Kenya
Founder of Majik Water, Koigi is turning air into clean drinking water. Her innovation combats water scarcity, promotes climate resilience, and showcases the power of African women in environmental entrepreneurship.
6. Lucky Mashudu Netshidzati – South Africa
Inspired by his deaf parents, Netshidzati created a smart glove that translates South African Sign Language into voice and text. His assistive tech revolution is making communication inclusive and accessible.
7. Margaret Hirsch – South Africa
Co-founder of Hirsch’s, Margaret is not just a business icon but a champion of women’s economic empowerment. Her mentorship programs are helping thousands of South African women thrive.
8. Maxwell Chikumbutso – Zimbabwe
A self-taught inventor, Chikumbutso developed the world’s first self-charging electric car. Through Saith Technologies, he’s confronting energy poverty and inspiring a new era of African innovation.
9. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard – Gabon
As founder of APO Group, Pompigne-Mognard is redefining Africa’s global image by helping the continent tell its own story. His media influence boosts visibility for African businesses and governments worldwide.
10. Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi – Botswana
A social innovator, Molefhi empowers women and youth through financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs that are transforming Botswana’s grassroots economies.
11. Professor Collen Masimirembwa – Zimbabwe
A pioneer in pharmacogenomics, Prof. Masimirembwa’s genetic research is revolutionizing drug treatment in Africa. His work saves lives and builds scientific capacity across the continent.
12. Mutshidzi Mulondo – South Africa
Through Aviro Health, Mulondo is leveraging digital tools to enhance healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities. His innovations are transforming public health delivery in Africa.
13. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan – Liberia
Dr. Nyan invented a rapid test that detects multiple infectious diseases. His scientific brilliance is matched by his advocacy for youth empowerment, democracy, and African health sovereignty.
14. Lorna Rutto – Kenya
EcoPost, founded by Rutto, turns plastic waste into building materials. Her green enterprise is cleaning up Kenya, creating jobs, and proving that environmental justice and economic opportunity go hand-in-hand.
15. Gisela Van Houcke – DRC
Through food security and skills training initiatives, Van Houcke is combating hunger and poverty in the DRC. Her work bridges diaspora and homeland, embodying pan-African solidarity.
16. Claude Grunitzky – Togo
Media mogul Grunitzky founded TRACE and TRUE Africa, championing African stories, talent, and identity on the global stage. He’s building platforms where African voices lead the conversation.
17. Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo – Nigeria/USA
An AI ethicist, Dr. Okolo is shaping ethical tech development across Africa. Her research ensures that artificial intelligence reflects African values, priorities, and realities.
18. Nomso Kana – South Africa
A nuclear scientist and ICT trailblazer, Kana is breaking barriers in digital inclusion. Her fibre network projects and STEM advocacy are helping Africa transition into a knowledge-driven economy.
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