Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is known for its rich culture and diversity. Recently, Nigerian innovators have been gaining international recognition for their groundbreaking work in various fields. These trailblazers, who come from sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and education, show that Nigeria’s talent has no limits.
Here are eight Nigerian innovators making waves globally you should know
- Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Tech)
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji is a well-known entrepreneur who has made a big impact on Africa’s technology scene. He helped start Andela, a company that trains African software developers and connects them with jobs around the world.
Aboyeji co-founded Flutterwave, a payment platform that makes it easier for businesses in Africa to manage their transactions. Through these projects, Aboyeji continues to play a key role in boosting Africa’s presence in the tech industry.
- Silas Adekunle (Robotics)
At just 26 years old, Silas Adekunle gained worldwide attention by creating Mekamon, the world’s first gaming robot. He developed it through his company, Reach Robotics. Adekunle’s skills in robotics, along with his creativity, brought a new type of gaming that mixes augmented reality (AR) with real-life robots. His invention has opened up exciting possibilities in the gaming world, making him a standout figure in technology.
Silas Adekunle’s groundbreaking work in robotics grabbed the attention of major companies, including Apple, which started selling his robots in their stores. Since then, Adekunle has continued to lead in the robotics field, using his knowledge to mentor and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. His influence keeps growing as he helps shape the future of technology.
- Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Health tech)
Temie Giwa-Tubosun is a Nigerian-American health manager, born in December 1985, she founded LifeBank, a company that uses technology to deliver blood and other important medical supplies to hospitals in Nigeria.
LifeBank has grown to serve other African countries as well, helping to save thousands of lives during emergencies. Giwa-Tubosun’s efforts are making a big difference in healthcare across the continent.
Temie Giwa-Tubosun’s work has earned her international praise, including being named on BBC’s 100 Women and TIME’s Next 100 List. She is a great example of how technology can solve real-world problems. Her efforts through LifeBank continue to save lives and inspire people around the world.
- Tope Awotona (Software & E-commerce)
Tope Awotona is a Nigerian born Software developer, he founded Calendly in 2013 after being frustrated by the difficulty of scheduling meetings across different time zones. Today, Calendly is one of the most popular scheduling tools worldwide, used by businesses and professionals everywhere. Under Awotona’s leadership, the company has grown into a multi-million-dollar business, making it easier for people to organize meetings and manage their time. - Omobola Johnson (Technology & Digital Infrastructure)
As Nigeria’s former Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson played a key role in developing the country’s IT and telecom sectors. Now, she is a partner at TLcom Capital, a venture capital firm that supports tech startups across Africa. Through TLcom, Johnson helps the next generation of tech innovators by giving them the funding and guidance they need to grow their businesses. Her leadership has been central to Nigeria’s digital transformation, and her work continues to drive innovation across the continent. - John O. Dabiri (Science & Engineering)
John Dabiri, a Nigerian-American professor of Aeronautics and Bioengineering at Caltech, is known for his research in fluid dynamics and energy efficiency.
By studying how jellyfish move, Dabiri has found new ways to improve engineering, especially in designing wind turbines for renewable energy.
His innovative work has earned him global recognition, including being named on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Dabiri’s research is not only groundbreaking in the academic world but also helps tackle real-world energy challenges.
- Dr. Wendy A. Okolo (NASA Aerospace Engineer)
Wendy Okolo made history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Now working at NASA, she specializes in flight dynamics, vehicle controls, and systems health monitoring. Okolo’s groundbreaking work has made her one of the leading experts in aerospace engineering, and she continues to inspire many in the field. - Jason Njoku (Co-founder of iROKOtv)
Jason Njoku is a pioneer in African digital entertainment. He co-founded iROKOtv, an online platform often called the “Netflix of Nollywood.” iROKOtv distributes Nollywood films to audiences around the world and has played a major role in popularizing African films globally. Njoku’s innovative approach has changed how African content is shared, making it accessible to a larger international audience.
