By Sithembile Masia
After a rigorous judging process and months of anticipation, the African Genius Awards (AGA) proudly announces the 2025 finalists. This prestigious recognition, spearheaded by Plus 94 Research and adjudicated by an independent panel of experts, celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Africa’s self-determination, dignity, and exceptionalism.
Nominations for the 2025 cycle officially closed on 31 January, having received a remarkable number of submissions from across the continent and the diaspora. Submissions for the next cycle will reopen on 1 August, offering another opportunity to spotlight Africa’s finest problem-solvers and visionaries.
The process is highly competitive, with each nominee evaluated on criteria including problem-solving, global competitiveness, promotion of Africa, and promotion of self-acceptance and personal growth. Importantly, the genius status is only awarded to those whose performance is undoubtedly extraordinary.
To be considered, nominees must demonstrate exceptional talents or skills and a distinctive application of these abilities in addressing Africa-specific challenges, as well as alignment with the continent’s broader development needs. Nominations are open every year on 1
August and close on 31 January, and although only one nomination per individual is allowed, quality far outweighs quantity.
After a meticulous selection process, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 African Genius Award Finalists.
*** Dr Sifiso Falala, founder of the AGAs ***
The 2025 AGA Finalists
Inspired by the extraordinary talent and determination found across the continent, Dr Sifiso Falala, founder of the African Genius Awards, urges all Africans to keep striving for a greater future: “We have the land, the people, the weather, the culture —and yes, the genius — to make this continent everything we dream it to be.”
We congratulate these phenomenal individuals on their nomination and extend heartfelt gratitude to every person who was nominated. Your contributions are shaping a better, bolder, and more self-sufficient Africa. Thank you for the hard work, vision, and excellence you bring to our continent.
To the finalists: this recognition is a testament to your ingenuity, perseverance, and the transformative impact of your work. You are beacons of what it means to be an African genius.
The winners of the 2025 African Genius Awards will be announced on Saturday, 6 September, a date we invite all Africans to mark with pride. Let us come together to honour and celebrate those working tirelessly to make Africa great.
And remember: nominations open every year on 1 August and close on 31 January. If you know someone who exemplifies African genius, don’t wait— nominate them. The world needs to see what Africa can do.
Read more about the AGA: https://www.priorityperformance.co.za/africangenius/
The following is a list of the 2025 AGA nominees and their short profiles:
1. Prof. Patricia Mawuli Porter – Ghana/USA
Hailing from Ghana, Professor Patricia Mawuli Porter is a trailblazer in aviation and engineering, renowned as the first female civilian pilot in Ghana certified to build and maintain aircraft. Through her organization, AvTech Academy, she has empowered hundreds of young women in rural Ghana by providing training in aviation, mechanical engineering, and leadership. Her work challenges gender norms, opens new career paths for African girls, and strengthens STEM education across the continent.
By fostering technical excellence and self-reliance, Prof. Mawuli Porter is contributing to the creation of a new generation of African innovators poised to transform their communities and nations. Her influence extends beyond Ghana, inspiring young women throughout Africa to reach for the skies.
2. Senator Crystal Asige – Kenya
A trailblazing Kenyan senator, artist, and disability rights advocate, Crystal Asige is redefining leadership and inclusion in Africa. As the first blind woman to serve in Kenya’s Senate, she champions accessible infrastructure, education, and employment for persons with disabilities. Her legislative work is backed by personal experience and unwavering commitment to equity. Beyond politics, Asige uses music and public speaking to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representation. Her influence is felt in policy, culture, and grassroots activism, making her a transformative figure in Africa’s movement for inclusion and social justice.
3. Professor Deji Akinwande – Nigeria/USA
A Nigerian American professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, Prof. Deji Akinwande is a globally recognized expert in nanotechnology and flexible electronics.
His pioneering research in graphene-based devices has led to significant advancements in electronic and communication technologies. As a mentor and advocate for African scientific excellence, he actively supports young researchers on the continent through academic collaborations and innovation programs. His work elevates Africa’s presence in high-impact scientific fields and serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and inventors across the continent.
*** Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, nominee; Saul Molobi of Brandhill Africa, partner to the AGAs; and Sithembile Masia of Eight Red Apples, communications consultant to the AGAs ***
4. Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – South Africa
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng is one of South Africa’s most distinguished mathematicians and academic leaders, known for her advocacy for inclusive and decolonized education. As former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she worked tirelessly to improve access to higher education, support underrepresented students, and enhance academic excellence across disciplines. Her own journey from humble beginnings to the heights of academia has inspired countless young South Africans, particularly women and black students, to pursue careers in mathematics and science. An influential voice in global education circles, Prof. Phakeng continues to elevate African scholarship and research, ensuring that Africa’s unique perspectives and talents contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge economy.
5. Beth Koigi – Kenya
A Kenyan innovator and social entrepreneur, Beth Koigi is revolutionising access to clean water through her company, Majik Water. By harnessing atmospheric water generation technology, she provides affordable, sustainable drinking water to communities facing severe water scarcity. Her work directly impacts underserved rural and urban populations in Kenya and beyond, offering a viable solution to one of Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges. Koigi’s innovation not only addresses basic human needs but also promotes climate resilience and health equity across the continent. Through her leadership, she inspires a new generation of African women in STEM and environmental Entrepreneurship.
6. Lucky Mashudu Netshidzati – South Africa
A South African innovator from Limpopo, is the founder of Rudzambilu Holdings and the creator of a groundbreaking smart glove that translates South African Sign Language into voice and text in real time.
Inspired by his deaf parents, he developed the glove to bridge communication gaps for the hearing-impaired. The glove supports all 11 official languages, offering a multilingual solution for inclusive communication. Tested successfully since 2018, it enables deaf users to engage confidently in everyday situations without interpreters. Beyond this, Lucky is an advocate for disability awareness and youth innovation, organising national events and developing other assistive tech like smart sticks for the blind.
His work has created jobs, empowered rural communities, and earned national recognition. As a social entrepreneur, he exemplifies innovation driven by lived experience. His impact continues to grow, making communication more accessible and inclusive across South Africa.
7. Margaret Hirsch – South Africa
South African business leader and philanthropist Margaret Hirsch is the co-founder of Hirsch’s, one of the largest independently owned appliance and electronics retailers in Southern Africa. Beyond her corporate success, she is a dedicated advocate for women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship programs, business development initiatives, and public speaking, she has supported thousands of women and youth across South Africa in building sustainable livelihoods. Hirsch’s commitment to uplifting communities through education and enterprise has made her a pillar of inclusive economic development and a model of socially conscious leadership on the Continent.
8. Maxwell Chikumbutso – Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwean inventor and self-taught engineer, Maxwell Chikumbutso is known for developing cutting-edge green technologies, including the world’s first self-charging electric car and a clean energy generator that operates without traditional fuel. Despite limited formal education, Chikumbutso has pioneered innovations that have the potential to revolutionize energy access in off-grid African communities. Through his company, Saith Technologies, he is tackling both climate change and energy poverty—critical barriers to development across Africa. His story of resilience and ingenuity continues to inspire young African inventors to dream beyond limitations and to develop solutions for Africa, by Africans.
9. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard – Gabon
As the founder and chairman of APO Group, Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard has transformed the visibility of African businesses, institutions, and initiatives on the global stage.
Through strategic communications and media relations, he has amplified African voices, enabling the continent to better tell its own stories and shape global narratives. His efforts have empowered governments, startups, and multinational corporations operating in Africa to engage meaningfully with international audiences. Pompigne-Mognard’s commitment to economic development, investment promotion, and media empowerment has made him a key player in driving Africa’s image shift from aid-dependent to opportunity-rich.
10. Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi – Botswana
A dynamic entrepreneur and advocate from Botswana, Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi is dedicated to empowering women and youth through enterprise development, mentorship, and social innovation.
She has launched initiatives that support female entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community-driven problem solving, helping to reduce unemployment and promote economic self-reliance. Daisy’s work reflects a deep commitment to building resilient, inclusive communities across Botswana and the wider region. Her influence continues to grow as she nurtures a new generation of changemakers focused on sustainable African development.
11. Professor Collen Masimirembwa
A pioneering Zimbabwean geneticist, Professor Collen Masimirembwa has made transformative contributions to the field of pharmacogenomics in Africa. As the founding president and CEO of the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), he has championed the development of tailored drug treatments that consider the genetic profiles of African populations. His groundbreaking research has improved drug safety and efficacy, particularly in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Beyond the lab, Prof. Masimirembwa has dedicated himself to building scientific capacity in Zimbabwe and across Africa by mentoring young scientists and advocating for homegrown innovation in biomedical sciences. His work not only enhances healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe but also positions Africa at the forefront of global genomic research.
12. Mutshidzi Mulondo – South Africa
A South African entrepreneur and founder of Aviro Health, Mutshidzi Mulondo is transforming access to healthcare through digital tools that empower patients and streamline clinical processes. His innovations help address major public health challenges such as HIV, TB, and maternal health by leveraging mobile technology and data. By working closely with clinics, governments, and NGOs, Mulondo has made a tangible impact on healthcare delivery in underserved communities. His work not only strengthens health systems in South Africa but also provides scalable solutions applicable across the continent.
13. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan – Liberia
A Liberian medical doctor, scientist, and inventor, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan has made groundbreaking contributions to public health in Africa through the development of a rapid diagnostic test capable of detecting multiple infectious diseases—including Ebola, HIV, and malaria—simultaneously. His innovation is a critical tool for early detection and disease management in resource-limited settings. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Nyan is an enthusiastic advocate for health equity, democratic governance, and youth empowerment in Liberia and across Africa. His multifaceted impact strengthens healthcare systems, promotes civic engagement, and fosters African-led solutions to public health crises.
14. Lorna Rutto – Kenya
Kenyan environmental entrepreneur Lorna Rutto is leading the charge in sustainable development through her company, EcoPost, which converts plastic waste into durable building materials. By tackling pollution and creating green jobs, especially for youth and women, she has turned an environmental crisis into an opportunity for economic empowerment. Rutto’s model addresses urban waste management while promoting circular economy principles, positioning Kenya as a regional leader in eco-innovation. Her pioneering work has been recognised globally and serves as a blueprint for environmentally conscious enterprise that uplifts communities and drives sustainable growth across Africa.
15. Gisela Van Houcke – DRC
A Belgian Congolese entrepreneur and philanthropist, Gisela Van Houcke is the founder of My Grandmother's Kitchen and G.V.H. Impact Foundation, initiatives that address hunger, education, and women’s empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other parts of Africa. By combining food security with skills training and small business support, she uplifts vulnerable communities, especially women and children. Her grassroots approach ensures lasting impact by promoting dignity, independence, and opportunity. Van Houcke’s efforts bridge African and European communities, embodying pan-African solidarity and the spirit of diaspora-driven development.
16. Claude Grunitzky – Togo
Togolese American media entrepreneur Claude Grunitzky is a visionary cultural curator and storyteller whose work bridges Africa and the world. As the founder of TRACE and TRUE Africa, he has created platforms that elevate African creativity, innovation, and perspectives to global audiences. Through journalism, digital media, and education, Grunitzky has fostered intercultural dialogue and empowered young Africans to own their narratives. His investments in African talent and knowledge production reflect a deep commitment to shaping an inclusive, interconnected Africa that is proud of its identity and confident in its global contributions.
17. Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo – Nigeria/USA
A Nigerian American computer scientist and AI ethicist, Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo is at the forefront of advocating for ethical, inclusive, and culturally relevant artificial intelligence in Africa. Her groundbreaking research focuses on ensuring that emerging technologies are aligned with African values and socio-economic realities. Through both academic and policy channels, she champions equitable tech development that safeguards human rights and promotes African agency in global innovation spaces. By mentoring young technologists and advising institutions, Dr. Okolo plays a pivotal role in shaping a just digital future for Africa and beyond.
18. Nomso Kana – South Africa
A nuclear scientist and ICT entrepreneur from South Africa, Nomso Kana is a vocal advocate for science led development and digital inclusion. Through her work with fibre optic network projects and her leadership in youth-focused STEM initiatives, she is narrowing the digital divide and creating pathways for underprivileged communities to access the digital economy. Kana’s advocacy extends to gender equity in technology and policymaking, ensuring that young African women have a voice and a seat at the table. Her visionary leadership contributes to Africa’s progress toward becoming a globally competitive knowledge-based society.
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About the African Genius Awards (AGA):
The African Genius Awards (AGA), an initiative of Priority Performance Projects, honours exceptional Africans who embody the spirit of self-determination, dignity, and innovation. Founded by Dr. Sifiso Falala, AGA exists to spotlight individuals solving African challenges with brilliance, purpose, and originality. More than just an awards ceremony, AGA is a movement that fosters belief in African excellence, encourages youth empowerment, and champions a globally competitive Africa. With support from academic, research, and media partners, AGA recognises trailblazers across sectors — redefining what it means to lead, create, and uplift on the continent. Nominations open every year on 1 August and close on 31 January.
Read more about the AGA: https://www.priorityperformance.co.za/africangenius/
For technical inquiries and further information, please contact:
Ms Funeka Sobantu
Head: Corporate Communications,
Plus 94 Research
Tel: +27 (11) 327-2020 (Office)
Mobile: +27 (79) 558-2217
email: Funeka@plus94.co.za.
Issued on behalf of the African Genius Awards by:
Sithembile Masia
Founder and CEO
Eight Red Apples (Pty) Ltd
Mobile: +27 (76) 562-9393
Mobile: eightredapples@outlook.com.