LAGOS, Nigeria — From groundbreaking digital products to inclusive education and healthcare innovations, ten outstanding African leaders were honored this week at the 2023 Changemaker Awards, an annual recognition hosted by RankBank.org. The ceremony celebrated individuals who are not just shaping industries, but also changing lives and communities across the continent.

In a year defined by uncertainty and transformation, the honorees were hailed as “trailblazing pioneers” whose work reflects the power of purpose-driven innovation.

“The 2023 Changemaker Awards spotlight those leading with boldness, empathy, and innovation,” the Awards Committee said. “These changemakers don’t just build products or platforms they build hope, equity, and a new narrative for Africa.”

The ten awardees were recognized for their leadership across a range of sectors from tech and education to healthcare, women empowerment, and youth development. According to RankBank.org, the awards are part of a broader mission to elevate African voices and ideas driving social and economic progress.

Meet the 2023 Changemaker Class

• Oluwafunke Kofoworade
  Digital Innovation Changemaker of the Year
  Lead Product Manager, Meter.ng
  Honored for delivering user-first, scalable digital solutions that are reshaping Africa’s tech ecosystem.
• Dr. Aisha Bello
  Tech Inclusion Advocate of the Year
  Founder, SheCodesAfrica
  Recognized for her work in bridging the gender gap in STEM through community-based learning programs for African girls and women.
• Obinna Okwodu
  Proptech Disruptor of the Year
  CEO, Fibre
  Celebrated for revolutionizing housing access in Nigeria through technology-enabled rental solutions.
• Oyinlola Sale
  Women Empowerment Champion
  Founder, Women Connect
  Awarded for building a robust support ecosystem for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
• Tunde Onakoya
  Education Impact Leader
  Founder, Chess in Slums Africa
  Acknowledged for using chess to inspire, educate, and empower marginalized children across underserved communities.
• Adewale Yusuf
  Media & Innovation Trailblazer
  CEO, AltSchool Africa
  Recognized for transforming access to education with tech-enabled, skill-based learning tailored for African learners.
• Chika Uwazie
  Future of Work Pioneer
  Founder, Koree
  Celebrated for opening global remote work opportunities to African talent through digital employment solutions.
• Ife Durosinmi-Etti
  Green Entrepreneurship Advocate
  CEO, Herconomy
  Honored for advancing sustainable entrepreneurship and financial inclusion for African women.
• Samuel Ilubaba
  Youth Impact Voice of the Year
  Host, The Nigeria Youth Podcast
  Applauded for using media to spark youth-led conversations and movements shaping Nigeria’s future.
• Dr. Ugochukwu Amobi
  Health Tech Leader of the Year
  Co-Founder, MedBridge
  Recognized for pioneering patient-centered healthcare through telemedicine and digital diagnostics.

As the continent continues to confront pressing challenges, these changemakers offer a hopeful counter-narrative one of innovation, inclusion, and action. Through their leadership, they are not only redefining what is possible in Africa, but also setting an example for the world.

“At RankBank.org, we believe in elevating those who elevate us all,” said the organization. “And tonight, we do just that.”