Wole Adeniyi

Manish Harsh

Manish Harsh is an artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing expert who leads strategic alliances and developer relations for AI platform enablement at NVIDIA. 

His work focuses on advancing NVIDIA's AI platform and fostering collaborations to enhance AI technologies' global adoption and capabilities.

Prof. David-West

Professor Olayinka David-West is an esteemed academic and thought leader with expertise in the intersection of business management and technology. With an illustrious career spanning several decades in IT and financial services, she has made significant contributions to academia, research, and the advancement of business practices and policies through her insightful analyses and strategic thinking.

As the Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor David-West brings visionary leadership to one of Africa's premier business institutions. She is passionate about digital transformation and inclusive finance and has held critical positions at prestigious institutions. At LBS, she has served as a faculty member, faculty director, academic director, associate dean and accreditation lead, propelling the school to attain international accreditations and global rankings. Her research and practice engagements focus on the transformative impact of technology on business models, strategy, and organisational dynamics alongside policy interventions toward digitally transformed businesses and society.

Professor David-West’s thought leadership focuses on the transformative impact of technology on business and operating models and organisational strategy. Since 2015, she has led the Sustainable and Inclusive Digital and Financial Services (SIDFS) initiative, fostering research, advocacy, capacity building and stakeholder engagement in the digital and financial services ecosystems to improve financial access and digital transformation efforts, amongst others. 

She is Certified in Cyber Risk Governance, Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). She is a member of the Fintech Association of Nigeria and is widely regarded as an expert in financial inclusion and digital innovation. Professor David-West also mentors young women in STEM and has been recognised as among the leading women in Nigeria’s financial technology industry.

Rodger Werkhoven

Rodger Werkhoven, born on December 5, 1967, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is a creative technologist with over 30 years of experience in the creative industry. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Image and Media Technology from the University of the Arts Utrecht (HKU). Throughout his career, Werkhoven has collaborated with renowned agencies such as DDB, Ogilvy, BBDO, McCann, Havas, Dentsu, and WPP, contributing to award-winning campaigns, including accolades from The Cannes Lions and multiple EFFIE Awards. His passion for generative and synthetic art led to early CGI and digital media experiments, showcased in progressive art scenes across Amsterdam, Berlin, and Helsinki. In 2022, he was invited by OpenAI to join a select group of creative professionals worldwide to contribute to developing and improving their generative AI models, playing a key role in the beta launch of DALL•E 2 and subsequent AI advancements.

Since January 2024, Rodger Werkhoven has been a consultant for AI in Nigeria, advising on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence within various industries. In February 2024, he participated in the "Adapting AI for Nigeria: Crafting Intelligent Solutions for Our Unique Landscape" conference in Lagos, emphasising AI's transformative potential in Nigeria’s economic development. His work in AI advocacy includes helping organisations navigate AI's ethical and creative implications while unlocking its potential for innovation. Werkhoven continues collaborating with AI developers and the creative industry, ensuring AI technologies are implemented safely, responsibly, and effectively to drive growth and digital transformation in Nigeria and beyond.

Olugbenga Agboola

Olugbenga Agboola is the co-founder and CEO of Flutterwave. Flutterwave is an Africa-based fintech company that provides a payment infrastructure for global merchants and payment service providers across the continent. The company that makes it easier for Africans to build global businesses that can make and accept any payment, anywhere from across Africa and around the world.

Prior to co-founding Flutterwave, Agboola contributed to the development of fintech solutions at several tech companies and financial institutions such as PayPal, Standard Bank, among others. He is a serial entrepeneur with two successful exits under his belt. He is a software engineer with a master's degree in information technology security and behavourial engineering and an MBA.

Yemi Faseun

Yemi is a distinguished leadership and HR consultant, known for his transformative approach to workplace culture and talent management. With 30 years of multi-sector experience, he serves as a Chief Talent Officer, guiding businesses through talent and organizational transformation. As a thought leader, he emphasizes the need for modern leadership strategies to navigate the evolving world of work. Yemi has been recognized globally for his contributions to HR and leadership, earning accolades such as the Top 501 Most Fabulous Global HR Leader, Top 150 Global HR Influencer, and multiple recognitions from LinkedIn and Peoplehum. His influence extends across Africa and beyond, solidifying his reputation as a key voice in shaping the future of HR and leadership.

Beyond corporate consulting, Yemi is committed to mentorship and professional development. He founded The YF Network (TYFN), a leadership and business development community spanning three continents, and The YF Academy (TYFA), dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve career and leadership success. He actively mentors mid-career professionals and business leaders, offering guidance through platforms like Nexford University, Lagos Business School, and Rome Business School Nigeria. Additionally, he contributes as a mentor to the WIMBIZ WIMBoard Mentoring Programme. As an author of two books and a passionate advocate for great workplaces, Yemi brings a dynamic and inspiring approach to leadership—so much so that he genuinely loves Mondays!

Okechi Awujo

Okechi Awujo is a visionary leader in technology and innovation, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades in IT infrastructure, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. He currently serves as Executive Director in Workplace Engineering at Goldman Sachs, where he leads transformative projects, and driving cutting-edge solutions for global enterprises.

Okechi is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Hull, further deepening his expertise in the evolving field of AI. His academic focus on topics like personalised learning platforms and LLM-powered conversational agents highlights his commitment to bridging innovation and practical application.

A recognised thought leader, Okechi holds multiple certifications, including Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), AWS Solution Architect Associate, and Arcitura Certified IoT Architect. His deep knowledge in networking, cloud architecture, and AI positions him as a key voice at InnovateAI 2025.

Okechi’s passion for innovation extends beyond his professional roles. As the host of the podcast AI Unveiled: Beyond the Buzz, he simplifies the complex world of artificial intelligence for diverse audiences, demystifying cutting-edge concepts and fostering greater understanding of AI's potential. He is dedicated to fostering collaboration and inspiring groundbreaking ideas in artificial intelligence. Known for his engaging presentations, often infused with humour, Okechi creates memorable learning experiences for diverse audiences.

In addition to his technical expertise, Okechi is a unifier and leader in various community initiatives, where he played a pivotal role in taking technology to the grass roots.

At InnovateAI 2025, Okechi will share his insights on the transformative potential of AI, exploring its role in reshaping industries, empowering businesses, and improving lives.

Martijn Lancee

Martijn  Lancee is the Global Business Development Director at LinkedIn. 

Martijn’s team at LinkedIn designs and implements growth partnership programs, empowering the entire 3.3 billion-strong global workforce to use our platform to create economic opportunities. 

Martijn also runs an AI community to connect talent with opportunities.

Yen Choi

Yen Choi is a technology visionary and a highly regarded expert with 28 years of experience spanning telecommunications, IT, broadcasting, aerospace and software development. As the Co-founder and Group Chief Technical Officer of Netcom Africa in Nigeria, Yen has played a crucial role in shaping the telecommunications landscape in Africa for over 20 years. He is deeply involved in the convergence of multiple technologies, with a passion future-facing innovations.

In addition to his leadership at Netcom Africa, Yen serves as a Senior Advisor for Africa Infrastructure Investment Advisors (South Africa) and holds board positions at ChipLab, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, BankIT Microfinance Bank, Ignitia Sweden and OAO Investments South Africa. He previously held positions at Onix Data Centres, Fibersat, and Speedcast

Yen’s extensive expertise extends to the startup sector, where he has provided strategic guidance to a number of growing startups, helping them navigate complex technology integrations. His deep knowledge and insight make him a trusted advisor in the African tech space, where he continuously supports innovation, growth, and the development of robust infrastructure solutions.

With a wealth of experience across multiple sectors and continents, Yen Choi is a sought-after speaker, always eager to share his unique insights on the intersection of telecommunications, IT, and technological convergence, and how these can propel Africa into the future of global innovation.

Kauna Malgwi

I am a former Facebook content moderator with over 4 years of experience content moderation and also, a dedicated clinical psychologist from Nigeria. I am passionately advocating for mental health care, fair working conditions, fair wages and professionalization of African data and technology work in the digital space. With a deep commitment to fostering resilience and well-being, I empower individuals to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace such as digital and technology work. My innovative approaches and tireless efforts have earned me recognition as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence and BBC news 100 women 2024. I believe in the transformative power of mental health awareness, striving to create a brighter, healthier future for young professionals across Africa. I am currently the chairperson of the steering committee of the African Content Moderator Union- Nigeria chapter and the Mental Health/Welfare lead of the African Content Moderators Union- Kenya Chapter. 

Aisha Tofa

Aisha Tofa is an Executive Board Member at Startup Kano Ltd, a technology incubation hub in Kano, Nigeria, dedicated to fostering social capital and technological innovation for economic growth. With a decade of experience in startups, innovation, and social impact, she has mentored over 500 founders, helping some secure up to $1 million in funding. She is also a Managing Partner at Hills & Sands Investments, an advisory firm focused on supporting women in investing and financial literacy.

She has led projects for international and local organisations, including the British Council, UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, United Nations, and Google, impacting over 50,000 young people in Nigeria. As Chair of the Women Founders Group, she organises the Women Founders Conference, one of Nigeria’s largest Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship events, featuring speakers like UN DSG Amina J. Muhammad and Halima Dangote.

Aisha holds a Master’s degree and has received training from Voice of America, the British Council, and Google. She is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper, a Gates Foundation Goalkeeper, and a recipient of multiple awards, including the UN Feature Award for DigitALL. She also serves on several boards, providing strategic mentorship, and is currently an Incubation Specialist at the United Nations Development Program.

Franklin Ali

Franklin Ali is a seasoned HR professional with expansive multi-industry experience across Financial Services, Oil and Gas, FMCG and Technology.

He began his career as an L&D specialist, Business Partner for West Africa at UBA, before proceeding to Nest Oil where he worked as an HR generalist. He later joined TGI as the Senior Manager, Business Partnering and Talent Management. He joined Interswitch in 2019 as the Group Head, Organisation & Talent Management and eventually progressed to become the Chief Human Resource Officer for Nigeria.
With experience spanning more than a decade, Franklin has consistently demonstrated expertise and knowledge in developing and delivering talent management strategies for organizational development, HR process re-engineering and business partnering. Among other licenses and certifications, Franklin is a graduate of the Ambrose Ali university, where he bagged his first degree in Industrial Chemistry. He also holds a masters in Diplomacy and Strategic studies from the University of Lagos

Adetunwase Adenle

Adetunwase Adenle is a visionary leader, social entrepreneur, and creative advocate who has profoundly impacted youth empowerment and education in Nigeria. As the Co-founder of Slum Art Foundation and Animation Hub, he has directly reached and transformed the lives of over 100,000 children, fostering creativity and providing opportunities for growth within underserved communities.

Adetunwase has also significantly contributed to Nigeria's GDP by training and empowering over 50,000 Nigerian youths in cutting-edge skills such as technology, animation, and artificial intelligence. His efforts have not only nurtured a generation of tech-savvy individuals but have also equipped them to excel in the global digital economy.

Under his leadership, Slum Art Foundation has become a beacon of hope, using art and education to inspire children and bridge the gap in opportunities for marginalized communities. Through Animation Hub, Adetunwase has pioneered initiatives that integrate creativity with technology, offering world-class digital skills training to Nigerian youth, thereby creating employment opportunities and fostering innovation.

A four-time Guinness World Record holder, Adetunwase is known for his commitment to community development and his passion for leveraging art and technology as tools for societal change. His work exemplifies his dedication to creating a sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria, empowering individuals to reach their full potential while making lasting contributions to the nation’s economic and social landscape.

Stephanie Egharevba

Stephanie Egharevba is an advocate for disability inclusion, dedicated to helping organizations and communities design inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can thrive. With a data-driven and empathetic approach, she develops strategies that prioritize accessibility and equity, addressing systemic barriers to create lasting impact. Stephanie believes inclusion is a catalyst for innovation and works to empower individuals to contribute their unique talents. Stephanie is committed to continuous progress; she helps organizations cultivate practices that unlock potential and drive meaningful change in the tech industry and beyond.

Shamsuddeen Jibril

Shamsuddeen Jibril, an Aerospace Engineering graduate from the Airforce Institute of Technology, Kaduna, is a visionary technologist, entrepreneur, and youth advocate reshaping Nigeria's innovation landscape. As co-founder of Vora Robotics Ltd, he leads cutting-edge advancements in drone technology and automation, providing sustainable solutions that are revolutionizing agriculture and empowering local communities.

A trailblazer recognized for his impact, Shamsuddeen is a Nominee for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Creativity and Innovation 2024. He has been honored with the Visionary Leadership Award by Inspiring Youth Africa Magazine, Best Innovator of the Year by Daily Nigeria and PR Nigeria, and Youth Startup of the Year (West Africa) by the Global Startup Awards. He is also a fellow of the Aspire Institute at Harvard University, USA and serves as the Kaduna State Coordinator for iLEAD Africa's "Be the Change" initiative.

His work and influence have been featured on major platforms like BBC News Africa, Voice of America (VOA), Arise TV, and Legit.ng. Shamsuddeen’s journey is a powerful testament to the role of innovation and leadership in creating a sustainable, technology-driven future across Africa

Temi Dalley

Temi Dalley is a distinguished HR professional with over 20 years of expertise in strategic leadership, talent management, career development, and transformational change. As the pioneer Group Chief Human Resource Officer at Sterling Financial Holdings Co., she successfully led the Human Capital function through the bank's transition into a holding company, fostering operational excellence and a high-performance culture. She currently heads a team of Human Capital and Corporate Services experts, ensuring a skilled workforce and an enabling work environment in an increasingly digital landscape. Under her leadership, the organisation earned the prestigious Legendary Award from the Great Place to Work Institute for five consecutive years.

Her influence extends beyond her organisation, earning her global recognition in the HR industry. She was named among the 101 Most Influential Global HR Leaders by the HRD World Congress in 2018, HR Leader of the Year by HR People Magazine in 2020, and one of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa in 2023. She has also been recognised as Visionary Leader of the Year 2023 by the Association of Elite Human Resource Professionals and listed among the 122 Top Chief Human Resources Officers by PeopleHum.

Temi sits on the advisory boards of Advantage Health Africa and Nexford University, contributing to healthcare and education initiatives. She is an executive member of the Association of Professional Women Bankers and the Executive Sponsor of OneWoman by Sterling, which promotes financial inclusion for women. As Chairperson of Bloom Network, she champions mentorship and career development for female employees. An alumna of Ahmadu Bello University, Middlesex Business School, and The Wharton School, she holds memberships in esteemed professional bodies such as the CIPD UK, SHRM USA, and CIPM Nigeria, reinforcing her standing as a leading figure in HR leadership.

Solomon Ayodele

Solomon is the Head of Innovation at WEMA Bank & ALATByWEMA. He is a results-driven manager, well-versed in leading teams and driving business transformation, leveraging expertise in building customer-centric technology products. 

He was an Analyst; Innovation, Digital Enablement and Analytics at Stanbic IBTC where he drove digital strategy execution by managing product development from conceptualization to delivery to customers; leading design thinking training and workshops; driving partnership engagements with the technology ecosystem and facilitating digital emersion sessions to boost the digital knowledge quotient within the organization.

He is a recipient of the Prestigious CIBN Next Gen Banker for Trailblazers under 30, BudgIT Active Citizen Award for Community Service, Digi-Bank Digital Leadership Award in Nairobi, Future Awards for Activism & Advocacy, Future Awards for Intrapreneurship & he was recently listed as the top 50 Young Africans to look out for.

He is an Author of 3 Books & his overarching objective in life is to catalyze the fortune of Africa with his voice and the enabling power of technology.

Dr. Krish Ranganath

Dr Krish is the Regional Executive - West Africa & Morocco- at Africa Data Centres (ADC). ADC  is part of Cassava Technologies a pan-African technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation across Africa. His current focus is on building and operating regional / Edge Data centres and to support local cloud operators to promote data localization and business re-engineering and the latest technology trends like AI.

He has an unmatched experience of over three decades in the Data Centre, Cloud, Connectivity, and Managed IT Services industries. He is renowned for his significant contributions in building the most number of data centres in the region. He has an extensive experience in establishing multiple data centres and running cloud hosting and managed services businesses for several decades. Dr Krish is vastly experience in incubating startups and positioning them as challengers in high growth markets where they operate. 

His impressive experience in running businesses includes complete life cycle management of the business includes: business planning, end-to-end P&L ownership, product development, sales/business development, go-to-market strategies formulation and execution, establishing multi megawatt Data Centre projects, service delivery, procurement, HR, finance and other business support functions, establishing systems and processes including integrated BSS and OSS automation, as well as applying the latest AI trends across the business-functions

He is a recipient of several awards by various institutions recognizing his impeccable contribution toward the development of the Data Centre Industry and the overall ICT sector in Africa over the years.

Ikechukwu Nnamani

Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani is the CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria (formerly Medallion Data Centres Limited). Under his leadership for over 17 years, Digital Realty’s Lagos facility has become the most interconnected data centre in West Africa, serving as the region’s top peering point. It supports all submarine cables, long-distance and metro fibre providers, mobile and fixed service operators, OTT providers, Internet Exchange, VAS providers, and global Tier 1 networks. Over 68% of Nigeria’s internet traffic is exchanged at this facility, which also hosts the 2AFRICA Submarine Cable’s PFE Module and other critical network infrastructure.

Beyond Nigeria, Engr. Nnamani has played a key role in developing telecom and ICT infrastructure in multiple African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, and Angola. His contributions have significantly advanced connectivity and digital transformation across the continent.

A recipient of over 50 national and international awards, he was recently honoured with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Beacon of ICT Awards for pioneering Nigeria’s data centre industry. Other accolades include 2024 Datacentre Leader of the Year at the Tech Innovation Awards and multiple recognitions as ICT Entrepreneur and Man of the Year. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University, USA.

Dr. Babatunde Obrimah

Dr. Babatunde Oghenobruche Obrimah, FNIM, PMP, is a distinguished fintech executive, non-executive director, and business coach with extensive experience in banking, finance, and financial technology. As the President of the FinTech Association of Nigeria, he plays a pivotal role in steering the organisation towards strategic growth and operational excellence. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Obrimah has developed expertise in financial governance, risk management, and business transformation. His leadership is instrumental in fostering innovation, financial inclusivity, and high-performance teams that shape Nigeria’s fintech landscape. In previous roles, he has successfully managed large-scale banking operations, agricultural finance, and strategic business development, contributing to financial sector growth in Nigeria.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Dr. Obrimah is a thought leader who has published research on workplace motivation and financial management. His passion for leadership development is evident through his coaching initiatives and blog, where he shares insights on personal effectiveness, finance, and entrepreneurship. A holder of a Doctorate in Business Administration from Northcentral University, along with multiple certifications in AI, life coaching, and financial system reengineering, he continuously drives innovation in the fintech and banking sectors. His dedication to strategic planning and governance has positioned him as a key figure in advancing Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem.

Chinwe Okoli

Chinwe Okoli is an expert in public policy, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship, with extensive training and experience in managing high-level business relationships, innovation hubs, science parks, and angel investment networks. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, and a diploma in Higher Education Management from Israel. She has received international training from institutions across the U.S., Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, specialising in business incubation, acceleration, and science park management.

She was the Manager of Nigeria’s first university-embedded innovation hub at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she co-designed and implemented its startup incubation program. She also pioneered the Lion Science Park, the country’s first university-based science park focused on research commercialisation. As a thought leader, she has contributed to high-level policy discussions at global forums, including the Heads of State and Government Summit of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, and events hosted by the EU and OACPS in Senegal.

Chinwe is the Founder of Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN), a non-profit empowering African youth through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs that have impacted over one million young people in 90 countries. She previously served as a Technical Assistant at the Presidential Economic Advisory Council of Nigeria and played a key role in the South Africa-Nigeria Youth Dialogue, launched by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa. She is also an author of The Ladder to Academic Excellence and A Daunting Odyssey.

Prof. Goselle Najul

He is currently the Honourable Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Plateau State, Nigeria. He was the Immediate Past Coordinator General, Post-Graduate Research Programme & Seminars of the Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Nigeria. He also doubles as the Chairman, Quality Assurance Committee of the Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Nigeria & a Member of the Department of Zoology Curriculum review committee. He is a Professor of Parasitology and Vector Biology, with specialized interest and experience in Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Biotechnology, Immunology,  Drug design, Public Health, Sustainable Development issues, Public Policy, Administration and Strategic Analysis.

Olatundun Adekunte

Olatundun Anifat Adekunte, FNCS, is a visionary leader in Nigeria's technology landscape. A graduate of Computer Science and Business Administration from Ogun State University, she began her illustrious IT career at National oil Ltd as an intern, Access Bank Plc during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. She later joined the Ogun State Government in 2001, rising through the ranks to become the Director of Information at the Bureau of Information Technology.

Olatundun's achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including 1st Runner-up in E-Government Implementation (2022),the Best in the KOICA E-Government program (2018). A Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), she has also served as Chairman of the NCS Ogun State Chapter and holds board memberships in the Ogun Tech Community and Digital Ecosystem Advisory Group.

Recognized and awarded as one of the 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria's Digital Economy by KNOWHOW MEDIA And MARKETING INTELLIGENCE INTERNATIONAL LTD (KHMMIIL) powdered by ITEdge, Olatundun Anifat Adekunte remains committed to harnessing technology for societal progress, inspiring generations to come.

‘Lara Yeku

Andrew Uaboi

Andrew Uaboi serves as Vice President for Visa West Africa. In his role, he spearheads portfolio management across the region and fosters relationships with clients, partners, and governments in line with Visa’s global strategies. A highly experienced corporate leader, Andrew possesses over 20 years of professional work experience spanning the telecoms, banking & payments industries, specializing in sales, customer relationship management, project management, and product management.

Prior to his current position, Andrew had spent seven years at Visa, holding several roles and led the company’s operations in Nigeria as Country Manager where he drove the rapid expansion of the business and the growth of the company’s presence in the market. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ibadan and certifications in a broad range of areas including retail banking and business negotiations, among
others.

Oladipupo Aina

Oladipupo Aina serves as the Vice President of Technology at Kuda, a leading digital banking platform, where he drives innovation and operational efficiency through his expertise in systems integration and solution development. With a robust background in the financial services industry, Oladipupo has been instrumental in ensuring Kuda’s technology operations remain resilient and scalable to meet the evolving demands of the fintech sector.

A skilled leader in analytical problem-solving, operations management, and the application of Agile and DevOps practices, Oladipupo’s commitment to continuous improvement has established him as a prominent figure in building high-performing engineering teams. His leadership is marked by exceptional communication and coaching abilities, which foster a collaborative culture of innovation within his organization.