Tech startup founders in Africa are becoming the leaders or promising leaders in their countries. Or even across the continent. And, this is not going without notice from the rest of the world. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, of Flutterwave, is serving as an example.
Being the youngest continent in the world, Africa’s startup founders and now current and future leaders are likely below 35 years. Yet, it is becoming clear that they are the continent’s hope. If you are to go by the increasing number of recognition they are receiving.
There are several platforms recognizing those going beyond the ordinary. To not only change their lives, but their local communities and the continent at large.
The World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, the Most Influential People of African Descent, MIPAD, initiative and Forbes's 30 Under 30 are some of them.
When you observe these lists, technology startup founders are increasingly becoming present.
This year, Uganda’s Evelyn Namara, the Founder of Agritech startup Vouch Digital, was named among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent. Alongside Samuel Alemayehu, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Fatoumata Ba and Anushka Ratnayake.
See also: Evelyn Namara’s Uginnovate re-brands to Vouch Digital
But, among the tech founders being awarded or recognized across the continent, Flutterwave’s Iyinoluwa Aboyeji stands out. In the past 12 months, the 27-year-old has been recognized or awarded at least five times.
From Nigeria’s finance and business newspaper, Business Day, to Forbes, falling under their 30 Under 30 category.
Earlier this month, the Flutterwave founder was named a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum. Putting him among “100 of the World’s Brightest under 40 invited to shape an inclusive and sustainable future”.
This implies he will be “joining a community and five-year programme that will challenge [him] to think beyond [his] scope of expertise and be [a] more impactful leader.”
Additionally, he was recognized by MIPAD. As “one of the Most Influential People of African Descent, Business and Entrepreneurship category Class of 2018”. Last year, the list featured the likes of Jason Njoku, Anthony Joshua, Trevor Noah and more.
Forbes also named him among its 2018 30 Under 30 Enterprise Category for his work at building Flutterwave. The company had “raised $15.7 million in funding” and “processing $1.2 billion in transactions so far.”
Before that, Aboyeji was named among the “30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa” for the year 2015 by Forbes. At that time, he was still at Andela and aged 23 years.
See also: SafeBoda’s Rapa Thomson Ricky named by Forbes among “30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa 2018”
Business Day, a newspaper based in Lagos, named Iyinoluwa Aboyeji among the “50 Most Influential Nigerians in 2017”. Citing his work at Flutterwave, still, for the nod.
The list had the nation's president, Muhammadu Buhari, who made number one. Other prominent people included businessmen in the country, like Tony O. Elumelu. As well as well-known Afrobeat artists Wizkid and Davido.
Additionally, New African Magazine named him among its “100 Most Influential Africans of 2017”. In the science, tech and innovation category. Again, for his work at Flutterwave. AppsTech founder, Rebecca Enonchong appeared in the same category.
In November, last year, Flutterwave won the “best fintech startup” category at the AppsAfrica Awards.