Six Nigerians made the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2021 Africa Young Innovators and Risk-Takers in a pandemic Year.
Apart from the six Nigerians, one Ghanaian, 13 South African, two Ugandans, two Kenyans, and one Namibian also made the list.
Others are two innovators from Zimbabwe, one each from Malawi, Zambia and Cape Verde.
Those who made the list in Nigeria are Ifan Ifeanyi Michael – Creative artist & filmmaker; Timilehin Bello – CEO and Founder of Media Panache; Temidayo Oniosun – Founder of Space in Africa; Amarachi Nwosu – self-taught visual artist, storyteller, and CEO of Melanin Unscripted; Divine Ikubor (also known as Rema) – Musician, and Wale Lawal – Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Republic.
Speaking on making the list, Timilehin said, “Here today, Forbes today. I’m very honoured to have been listed on the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa list. It’s a big win not just for me but for the amazing team at Media Panache.
“It’s been a turbulent year for businesses and startups especially in Africa but through it all, we have trudged on with passion and grit. And this award has proved that although it was hard, it was worth it.”
Now in its 7th edition, the Forbes Under 30 List, published annually, seeks to honour trailblazing Africans under the age of 30 who are innovative entrepreneurs, tech geeks, sports stars and influential creatives leading a pandemic hit Africa.
SEE FULL LIST: The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2021
Cleo Johnson, South Africa, founder and director of NUECLEO
Timilehin Bello, Nigeria, CEO and founder of Media Panache
Lebohang Moeletsi Phadi, South Africa, CEO of Basadi Logistics
Sepenica Darko, Ghana, founder of FarmerTribe Company
Deborah Mutwemwa, Zambia – South Africa, founder and CEO Tsumbo Scott Incorporated
Bontle Tshole, South Africa, CEO and founder of BAAA Health
Brian Kakembo, Uganda, founder, and CEO of Weye Clean Energy Co. Ltd
Hertzy Kabeya, DRC – South Africa, founder and CEO of The Student Hub
Temidayo Oniosun, Nigeria, founder of Space in Africa
Felix Byaruhanga, Uganda, founder of Skyline media and Management LTD
Harrykrishna Niadassen Poonoosamy Padiachy, Mauritius, founder of NKH Energy
Amarachi Nwosu, Nigerian self-taught visual artist, storyteller, and CEO of Melanin Unscripted
Divine Ikubor (also known as Rema), Nigeria, musician
Reinhard Mahalie, Namibia, fashion stylist and founder of RM Fashion Styling
Tendai Kevin Zhou, Zimbabwe, founder of VP Hostings
Kabelo Motha (also known as Kabza De Small), South Africa, producer and DJ
Kgaogelo Moagi (also known as Master KG), South Africa, music artist and producer
Ifan Ifeanyi Michael, Nigeria, Creative artist and filmmaker
Li-Chi Pan, South Africa, art director and digital influencer; founder of Li Chi Pan Studios
Hayze Engola, Malawi, musician, creative, and founder of KNQR Investments
Wale Lawal, Nigeria, founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic
Tilka Paljk, Zambia, swimmer
Lukhanyo Am, South Africa, rugby player
James Kang’aru MwangI, Kenya, founder and CEO of Epitome School of Chess
Julio “Beast” Bianchi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
Cheslin Kolbe, South Africa, rugby player
Thabo Moloi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
Antonio Depina, Cape Verde, founder, Overseas Basketball Connection, Praia League