Twenty exceptional changemakers have been selected from 1,257 applicants across 84 countries, representing global Black leadership. Who are they?
Adam Sotomayor – United States
Adam bridges diplomacy, security, and community engagement through his work at the U.S. Department of State, where he contributes to initiatives in counterterrorism, political-military cooperation, and public diplomacy with partners across more than 190 nations.
He supports U.S.–Africa relations by strengthening technology partnerships and facilitating diaspora engagement to advance economic development. Named a top forty alumnus of the University of Florida, he brings cultural fluency, policy insight, and communication expertise to complex global challenges.
Adam’s leadership reflects the power of constructive partnership in shaping more collaborative international systems.
Allie Bangura – Germany
Allie strengthens pathways for Afro-diaspora talent through his leadership as Co-Founder and Managing Director of ADAN Impact GmbH, one of Europe’s largest networks for Black professionals; supporting entrepreneurship, leadership development, and inclusive hiring.
He connects emerging professionals to opportunities across industries, building bridges between African and European ecosystems. With a blend of strategic advisory and community engagement, Allie advances more equitable professional landscapes. His leadership demonstrates the power of diaspora networks in shaping opportunity and expanding access to global industries.
Aline Odara – Brazil
Founder of Fundo Agbara, the first fund in Brazil dedicated to Black women, Aline has established a groundbreaking institution that reshapes national philanthropy and expands resources for women historically excluded from funding. Through her leadership, more than four thousand women have accessed opportunities in economic empowerment, racial equity, and community leadership.
Recognised among the fifty most influential people of African descent in philanthropy and social impact, she brings global attention to women-centered movements for justice. Supported by fellowships from the Skoll Foundation and the Lemann Foundation, Aline blends strategic insight with community-rooted vision. Her work drives sustainable, transformative change across Brazil and centers the leadership of Black women in building a more equitable society.
Aubin Ngoua – Gabon
At the forefront of Gabon’s renewable energy transformation is Aubin who plays a central role in the clean energy transition through national leadership and technical innovation. As Deputy Director of New and Renewable Energies within the Ministry of Universal Access to Water and Energy, he contributes to strategies that expand sustainable power for communities across Gabon.
He invented “SSolar Box” a patented photovoltaic solar cube, a modular solution that provides reliable energy in underserved areas demonstrating how engineering can respond directly to social needs. His work has received six major awards, highlighting the influence of African innovation in shaping equitable and sustainable energy systems.
Ay’Anna Moody – U.S.
Ay’Anna advances community impact and educational opportunity through her leadership at the Golden State Community Foundation, shaping initiatives for the Golden State Warriors and Valkyries. She launched the first nonprofit accelerator housed within a professional sports arena and has mobilized resources to support thousands of students and nonprofit leaders.
A graduate of UCLA and Columbia University, she combines analytical rigor with hands-on engagement to address systemic challenges. Ay’Anna’s commitment to empowering leaders and strengthening community ecosystems reflects the transformative potential of strategic philanthropy.
Bella Hounakey – Togo | U.S.
Transforming lived experience into policy influence, Bella Hounakey has become one of the most respected survivor-advocates shaping national and global responses to human trafficking. Her contributions on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking helped inform federal strategies grounded in trauma-informed care and survivor leadership.
She has represented the United States in dialogues with the United Nations and continues to advise institutions on designing ethical, survivor-centered interventions.
Recipient of the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking and a Vital Voices Fellow, Bella brings moral clarity and strategic insight to a complex global challenge. Her work strengthens networks of protection, elevates survivor voices, and inspires approaches rooted in dignity, justice, and long-term community safety.
Brian Kwesiga – Uganda | U.S.
Brian established his early impact as the youngest President and CEO of the Ugandan North American Association, where he fostered meaningful dialogue and expanded opportunities between the diaspora and East Africa. As the founder and CEO of The eHub Group, LLC, he is introducing Uganda Waragi—a traditional Ugandan spirit and cultural symbol—to the U.S. market and the African diaspora, positioning it as a proud ambassador of modern African enterprise.
His work reflects a commitment to elevating African heritage products, expanding opportunity, and reshaping global perceptions of African excellence. With fifteen years in Aerospace and Defense and advanced degrees in engineering, global business, and international studies, Brian brings a strategic, systems-driven approach to long-term institution building.
Caleb Green – U.S.
A commitment to equity and leadership within the legal profession drives Caleb Green’s work as one of Nevada’s most dynamic young attorneys. His contributions include helping shape Nevada Senate Bill 326, a significant reform that modernized legal protections and strengthened access to justice in the state.
Honoured as Young Lawyer of the Year by both the National Bar Association and the State Bar of Nevada, he pairs legal expertise with mentorship, raising scholarships for Black law students and guiding youth-focused civic initiatives. Caleb manages global trademark portfolios, litigates complex disputes, and advises on emerging technologies, all while leading the Las Vegas chapter of the National Bar Association.
His trajectory reflects a dedication to using the law to expand opportunity, elevate community leadership, and advance systemic progress.
Cierra Wells – Trinidad |U.S.
Cierra has advanced inclusive economic systems across several countries through her work on private-sector development at the World Bank, where she supports initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurship, market access, and sustainable growth.
She brings interdisciplinary expertise shaped by having led global Oracle implementations at Accenture, contributing to UNICEF’s COVID-19 economic analysis, and designing ecotourism and disability-inclusive enterprises for Afro-descendant communities.
Her work connects research, innovation, and community engagement to expand opportunity across Africa and the diaspora. Guided by a commitment to equity and problem-solving, Cierra demonstrates how applied development practice can open pathways for underrepresented groups and support long-term, inclusive transformation.
Dr Ikenna Ezealah – Nigeria | U.S.
Dr Ikenna Awuza Ezealah J.D., Ph.D., MBA, is a Nigerian-American visionary, leader, and developmental policy strategist dedicated to African nation-building. Guided by the question, “How can my life be a service to God that initiates the next developmental epoch of the global African peoples?” he has designed and advised on policies that strengthen Africa’s economic and institutional foundations.
He drafted a practitioner’s guidebook for the AfCFTA, developed a model legal framework for National Export Councils at the UN International Trade Centre, and contributed to Sudan’s post-conflict constitutional framework with the Public International Law and Policy Group.
As a Garvey-Nkrumah Legal Fellow, he engaged leaders in Ghana and Rwanda on Pan-African development strategies. Trained in diplomacy, governance, and political tradecraft, and with prior private-sector leadership, he affirms: “What drives me is not personal success, but to be a helper and guardian of the welfare and further development of the African People. Onward & Upward!”
Ebenezer Oyajumo – Canada
Expanding financial access for newcomers and diaspora communities defines Ben’s leadership as the Founder of BloomFi, Canada’s first rental-guarantee platform for immigrants, providing families with housing stability and a pathway to building credit.
His earlier work scaling Kobopay advanced digital financial services for underserved populations and strengthened inclusion in emerging markets.
With an MBA from Ivey Business School and an LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ben has led major capital-markets initiatives and now supports early-stage African ventures through African Founders, Funema, and TechAlliance. Ben’s work demonstrates how diaspora leaders can redesign financial systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to real-world needs.
Eihorere Wesigye – United Kingdom
Eihorere has influenced capital deployment across Sub Saharan Africa by directing investments that support enterprise growth and economic stability. As Vice President at GemCorp Capital, he helps shape transactions that strengthen essential industries and expand opportunities within frontier markets.
His earlier work at British International Investments involved managing complex portfolios in Africa and South Asia, experience that deepened his capacity to guide high impact investments with precision and long term vision.
A Chartered Accountant, CFA holder, and graduate of the INSEAD MBA program, he combines technical expertise with deep insight into emerging market dynamics. Eihorere’s leadership reflects a sustained commitment to advancing African businesses and elevating the continent’s position within global finance.
Julio Mupemba – Congo DRC | Sénégal
Julio co-founded the Africa Finance Bootcamp, a platform preparing emerging finance professionals for roles in investment, banking, and capital markets. His experience structuring debt, equity, and grant investments spans Toumaï Capital, Melanin Kapital, Investisseurs et Partenaires, and Haskè Ventures.
He has partnered with AFD and GIZ to support women-led enterprises and strengthen early-stage investment ecosystems. Julio blends technical insight with mentorship that empowers entrepreneurs to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. His work reflects a commitment to inclusive finance and continent-wide opportunity creation.
Karen Saidi – Kenya | Uganda
Karen has strengthened East Africa’s justice ecosystem through community rooted reforms that expand legal access for underserved populations. She helped establish Uganda’s first nationally accredited community paralegal program, an achievement that broadened rights awareness and improved early resolution of legal challenges.
As board chairperson of the Legal Aid Service Providers Network, she guides more than fifty organizations that deliver legal support and advance protection for vulnerable communities. Her work combines policy reform, gender responsive programming, and the thoughtful use of technology to make justice more effective and accessible.
With academic training in law, security studies, and management, Karen brings a multidisciplinary approach to institution building and to transforming how ordinary citizens engage with legal systems.
Loubao Kraka – Côte d’Ivoire | U.S.
Loubao is advancing inclusive finance for African entrepreneurs through EnvoyX, the AI enabled lending platform he founded to improve access to credit for small and medium businesses. His professional experience at Visa inspired the creation of tools designed to overcome persistent barriers faced by underbanked enterprises.
EnvoyX now supports thousands of business owners with automated assessments and partnerships across West Africa’s financial ecosystem. Loubao’s work reflects a belief in technology as a catalyst for opportunity, resilience, and enterprise growth, and embodies the potential of diaspora leadership in accelerating Africa’s digital finance evolution.
Manar O. Benessaidi – Moroccan-French | Ethiopia
Manar advances Africa’s voice on the global stage as Sustainable Development and G20 advisor to the African Union director-general. She contributes to programs that advance climate action, economic inclusion, and sport for development, with particular focus on women and communities experiencing climate vulnerability.
Her leadership has helped shape initiatives across 27 African countries, elevating local perspectives within international decision making.
Recognised with the McKinsey Achievement Award and active within the World Economic Forum community, she blends policy expertise with collaborative problem solving. With academic grounding from Sciences Po and SOAS, Manar brings rigorous analysis and a commitment to equitable development that reinforces Africa’s voice on the world stage.
Mary Katambi – Nigeria
As a Chibok survivor who has turned adversity into impact, Mary’s journey from surviving the kidnapping to leading digital inclusion initiatives demonstrates courage shaped into community impact. She is the founder of Kaiki where she promotes women’s participation in the digital economy through training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
Her programs have equipped hundreds of girls with data analysis skills, opening pathways for emerging talent. With training in accounting and entrepreneurship, she blends practical expertise with advocacy to foster confidence and self-reliance among young women. Mary’s work illustrates how resilience, technology, and purpose can reshape futures and strengthen communities.
Olugbenga Ogunbowale – Nigeria
Olugbenga is revolutionising access to funding for African innovators through platforms designed to make opportunity more transparent and attainable. As co-founder and CEO of Grant Master, he created digital tools that help thousands of entrepreneurs identify and pursue life-changing funding opportunities.
He also launched Grant Success School, a structured programme that equips founders with the knowledge needed to secure capital for social ventures. A Mandela Washington Fellow and Tony Elumelu entrepreneur, he leverages networks across Africa and the diaspora to strengthen early-stage ecosystems.
Olugbenga’s leadership highlights how technology, mentorship, and strategic insight can drive inclusive innovation across the continent.
Dr Sabere Traore – Burkina Faso |Switzerland
At the World Health Organization in Geneva, Sabere provides strategic guidance on health financing and systems reform for governments seeking to expand access to quality care. His earlier work supporting ministries of health across multiple African countries enhanced service delivery and strengthened policy implementation.
A Fulbright scholar with an MD from the University of Ouagadougou and dual master’s degrees in public health, he brings clinical expertise aligned with evidence-based policymaking. His leadership illustrates the role of African professionals in shaping global health agendas and advancing equitable, people-centered systems.
Soro Karim – Cote d’Ivoire
Soro Karim – Cote d’Ivoire
Innov Invest is an innovative Ivorian technology company founded by computer engineer Karim Nazonna Soro. Positioned as a pioneer in the ‘Made in Côte d’Ivoire’ technology sector, the company specialises in the design and assembly of computers and tablets under the brand ‘Icomputer’.
It also conducts national digital training and literacy programs aimed at youth. By promoting local manufacturing and entrepreneurship, it contributes to the shift from technology consumption to technology creation in Africa.
