Africa is home to a new generation of young visionaries who are driving innovation, sustainability, and social change. These changemakers are tackling some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, from climate action to technology and human rights. Here are 10 young Africans making a significant impact in 2024:

  1. Sandra C. Chukwudozie (Nigeria) – Clean Energy Pioneer
    Sandra Chukwudozie is the founder of Salpha Energy, a company that provides clean and affordable solar energy to over 1.5 million Nigerians, particularly in off-grid areas. In 2023, she launched the first female-owned solar home system assembly plant in sub-Saharan Africa.
  2. Jeremiah Thoronka (Sierra Leone) – Sustainable Energy Innovator
    At just 17, Jeremiah developed a device that harnesses kinetic energy from traffic and pedestrians to generate electricity. His innovation has already powered 150 homes and 15 schools, benefiting over 10,000 people.
  3. Kiara Nirghin (South Africa) – AI and Tech Advocate
    An inventor and AI technologist, Kiara gained global recognition for her research in AI algorithms and predictive modeling. She has been featured in TIME Magazine’s Most Influential lists and named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year.
  4. Funke Adeoye (Nigeria) – Human Rights Activist
    Funke Adeoye is a human rights lawyer and the founder of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Nigeria’s first social enterprise dedicated to reducing recidivism through vocational training and education for incarcerated women and young people.
  5. Grace Oluchi Mbah (Nigeria) – Climate Change Advocate
    Grace is the co-founder of Climate Action Africa, an organization that partners with stakeholders to enhance climate strategies and sustainable environmental practices across Africa.
  6. Temitope Okeseeyin (Nigeria) – Freelancing and Tech Education Expert
    Founder of Outnovately Africa and the University of Freelancing, Temitope connects businesses with skilled African talent while providing specialized training in No-Code AI and freelancing.
  7. H2Energies (Zimbabwe) – Clean Cooking Energy Innovator
    This initiative developed a hydrogen-powered cookstove that provides clean cooking energy, reducing deforestation and indoor air pollution in Zimbabwean households.
  8. DIAPO (Zimbabwe) – Sustainable Diaper Innovator
    DIAPO produces 100% biodegradable diapers made from locally sourced materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers.
  9. CropFix by eAgro (Zimbabwe) – Smart Agriculture Solution
    A digital agriculture platform that helps smallholder farmers optimize crop health and productivity through AI-powered insights, disease detection, and tailored action plans.
  10. Eco-Hunt (Zimbabwe) – Gamifying Sustainability
    Eco-Hunt is a mobile app that rewards users for completing eco-friendly challenges, such as planting trees and reducing waste, encouraging sustainability through gamification.

These young changemakers are proof that Africa’s future is in capable hands. Through their groundbreaking initiatives, they are paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous continent.