LEAP Africa has restated Africa’s growing position as a global hub for innovation. This message was shared by the Executive Director of LEAP Africa, Ms Kehinde Ayeni, during the 12th edition of the Social Innovators Programme and Awards known as SIPA, held in Lagos. The event had the theme, “Africa as The Sector: Maximising Possibilities through Technology, Finance and Policy,” and attracted stakeholders from different sectors.
Ayeni said in a statement issued on Wednesday after the programme that the organisation remained committed to youth-led transformation in Africa as young Africans continued to redefine problem-solving across the continent. She noted, “This event brought together innovators, policymakers, financiers and development partners committed to advancing the continent’s innovation ecosystem.” According to her, the gathering showed Africa’s shift from being viewed only as an emerging market to becoming a vibrant space for creativity, investment and transformative ideas led by technologically enabled young people.
The Board Chair of LEAP Africa and Managing Director of JNC International, Mrs Claire Omatseye, also stressed the importance of collaboration as the key driver of innovation. She said Africa’s time to lead global transformation had arrived. “For more than a decade, SIPA has strengthened Africa’s innovation pipeline by supporting young changemakers and showcasing scalable solutions. The 2025 edition reaffirms Africa’s role not just as a participant in global innovation but as a key driver shaping the world’s future,” she stated.
The event featured panel discussions, solution labs, speed talks and awards presented to outstanding social innovators. Speakers at the programme included senior representatives from philanthropy, entrepreneurship, climate, policy and development sectors across Africa. They highlighted the need for targeted investment, policy alignment and stronger innovation structures to sustain growth in Africa.
Participants joined specialised solution labs such as the NYFF Hackathon, a United Nations Development Programme session on creative expressions for inclusive development, and an enterprise support organisations roundtable which examined the impact of policy, technology and finance in accelerating progress. The first panel titled “From Village to Virtual” focused on ways to close Africa’s digital divide through smart policy and investment. The second session tagged “Seeds & Servers” stressed that Africa’s long-term prosperity depends on the fusion of innovation, investment and bold reforms.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of SIPA Awards. Abdulateef Olaosebikan of Nafarm Foods won the Social Impact Award, while Samuel Folorunsho of Legis 360 was named Outstanding Innovator. The two winners were selected from more than 70 nominees.
LEAP Africa is a youth-focused leadership development organisation working in education, entrepreneurship, employability, citizenship and wellbeing. With more than one million beneficiaries across 26 states and 48 African countries, it promotes ethical and innovative youth leadership.
