At the center of every thriving economy are entrepreneurs who see systems not just as they are, but as they could be. The Pioneer In Technology Innovation Award at the National Entrepreneurship Honors (NEH) celebrates those visionaries; innovators transforming access, trust, and efficiency within Africa’s financial landscape.
This category honors individuals who are not merely developing financial tools, but building frameworks that reimagine how people engage with money. They are the architects of inclusion, creating financial technologies that go beyond convenience to deliver fairness, transparency, and opportunity. These leaders are redefining what fintech means for Nigeria and the continent, turning technology into a true engine of economic participation.
Each year, this recognition serves as a reminder that financial technology is not just about digital speed, but about human progress. In an ecosystem often shaped by volatility, the award highlights builders who combine creativity with consistency, those who lead with purpose and build products that last.
Recipients of this award are not simply participants in the fintech movement; they are its foundation. Their work influences how financial inclusion is defined, how innovation is scaled, and how technology meets the realities of local economies. They represent a generation of entrepreneurs ensuring that Africa’s financial evolution is both sustainable and socially grounded.
Past Honorees include:
- Michael Ekhoragbon (2024)
- Benedicta Ogunleye (2023)
- Adewale Onifade (2022)
- Chioma Nwokedi (2021)
- Ifeanyi Omodayo (2020)
- Funmilola Bamidele (2019)
- Abdulrahman Yusuf (2018)
The Pioneer In Technology Innovation Award continues to stand as a benchmark of credibility and vision within the business community. Each recipient exemplifies the future of finance in Africa, one where innovation serves not just markets, but people. As the continent’s fintech ecosystem expands, the honorees in this category aren’t merely adapting to change; they are defining the very language of progress.
