Every year, Acumen’s Fellowship in West Africa selects a group of inspiring leaders who are committed to a lifelong journey of solving problems of poverty and building a world based on dignity.

From expanding access to clean, affordable solar energy and digital tools for underserved communities through flexible financing models, to creating a zero-waste garment factory that empowers young women with vocational and entrepreneurial skills in fashion, our 2025 cohort embodies moral imagination:the humility to see the world as it is, and the audacity to imagine the world as it could be.

Over the past six months, the Fellows came together to learn with and from one another through a series of workshops and immersive seminars. Following their graduation from the Fellowship, they now join Acumen’s growing alumni community, the Foundry; a network of over 1,800 social innovators across the globe who accompany and support one another  on the journey to build a world based on dignity.

Join us in welcoming the newest cohort of Acumen Fellows into the Foundry.

Driving inclusive agricultural growth through data-driven extension services that empower African farmers.

Abdulsamad is an Agricultural Economics and Extension expert and the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Extension Africa. With extensive experience managing and evaluating agricultural development projects, he is also certified in predictive analysis. Abdulsamad leads a team of experts designing solutions at the intersection of policy, data, and technology to address climate change,  improve access to productive resources for smallholder farmers, and advance youth empowerment and rural economic development.

Delivering localized, tech-driven solutions that improve outcomes for underserved communities.

Akwasi works at the intersection of technology and artificial intelligence, helping governments leverage technology and harnessing the power of AI to solve national problems at scale. He is a health systems researcher and digital health specialist with expertise in the economic evaluation of digital health interventions. Previously, he served as a Country Programs Manager at Medtronic Labs, where he led initiatives in maternal and non-communicable disease management. Akwasi holds an MPhil in Health Systems Research and Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 

Transforming aquaculture in Sierra Leone through sustainable fish farming and eco-friendly production.

Aminata is a passionate fish farmer and advocate for women and youth empowerment, committed to advancing sustainable aquaculture and food security in Sierra Leone. As the CEO of Agro Fish Farm, she empowers local communities by training fish farmers in sustainable and circular agribusiness practices while creating job opportunities for women and young people. Her work blends innovation, environmental stewardship, and social impact to drive economic growth and build resilient communities.

Empowering African youth and entrepreneurs with skills, capacity, and mindset to drive solutions to development challenges.

Aminata is the Founder and Executive Chair of Craving 4 Development (C4D), an entrepreneurship ecosystem builder and innovation hub committed to transforming systems that shape livelihoods in Sierra Leone and beyond. With more than two decades of experience in business development, consultancy, and capacity building, Aminata has worked across civil society and the private sector to design and implement impactful solutions that create pathways to dignity and opportunity. Through C4D, she incubates businesses, strengthens women’s leadership, and fosters community-driven innovation while advocating for African sovereignty in entrepreneurship, culture, and knowledge systems. She is also the creator of The Ignition Hour WebTV series and the Rise & Radiate podcast — platforms that amplify voices and ideas shaping the continent’s future. Aminata holds  an MPhil in African Literature and Civilizations and is a Certified BTEC and Pearson curriculum developer and teacher.

Nurturing Gambia’s next generation of innovators through digital skills, entrepreneurship, and tech ecosystem support.

Beran is a business development leader and technologist with more than 20 years of experience driving digital innovation and enterprise growth in The Gambia. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Hub, where she supports tech-enabled and women-led startups with business strategy, investment readiness, and funding. A trusted advisor on ICT policy, she has contributed to key national digital frameworks, including the ICT Act, Cybercrime Bill, and Data Protection Bill. Beran has led major digital transformation projects across government and the private sector, trained hundreds of entrepreneurs, and advocates for digital inclusion and women in tech on global platforms.

Expanding cassava value chains and uplifting smallholder farmers through refined, locally processed products.

Beyan is the Founder and CEO of Sappimah Cassava Refining Company, a social enterprise empowering small-scale cassava farmers through regenerative agriculture and value-added processing. He is also the Co-Founder and Chairman of Evergreen Africa Holdings, a Liberia-based investment firm committed to transforming Africa through strategic capital deployment. He is also the Founder of YOCEL, an organization dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs. Beyan mentors at the Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship Program for social entrepreneurs and chairs the Innovation for Africa Regional Hub, where he drives social impact and economic empowerment across communities.

Fueling Gambian innovation and entrepreneurship through access to training, tech resources, and incubation.

Boubacar is the Project Manager at Gambia Tech Project, an entrepreneurship program focused on youth empowerment and poverty eradication through innovation, skills development, and ecosystem building. With more than 15 years of experience, he is a passionate ecosystem builder who connects West African startups to global opportunities, strengthens support networks, and drives scalable growth. His work fosters innovation, expands economic opportunities, and advances technological development across the continent.

Combating food waste and malnutrition through the processing of healthy, plant-based products.

Chichi is the Founder and CEO of Phronesis Foods, a Nigerian food processing company addressing food waste, nutrition, and sustainability through innovative ready-to-eat products. She is passionate about empowering women, youth, and underserved communities by combining business expertise with social impact. As a consultant and coach, she helps entrepreneurs secure funding and scale their ventures. Chichi is also a global speaker and advocate for food security, climate innovation, and women’s leadership.

Reimagining rural waste management through recycling and circular economy solutions.

Christianah is the CEO of Trash Monger Limited, a company that transforms waste into sustainable raw materials for manufacturing while creating green jobs for women and youth in underserved communities. She also leads Sort at Source, a circular solution that recycles organic waste into affordable poultry feed and develops technologies that improve access to recycling centers. A social entrepreneur and environmental advocate, Christianah is passionate about building green, waste-free communities and advancing  environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, and women’s empowerment.

Supporting local businesses and women distributors in replacing single-use plastics with sustainable, recycled packaging.

Derrick is the Founder and CEO of DercolBags Packaging Limited, a company dedicated to replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly packaging solutions. An award-winning, impact-driven entrepreneur, he is passionate about improving lives, advancing environmental sustainability, and . advocating for women’s economic empowerment. With nearly a decade of experience, Derrick leads a team with expertise in sustainable packaging, the circular economy, and business development. He is also an Orange Corners, Westerwelle Foundation, and Miller Center Fellow.

Strengthening African healthcare systems by making quality care accessible and inclusive for all.

Dr. Gifty is a public health physician, digital health strategist, and researcher committed to transforming healthcare systems in Ghana and across Africa. She is the Programs Director at PharmAccess Ghana, where she leads innovations in value-based healthcare models to improve access and quality for underserved populations. Dr. Gifty holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Copenhagen, with research focused on infection prevention and maternal peer-support systems. With more than  15 years of experience, she bridges clinical expertise, health systems design, and digital technology to drive universal health coverage.

Revolutionizing personalized and accessible learning by matching learners with qualified tutors across subjects and levels.

Godwin is an innovative EdTech entrepreneur transforming access to quality education in Africa. As the Founder of Tuteria Education, he has impacted more than 125,000 learners, created economic opportunities for over 10,000 teachers, and helped bridge critical skills gaps. A first-class Systems Engineering graduate from the University of Lagos, Godwin previously worked in IT Advisory at ExxonMobil and Deloitte West Africa. With over a decade of tutoring experience, he builds technology-driven solutions that enhance learning outcomes and expand educational access across the continent.

Advancing women’s financial inclusion through accessible savings, education, and support networks.

Ifedayo is the Founder and CEO of Herconomy, a women-focused financial technology platform that has empowered more than 85,000 women through savings, financial education, and community support. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow and World Economic Forum Global Shaper, and has received numerous accolades, including Tech Entrepreneur of the Year (2022), Best FemTech Start-up (Dakar Summit 2023) and recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.

Digitally empowering West African communities through training and smart tech solutions.

Dr. Jorjoh is a leading voice in research, innovation, and science education, renowned for advancing women's participation  in STEM fields. She holds key leadership roles driving technology-driven change across education, health, and agriculture. Through her initiatives, she has provided digital literacy training to more than 12,000 youth and women entrepreneurs, organized STEM fairs, and developed industry-led curricula and digital transformation strategies. Her work has been featured in Forbes Africa, and was recognized by Choiseul Africa as one of the  top young Africans driving change

Equipping creatives with tools, platforms, and strategies to scale their impact and fuel the Nigerian creative economy.

Jude, known as M.I Abaga, is a renowned Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He has shaped Africa’s music industry as a performer, producer, and the former CEO of Chocolate City Music. He is the Founder and CEO of TASCK, a creative agency that has engaged more than 20,000 African creatives and partnered with global brands to expand opportunities. Through his work, he is committed to building systems that empower creatives and demonstrating how culture can drive social and economic impact across the continent. 

Expanding energy access and digital inclusion through solar innovation and affordable financing models.

Kolawole is the CEO of IZILI Group (formerly Baobab +), where he leads large-scale initiatives in clean energy and financial inclusion. A global business leader and impact-driven innovator, he brings nearly two decades of experience in technology, digital finance, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship. His career includes leadership roles at Nokia, Microsoft, HMD Global, and Jumia, advancing digital transformation and commercial innovation across multiple markets. Kolawole is also a Senior Research Fellow at The FATE Institute, where he shapes  Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through research and mentorship, and is a long-time member of Junior Chamber International. He holds postgraduate degrees from Imperial College Business School, HEC Paris, the University of Cumbria, and Lagos State University, and is pursuing a PhD in Inclusive Finance and the Digital Economy. He is a 2024 Global Good Fund Fellow, Laureate of the French-Africa Foundation, Swedish Institute Global Executive Scholar, and Crans Montana New Leader for the Future.

Reducing post-harvest losses by connecting Nigerian farmers and buyers through digital platforms.

Nyifamu is the Founder and CEO of Farmatrix Agro Allied and Technology Company, where she leverages technology to connect smallholder farmers with markets, finance, and storage solutions. A certified Food System Specialist and Climate Reality Leader, she has supported more than 8,200 farmers in Northern Nigeria through innovative solutions that reduce post-harvest losses and improve profitability. With a background in Computer Science and an MBA, Nyifamu leverages technology to transform food systems and strengthen agricultural resilience across Africa.

Preserving farm produce in rural Nigeria through solar-powered technology.

Rejoice is the Founder and CEO of Simkay Foods, an agribusiness addressing post-harvest losses, food insecurity, and climate challenges in Nigeria. She works with more than 22,000 smallholder farmers — 70% of whom are women —  introducing innovations such as vertical sack farming, UV solar drying, and the FarmTELL data platform to reduce losses, increase yields, and improve market access. Her mission is to build inclusive, climate-resilient food systems that empower women and youth while advancing food security across Africa.

Harnessing technology and climate-smart solutions to empower farmers and boost food security.

Reuben is the Founder and CEO of AgriSustainify, Liberia’s first agriculture lab and digital platform supporting more than 200 smallholder farmers with AI-driven tools to address food insecurity and climate change. A passionate mental health advocate, he also founded L2SLiberia to reduce stigma and expand access to mental healthcare across seven counties, and co-founded the Central Leadership Academy, which provides free education and vocational training to more than 800 students.

Advancing the African circular economy by helping communities adopt greener practices and innovations.

Venan is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of CHAiNT Afrique and a passionate eco-evangelist advocating for sustainable living across Africa. A pan-Africanist, sustainability strategist, Chartered Environmentalist, and Certified ESG Practitioner, he previously led the Sustainability and Climate Change Practice at PwC Ghana, where he spearheaded the development of sustainable banking principles. Venan is committed to advancing ESG practices, circular economy solutions, and impact-driven initiatives that make sustainable choices accessible to all.

Empowering women and youth through vocational training and zero-waste production of sustainable fashion.

Yetunde is the Founder and Creative Director of Yetroselane Fashion Hub, a social enterprise in Nigeria advancing sustainability, empowerment, and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Through her fashion academy, garment factory, and womenswear line, she equips women and youth with the skills to build successful businesses while promoting zero-waste production. Yetunde has partnered with organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands (CFYE), UNDP, and LBS-BOI to drive youth empowerment. A multi-award-winning entrepreneur, her designs have been featured on international runways, and she continues to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa.

There is more. Stay tuned on Twitter and Facebook over the coming weeks as we highlight the incredible work of this inspiring cohort.

Interested in joining the Acumen West Africa Fellowship? Sign up here!