Forbes has revealed its highly anticipated 2025 30 Under 30 list, recognizing young innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders making significant strides across multiple industries. This year’s list features the largest cohort of honorees yet, with 30 awardees in each of 20 categories, ranging from healthcare and marketing to music, media, and the newly introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) category.
The inclusion of an AI category underscores the transformative influence of this technology on global economies. Forbes highlighted the surge in investment in U.S. AI startups, which secured a remarkable $27 billion between April and June of 2024 alone. Experts predict that the global AI market could grow to $631 billion by 2028, further demonstrating its impact on industries worldwide.
Among the standout awardees are 18 African-born innovators, whose remarkable contributions reflect the growing importance of the continent’s youth in shaping global trends. This recognition emphasizes the critical role young Africans play in driving innovation and economic development. Countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan are represented, with honorees excelling in diverse sectors such as healthcare, social media, entertainment, social impact, and more.
Nigeria leads with nine honorees, showcasing its dominant role in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Cameroon and Ghana follow with three honorees each, while South Africa, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan have one representative each. These young leaders are not only excelling in their respective fields but also contributing to the continent’s broader economic and social transformation.
The collective achievements of the 2025 honorees are substantial, with awardees having raised a total of $3.6 billion in funding, a testament to their innovation and the confidence investors have in their potential. Finalists were selected from hundreds of nominations and submissions sourced from venture capital firms, universities, and startup accelerators, and evaluated by a panel of expert judges.
A key highlight of this year’s list is the prominence of African-born talent. While the Forbes 30 Under 30 list traditionally focuses on North America, this year’s inclusion of young African leaders signals a shift towards acknowledging the continent’s growing influence in global affairs. African youth, comprising a significant portion of the continent’s population, are increasingly seen as critical drivers of growth, innovation, and economic prosperity.
The honorees span a wide range of sectors:
- Joel Bervell (Ghana) – Medical
- Golloria George (South Sudan) – Social Media
- Chinasa Okolo (Nigeria) – AI
- OO Sangoyomi (Nigeria) – Media
- Boma Iluma (Nigeria) – Hollywood/Entertainment
- Shaboozey (Collins O. Chibueze) (Nigeria) – Music
- Tyla (South Africa) – Music
- Linashe Chaponda (Zimbabwe) – Marketing/Advertising
- Caitlyn Kumi (Ghana) – Marketing/Advertising
- Tobi Gbile (Nigeria) – Marketing/Advertising
- Kevin Mekulu (Cameroon) – Healthcare
- Anatola Araba (Ghana) – Art/Style
- Audrey Djiya (Cameroon) – Retail/Commerce
- Wilglory Tanjong (Cameroon) – Retail/Commerce
- Adeola Ajani (Nigeria) – Social Impact
- Chukwudumebi Egbuna (Nigeria) – Social Impact
- Ikenna Nzewi (Nigeria) – Social Impact
- Uzoma Ayogu (Nigeria) – Social Impact
This year’s list not only highlights the achievements of individual honorees but also serves as a powerful reminder of the immense potential within Africa’s youth. With young Africans increasingly making their mark on global platforms, the continent is poised to continue driving innovation, shaping cultural trends, and playing an essential role in the global economy.
Forbes’ 2025 30 Under 30 list underscores the remarkable achievements of these young Africans and the critical role they will continue to play in the future of the continent and beyond.