Quartz Africa is proud to present its second annual Africa Innovators list. Curated by the Quartz Africa editorial team, the 2016 Africa Innovators list promotes the stories of innovation happening on the continent and highlights the people who are finding African solutions to global problems.
The innovators on this list are from 14 different countries in Africa and have been chosen for their groundbreaking work, thought-leading initiatives, and creative approaches to local and global problems.
They include Iyinoluwa ‘E’ Aboyeji (tech entrepreneur, co-founder Andela), Patrick Awuah (educationist, founder Ashesi University), Laolu Senbanjo (artist), Danai Gurira (actress, The Walking Dead), and Ciiru Waweru (award-winning entrepreneur, furniture maker).
“The innovation we cherish at Quartz Africa isn’t simply about developing technologies and tools, but about big ideas, long-term vision, and African solutions for local and global communities,” said Yinka Adegoke, Africa editor for Quartz. “All the people we’re honoring have consistently applied their creativity, entrepreneurship, and boldness of vision to achieving that aim.”
In conjunction with the 2016 Innovators list, Quartz Africa will hold its annual Africa Innovators Summit on July 20 in Nairobi, Kenya at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The summit will honor the innovators and allow attendees to hear from select members of the list. Following that programming, guests will be invited to a dinner and performance by Blinky Bill, formerly of ‘Just a Band.’ Many of the illustrations on the innovators list will be on display at the event. The illustrations were created by award-winning artist, Karabo Poppy Moletsane.
Ciiru Waweru, founder and CEO of Funkidz Limited; Matsi Modise, managing director of SiMODiSA; Smockey (Serge Bambara), hip-hop artist and activist; Agosta Liko, CEO of PesaPal; and 2015 Innovator, Boniface Mwangi, photographer, activist, and founder of Pawa254 are among the summit’s speakers.
