LAGOS: The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), widely regarded as the continent’s leading recognition platform for young African excellence, has unveiled the nominees for its highly anticipated 19th edition.
This year’s ceremony, themed Threads of Legacy, celebrates young changemakers whose efforts today are shaping the future of Africa.
The nominees represent some of the brightest minds across the continent creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, advocates, and leaders redefining what it means to leave a lasting mark.
To reflect the growing diversity of African youth achievements, the 2025 edition introduces 25 categories the highest in TFAA’s history.
Arts and Literature have been separated into two individual categories, while new recognitions such as Performing Arts and Service to Young People have been added.
The latter honours exceptional individuals dedicated to championing youth-focused causes across Africa.
Speaking on the announcement, Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa, said:
The story of Africa’s future is being written today, thread by thread, through the work of these nominees.
They are not waiting for the future to happen they are actively shaping it. The Future Awards Africa exists to celebrate and preserve their contributions as part of Africa’s collective memory.
This year’s nominees include a mix of prominent and emerging names such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Fola David, Akinyemi Oluwaseun Omotayo (Asherkine), Victor Ugo, Poco Lee, Gbubemi Ejeye, Tomike Adeoye, Kelvin Umechukwu, Hauwa Shaffi Nuhu, and Dongio Casil (Djec Fashion) from Cameroon all representing the spirit of innovation and impact that defines TFAA.
The 19th edition will recognize young Africans across multiple sectors including Technology, Film, Fashion, Health, Education, Activism, Governance, Music, and Sports, among others.
Notably, the Service to Young People honorary award will go to veteran comedian Ali Baba, while nominees for Young Person of the Year include Fola David, Tolulope Makinwa, Alma Asinobi, Kemi Olakunle, Ayelabola Ololade, Hammed Kayode Alabi, and Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale (Olaolu Slawn).
The awards will be judged by a panel of distinguished leaders and visionaries from across the continent, ensuring a transparent process that reflects the high standard of excellence associated with the platform.
The Future Awards Africa 2025 promises to be a celebration of innovation, courage, and legacy, a reminder that Africa’s future is not ahead of us but being built right now.
