Tems, Ayra Starr, Koko by Khloe, & 4 More Made Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 List 

Seven Nigerians are on this year’s list.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Forbes Africa has released its annual 30 Under 30 list, which recognizes exceptional young businessmen, inventors, and leaders under the age of 30.

This year’s list, headlined “The Newest Self-Made Young Innovators and Leaders Writing a New Vision for Africa,” celebrates the achievements of 30 “multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, inventors, and leaders” who are driving Africa’s advancement on their own terms.

Tems, Ayra Starr, Asisat Oshoala, Blessing Joel Abeng, and Khloe ‘Koko’ Abiri are among those on this year’s list.

Prior to Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumni, an editorial staff led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief, and a committee of unbiased external assessors and subject-matter experts selected the finalists from a pool of over 1,000 candidates.

Elements such as innovation, scalability, social impact, and overall value to Africa’s development were considered during the rigorous selection process.

Renuka Methil, the managing editor of Forbes Africa, commented on the choices.

Here are the seven most powerful Nigerians on the list:

1. Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27, Nigeria – Singer-songwriter– Industry: Music and Entertainment
2. Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20, Benin/Nigeria – Singer– Industry: Music and Entertainment
3. Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company – Industry: Technology
4. Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company – Industry: Technology
5. Blessing Joel Abeng, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good – Industry: Branding and Communications
6. Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe – Industry: Beauty and Skincare
7. Asisat Oshoala, 28, Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national team
– Industry: Professional Footballer