SUPPORT ADN

About the African Diaspora Investment Symposium

Support ADN

Past Luminaire Awards Winners

The Luminaire Awards honor individuals whose work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the African continent and uplifting global communities.

2026

British Robinson
Chair, Africa - Milken International
Chris Folayan
Executive Officer, Luma Learn AI
Tunde Agboke
Director, Government, HP Inc
Dana Nau François
Program Officer for Family Economic Security Latin America and the Caribbean, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Sid Mofya
Founder, MOTIF 54
Lamine Savadogo
President - Marison Energy Systems
Magdi M. Amin
Managing Partner, African Renaissance Ventures

2025

Motaz Attalla
A systems thinker and champion of equity-centered philanthropy, Attalla is recognized for his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and diaspora-led transformation.
Dr. Menghis Bairu
A visionary in global health and medical innovation, Dr. Bairu bridges diaspora expertise with African health systems to improve access, equity, and outcomes.
Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke
A trailblazer in the fields of impact investing and women’s economic empowerment, Ekiyor’s leadership has helped unlock capital for inclusive growth and gender equity in Africa.
Ali Garba
A quiet philanthropist whose steadfast support for community development across the Sahel region exemplifies the spirit of giving and long-term investment in local resilience.
Roland Pearson
A long-time champion of financial inclusion and African economic development, Pearson has led innovative efforts to expand access to capital and opportunity across the continent.
Rahama Wright
A pioneering entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable enterprise in Africa, Wright has built social impact ventures that empower women and promote ethical sourcing.

2024

Stanley Anigbogu
Founder, LightEd
Thomas DeBass
Chief Partnerships Officer, U.S. Department of State
Ali Diallo
Founder of Aurion Capital and Managing Director of Nova Prime Fund
Latanya Mapp
President and CEO, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
Joyce Msuya
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator
Kady Sylla
Director - Africa, Myriad USA (Formerly KBFUS)

2023

Yohannes Assefa
Director of Market Systems, Stalwart Management Consultancy Services LLC
Twum Djin
Head of Engineering, Payments Conversion at Stripe
Dr. Josephine Fubara
Chief Science Officer, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
Dr. Josh Ghaim
Founder and Managing Partner, Ignite Venture Studio; Board Chairman, African Diaspora Network
Dr. Ndeye Makalou
Head of Health Equity- Genentech Commercial, Medical and Government Affairs at Roche Genentech
Hugh Molotsi
Investor, Founder and CEO, Ujama
Chike Nwoffiah
Creative Ambassador, City of San José & Founding Director, Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF)
Abbey Omokhodion
Chief Financial Officer, Sila Nanotechnologies Inc
Innocent Shumba
US-West EY Private Leader and Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young
Kedest Tesfagiorgis
Deputy Director of Global Partnerships & Grand Challenges, Gates Foundation

2020

Mimi Alemayehou
Investing in Emerging Markets, Climate & Board Director
Support ADN