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the African Diaspora Luminaire Awards

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AFRICAN DIASPORA LUMINAIRE AWARDS

The African Diaspora Network (ADN) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 African Diaspora Luminaire Awards, recognizing visionary leaders from Africa and the diaspora who have made high-level impact in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, global health, and economic development. Presented during the 10th Annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS25), the Luminaire Awards honor individuals whose work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the African continent and uplifting global communities.

The 2025 Luminaire Award honorees include:

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
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.

PAST LUMINAIRE AWARDS WINNERS

2024 WINNERS

  • Stanley Anigbogu

    Founder, LightEd

  • Thomas DeBass

    Managing Director of the Office of Global Partnerships, 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 WINNERS

  • Yohannes Assefa

    Founder, LightEd

  • 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

    reative Ambassador, City of San José & Founding Director, Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF)

  • Abbey Omokhodion

    CFO

  • Innocent Shumba

    US-West EY Private Leader and Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young

  • Kedest Tesfagiorgis

    Deputy Director of Global Partnerships & Grand Challenges, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

3,400+

Attendees

410+

Speakers and Industry Leaders

100+

Countries

15,000 +

Network

68+

Ecosystem Partnerships

Quick links

The Venue

  • May 28 -30, 2025
  • George Washington University
    Student Center - 800 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052

About ADIS

  • The African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS) is an annual conference in Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. that celebrates and fosters the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans in the Diaspora and friends of Africa. The Symposium offers an opportunity to dive deep into some of the hottest investment and development trends on the continent.

© African Diaspora Network 2025

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