the African Diaspora Luminaire Awards

AFRICAN DIASPORA LUMINAIRE AWARDS

The African Diaspora Luminaire Awards recognizes distinguished Africans and Diasporans making high-level impact on a global scale. African Diaspora Network (ADN) annually celebrates luminaires who have made exceptional contributions and demonstrated commitment to advance the African continent and the communities in which we live.

We are honored and delighted to award the 2025 Top 10 luminaires at the African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2025. Each individual has made a significant difference through their commitment and support for the African Diaspora Network. We salute them for their belief in our vision and mission and their dedication to helping the organization grow and thrive.

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