6 African Technology Leaders to Watch in 2025

Africa’s technology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the IT market projected to reach $150 billion by 2025, driven by a remarkable CAGR of 10.2%—far outpacing global averages. This rapid expansion addresses youth unemployment by creating millions of jobs and is fueled by supportive government policies and infrastructure investments. (Zoe Talent Solutions)

Within this thriving ecosystem, visionary leaders are at the forefront, driving digital transformation, innovation, and inclusion across the continent. As part of our latest report: 100 of the Most Influential African Leaders in Technology & Telecommunications 2024, we are proud to spotlight some of the trailblazers shaping Africa’s digital future.

We’re excited to introduce six exceptional technology leaders from the report.

Tebogo Leshope

Acting CEO, Sentech

Tebogo Leshope, Acting CEO of SENTECH, has been a key contributor to the organization for over 25 years, shaping the evolution of the broadcasting and telecommunications sector in South Africa and SADC.

A seasoned executive with a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering, Project Management credentials from UNISA, and an MBA from Monash University, Tebogo is a registered professional with ECSA, SAIEE, and IoDSA.

He played a pivotal role in digital transformation, serving as a technological expert on the SADC DTT Migration Helpdesk (2013–2016) and leading South Africa’s Digital Migration project, enabling the release of high-demand spectrum.

Deon Geyser

CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa

Deon Geyser brings over 15 years of experience in the ICT and telecommunications sector, having worked across multiple African countries. He leads the company’s strategy, operations, and growth in South Africa.

Before joining Liquid, Deon served as MD for Nokia Southern Africa, overseeing operations across 13 countries and driving major initiatives in 4G/5G launches, network virtualization, and fiber deployments. His leadership earned Nokia Southern Africa recognition as a top-performing MEA region and two Vodacom CEO awards for Best Business Partner. Previously, he led Tigo Tanzania, showcasing his ability to deliver strategic success and improved stakeholder returns.

Deon holds degrees in Electronic Engineering, IT, and a master’s in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg, where he also lectured in Information Systems.

Pushkar Gokhale

Chief Digital & Strategy Officer, Openserve

Pushkar Gokhale, Chief Digital and Strategy Officer at Openserve, brings global expertise in Technology, Digital, and Telecommunications across the USA, Australia, India, and Africa.

At Openserve, he drives strategic initiatives, including digitalizing business processes, enhancing customer experience, and leading technology transformation to deliver high-quality fiber broadband and IP-based services across South Africa.

He also serves as a Director on the Board of Innovative Research and Events and holds an MBA (cum laude) from GIBS, University of Pretoria, and a Master’s in Information Systems from La Trobe University, Australia.

Ada Nduka Oyom

Founder & Executive Director, She Code Africa

Ada Nduka Oyom, Founder and Executive Director of She Code Africa (SCA), has led the organisation since its inception in 2016, securing global partnerships with companies like FedEx, Google, and Zoho to impact over 62,000 women across Africa. With a community of 50,000+ members in 20 countries, SCA empowers women with tech skills and opportunities.

Ada is also the co-founder of Open Source Community Africa, fostering open-source adoption among 5,000+ developers.

With over a decade of experience as a Programs and Community Manager, Ada has executed initiatives reaching 500,000 developers across EMEA and serves on a U.S. board addressing ethical AI challenges. Recognized by the African Union, UNICEF, and Google, she continues to leverage technology to drive transformative change.

Tony Archibong

Managing Director - YouTube Global Product Partnerships, YouTube

Tony Archibong is the Global Managing Director for YouTube Product Partnerships, responsible for global efforts focused on partner distribution, user growth, feature enablement, and commercial development of YouTube products including YouTube Living Room, YouTube TV, YouTube Kids, YouTube Automotive, YouTube Music, YouTube Premium, YouTube Primetime Channels, and NFL Sunday Ticket.

Tony is a partnerships, strategy, business development and finance professional with over 15 years of experience in streaming media & entertainment (gaming, video, audio), direct to consumer subscription businesses, and product development.

Prior to joining YouTube, he held positions across various functions across Microsoft, Hulu, and Apple.

Strive Masiyiwa

Founder & Executive Chairman, Econet Group (Cassava Technologies & Econet Wireless), & Co-Founder, Higherlife Foundation

Strive T. Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean business leader, is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group and Cassava Technologies, and a pioneer in Africa’s mobile telecoms industry. Serving on the board of trustees since January 2022, he has also contributed significantly to the development of Africa's independent media.

Appointed as an African Union Special Envoy in 2020, Masiyiwa led efforts to coordinate Africa’s private sector response to COVID-19, including heading the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team. He previously led similar initiatives during the Ebola crisis in 2014-2015.

A member of the Giving Pledge, Masiyiwa co-founded the Higherlife Foundation with his wife, Tsitsi, supporting over 250,000 children through education and other programs across Africa. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Cardiff.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover all of the innovators and changemakers featured in our second edition of the Top African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications report.

Download the full report now and explore how these visionaries are transforming industries across the continent.