-Digital Realty, IMBIL Telecom,WIOCC, Others Shine
Nairobi, Kenya – September 15, 2025 – The 10th edition of the prestigious Africa Digital Economy Awards (ADEA) concluded in grand style at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, honouring outstanding innovators, leaders, and organizations shaping Africa’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem.
The awards scheme has grown into a continental benchmark for digital innovation and leadership, recognized excellence across 41 categories- consisting of 19 individual and 22 institutional awards-spotlighting transformative projects and personalities driving Africa’s digital revolution.
This year’s awards celebrated organizations making bold investments in infrastructure, commerce, and financial inclusion. IHS Cameroon was honoured for the Public-Private Digital Transformation Project of the Year for its ICT Centres & e-container initiative with UNICEF, while WIOCCGroup secured multiple accolades, including Digital Infrastructure Leader of the Year for CEO Chris Wood and Telecom Partnerships & Market Development Leader of the Year for Group Chief Development Officer Darren Bedford.
The night also recognized industry giants fueling Africa’s digital economy. Jumia won Innovative eCommerce Platform of the Year, with its Regional CEO, Vinod Goel, named E-Commerce CEO of the Year 2025. In healthcare, Africmed International Hospital, Gambia, clinched the Digital Health Provider of the Year, while KCB Bank emerged as Technology Driven Bank of the Year. Airtel Money further solidified its footprint as the Innovative Mobile Money Provider of the Year.
In recognition of emerging innovators, Bulsho Fiber was named Fastest Growing ISP Provider of the Year, with its CEO, Hamza Adam, celebrated as Emerging ICT Personality of the Year.IMBIL Telecom received dual honours as Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year and Emerging MVNO Provider of the Year.
Women in tech and leadership were also spotlighted. Annepeace Alwala, Vice President of Global Service Delivery at Sama, was awarded Digital Woman of the Year, while Agnes Limo, CEO of Vilcom Networks, won Technology Woman of the Year. Rising talent was celebrated with Beatrice Oluwatosin of CloudPlexo named Rising Woman in Cloud, and Mary N. Kerema, OGW, Secretary of ICT & E-Government at MICDE, awarded ICT Woman of the Year.
Other notable winners included Digital Realty Nigeria, crowned Datacentre Provider of the Year (Nigeria), with its CEO Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani also recognized as Datacentre Leader of the Year. Cloudplexo took home Cloud Solution Provider of the Year, while TESPOK (Technology Service Providers Association of Kenya) won Policy & Advocacy Excellence in Digital Governance.
The evening also paid tribute to influential leaders. Dr. Krish Ranganath of Africa Data Centres was named Digital Economy Personality of the Year, Dennis Volemi of KCB Group won Technology Person of the Year, while Michael Bonke of Airtel Money earned Digital Financial Inclusion Personality of the Year. Lifetime impact awards went to Yatin Gandhi of Tejas Networks and Lanre Kolade of Koltronics, both recognized for their Outstanding Contribution to the Telecom Sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Akin Naphtal, Group Publisher of Digital Economy Magazine. noted that the awards not only celebrate excellence but also amplify Africa’s digital transformation journey, inspiring innovation, investment, and inclusivity across the continent.
Mr Naphtal stated:
“As the 10th edition milestone, ADEA 2025 is not just an awards gala but a celebration of progress in Africa’s digital economy.
The event will highlight how far the continent has come – from nascent tech hubs a decade ago to today’s vibrant ecosystem of startups, fintech innovators, and digital transformation leaders.”
He continued:
“These awardees are not just meeting standards; they are redefining them, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and advancing sustainable development goals.
“ADEA’s mission is clear: to propel Africa’s digital economy by honouring those driving transformation. We also call for partnerships with state agencies, regulatory bodies, and professional associations to create inclusive platforms for recognition and capacity-building.” He ended
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