In a significant recognition of African excellence, Nigerian entrepreneur Tolulope Fatunbi has been selected among the world's most influential young leaders for 2025. The Chief Executive Officer of Dorogis Limited received this prestigious honor from the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation (PAYLEF), marking a milestone achievement for both the young leader and Nigeria's growing technology and mining sectors.
Rigorous Selection Process Yields Elite Group
The announcement followed an intensive year-long selection process that attracted nearly 10,000 nominations from multiple continents. According to PAYLEF Executive Director Salako Adebowale, the 2025 cohort represents a new generation of African leaders driving transformative change across various sectors. "These leaders reflect the diversity, creativity, and impact shaping Africa's development today," Adebowale stated. "They are not only breaking barriers but setting new standards for leadership across sectors."
The foundation described the selected individuals as entrepreneurs, activists, innovators and trailblazers redefining leadership in the 21st century. Fatunbi received his recognition on November 22 in Kigali, Rwanda, during a ceremony that celebrated young changemakers from across Africa and the global community.
Distinguished Company of Global Changemakers
Fatunbi joins an impressive roster of emerging leaders making significant impacts across diverse fields including entrepreneurship, technology, wellness, fashion, and media. The 2025 Global 100 list features:
- Rahma Adam Mohammed, CEO of Amaryadotcom Wellness Group
- Élodie Fromenteau, Founder of Izubaa & Ndabaga
- Belise Umuhoza, Founder of Be Wise Digital and host of the Be Wise Podcast
- Saivya Chauhan, Founder of Blitz Electric Mobility, Indonesia
- Daniel Ruiz, AI Technical Lead of PredictLand and Lecturer at Zaragoza Logistics Centre
- Michael Folorunso Babatunde, Founder of Kinsleaf Ltd
- Amb. Wiseman Anyala, Executive chairman of Wiseman Anyala Holdings Group
- Xolisa Mgqubeni, Founder and CEO of Suit Luxe, South Africa
Other notable honorees include Daniel Palacio Enrech from Spain, Nigeria's own Amadasun Olawunmi (Mimi) of Eatwithmimi, Antoinette Niyongira, David Mantiziba, Haruna Hassan Tukur, and Michelle Mabuza from South Africa.
Revolutionizing Africa's Mining Sector Through Technology
As founder and CEO of Dorogis Limited, Fatunbi leads one of Nigeria's pioneering firms focused on the exploration and responsible development of critical minerals. His company operates at the intersection of geology, automation, and industrial innovation, deploying artificial intelligence, satellite analytics, and drone-enabled geophysics to identify strategic minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements.
With expertise spanning building technology, mining management, and applied geoscience, Fatunbi has become a leading advocate for policy reform aimed at transitioning Africa from a raw material exporter to a global hub for mineral-based industrialization. His proposals include establishing a Nigeria-led equivalent of Brazil's CPRM and emphasizing local refining, beneficiation, and social license for mining operations.
Through Dorogis' technology-driven model, Fatunbi is positioning Nigeria and Africa to compete effectively in the fast-growing global market for energy-transition minerals, potentially transforming the continent's economic landscape.
A Humble Recognition and Renewed Commitment
Reflecting on the award, Fatunbi described the honor as both humbling and a call to greater responsibility. "Being named among the 2025 Global 100 – League of Distinguished Influential Leaders is an honor that I receive with deep humility and renewed responsibility," he stated. "This recognition is not just personal; it signals the growing acknowledgement of Africa's potential in responsible resource development and technological innovation."
He emphasized that the award strengthens his commitment to sustainable, community-centered mineral exploration. "At Dorogis Limited, we are proving that Africa's mineral wealth can be more than a source of extraction; it can drive industrial growth, technological advancement and widespread economic empowerment," Fatunbi explained. "By integrating AI, geospatial science and local geological knowledge, we aim to ensure minerals critical to global industry become catalysts for value creation within Africa."
Fatunbi concluded with a broader call for Africa's youth and leaders, noting that "Africa stands at a pivotal moment. Our generation must build the frameworks that turn natural resources into long-term prosperity. I dedicate this recognition to everyone working tirelessly to shape a more innovative, equitable and industrially vibrant Africa."
The recognition places Fatunbi among a distinguished group of young leaders who are shaping Africa's future while making significant contributions to global development across multiple sectors.
