Black Founders and Investors Making an Impact in Tech 

Black founders and investors are increasingly making their mark in tech contributing innovative solutions, and fostering inclusive growth in the rapidly evolving world. Their achievements not only highlight the pivotal role of diversity in tech but also inspire a new generation to dream big. 

This article explores the journeys, successes, and contributions of notable black founders and investors shaping technology’s future.

Koos Bekker –  Pioneering Media and Tech Investments

Jacobus Petrus ‘Koos’ Bekker, a South African billionaire, has significantly impacted the global tech landscape as the chairman of Naspers Group. With a portfolio including Multichoice, OLX Group, and Prosus, Bekker’s ventures span continents, from Latin America to Asia and Africa. His net worth, reflecting his success, grew from $2.5 billion in 2020 to $2.8 billion in 2021. Bekker’s strategic investments in tech illustrate the potential for African entrepreneurs to influence global technology trends.

Mike Adenuga – Telecom Titan in Africa

Nigeria’s Mike Adenuga has built a telecom and oil empire, making him Nigeria’s second-richest individual. His telecom company, Globacom, is Nigeria’s third-largest with over 55 million subscribers, extending its services to Ghana and Benin. Beyond telecom, Adenuga’s Conoil operates six oil blocks in the Niger Delta, showcasing the diverse potential for black founders in tech and beyond.

Naguib Sawiris – Telecom Innovator and Media Mogul

Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris has left an indelible mark on the telecom industry through Orascom Telecom Holdings. His ventures, including the luxury resort Silversands in Grenada and a major stake in Euronews, reflect a broad vision that extends beyond telecom to media and hospitality, underlining the versatility of tech entrepreneurs.

Strive Masiyiwa – Championing Telecom and Philanthropy in Africa

Strive Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean billionaire, overcame government opposition to establish Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Liquid Telecom. His investments across telecom, fintech, and power distribution in Africa highlight the transformative impact of perseverance and innovation. Masiyiwa’s journey from a contentious start to a net worth of $1.2 billion exemplifies the potential for black founders in tech to overcome barriers and enact change.

David L. Steward –  Leading in ICT with World Wide Technology

As the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, David L. Steward represents the pinnacle of success for African American entrepreneurs in tech. From a humble beginning to a net worth of $3.7 billion, Steward’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in building a leading ICT company that serves both government and private sectors.

Mark Essien – Revolutionizing African Hospitality with Hotels.ng

Mark Essien’s Hotels.ng has reshaped online hotel booking in Nigeria and set the stage for future travel tech entrepreneurs in Africa. His journey from creating software for major companies to founding a startup that addresses a local need demonstrates the importance of solving regional challenges with global tech solutions.

Tope Awotona – Simplifying Scheduling with Calendly

Tope Awotona’s creation of Calendly, a scheduling platform, from his life savings illustrates the high stakes many black founders face in tech. His commitment and vision have paid off, making Calendly a multi-billion dollar company that enhances productivity for teams worldwide.

Naadiya Moosajee – Engineering a More Inclusive World

Through WomEng and WomHub, Naadiya Moosajee is addressing the gender gap in engineering and tech. Her efforts to bring women to the design table aim to ensure that technology reflects the needs and perspectives of the entire population, highlighting the critical intersection of diversity, innovation, and social impact.

Sara Menker – Using AI to Transform Agriculture with Gro Intelligence

Sara Menker’s Gro Intelligence uses AI to provide critical agricultural data, showcasing how black founders in tech can leverage technology to address global challenges like food security. Her work exemplifies the potential for tech to create sustainable solutions for the planet’s most pressing issues.

Jay Alabraba –  Fostering Financial Inclusion with Paga

As a co-founder of Paga, Jay Alabraba is at the forefront of digital transformation in Africa, offering mobile payment solutions that drive financial inclusion. His journey from Microsoft to fintech pioneer in Nigeria underscores the global relevance of black founders in tech, emphasizing the importance of digital skills and innovation in fostering economic growth.