LEAP Africa has announced the 12th edition of its flagship Social Innovators Programme and Awards, set for 25 November 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, organisers said on Tuesday.
The 2025 edition will focus on positioning Africa as a global hub for innovation, technology, and policy, under the theme: “Africa as THE Sector: Maximising Possibilities through Technology, Finance, and Policy.”
The convening will bring together over 200 innovators, policymakers, investors, and private sector leaders from across the continent. SIPA 2025 aims to advance youth-led innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and amplify African ingenuity on the global stage.
Speaking on the significance of the theme, Executive Director Kehinde Ayeni of LEAP Africa said, “Africa is not a peripheral player; it is the sector of opportunity, creativity, and transformation. At LEAP Africa, we are intentional about positioning young African innovators as architects of a redefined global order. More than a convening, SIPA is a movement that challenges us to believe that Africa’s ingenuity can and must set the agenda for the future.”
Since its inception in 2013, SIPA has become a platform for driving impact in Africa’s innovation ecosystem. SIPA 2025 will feature immersive experiences, including a pre-conference mixer connecting funders, innovators, and ecosystem leaders; a partner breakfast dialogue designed to spark collaboration; and an interactive solution lab aimed at unlocking opportunities through technology, finance, and policy innovation.
Speakers at the event include Deputy Chief of Party, Entrepreneurist & Investment Elhadji Malick Soumare (Senegal); Executive Director Naomi Emeka Nwokolo of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria; Country Director Ruby Igwe of ALX Africa; Chief Operating Officer Abimbola Ogundare of Deloitte Africa Consulting; and Regional Heads Karina Karunwi and Awa Daffe of ANDE West Africa and Francophone.
SIPA 2025 is expected to set a new benchmark for youth-led innovation in Africa, inspiring solutions that address systemic challenges and create inclusive opportunities across the continent. LEAP Africa is a youth-focused leadership development organisation committed to raising leaders who will transform Africa.
Through interventions across education, entrepreneurship, employability, active citizenship, and health & wellbeing, LEAP Africa equips and empowers youth to lead ethically and drive positive change in their communities.
With over one million direct beneficiaries across 26 Nigerian states and eight African countries, LEAP Africa continues to build an inclusive and thriving Africa driven by dynamic, innovative, and ethical youth leaders.
The Social Innovators Programme and Awards is LEAP Africa’s flagship initiative dedicated to empowering, celebrating, and showcasing young changemakers across the continent.
Since 2013, SIPA has supported more than 290 social entrepreneurs in over 15 African countries, connecting them with mentors, investors, and networks that enhance their impact and sustainability.
The annual SIPA convening brings together leaders, innovators, and policymakers to co-create solutions and shape the future of social innovation in Africa.
