By Ayo Onikoyi

As the curtain falls on a landmark year for The Connected Awards, we celebrate the incredible achievements of 2024.

This year underscored our unwavering commitment to recognizing and immortalizing tech excellence worldwide.

Certifying 90 remarkable professionals this year alone, The Connected Awards has solidified its position as the premier certification platform that honours not just short-term accomplishments but the enduring legacies of tech leaders across industries.

Founded by Qazeem Oladejo, The Connected Awards represents a vision to elevate global recognition of talent, innovation, and transformational impact in the tech space. Reflecting on this remarkable year, Oladejo expressed, “2024 was a testament to the growing importance of acknowledging impactful professionals. As we look to the future, we are inspired not only to expand geographically but also to raise the bar on how excellence in technology is identified and celebrated. We are committed to being a true symbol of enduring accomplishment in the global tech community.”

Our unique approach at The Connected Awards focuses on evaluating the complete career trajectory of professionals rather than spotlighting their performance over a single year. This method ensures that each honoree’s achievements are not only recognized but immortalized as timeless contributions to their industry. This philosophy resonates deeply with our certified professionals, whose career legacies span groundbreaking innovations, impactful leadership, and mentorship.

Over 3 years, we have certified Global Tech Heroes from a diverse set of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, Benin Republic, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Malta, and Australia. This global footprint demonstrates our continued commitment to uncovering exceptional talent irrespective of borders while fostering a unified community of trailblazing innovators.

Among our class of 2024 were senior executives, visionaries in artificial intelligence, data scientists transforming industries, and developers building digital frameworks that are reshaping the world. These individuals are not just leaders—they are changemakers whose influence ripples across sectors, leaving indelible marks on technology and society.

Their certification as Global Tech Heroes signifies more than a title. It marks a lifelong affirmation of their role as catalysts for progress and innovation. As the demand for groundbreaking tech solutions grows, The Connected Awards takes pride in identifying those leading the charge and empowering them to continue raising the bar.

Building on the successes of 2024, we are setting our sights on unprecedented growth in 2025. While we aim to expand into new territories and spotlight professionals from underserved regions, our commitment to upholding and exceeding the high standards we’ve established remains steadfast. Every certification issued is a testament to our rigorous evaluation process, ensuring only the most deserving individuals are honoured.

At the core of our strategy is our determination to increase our reach and impact while remaining synonymous with integrity, credibility, and excellence. By fostering partnerships with leading tech organizations, universities, and innovation hubs, we aim to deepen our presence in both developed and emerging tech ecosystems, enriching the global narrative of technology’s role in shaping the future.

As The Connected Awards enters 2025, we are not just celebrating achievements but creating momentum. Each certification we issue carries a powerful message about the enduring value of innovation, hard work, and leadership. As our network of Global Tech Heroes grows, so does our resolve to champion those who are driving global progress.

2024 was transformative for The Connected Awards, but we see it as only the beginning. As the founder, Qazeem Oladejo, reminds us, “The future holds boundless opportunities to not only expand our footprint but to deepen the meaning and significance of what it means to be a Global Tech Hero. This is a journey of impact, and we are just getting started.”

Here’s to 2025—where technology meets timeless recognition, and the torch of excellence continues to shine bright across the globe.