By Josephine Agbonkhese

Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni has been named among the MAIA Change Makers 2025, a prestigious global recognition celebrating leaders whose work is redefining financial awareness, digital empowerment, and inclusion across the world.

The MAIA Change Makers list is renowned for being highly competitive, with nominees drawn from across continents and evaluated for proven impact, innovation, leadership, and long-term commitment to empowering individuals and communities.

This year’s honorees include remarkable global figures such as Hilda Moraa, Founder and CEO of Pezesha in Kenya, widely celebrated for expanding access to credit and financial tools for underserved populations; John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation HOPE in the United States, a global advocate for economic empowerment and financial dignity; and Jocel de Guzman from the Philippines, whose groundbreaking work centers on combating financial fraud and defending consumers from digital financial risks.

At the heart of Imade’s selection is her visionary leadership at Tech Herfrica, a dynamic social impact organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between technology, financial literacy, and economic opportunity for marginalised populations, particularly women, girls, and youth. Under her guidance, Tech Herfrica develops innovative, community-centered programmes that simplify complex financial concepts, build digital confidence, and enable individuals to actively and safely participate in today’s digital economy. The organisation is intentional about reaching people who are often excluded from financial systems and equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to thrive.

Through strategic initiatives, Tech Herfrica promotes financial inclusion, supports women entrepreneurs, strengthens digital literacy, and encourages responsible use of financial technology. These efforts not only empower individuals to make informed financial decisions but also help them build stronger livelihoods, expand businesses, secure their financial futures, and contribute to broader economic growth within their communities. By reducing systemic barriers and tackling gender gaps in both technology and finance, the organisation is creating sustainable pathways to independence and resilience.

The MAIA Change Makers 2025 recognition celebrates Imade’s outstanding contributions, her unwavering dedication, and the tangible impact of her work, both in Nigeria and internationally. It acknowledges her as a powerful advocate, an influential leader, and a driving force in the movement for fairer, more inclusive, and more accessible financial systems.

This honour reinforces her role as one of Africa’s most inspiring voices in financial inclusion and digital empowerment, and a leader whose work continues to inspire change, innovation, and hope across the world.