Founders, business leaders, and scientists Africa lost in 2025
- Senamile Masango, South Africa's first Black female nuclear scientist, passed away on February 9, 2025, leaving a legacy of representation in STEM.
- Adetunji 'Teejay' Opayele, co-founder of the Nigerian startup Bumpa, died in a car crash on March 4, 2025, after helping the company grow significantly.
- Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of Diamond Bank and influential figure in Nigerian banking, died on April 8, 2025, after laying the groundwork for modern African fintech.
The loss of these influential figures underscores the fragility of mentorship and institutional knowledge in Africa's rapidly evolving tech and finance sectors. Their contributions were not only significant in their respective fields but also crucial in shaping future generations. It raises questions about how the ecosystem can sustain innovation and leadership in their absence.
