Under 40 CEOs, Africa’s premier platform for nurturing and celebrating young business leaders, has commemorated its 10th anniversary with the launch of Volume 2 of its flagship book series, How We Made It in Africa. The event, held in Lagos, gathered a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and members of the platform’s vibrant community.
Launched in 2015 as a television series, Under 40 CEOs has evolved into a far-reaching initiative that blends mentorship, funding, capacity building, and networking. It currently spans four African countries and has impacted over 1,000 emerging executives.
A Decade of Stories, A Lifetime of Lessons
The newly released volume chronicles the journeys of 52 exceptional CEOs, each representing a different industry and approach to leadership. The collection offers powerful insights into the perseverance, strategic thinking, and innovative spirit that defines Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“We’ve spent ten years building something that doesn’t just tell stories, but changes them,” said Familusi Akin Babajide (FAB), Executive Director of Under 40 CEOs. “This book is a milestone in our journey—and also a launchpad for even greater impact.”
Among the standout stories is that of Banky Wellington, who reflects on launching Empire Mates Entertainment from his university dorm room. His chapter exemplifies how passion coupled with intentional strategy can lead to transformative success.
Celebrating Legacy and Vision
The book launch also featured the premiere of the Under 40 CEOs Legacy Video, a documentary-style production charting the platform’s evolution. It highlighted pivotal partnerships such as:
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Drive Your Ambition with Mitsubishi Motors
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They Said I Couldn’t with Sunlight Nigeria
In addition, signature initiatives such as the Jumpstart Fund, Learning Hub, and Under 40 CEOs Junior Club were showcased as core components of the organization’s long-term mission to build Africa’s future through entrepreneurial leadership.
Building Beyond Business
At the event, Temitope Runsewe, CEO of Dutum Construction and one of the featured CEOs, emphasized the continent’s limitless potential:
“Africa is not just a place to build businesses—it’s a place to build legacies. The opportunities here are vast, and the impact you make goes beyond money,” he said. “Platforms like Under 40 CEOs remind us that investing in Africa is investing in the future.”
Guests described the event as “visionary,” “impactful,” and “a timely celebration of African innovation and excellence.”
As Under 40 CEOs embarks on its next chapter, it continues to affirm that empowering young African leaders isn’t just a mission—it’s a movement reshaping the narrative of African enterprise.
