Under 40 CEOs, Africa’s premier platform for supporting and spotlighting rising business leaders, has begun its 10th-anniversary festivities with the release of “How We Made It in Africa: Volume 2.”
The book, launched at an event in Lagos, showcases the journeys of 52 remarkable CEOs, offering valuable lessons on vision and resilience. Since its beginnings as a TV series in 2015, Under 40 CEOs has grown into a vital ecosystem providing mentorship, funding, and learning opportunities, impacting over 1,000 young African business executives across four countries.First launched in 2015 as a television series, Under 40 CEOs has grown into a dynamic ecosystem of mentorship, funding, learning, and community—spanning four countries and impacting over 1,000 young African business executives.
“We’ve spent the last ten years building something that matters—not just to the people featured in our stories, but to the continent as a whole,” said Familusi Akin Babajide (FAB), Executive Director of Under 40 CEOs. “This book is a symbol of our journey so far—and a reminder that we are just getting started.
One of the most talked-about chapters features Banky Wellington, whose story reflects a powerful balance between passion and strategic planning. “When you’re passionate about something, you will find a way,” he shares in the book, describing the early days of co- founding Empire Mates Entertainment from his university dorm room.
The event also featured the premiere of the Under 40 CEOs Legacy Video, whichdocumented the platform’s evolution—from its TV roots to landmark partnerships like Drive Your Ambition with Mitsubishi Motors and They Said I Couldn’t with Sunlight Nigeria.Initiatives like the Jumpstart Fund, Learning Hub, and the Under 40 CEOs Junior Club were highlighted as core pillars of the brand’s long-term impact.
Guests at the launch described the event as “visionary,” “impactful,” and “a timely tribute to African excellence.”
One of the featured CEOs, Temitope Runsewe,CEO of Dutum Construction—who was also present at the launch— emphasized the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, noting that “Africa is not just a place to build businesses—it’s a place to build legacies. The opportunities here are endless, and the impact you can make goes far beyond money.Platforms like Under 40 CEOs remind us that choosing to build here is choosing to shape the future.”
As the organization looks ahead, more events and initiatives will unfold throughout the year to commemorate its 10-year legacy—culminating in a larger celebration of the movement that continues to shape the future of African business leadership.