Toyosi Akerele

Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, born Oluwatoyosi Akerele on November 8 in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a prominent Nigerian social entrepreneur, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) leader, and policy advisor. She is widely recognized as the founder of RISE NETWORKS, a capacity development and management organization. Early Life and Education Akerele-Ogunsiji completed her higher education with a 2nd Class Upper Bachelors' degree in Civil Law from the University of Jos. Further expanding her knowledge base, she obtained a Certificate in Media Enterprise from the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, and pursued studies in Digital Marketing Strategy at the UK Institute of Digital Marketing. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Media and Public Relations from the University of New Hampshire. In 2025, she became a PhD Fellow at the Nigerian Defense Academy, researching the intersection of Defense and Digital Transformation and their implications for National and Economic Security. Career Progression and Notable Works Akerele-Ogunsiji's professional focus centers on AI for development, policy, and advisory work. She is recognized for her leadership in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. She has co-produced *Makemation*, Africa's first feature film that utilizes technology innovation including Artificial Intelligence. Her advisory work includes serving on multi-stakeholder advisory groups focused on AI in development, such as a UNDP AI4Dev reference initiative in Nigeria. She is also a recognized mentor for initiatives like the African Entrepreneurship Awards and the Bank of Africa's Africa Entrepreneurship Awards. Major Achievements and Recognition Throughout her career, Akerele-Ogunsiji has received significant recognition for her leadership and impact. She was named one of 101 Young African Leaders by the African Business Forum in 2007, and has been recognized by the Crans Montana Forum in Europe as a New Leader of Tomorrow. Domestically, she was named on the 2015 Honours List of Genevieve Magazine's Top 21 most Outstanding Nigerian Women and, in 2016, as one of Nigeria's youngest achievers under 35. She is also an alumna of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program of the United States Government. Her publications include *Strate-Tricks: strategies and tricks, the winning formula for emerging businesses* and *We Have to Belong: Why the Poor Majority of my Rich Country cannot wait anymore*, the latter of which was launched at the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School in May 2017. Current Status Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji continues her work as an AI for Development Professional and Policy Advisor, actively leading RISE NETWORKS and pursuing her PhD research focusing on defense and digital transformation.