Opportunity Desk is proud to announce the 5th Class of the OD Impact Challenge 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
The OD Impact Challenge 30 Under 30 Changemaker List is an annual initiative that recognizes and amplifies the work of outstanding young changemakers from around the world. Through visibility and storytelling, the list celebrates young leaders who are driving meaningful impact and creating solutions to real social, economic, and environmental challenges in their communities.
The 30 Changemakers were shortlisted through the OD Impact Challenge 2025, following a rigorous selection process. They represent a diverse group of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are taking bold steps to solve pressing problems and add significant value to the lives of people within their communities and beyond.
Below is the list of the OD Impact Challenge 2025 – 30 Under 30 Changemakers, presented in no particular order.
1. Mark Chester Tungcul (Phillipines)
Mark Chester Tungcul is a Filipino youth leader and communications professional with experience in project management, sustainability advocacy, and youth engagement across local and international platforms. He has worked with government bodies, UN-related initiatives, and civil society organizations, contributing to programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, and inclusive development.
Known for bridging grassroots initiatives with global opportunities, Mark leverages strategic communication, digital media, and leadership to amplify youth voices and drive meaningful social impact.
2. Melicy Mandala (Malawi)
Melicy Mandala is a community development and climate action professional from Malawi, committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment, clean energy access, and environmental sustainability. Her work sits at the intersection of gender equality, climate resilience, and inclusive green livelihoods, with a strong focus on supporting marginalized women and youth in rural and peri-urban communities.
She is the founder and lead of Wala Women’s Social Enterprise, which produces eco-friendly fuel briquettes from agricultural waste such as rice husks. Through this initiative, Melicy equips women with skills in sustainable production and small-scale enterprise, enabling them to earn income while reducing reliance on charcoal and firewood. Her work directly addresses deforestation, indoor air pollution, and household energy poverty, while creating dignified, climate-resilient livelihoods for women.
3. Ogweno Stephen (Kenya)
Ogweno Stephen is a multi-award-winning global public health expert, researcher, author, and innovator, committed to addressing health inequities and advancing wellness globally. With a Public Health degree from Kenyatta University, a Master’s in Global Health from the University of Manchester, and Sustainability in Business Leadership studies from the University of Cambridge, Ogweno specializes in improving public health tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and leveraging on health tech across Africa. As the founder and CEO of Stowelink Foundation (2015) and Lifesten Health (2022) , Ogweno has implemented transformative health programs in over 10 African countries, focusing on improving health literacy, behaviour and access to care. His advocacy emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized groups in health and policy programming.
Globally, Ogweno serves in several key roles, including as a Steering Member at WHO NCD Labs and NCD Alliance, and as a director at the World Obesity Federation, amplifying work in global health. As celebrated entrepreneur, researcher and author of six books, Ogweno has received prestigious accolades, including the WHO-AFRO Hideyo Noguchi Prize for Young African Researchers in 2022 and listed as Top 100 Young African Leaders. At just 29, Ogweno is a trailblazer in public health, inspiring impactful change.
4. Lawrence Banda (Zambia)
Lawrence Banda is a youth leader, Junior Councillor, and social impact advocate from Lusaka, Zambia, driven by a deep belief in the power of young people to transform their communities. He is passionately committed to mindset transformation, leadership development, and civic participation, with a strong focus on amplifying youth voices and inspiring young people to rise above limitations.
Lawrence actively empowers youths through his work as a Peer Mentor and Schools Project Coordinator with Transforming Youths Mind Era, where he supports and leads youth-focused initiatives aimed at inspiring positive change. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement, he encourages young people to believe in their potential and take meaningful action toward building a better and more sustainable future. He is deeply passionate about using his voice, creativity, and leadership to drive lasting impact in his community and beyond.
5. Akpevweoghene Okuse (Nigeria)
Akpevweoghene Okuse is a young community advocate working at the intersection of girls’ health, menstrual hygiene management (MHM), adolescent sexual education, economic Empowerment, and Second Chance Education. She works with Her Voice Foundation, as the Program Officer where she supports outreach programs for adolescent girls and young mothers across local communities. Her work focuses on improving access to accurate health information, sanitary products, safe spaces, and economic empowerment opportunities for girls and young mothers.
Through the Second Chance Education program, Akpevweoghene supports efforts to reintegrate out-of-school adolescent girls and young mothers back into formal education, ensuring that early motherhood or vulnerability does not permanently end a girl’s learning journey. She has participated in youth development and leadership trainings, including the Ideation Hub Africa masterclass series 5 Program, where she continues to strengthen her capacity in community engagement, program implementation, and driving measurable social impact. Akpevweoghene remains committed to creating practical, inclusive solutions that expand opportunities for girls to learn, heal, and thrive.
6. Sameer Khan (Pakistan)
Sameer Khan is a digital and community activist from Pakistan working at the intersection of technology, gender justice, and peacebuilding. He is the founder of Safar Buddies and Collective Pakistan, youth-led initiatives focused on reclaiming public and digital spaces for women through cultural activism, interfaith dialogue, and grassroots innovation. His work emphasizes safe mobility, women’s civic participation, and inclusive storytelling, using technology and art as tools for resistance, belonging, and social change.
Through his initiatives, Sameer has led programs that have engaged and mobilized thousands of young people across Sindh, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering collective action. By combining digital tools, creative expression, and community organizing, he continues to challenge gendered barriers to participation and promote more inclusive, peaceful, and equitable public spaces for women and youth.
7. Eunice Adewale (Nigeria)
Eunice Adewale is a clean energy innovator and sustainability professional, and the founder of Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions. With a background in environmental science and sustainable development, she brings over five years of experience advancing affordable and scalable clean energy technologies. Her expertise spans renewable energy systems, thermoelectric generator (TEG) technology, biomass production, and clean energy business operations.
Through Smokeless Briqs, Eunice is driving the adoption of cleaner cooking and energy solutions while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and traditional biomass. Her leadership has been key to scaling operations, developing technical solutions, and securing strategic partnerships that strengthen the company’s impact. She has received multiple recognitions for her work, including the ACT Foundation Changemakers Innovation Prize and the Nigeria Energy Forum Innovation Prize, highlighting her contribution to sustainable energy innovation.
8. Hamayun Khan (United States)
Hamayun Khan is a policy and social impact professional working at the intersection of education, economic development, and fragile contexts. He is the Founder and President of SolaTeach, supporting 500+ Afghan girls with English and career-ready skills under restrictive conditions, and he has secured $10,000 in competitive grant funding to deliver measurable programming impact.
He is also an award-winning author and published writer. His book The Death Within received the International Impact Book Award (2025), and his education and social impact work earned the Global Recognition Award (2025). He has written policy articles, book chapters, and op-eds on Afghanistan’s development, connectivity, and economic recovery. Besides, he has contributed through media features and podcast appearances to raise awareness on Afghan girls’ education and youth opportunity.
Overall, Hamayun combines experience in education innovation, development policy, and economic analysis, including work on infrastructure, connectivity, and inclusive growth. As such, he has founded Collective Impact Consulting, providing research and policy advisory across the Global South, and previously supported USAID-funded work as a Finance Analyst at Counterpart International.
9. Michael Sunmoni (Nigeria)
Michael Sunmoni is a Nigerian maternal-health innovator and the founder of SerielleHealth, a digital maternal-care platform focused on reducing preventable pregnancy-related complications in underserved communities. With over seven years of clinical and community health experience, he has worked closely with women in low-resource settings across Lagos, Nigeria, gaining firsthand insight into the gaps in maternal care, education, and access to timely support.
Through SerielleHealth, Michael is delivering affordable, AI-powered maternal care via a low-data web platform that provides personalised pregnancy guidance, symptom monitoring, maternal education, and access to licensed healthcare professionals. He has led the development of the platform’s functional prototype, expanded its maternal-education content library, and coordinated maternal-health outreaches reaching over 1,200 pregnant women through education, screening, and referrals. With partnerships established across clinics and pharmacies, Michael is now focused on scaling SerielleHealth to reach 3,000–5,000 mothers, improving pregnancy outcomes and reducing maternal complications across Nigeria.
10. Osmar Zaidan (Indonesia)
Osmar Zaidan is a youth social innovator from Indonesia and the CEO of Kita Korban Bullying, a national youth-led movement dedicated to eliminating bullying among young people. With a background in youth leadership and social advocacy, his work focuses on creating safe, inclusive environments where young people can learn, grow, and express themselves free from violence, fear, and discrimination.
Through Kita Korban Bullying, Osmar leads prevention-focused anti-bullying education, school-based programs, and community empowerment initiatives that promote empathy, inclusion, and peer-led action. The movement has reached over 100 schools across Indonesia, trained networks of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, and built partnerships with NGOs, government institutions, and community organizations. Under his leadership, the initiative also launched Indonesia’s first Anti-Bullying Declaration, mobilizing young people nationwide to commit to safer and more respectful spaces.
11. Dabri Loïc Nzalakanda-Noble (Congo)
Dabri Loïc Nzalakanda-Noble is a young Congolese social entrepreneur passionate about sustainable solutions and social innovation. He is the founder of AquaPlay, an innovative initiative that uses games and interactive educational tools to raise awareness among communities about water, hygiene, and sanitation issues in both urban and rural areas.
With experience in community engagement, popular education, and advocacy, Loïc is committed to transforming water-related practices by combining playfulness, education, and social impact. Through AquaPlay, he aims to foster collective awareness and responsibility in the face of environmental challenges in Africa. He firmly believes that well-informed communities can become powerful agents of sustainable change.
12. Wongani Mulanga (Malawi)
Wongani Mulanga is an environmentalist committed to expanding access to clean energy and education in Malawi. She co-founded Green Minds, where she helps lead youth-driven efforts that support students in rural communities through practical, sustainable solutions. Her work reflects a strong belief in community empowerment and meaningful youth participation. Wongani continues to push for approaches that bring real impact to both people and the environment.
13. Ideba Edu Ele (Nigeria)
Ideba Edu Ele is a Cross River State born Nigerian storyteller, SGBV and rural education advocate, and the Founder of Bonnicare Foundation, a rural focused organization protecting and empowering women, girls, and vulnerable children. With over ten years of experience across media, community development, and human rights work, she has led impactful interventions including supporting rural communities to adopt bylaws against witchcraft branding, SGBV, child marriage, and harmful traditional practices. Through her innovative Unbranded Lives Project, Edu documents under-reported human rights abuses and uses ethical storytelling to inspire action, community reform, and public sensitization. She is a Royal Arts Academy trained filmmaker who uses film and content creation to spotlight social issues she believes must never be told with levity. Her organization has impacted over 1,000 beneficiaries through rural education support, including a fully sponsored university beneficiary.
14. Andy Mundori (Malawi)
Andy Mundori is a passionate Malawian changemaker and Director of ClimateWise Organization. He leads community-based projects that improve access to clean water, strengthen climate resilience, and empower women and youth. Andy has helped bring safe water to thousands of people while promoting education and economic opportunities in rural areas. He is dedicated to ensuring that every Malawian child and family has a better, more respectable future.
15. Avotriniaina liane ANDRIAMBELOZAKA (Madagascar)
Liane is an impact-driven entrepreneur deeply committed to advancing women’s empowerment through innovation and inclusive enterprise. She has launched two women-led startups that create tangible social and environmental value within her community in Madagascar. She is the founder of Maternal AI, a femtech startup that leverages data and sensor technology to address maternal and child health challenges, improving access to timely care and health insights for women. She also leads SEBIO, a circular economy venture that utilizes local resources to produce biosanitary pads, creating jobs for women while addressing period poverty, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Through her work, Liane is driving solutions that place women’s health, dignity, and economic empowerment at the center of development.
16. Castrol Waswaya Nzyooma (Zambia)
Castrol Waswaya Nzyooma is a Zambian entrepreneur and co-founder of SignaBridge, a digital connectivity solution improving reliable internet access and user experience for communities and businesses. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s degree in commerce, an associate degree in public health, and a diploma in international relations and diplomatic affairs. Castrol has served as a Theirworld Ambassador, a climate champion at United People Global, and a global wellbeing envoy at Reimagining Society, contributing to SDG-driven initiatives. He is also the founder of Gigabridge Energies, a renewable-energy startup pioneering affordable Bio-CNG and E-methane solutions. With a strong record of resilience and innovation, he is committed to advancing Africa’s digital, agricultural, and sustainable energy landscape.
17. Halima Tussaadiyah (Indonesian)
Halima Tussaadiyah is an Indonesian youth leader the Founder of EDCation, a community based initiative focused on literacy and climate education for children in rural areas. Since 2017, she has led programs that have reached thousands of children and empowered youth volunteers as educators and community leaders. She holds an academic background in Elementary Teacher Education with strong expertise in child development and community learning systems. Her work has received international recognition, including the Social Impact Seed Funding 2024 by Aspire Leaders (USA) & Winner of Misk 20 Under 30, 2025 by Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Saudi Arabia). She is passionate about building sustainable, youth led solutions for education and environmental resilience in underserved communities.
18. Felicity Nneoma Okolie (Nigeria)
Felicity Nneoma Okolie is a public health professional, youth advocate, and founder of City Safe Space, a digital initiative empowering young people with accurate health information, mentorship, and development opportunities. She has over six years of experience in the development sector, specializing in sexual and reproductive health, digital advocacy, and youth engagement. Felicity has been selected for several national and international fellowships and conferences, and currently serves as the FP2030 Nigeria Youth Focal Point and the Deputy National Coordinator AfriYAN Nigeria. She is a member of Australian Association for Adolescent Health and Officer of IAAH-Emerging Professionals Network. She is passionate about leveraging digital technology to improve adolescent wellbeing and expand access to life-changing opportunities. Felicity is committed to helping young people make informed decisions, unlock their potential, and thrive.
19. Isaac Toluwanimi Olugbenga (Nigeria)
Isaac Toluwanimi Olugbenga is a skilled land surveyor and business consultant with a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation. He combines technical expertise in surveying with strategic problemsolving to support businesses and community-focused projects. As a finalist in the WIPO National IP Essay Competition, he has contributed thought leadership to Nigeria’s creative and innovation ecosystem. Isaac also serves as the Chief Strategy Officer on the YIL Fellowship’s Innovation Leadership Track, leading a project that digitizes informal retail and modernizes the traditional esusu system. He is recognized for his clarity, strategic insight, and commitment to building tech-enabled, future-ready solutions across sectors.
20. Ahsen Bhatti (Canada)
Ahsen Bhatti holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Diaspora & Transnational Studies from the University of Toronto, and is proud to call Toronto his home. His extensive experience in working to the benefit of Toronto’s disenfranchised communities has taught him a great deal about how to design policy frameworks that deliver equity and affordability. Through his work with non-profits including: Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, Building Roots, Building Up, Sojourn House, Innovative Canadians for Change, the Toronto Community Benefits Netwo and the Moss Park Coalition, he has been able to contribute to numerous innovation social programs centred around food security, housing, environmental protection, employment opportunities, refugee issues and access to clean water. He is a passionate advocate for investment in social infrastructure and equitable urban development to prevent displacement in Toronto’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
21. Victoria Chidinma Nwanne (Nigeria)
Victoria Chidinma Nwanne is a Nigerian social impact advocate and the Founder of the Stutter Awareness Foundation (SAF), the first youth-led initiative in Nigeria dedicated to stuttering awareness and disability inclusion. She is a graduate of the University of Benin, where she made history as the institution’s first female( SUG) Senate Clerk. Victoria is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices, particularly young people who stutter, and advancing conversations around mental health and inclusive education. Her work centers on community empowerment, advocacy, and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and heard. She has been recognized for her leadership and was recently a finalist for the One Young World Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship. Driven by faith, compassion, and purpose, Victoria is committed to building a world where every voice—no matter how it sounds—is valued.
22. Faith Nzivo (Kenya)
Faith Nzivo is an experienced agricultural economist with proven track record of 7 years championing food security, climate action and economic empowerment through value chain development, financial access, market linkage and sustainable agriculture. She is a social enterpreneur who strongly believes creating sustainable livelihoods through rural economy rebuilding is the anchor for national development.
23. Osayimwense Imasuen (Nigeria)
Osayi Imasuen is an engineering student passionate about using technology to solve everyday problems in practical and impactful ways. Over the past year, he has worked on projects involving robotics, computer vision, and hardware prototyping, with a growing focus on sustainability and smart systems. [He enjoys developing solutions that combine engineering with human behaviour, with Autobin being one of his strongest examples. Driven by innovation, curiosity, and a commitment to positive change, Osayi aims to create tools that make communities cleaner, smarter, and more efficient.
24. Moses F. Tengbeh (Liberia)
Moses F. Tengbeh is a young Liberian social innovator, the Founder and Executive Director of Transnovate Liberia, and the Program Chairman of I-Yan Liberia. He leads impactful initiatives focused on digital empowerment, vocational skills training, and youth development. Through his flagship project, Tech To Transform, he has equipped thousands of young people with technology and practical skills to improve their education and economic opportunities. Moses is passionate about creating inclusive pathways for youth to thrive and continues to champion community-driven solutions across Liberia.
25. Ntyam Princia Minko (Cameroon)
Ntyam Princia Minko is a visionary changemaker and Founder & CEO of RENAI Africa, empowering African students with international opportunities. With a mission to equip 10,000 students by 2035, she has impacted over 1200 students across 10 countries. Her initiatives include Motuwa (safety project), GiHoN (foundation to support the needy), and “STEMinism” (girl empowerment in STEM). A recipient of the Top 50 Global Student Prize 2025, Top 10 Young Entrepreneurs 2024, Bizz Award Winner, Rise Global Finalist 2024, and Urega Scholar 2024, Princia is a dedicated leader inspiring a new generation of changemakers through her innovative work and commitment to education and community development.
26. Sulaiman Tanu Bah (Sierra Leone)
Sulaiman Tanu Bah leads Smart Up Africa as the founder and CEO. He holds a degree in “Business and Information Technology.” He is a YALI fellow (2019) and Emerging Public Leader Sierra Leone fellow (2025). Sulaiman is keen on addressing youth and environmental issues in his community. He uses his leadership to drive positive change. Currently, his work has empowered 1,500 marginalized youths with digital and business skills, enhancing their confidence, employability, and community contributions.
27. Ruth Reje (Nigeria)
Ruth Reje (AKA Ruth Bassey Okim) is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Poet and Climate Activist from Nigeria who uses storytelling to inspire environmental action. Through her organization, Let’s Speak Africa, she has led climate projects for six years, launched 20 Environmental Storytelling Clubs across West Africa and championed tree planting initiatives in Nigeria. Her work bridges the gap between climate science and reality, empowering women and youths to become climate storytellers who make change in their communities.
28. Esther Emejulu (Nigeria)
Esther Emejulu is a product manager and STEM advocate, and the founder of TURNVE, a career-simulation platform designed to help people “experience the job to land the job.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and brings hands-on experience in community engagement, youth empowerment, and digital communication to drive meaningful impact across education, sustainability, and career development. Esther specializes in product development, project planning and coordination, community management, STEM education advocacy, and career-readiness storytelling. Her professional experience includes serving as a Communication Officer with the Youth Climate Movement, NYSC CDS President, and an Agricultural Science teacher. She is currently collaborating with her co-founder, Queen, to build and scale TURNVE, creating practical learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and industry.
29. Solomon Tolulope Adedini (Nigeria)
Solomon Tolulope Adedini is a Nigerian social entrepreneur and the founder of Sol-Uniq Green Resources, where he leads a circular economy initiative that converts agricultural and municipal waste into clean charcoal briquettes and energy-efficient stoves. His work focuses on reducing pollution, promoting clean cooking solutions, and creating green jobs for women and youth. He is deeply passionate about environmental sustainability, community development, and empowering vulnerable groups. Through his initiatives, Solomon is committed to accelerating clean energy adoption and contributing to a healthier, more resilient society.
30. Goodness Ajamu (Türkiye)
Goodness Ajamu is a physicist and graduate student at Erciyes University in Turkey, working at the intersection of particle physics, materials science, and human development. His academic journey includes research in particle physics and materials science and engineering, as well as several international fellowships that have strengthened his growth as a scientist. Beyond research, he mentors young people through EduFurther Africa, Paper Airplanes Inc., and Career Associates Foundation, supporting them in academic advancement and the pursuit of meaningful career goals.
Congratulations to the 5th Class of OD Impact Challenge 30 Under 30 Changemakers!
