Children’s Day: 15 Young Innovators Who Started Early: Inspiring Africa’s Next Generation

Let’s face it—Africa’s children are no longer just the “leaders of tomorrow.” Many of them are already doing big things today.

From building machines out of scraps to writing software, leading change in their communities, and creating things the world never expected from children their age, these young Africans are proof that brilliance doesn’t wait for adulthood.

So, on this Children’s Day, as we reflect on the beauty and power of childhood, we also celebrate young people across Africa who are using their skills, creativity and courage to solve real problems and inspire millions. Here are ten of them making us proud.

1. William Kamkwamba (Malawi)

William became known worldwide after he built a working windmill to generate electricity for his home—all from scrap metal and bicycle parts. He was just 14 at the time, and he did it to help his family survive a drought. Today, his story has inspired books, TED Talks and even a Netflix film.

2. Kelvin Doe (Sierra Leone)

At 12, Kelvin was already building batteries and generators with scrap materials in Freetown. He even created a radio station for his neighbourhood. His talent took him all the way to MIT in the United States, where he became the youngest person to be invited as a guest innovator.

3. Zuriel Oduwole (Nigeria/Mauritius)

Zuriel is not just a girl with big dreams—she’s already living them. She made her first documentary film at age 12 and has interviewed over 30 world leaders about education and youth development. She’s also one of the youngest nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.

4. DJ Switch (Ghana)

Her real name is Erica Tandoh, and she started DJing at just 10 years old. DJ Switch has gone on to perform internationally, using her platform to speak about education, leadership and gender equality. She’s not just playing music—she’s making a statement.

5. Betelhem Dessie (Ethiopia)

Betelhem started learning computer programming when she was only 9. Today, she’s one of Ethiopia’s leading tech voices and the founder of iCog, a platform teaching young people digital skills. She’s proof that girls belong in tech—and can lead in it too.

6. The Restorers (Kenya)

A group of five Kenyan teenage girls came together to create an app called i-Cut, which helps young girls report and escape from female genital mutilation (FGM). Their work got global recognition and has given many girls a chance to say “no” and get help.

7. FD-Detector Team (Nigeria)

Five students from Regina Pacis Secondary School in Onitsha created an app to help people detect fake drugs. With this innovation, they won the 2018 Technovation Challenge in Silicon Valley, USA. Their work has helped save lives—and shown the world what Nigerian girls can do.

8. Noah Walakira (Uganda)

At 14, Noah didn’t just look for a job—he created one. He started making school sweaters in his living room. Today, his company employs several young people and provides uniforms for schools across Uganda. He’s solving problems and creating jobs at the same time.

9. Sam Kodo (Togo)

Sam built his first robot when he was only 7. By the time he was a teenager, he was already developing affordable mini-computers for African students. He believes technology should be for everyone—not just the rich—and he’s working to make that true.

10. South African Space Girls (South Africa)

A team of 14 schoolgirls from Cape Town are part of a project to build and launch Africa’s first private satellite developed by teenagers. Their satellite will collect data on farming and food security. They’re not just aiming high—they’re aiming for the stars.

These young ones remind us that innovation doesn’t have an age limit. Whether in tech, science, music or social impact, African children are showing the world that they’ve got what it takes—and they’re not waiting for permission.

So today, on Children’s Day, we don’t just clap for them—we commit to supporting them, listening to them and creating a world where more African children can dream boldly and build freely.