Josemaria Osuorah wins Crest Africa’s Tech Innovation of the Year Award

Michael Adesina

The spotlight is once again on Josemaria Osuorah, as he has been named the winner of the Crest Africa Award for Tech Innovation of the Year, a recognition that cements his standing as one of Africa’s most influential technology voices.

This award celebrates Osuorah’s pioneering work in building the Secure Mentorship Program, a
groundbreaking initiative that has expanded access to cybersecurity knowledge for underserved and rural communities. By providing mentorship, training, and guidance, the program has helped a new generation of Africans gain entry into the digital economy, equipping them with the tools to protect themselves and their communities in an increasingly connected world.

In addition to the mentorship program, Osuorah’s authorship of Cybersecurity Fundamentals, a book that has become an accessible guide for professionals, students, and everyday technology users were recognized as a major contribution to digital protection and education. His dual approach of combining community driven mentorship with scholarly publication demonstrates the kind of original contributions of major significance that the Crest Africa Awards were designed to honour.

The Crest Africa Awards are widely regarded as one of the continent’s most selective recognitions for excellence in technology. Each year, nominations are scrutinized through a rigorous multi stage process that emphasizes impact, originality, and significance. By honouring Osuorah with Tech Innovation of the Year, the Crest Africa board has placed him among the most accomplished innovators in African technology.

Speaking on his win, Osuorah said: “For me, innovation is not just about tools, it is about people. Rural communities across Africa deserve the same digital protections as anyone else, and through mentorship and education, we can close that gap.”

Industry leaders echo this sentiment. A Crest Africa spokesperson remarked: “Josemaria Osuorah’s Secure Mentorship Program has had an outsized impact by bringing cybersecurity education to communities that are too often overlooked. Coupled with his influential book, his work has reshaped how we think about accessibility and protection in the digital age.”

This latest honor adds to a growing list of accolades for Osuorah, including the African Choice Award for Excellence in Tech Education and Digital Protection. With multiple high profile awards, international media coverage in outlets like The Guardian, Vanguard, and BusinessDay, and a track record of building programs that make technology accessible to underserved populations, Osuorah continues to distinguish himself as a globally recognized leader and innovator in technology.

His Tech Innovation of the Year award is not just recognition of past achievement, it is a testament to his ongoing role as one of the few individuals whose work is shaping the future of cybersecurity on a global scale.