Dratech International is proud to announce Fatai Folorunsho as the recipient of the 2021 Dratech Award for Financial Innovation Excellence, following a highly competitive and meticulous selection process. This prestigious award honors individuals whose work exemplifies the highest standards of innovation, impact, and relevance in the field of technology-driven financial systems.
Folorunsho was selected after an intensive multi-phase review by a panel of distinguished judges comprising AI researchers, data scientists, fintech executives, and economic transformation experts from across Africa and the diaspora. Nominees were evaluated on a set of strict criteria, including originality of innovation, scalability, social and economic impact, and evidence of leadership in their field.
What set Fatai Folorunsho apart was the depth and practical application of his machine learning models and statistical frameworks, which have significantly influenced how financial institutions understand and act on data. His work stands as a model for data-enabled transformation in emerging markets—turning complex financial signals into actionable insights that drive decision-making, risk forecasting, and inclusive banking practices.
Currently working at Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest and most innovation-driven institutions, Folorunsho has played a leading role in building intelligent analytical tools that optimize financial operations at scale. His contribution to the early modeling and adoption strategy of Nigeria’s eNaira has also been recognized as a critical step forward in shaping digital currency infrastructure and policy within Africa.
The judges unanimously agreed that his work not only demonstrates outstanding technical sophistication but also carries long-term economic relevance, especially in how it bridges innovation and institutional impact. His ability to lead data transformation strategies that directly benefit financial systems and the wider economy reflects the type of pioneering work the Dratech Award was established to recognize.
Beyond his technical contributions, Folorunsho is already well regarded within the financial analytics and data science communities, where his insights and frameworks have influenced best practices and training programs. His reputation as a forward-thinking innovator who leads with both rigor and relevance has made him a respected figure among his peers and mentees alike.
At Dratech International, we are committed to celebrating changemakers who are shaping Africa’s innovation landscape—and Fatai Folorunsho represents precisely that. His work continues to inspire a generation of data professionals, economists, and technologists committed to building smarter, more inclusive financial futures.
We congratulate him on this well-earned achievement and look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of his groundbreaking contributions.
