Features & Benefits
Why Become a Judge?
By becoming a judge, you’ll play a pivotal role in recognizing and rewarding Africa’s brightest minds and most groundbreaking innovations.
Possibilities
Evaluate Cutting-Edge Innovations:
Assess submissions ranging from academic research and technological advancements to sustainable projects and entrepreneurial solutions.
Take control
Impact the Future of African Innovation
Your feedback will help shape the future of tech and innovation in Africa by recognizing projects that address pressing societal and environmental challenges.
Functions
Expand Your Professional Network:
Connect with top innovators, business leaders, and fellow experts from across the continent and beyond.
Modern Fonts
Receive Recognition
Earn a certificate of appreciation and get featured on the Dratech platform as a key contributor to Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Judges
Role and Responsibilities
of a Judge
As a Dratech Innovation Award Judge, you will be vital in reviewing and evaluating submissions from Africa’s top innovators. Your responsibilities include:
Reviewing Submissions
You will assess research works, technological advancements, sustainable projects, and entrepreneurial innovations.
Evaluating Based on Set Criteria
You will use the criteria provided, including innovation, practical impact, sustainability, and academic contribution, to score and provide feedback on each submission.
Confidentiality and Fairness
You are expected to maintain confidentiality and uphold fairness in all evaluations.
Providing Detailed Feedback
Your expertise will help us select deserving awardees, and your feedback will help participants improve their future work.
Help Us Recognize Africa’s Best
Ready to make a difference? Apply today to become a judge for the Dratech African Innovation Award and help us celebrate Africa’s most innovative achievements.
Meet Our Esteemed Past Judges
Discover the experts who have helped shape the future of innovation in Africa by lending their expertise and insight to the Dratech Innovation Awards.
Mr. Charles Nwokike
A trailblazer in the banking industry, Charles has led transformational projects in digital banking and financial inclusion, positioning him as a key innovator in Africa’s banking landscape. His efforts have significantly expanded access to financial services, driving economic growth and empowering underserved communities across the continent.
Dr. Timothy Okeke
With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics, Dr. Okeke is a leading expert in protecting organizations from cyber threats and advancing cybersecurity education across Africa. His work has been instrumental in shaping industry standards and empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Anjolaoluwa Osibodu
Anjolaoluwa Osibodu, a judge for the Dratech Innovation Awards since 2023 to 2024, is an expert in global supply chain optimization and sustainable practices. With an MBA and a background in geology, he champions innovative strategies that drive operational efficiency and align with Dratech’s mission to recognize African innovation.
Mr. Oyelakin Dide
Oyelakin Dide is a seasoned judge on the Dratech panel with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. Known for his expertise in evaluating innovation, he plays a key role in recognizing and celebrating Africa’s top talents in science, technology, and AI. His insights help shape the future of African innovation, driving excellence and growth across the continent.
Nneoma Okoroafor
Nneoma Okoroafor is a visionary leader driving digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions across Africa. Passionate about empowering underserved communities, she champions innovative technologies to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth. With a focus on collaborative partnerships, Nneoma has spearheaded initiatives linking governments, private sectors, and grassroots organizations to advance sustainable development.
Mr. Temitayo Gbadebo
Mr. Temitayo Gbadebo served as a distinguished judge for the Dratech Innovation Awards in 2023, leveraging his vast expertise in technology and innovation. His keen insights and commitment to recognizing African talent helped shape the evaluation process. Temitayo's contributions played a vital role in celebrating groundbreaking achievements across the tech landscape.
Babafunke F. Olaonipeku
Babafunke F. Olaonipekun, a Public Affairs specialist with expertise in finance operations, human resources, and strategic planning, brings vast experience from IT, Healthcare, Education, and Nonprofit sectors. As a judge for the Financial Inclusion Impact category at the Dratech International Awards, she showcased her analytical skills and dedication to fostering innovation. Babafunke is committed to advancing excellence and driving impactful contributions in the fintech and technology landscape.
Mr. Lateef Fatai
Lateef Olawale Fatai is a distinguished data scientist specializing in public health, leveraging NLP, Big Data analytics, and Machine Learning to address critical societal issues. He transforms complex datasets into actionable insights, connecting individuals with mental health challenges, substance abuse, and homelessness to essential services. Through predictive modeling and innovative analyses, Lateef identifies at-risk populations, guiding targeted interventions and optimizing resource allocation to improve public health.
Akintunde S. Akinpade
Samson is a certified Microsoft Data Engineer with over 8 years of experience in data analysis, system analysis, and business requirement gathering. He currently works as a Senior Data Engineer at Chevron, specializing in big data processing using Hadoop and cloud services like Azure and AWS. His technical skills encompass data visualization with Tableau, SQL, ETL processes, and machine learning applications, making him a valuable asset in data engineering projects.
Oluwatoyin Aromokeye
Oluwatoyin Aromokeye is an accomplished Product Manager with a proven track record of building and scaling innovative, cyber-secured products across diverse industries. With over three years of experience, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for crafting impactful solutions that enhance user experiences, protect sensitive data, and drive business growth.
Olasubomi Hafees Asuni
Olasubomi Hafees Asuni is a highly skilled Renewable Energy Project Manager and Engineer with a strong dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions. He holds a Master’s degree in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies from Northumbria University, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Abuja, Nigeria, providing him with a solid academic foundation in his field.
LAWAL QUDUS
Lawal Qudus is a seasoned data analyst and cyber security expert with over five years of impactful experience in finance, insurance, and healthcare analytics. Currently excelling as a Senior Data Insight and Analytics Analyst at CitiGroup, he has mastered the art of transforming complex business challenges into actionable insights.
Dr. Saidu Hassan Malgwi
Dr. Saidu Hassan Malgwi is a transformative figure whose work has significantly impacted the healthcare landscape in Nigeria and beyond. With a career dedicated to improving health access for underserved populations, Dr. Malgwi has become a beacon of hope, leveraging innovative solutions such as telehealth and mobile clinics to address critical healthcare needs
OLUMIDE FOWOWE
Olumide Fowowe is Chartered Accountant and finance professional with extensive experience in financial strategy, economic resilience, and operational excellence across industries such as media, agriculture, and retail. he also holds an MBA and MSc in Corporate Finance from Penn State, where he sharpened his expertise in financial modeling, revenue optimization, and sustainable financial management.
Dr. Ihunanya Meejay Kanu
Dr. Ihunanya Meejay Kanu is a dedicated physician and visionary leader whose work has empowered underserved communities across Nigeria. As a medical doctor and founder of a non-governmental organization focused on charity, health, education, and skill-building, Dr. Kanu has led transformative initiatives that address critical social, educational, and healthcare challenges.
Ayobami Ayeni
Ayobami Ayeni is a seasoned software engineer and entrepreneur with over seven years of experience in technology, research, and innovation. His career is defined by a relentless drive to develop scalable software solutions that tackle real-world challenges, particularly in financial technology, educational technology, and accessibility.
Dr. Ernest Okoli
Dr. Ernest Okoli is a transformative figure whose work has significantly impacted the healthcare landscape in Nigeria and beyond. With a career dedicated to improving health access for underserved populations, Dr. Okoli has become a beacon of hope, leveraging innovative solutions such as telehealth and mobile clinics to address critical healthcare needs. His leadership in public health emergency preparedness, maternal and child health, and immunization programs has strengthened healthcare systems in Nigeria’s northeastern region
Tope Oladele Jooda
Tope Oladele Jooda is a distinguished Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Solution Architect and cybersecurity strategist, renowned for his unwavering commitment to enhancing organizational resilience and safeguarding digital assets. With over 15 years of transformative leadership across Nigeria’s banking and consulting sectors, Tope has established himself as a trusted authority in information security management, cybersecurity compliance, and risk mitigation.
Ediri Erigbese
Ediri Johnson Erigbese is a visionary leader and seasoned Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) specialist with over 15 years of transformative contributions to the oil and gas industry. Currently serving as the Managing Director of Jonestech Technical Services Limited, he orchestrates HDD-focused engineering solutions, driving procurement, pipeline installations, and drilling operations across downstream, midstream, and upstream sectors.
Who Can Apply?
Judges should have a proven track record of excellence in their field and a passion for fostering innovation. Thus, we are looking for professionals with expertise in the following areas:
Innovators and professionals with experience in developing cutting-edge technological solutions, software, hardware, and digital tools that address real-world challenges.
02 Business and Entrepreneurship
Founders, executives, and business leaders who have successfully launched and scaled businesses, particularly in fields that drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation.
Academics, researchers, and educators who contribute to knowledge creation and have a deep understanding of scientific research, theoretical development, and practical applications.
Experts in creating sustainable solutions that focus on long-term environmental benefits, renewable energy, and eco-friendly business practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about becoming a judge for the Dratech Innovation Award. Learn more about the process, time commitment, and what to expect.
Judges are selected based on their expertise, experience in their respective fields, and their alignment with the goals of the awards. All applications are carefully reviewed to ensure a diverse and knowledgeable panel.
The judging process typically spans a few weeks, with flexible timeframes to accommodate busy schedules. You’ll receive guidelines outlining submission review periods and expected deadlines.
No prior judging experience is required. As long as you have expertise in your field and a passion for innovation, you’re encouraged to apply. Training and evaluation criteria will be provided.
Judges will be assigned specific submissions based on their expertise. This ensures that each project is reviewed by the most qualified individuals, providing a fair and balanced assessment.
While the position is voluntary, judges receive formal recognition, a certificate of appreciation, and professional visibility on Dratech platforms. You also gain access to networking opportunities with other experts.
Transparency is key. Judges must disclose any conflicts of interest, and you will be recused from evaluating submissions where a conflict exists to maintain fairness and integrity.
After reviewing applications, selected judges will receive an official email notification, outlining the next steps, including the judging timeline, criteria, and instructions on how to proceed.