Blessing Okwara

A Nigerian tech entrepreneur revolutionizing youth employment through skill development platforms

Blessing Okwara is the founder and CEO of Bridgist, a Nigerian tech startup that connects African youth with digital skills training and job opportunities. Since its launch in 2020, Bridgist has trained over 50,000 young people across 15 African countries, addressing the continent's critical youth unemployment crisis. Okwara's innovative platform combines AI-driven skill assessments with partnerships with global tech companies like Google and IBM.

What makes Okwara stand out is her focus on contextualizing global tech trends for local African realities. She pioneered the micro-credentialing system that allows learners to earn stackable certifications while working. This approach has achieved 72% placement rates for program graduates, far exceeding regional averages.

Okwara's work has been featured in Forbes Africa and the Wall Street Journal. In 2023, she launched the Rural Tech Initiative, expanding access to offline-capable learning materials through solar-powered kiosks in remote areas. This innovation earned her the MIT Inclusive Innovation Prize and recognition as one of Africa's 100 Most Influential People by New African Magazine.