At just 11 years old, Elizabeth Osagie Omonefe took the reins of TD Africa as CEO for a day, showing that the next generation of African tech leaders is already emerging.
On September 8, the bright young beneficiary of TD Africa’s scholarship scheme stepped into the hot seat, making decisions and engaging with senior executives in an experience designed to nurture her leadership potential.
Elizabeth’s appointment was more than a symbolic gesture; it underscored TD Africa’s drive to invest in young people and bridge the gender gap in technology.
By placing a child at the centre of its leadership for a day, the company sent a powerful message, that innovation and progress in Africa’s tech ecosystem depend on empowering the next generation today.
Through initiatives like this, TD Africa continues to champion youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and digital transformation, reinforcing its broader mission to equip individuals and businesses across the continent with the tools to thrive in a technology-driven future.
Speaking after her day in office, Miss Elizabeth expressed her excitement: “I am very happy to have been made TD Africa’s CEO of the day. I got to listen to tech experts during strategic meetings, and it increased my passion to go into the tech space.
“I want to also thank Mrs Chioma Ekeh for allowing me to step into her role for a day; this means a lot to me,” she said.
Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “Choosing Elizabeth as CEO for a day reflects the very essence of who we are at TD Africa. The gender gap in technology remains wide, and bridging it requires deliberate action.
“By allowing an 11-year-old to lead, we are sending a clear message: it is never too early to nurture talent and inspire young girls to see themselves as future leaders in technology,” she noted.
Elizabeth’s leadership moment stands as a beacon of hope for young people across Africa, encouraging them not to shy away from challenges and to embrace the opportunities that technology provides.
With initiatives like this, TD Africa continues to set the pace in shaping Africa’s digital future, one empowered generation at a time.
