Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji is the Founder of Rise Networks & Rise Interactive Studios, Africa and a leading professional in Artificial Intelligence for Development, Media Innovation, Edtech and Public Policy. Named by Forbes as one of the 20 Most Powerful Young Women in Africa, she is also listed among the Top 30 Global Artificial Intelligence Ambassadors by Swiss Cognitive, serves on the UNDP’s #AI4Dev Reference Group, holds a Master in Public Administration [MPA] from Harvard University John F Kennedy School of Government and Executive Education at University of Cambridge, University of New Hampshire and Pan Atlantic University, Dr.Toyosi has led pioneering Tech and AI-driven projects across Africa, including the UK-FCDO commissioned AI for Border Governance study. Dr. Toyosi created and produced MAKEMATION, Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence.
With a background in Civil Law, Dr. Toyosi holds a Ph.D. in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, where her doctoral research focused on “The Assessment of Artificial Intelligence on Nigeria’s National and Economic Security in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Her thesis underscores the critical intersections between emerging technologies, governance and security, reflecting her expertise in evaluating the transformative impact of AI on human behaviour and national development.
Through her leadership at Rise Networks, a foremost Data and Artificial Intelligence for Development Organization dedicated to empowering Nigerians with world-class skills, fostering inclusive opportunities and shaping a future-ready workforce that drives sustainable development locally and competes globally, the Organization has spearheaded pioneering AI-driven initiatives in Africa. Rise Networks is the Nigerian Representative of the Microsoft Global TVET AI Community of Practice led by the International Youth Foundation and notably, Rise Networks designed and built the first career job chatbot in West Africa, which was recognized globally and listed as part of the AI Mentoring in the Workplace Working Group of the United Nations’ AI for Good Project. In addition, Rise Networks executed a landmark research and advisory project on Artificial Intelligence for Border Governance and Security Efficiency in Nigeria, commissioned by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government.
Rise Interactive Studios produced MAKEMATION, Africa’s first feature film that blends artificial intelligence and immersive storytelling to show how young people, particularly girls, are using AI and other emerging technologies to solve some of the continent’s biggest problems. The Movie has evolved into a powerful social impact platform that inspires creative complex problem-solving and youth/women-led advancement in education, ethical innovation and entrepreneurship, giving the continent’s narrative its pride of place in a world increasingly shaped by opaque technologies. Makemation was released in April 2025 to global acclaim holding a firm position of being in the Top 70 highest grossing Nigerian movies of all time within its first 4weeks of theatrical release and receiving widespread glowing reviews from across board as the Movie as heralding a new era of African cinematic storytelling with AI.
Dr. Toyosi was a Member of the AI for Public Interest Working Group of the French Government’s AI Action Programme. She is also an alumna of the United States Government’s prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and has pursued an extensive and distinguished academic and professional development journey across some of the world’s most reputable institutions. She studied Strategic Management at Executive Level at the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, earned a Certificate in Youth-Inclusive Financial Services from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, USA, and obtained a Certificate in Media Enterprise from the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. In addition, she holds an Executive Master’s Certificate in Project Management from The Project Management College, United Kingdom, and has also studied Digital Marketing Strategy at the UK Institute of Digital Marketing.
With a Career devoted to shaping education, policy, media and youth development for future of work and recognized as a trusted authority on Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Toyosi is frequently consulted by institutions seeking informed perspectives on the AI landscape across Nigeria and Africa. Her thought leadership is anchored in years of contribution to the continent’s political economy, education and technology ecosystem, as well as her dedication to advancing Africa’s broader economic development goals through research, policy advisory and social entrepreneurship. Her groundbreaking initiatives demonstrate her commitment to harnessing AI for national security, women equality, workforce transformation and sustainable development, while positioning Nigeria and Africa within the global AI innovation and policy landscape.
Dr. Toyosi has played significant roles in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa and beyond. She served as a Jury Member for Nestlé’s NESCAFÉ Get Started Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge, a Mentor for the African Entrepreneurship Awards of the Bank of Africa, and a Judge for the Young Women Transform Prize, a global economic empowerment initiative by USAID, Volvo Group, and Standard Chartered Bank amongst many other local and global programmes.
Through these roles, she has contributed to empowering young entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on fostering long-term, sustainable opportunities for women and youth worldwide.
