Lolade Akinmurele, Editor at BusinessDay Media Ltd, has been selected alongside 17 other media professionals for the 2025 INMA Africa Emerging Leaders programme, a continent-wide initiative aimed at grooming the next generation of newsroom leaders.
The programme targets journalists and media managers under the age of 40 who are working below senior management level and showing strong leadership potential. Participants were chosen from applicants across 16 African countries.
The International News Media Association INMA said the programme is designed to connect emerging African media leaders to global training, mentorship and professional networks that can help shape their future careers.
“This cohort of African news media professionals is truly fuelling the news media industry’s innovation in a rapidly changing environment,” Earl J. Wilkinson, INMA executive director and chief executive officer, said. “The future for these emerging leaders in Africa is limitless. We are proud to welcome them to INMA.”
Successful candidates will receive a one-year individual INMA membership, free access to three virtual global master classes, professional recognition, networking opportunities and a certificate.
Doreen Mbaya, INMA Africa regional manager, said the initiative was critical to the future of journalism on the continent.
“Providing these kinds of opportunities is so important for the survival of journalism in Africa,” Mbaya said. “These emerging leaders show us what the future of African news organisations can look like.”
Akinmurele is the current editor at BusinessDay, West Africa’s leading provider of business intelligence and market-moving news.
An alumnus of the University of Lagos, Akinmurele holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy.
He is also a Bloomberg Award-winning financial journalist, a testament to his skill and impact in the field. Over the years, he has further strengthened his expertise through numerous professional certifications, including programmes with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Citibank, CDC Private Equity, and Bloomberg’s Initiative for Financial Journalism in Africa, among others. His training in financial modelling, valuation, and market analysis has equipped him with a rare blend of journalistic precision and economic insight, qualities that have consistently defined his reporting.
His selection reflects a growing recognition of the role editors play in shaping credible journalism at a time of rapid digital change and economic pressure on newsrooms
Full list of selected professionals
The 18 professionals selected for the INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Scholarship are:
Ololade Akinmurele, editor, BusinessDay Media Ltd, Nigeria
Abdelrahman Ellithy, chief executive officer, Nogoom Masrya, Egypt
Karess Essiane, journalist and morning news anchor, CRTV, Cameroon
Florence Flomo, reporter and producer, Radio Bushrod 98.1FM, Liberia
Ayoub Guezzoul, chief commerce officer, Jeune Afrique Media Group, France
Nathan Guma, data journalist, The NewsHawks, Zimbabwe
Salisu Ibrahim, head of desk Hausa, Legit.ng, Nigeria
Joseph Jegede, digital journalist, Arise News, Nigeria
Masolo Mabonga, head of the current affairs department, TUKO.co.ke, Kenya
Jacob Moronge, social media manager, Ruben FM and Moronge Managers, Kenya
Devereaux Morkel, content manager, Independent Media, South Africa
Jean de Dieu Nahabakomeye, programmes and partnerships director, Iris News, Burundi
Michael Ogbodu, broadcast journalist, Media General Ghana, Ghana
Daisy Okoti, research and impact editor, Nation Media Group, Kenya
Jade Rhode, human interest reporter, Briefly News South Africa, South Africa
Jean Fraterne Ruyange, executive director, Streaming Asylum, Democratic Republic of Congo, based in Uganda
Wabwila Musongole, television producer intern, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia
The Emerging Leaders scholarship programme forms part of INMA’s Elevate Africa Initiative, which focuses on strengthening African journalism through training, mentorship and leadership development.
