Nigeria’s Tolu Williams wins ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2025 All Africa Business Leaders Awards

Nigerian entrepreneur Tolu Williams, founder of Saven Heart Technologies (Siltech), has been named Innovator of the Year at the 2025 All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA™), honouring his groundbreaking work in electric mobility and renewable energy.

Williams’ company, SiltechWorld, recently made history as the first African firm to export a fully made-in-Nigeria electric vehicle (EV) to the United States.

The exported unit, called the Elohim-Falcon, is built from 100% recycled and locally sourced materials, marking a milestone for African auto manufacturing

“This moment means more than an award,” Williams said after receiving the honor. “It reflects countless hours of hard work and belief in innovation’s power to shape Africa’s future.”

The AABLA™ organizers said Williams was recognized for strength, ingenuity, knowledge, and foresight, qualities essential to leading Africa’s transition into sustainable technology.

Speaking further, the founder noted his innovation was rooted in purpose. “Innovation is about creating solutions that matter and empowering others to dream bigger,” he said. “Africa has everything it takes to lead globally.”

Building the Africa we believe In

Williams dedicated his award to innovators and dreamers across the continent. “Here’s to pushing boundaries, inspiring change, and building the Africa we all believe in,” he said.

Siltech’s milestone demonstrates that African-made technology can meet global standards, proof that innovation, sustainability, and resilience are driving a new generation of African businesses.

Read more on Nigeria’s SiltechWorld makes history with Africa’s first EV export to U.S.