Ethel Adonu has been named among the Top 100 Voices Changing the Future 2025, a recognition by Empire Magazine Africa that highlights Africans contributing to innovation, enterprise, and social progress across the continent.
The annual Top 100 publication focuses on entrepreneurs, technologists, and business leaders whose work is influencing Africa’s development across sectors such as technology, finance, media, healthcare, and social impact. According to the publication, the list is intended to recognise people whose ideas and leadership are shaping Africa’s next phase of growth.
Empire Magazine Africa described the 2025 cohort as individuals who are contributing to change through consistent work, problem-solving, and long-term commitment. The publication noted that the list is not positioned as a ranking, but as a record of people contributing to Africa’s future through their work and influence.
Reacting to the recognition, Ethel shared that the news arrived at a meaningful time in her journey.
“Exactly one month ago today, I received news that truly brightened my day. It gave me a deep sense of peace and renewed my belief in the work I am doing,” she said.
She explained that being named among the Top 100 Voices carried personal significance beyond public recognition. “I was spotlighted as one of the Top 100 Voices Changing the Future, celebrating Africa’s most influential innovators and entrepreneurs,” Ethel said.
“This recognition matters to me because it reflects the work I care deeply about. Helping brands show up with clarity, tell better stories, and build influence that actually creates impact.”
Ethel noted that the recognition came during a period of reflection and intentional decision-making. “It came at a season when I was choosing growth over noise, depth over speed, and purpose over visibility,” she said.
She added that the moment served as validation for years of consistent effort. “This spotlight is very dear to my heart because it affirmed the journey. The learning, the patience, and the commitment to building work that serves people, not just algorithms,” Ethel said.
“It is a reminder that when you stay focused on meaning and consistency, your work will find the right audience.”
She expressed gratitude to the publication and those who supported her nomination. “I am grateful to the entire team at EmpiremagazineAfrica for this honour, and to everyone who nominated and believed in my work,” she said.
“This recognition is not the destination. It is an encouragement to keep doing the work that matters. And truly, this is only the beginning.”
For more than four years, Ethel has worked at the intersection of marketing, communications, and technology, supporting African brands and social-impact organisations in building visibility, engagement, and digital inclusion. Her work focuses on helping organisations communicate clearly, strengthen trust, and use digital platforms to support adoption and participation.
As a Marketing and Communications Strategist, she has worked with digital-first and innovation-driven organisations operating within Africa’s growing technology and media space. Her experience spans fintech, media, and nonprofit sectors, where she has contributed to social media growth, digital communications strategy, and audience engagement.
In 2025, Adonu was also selected as one of the Elevate Africa Scholars by the International News Media Association (INMA). The programme recognises emerging media professionals across the continent who are contributing to the future of African journalism, media, and information systems. She was selected among 46 participants in the 2025 cohort.
Beyond her professional work, Ethel has remained involved in community-focused initiatives, particularly those centred on inclusion and access. She has supported nonprofit organisations working to advance women’s participation in digital spaces and technology-driven opportunities.
Empire Magazine Africa stated that the 2025 Top 100 Voices list reflects a broader narrative about Africa’s future, one driven by people building systems, platforms, and communities rather than waiting for external solutions. The publication emphasised that those recognised are contributing through action, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
Ethel’s inclusion on the list reflects a career built around communication, technology, and service. Her work continues to focus on helping organisations communicate with purpose, strengthen trust, and reach audiences in ways that support participation and understanding.
