Emmanuel Adams-Ezurukam, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur and fintech expert, has been honoured with the prestigious Who’sWho Africa Young Entrepreneur Award.
The award, presented by Time Africa Magazine, was announced at a ceremony held at the Nigeria National Merit Award House in Abuja on Wednesday. Adams-Ezurukam’s selection highlights his significant contributions across multiple industries, including technology, finance, agriculture, and entertainment, as well as his strong commitment to social impact and innovation.
The Who’sWho Africa Young Entrepreneur Award is designed to recognise outstanding young entrepreneurs whose achievements have made a tangible difference in their sectors and communities. In Adams-Ezurukam’s case, his career stands as a testament to entrepreneurship’s potential to drive both business success and societal change. His involvement in a variety of sectors, coupled with a deep commitment to mentorship, has made him a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
A prominent figure in the global business landscape, Adams-Ezurukam is a member of the esteemed Forbes BLK community—a network of Black entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators dedicated to advancing business, technology, and leadership. Forbes BLK champions the accomplishments of Black leaders worldwide, and Adams-Ezurukam’s inclusion in this distinguished group underscores his role as a key figure in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Through his participation in Forbes BLK, he has engaged in high-level discussions on strategy, innovation, and leadership, contributing to the empowerment of Black-owned businesses globally.
Beyond his business ventures, Adams-Ezurukam has demonstrated a strong commitment to social development and sustainability. As an ambassador for the Sustainable Peace and Security Centre (SPSC) UK’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) programme, he has worked tirelessly to promote initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. His advocacy for sustainable business practices and collaboration between governments and organisations further reflects his belief in the potential of business to drive positive change.
Adams-Ezurukam’s leadership in technology and agriculture is particularly noteworthy. As CEO of PLAAS, a blockchain-based platform focused on transforming Africa’s agricultural sector, he has spearheaded efforts to improve agricultural supply chains and increase financial inclusion for smallholder farmers. By leveraging blockchain technology, PLAAS offers farmers a secure and transparent platform to access new markets, receive fair compensation, and improve financial literacy. His work in this area has positioned him as a trailblazer in the intersection of technology and agriculture, addressing both economic empowerment and sustainability.
His influence also extends to the sports sector. As Vice President of the South East Region of the Boxing Promoters Association of Nigeria (BPAN), Adams-Ezurukam has been instrumental in promoting the growth of boxing in Nigeria, helping to elevate local talent and attract international attention. His efforts have played a key role in improving the commercial prospects of Nigerian boxing and supporting its grassroots development.
In addition, Adams-Ezurukam’s involvement in Nigeria’s creative industries highlights his versatility as a leader. As Vice President of the South East Region of the Film and Creative Minds Association of Nigeria (FCMA), he has worked to foster collaboration among filmmakers, promote the rights of creative professionals, and enhance the visibility of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment sector. His leadership in this area underscores his belief in the cultural and economic power of the creative economy.
Emmanuel Adams-Ezurukam is also the founder and CEO of two successful ventures: Ace Boxing Promotions and Adams Global Services. Ace Boxing Promotions focuses on promoting and organising boxing events, while Adams Global Services is a consultancy that provides strategic advice to businesses seeking to expand and innovate. Both companies reflect Adams-Ezurukam’s entrepreneurial vision and ability to create scalable businesses across diverse industries.
Adams-Ezurukam’s achievements have not gone unnoticed in the wider business community. In 2020, he was named Blockchain Personality of the Year at the African Blockchain Leadership Conference, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s foremost innovators. His contributions have been widely covered in media outlets such as The Independent and The Sun, where he is recognised for his leadership in technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
The Who’sWho Africa Young Entrepreneur Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of individuals like Emmanuel Adams-Ezurukam, whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of African entrepreneurship.