19-Year-Old Nigerian Innovator Clinches Top Prize at Global Tech Summit

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In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, 19-year-old prodigy Amina Okafor has won the prestigious We Innovate Global Challenge, defeating over 3,000 contestants from 89 countries. 



Her groundbreaking AI-powered diagnostic tool, MediScan AI, which detects early-stage diseases from basic blood samples, earned her the $100,000 grand prize at the competition held in Berlin, Germany.  


Okafor’s innovation—a low-cost, portable device that provides accurate diagnoses within minutes—addresses critical gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas with limited medical infrastructure. The self-taught coder developed the prototype in her Lagos bedroom using repurposed smartphone components, drawing inspiration from her late grandmother’s misdiagnosis.  


“This proves African youths can lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Okafor during her acceptance speech, dedicating the win to aspiring innovators across the continent. Judges praised MediScan AI for its “real-world impact potential,” with the World Health Organization already expressing interest in pilot testing.  


The victory has sparked celebrations in Nigeria, with President Tinubu’s office announcing plans to honor Okafor and fast-track patent support. Tech analysts predict the win could attract up to $50 million in venture capital to Nigeria’s healthtech sector within the next year.  



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