Success Stories Archives

The Man (Nigerian) Who Bought London’s second largest international airport

New AfricaJune 15, 2025110 mins

Up until February 2010, very few people had heard about Adebayo Ogunlesi. The Nigerian-born investment banker and money manager made international headlines when he led the acquisition of London’s Gatwick Airport from the British Airports Authority in a recorded £1.51 billion deal.

Adebayo Ogunlesi is the chairman and managing partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a New York-based independent private equity fund focused primarily on infrastructural investments, with over $5.6 billion under management. The acquisition instantly propelled Ogunlesi, 58, into the global spotlight and earned him a place in history as the man who acquired London’s second largest international airport.

Meet the former South African egg seller who made millions by shining shoes

New AfricaJune 15, 2025010 mins

Suede slip-ons, elegant high-heels or lace-up brogues — whatever shoes you wear in an important business meeting you want to look your shiny best. Some people apply polish with a brush and others choose a cloth, while those coming from afar often leave the task to the capable hands of craftsmen who can make travel-worn…

10 African Inventions That Changed the World

New AfricaJune 15, 202516 mins

Mathematics The invention of mathematics is placed firmly in African prehistory. The oldest known possibly mathematical object is the Lebombo bone, which was discovered in the Lebombo Mountains of Swaziland and dated to approximately 35,000 B.C. Many of the math concepts that are learned in school today were also developed in Africa. Over 35,000 years ago,…

‘Society refuses to celebrate people like me’: 41-yr-old graduates law school after many failed attempts

New AfricaJune 15, 202504 mins

While seeking avenues to fulfill her aspirations, Goodwin pursued a master’s degree and found herself working on Capitol Hill. Driven by her passion for justice, she went on to establish the Community Justice Action Fund (CJAF), a program dedicated to addressing gun violence within communities of color.

At 35, Anta Babacar Ngom runs Senegal’s largest poultry company valued at $80 million

New AfricaJune 15, 202505 mins

Anta Babacar Ngom is a Senegalese entrepreneur who runs one of the biggest poultry production companies in Africa. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Sedima, Senegal’s major poultry production group, where she oversees production, distribution, and company development. Sedima was founded by Anta’s father, Babacar Ngom, in 1976 with just $14 to acquire 120…

From security guard to doctor, Class of 2022 student speaker proves that ‘anything is possible’

New AfricaJune 15, 202504 mins

The Lake Charles native and Navy veteran tells WDSU getting matched to Indiana University’s Triple Board was the result of 16 years of hard work and dedication for himself and his family. As a security guard at Baton Rouge Medical in 2010, Ledet asked a doctor there if he could shadow him in the operating room. The doctor obliged and Ledet spent several months following the physician around the hospital – thus began the start of his journey in medicine.

WDSU first covered Ledet in 2019 as he pursued his medical career at Tulane while also working on an MBA. Before his move to New Orleans, Dr. Ledet received his Ph.D. in Molecular Oncology from New York University. While at Tulane, he began working on a strong message to the public about the need for more Black doctors.

Abraham Buckner is the first Black valedictorian in his Illinois high school’s 100-year history

New AfricaJune 15, 202504 mins

becoming its first Black valedictorian since the school’s establishment in 1913. This significant milestone marks a turning point in the school’s legacy.

Elvis Muchiri; The 9yrs old Kenyan tech genius teaching computer hacks on TikTok

New AfricaJune 15, 202504 mins

He has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter for his tutorials on computer shortcuts, as reported by People of Color in Tech.

From Cattle Herder to South Africa’s First Black Female Cardiothoracic Surgeon

New AfricaJune 15, 202508 mins

Dr. Lindiwe Sidali, a trailblazing 36-year-old South African cardiothoracic surgeon, has shattered societal and professional barriers to become the country’s first African female in her field. Her journey, marked by resilience, determination, and groundbreaking achievements, is an inspiring story of triumph over adversity. Humble Beginnings in Eastern Cape Born into a large family in Dutywa,…

24-Year Old First-Generation College Student Graduates From Harvard Law School

New AfricaJune 15, 202503 mins

Derrick’s journey as a student is marked by groundbreaking achievements. In 2018, he made history as a first-generation college student when he graduated as valedictorian from Morehouse College, an accomplishment that further highlights his exceptional academic capabilities.