It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Ms. Arinola Akinyemi, a remarkable leader, accomplished professional, and passionate advocate for Africa’s digital transformation.
Ms. Arinola was not just a committed member of AfICTA; she was one of its pioneering members whose vision, dedication, and sacrifices helped lay the foundation for what the organization has become today. As one of the early pillars of AfICTA, she contributed immensely to shaping its journey, strengthening its voice, and advancing its mission across Africa. Her commitment to the growth of the ICT ecosystem and digital innovation on the continent remains an enduring part of her legacy.
As the Chief Executive Officer of DigiSphere Investment Ltd, she exemplified visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, using technology as a tool for development, empowerment, and growth. Through her work in business and technology, she inspired many and demonstrated what it means to lead with excellence and purpose.
Beyond AfICTA, Ms. Arinola served with distinction across key organizations and global digital governance ecosystems, making notable contributions within the ICANN Business Constituency (BC), the broader ICANN community, and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) ecosystem. Her voice, insight, and leadership were respected in spaces where digital policy, internet governance, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration shaped the future of the internet globally. She brought passion, professionalism, and an African perspective to these important conversations, leaving her mark in every space she served.
Ms. Arinola was a woman of vision, strength, and excellence, whose leadership was marked by grace, wisdom, humility, and a genuine passion for service. She was admired not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her warmth, strength of character, and ability to inspire and uplift others.
Her passing is a painful loss not only to AfICTA, but to the wider African ICT community and the global internet governance ecosystem. She has left behind a space that remains deeply noticeable, a void created by her absence, yet filled with the enduring memories of her impact, service, and contributions. Her footprints within AfICTA, DigiSphere, and the wider technology and governance community will remain visible for years to come.
Though she may no longer be with us physically, her legacy of service, pioneering leadership, and unwavering commitment will continue to live on in the institution she helped build, the ecosystems she strengthened, and the many lives she touched.
We honor her memory, celebrate her life, and give thanks for the remarkable legacy she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire AfICTA family find comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in peace, Ms. Arinola Akinyemi.
