PIONEERING innovator Professor Collen Masimirembwa has been named a finalist in the 2025 African Genius Awards (AGA) for putting Zimbabwe at the forefront of biomedical science in Africa and beyond.
AGA is a pan-African platform that honours individuals whose exceptional work is shaping Africa’s development through brilliance, innovation and purpose-driven impact.
According to a statement from AGA, Masimirembwa, a trailblazer in pharmacogenomics, is transforming healthcare in Africa.
“As the founding president and CEO of the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), he has championed the development of drug treatment tailored to African genetics.
“His work is enhancing drug safety and efficacy, particularly in the treatment of HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis. Beyond the lab, Prof Masimirembwa has dedicated himself to strengthening Zimbabwe’s scientific capacity and positioning Africa as a leader in genomic medicine. This visionary is addressing the continent’s most critical challenge, health equity, with homegrown solutions rooted in scientific excellence,” the statement said.
Inspired by the extraordinary talent and determination found across the continent, Sifiso Falala, a founder of the African Genius Awards, residing in South Africa, urged all Africans to keep striving for a greater future.
“We have the land, the people, the weather, the culture and the genius to make this continent everything we dream it to be,” he said.
The 2025 winners of the African Genius Awards will be announced on September 6 this year, celebrating the contributions of Masimirembwa alongside other leaders from across the continent.
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“We salute Professor Collen Masimirembwa for his extraordinary contributions and proudly support him as he carries the nation’s flag at this year’s awards,” the AGA statement said.
Other AGA 2025 finalists include Patricia Mawuli Porter (Ghana/US), Crystal Asige (Kenya), Deji Akinwande (Nigeria/US), Mamokgethi Phakeng (South Africa), Beth Koigi (Kenya) and Lucky Mashudu Netshidzati (South Africa).
The finalists also include Margaret Hirsch (South Africa), Dougbeh Chris Nyan (Liberia), Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (Gabon), Daisy Mmabatho Molefhi (Botswana) and Mutshidzi Mulondo of South Africa
Kenya's Lorna Rutto is also one of the finalists including Gisela Van Houcke (DRC), Claude Grunitzky (Togo), Chinasa T Okolo (Nigeria/US) and Nomso Kana (South Africa).
The (AGA) honours exceptional Africans who embody the spirit of self-determination, dignity and innovation.
AGA exists to spotlight individuals solving African challenges with brilliance, purpose and originality.
AGA is a movement that fosters belief in African excellence, encourages youth empowerment, and champions a globally-competitive Africa and with support from academic, research, and media partners, it recognises trailblazers across sectors — redefining what it means to lead, create and uplift on the continent.
