Renowned Nigerian social entrepreneur and founder of Slum2School Africa, Orondaam Otto, has been selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as one of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2025, a prestigious recognition given to under-40 leaders creating meaningful impact across the world.
Each year, about 100 individuals are selected globally into this elite group of leaders, drawn from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Otto now joins a powerful network of change-makers which includes presidents, Nobel laureates, CEOs, and global influencers.
This recognition is a testament to Otto’s bold and visionary leadership over the last 13 years. His journey began in 2012 during his National Youth Service, when a visit to a slum community in Lagos State deeply moved him.
Determined to address the educational inequalities he witnessed, he left his path in medicine and founded Slum2School Africa — a non-profit organisation that has since become one of the continent’s leading education-focused development movements.
Through his leadership, Slum2School has impacted over 685,000 children, built and supported hundreds of learning spaces, and pioneered Africa’s first virtual learning platform for underserved learners. The organisation has also mobilised thousands of volunteers and professionals from over 60 countries and developed scalable education innovations to reach the most vulnerable.
The Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL), an initiative of the World Economic Forum, offers a transformative multi-year leadership journey that empowers outstanding individuals under 40 to expand their impact and influence. Beyond recognition, the program provides access to global policy platforms such as Davos and regional summits, allowing members to engage directly with world leaders and shape international agendas. Fellows receive world-class executive education at top institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, Oxford, and more, while also gaining visibility to scale their work and attract global partnerships.
Members become part of an influential, cross-sector network of over 1,400 peers from around the world—facilitating collaboration, co-creation, and peer learning. They also participate in global initiatives that tackle pressing challenges like education, climate, public health, and inclusive growth. YGLs benefit from mentorship by global icons, opportunities to influence policy, and support to access funding and resources that drive systems change.
For leaders like Orondaam Otto, this recognition not only elevates personal leadership but also opens new doors for strategic growth, cross-sector collaboration, and broader advocacy. The YGL platform ultimately accelerates the journey from local innovation to global transformation, positioning members to lead solutions that shape the future.
The World Economic Forum described Otto as “a visionary development leader bridging local innovation with global impact.” His selection underscores his role in shaping the future of education, social policy, and human capital development in Africa.
Speaking on his recognition, Otto shared:
“Over the past two decades, I’ve been burned by the problems I’ve seen in communities around me — but also fueled by the belief that we can build a better world, especially for Africa. That every child, no matter where they’re born, deserves the chance to dream big and thrive.”
“Joining the Forum of Young Global Leaders isn’t just a recognition for me — it’s an amplifier. A gateway into new rooms, bigger tables, and global conversations that matter. I intend to use every opportunity to spotlight the incredible potential Nigeria and Africa hold — especially if we invest in our young people and unlock the power of our human, natural, and creative resources.”
Beyond Slum2School, Otto has served on multiple national and international advisory councils and boards. His academic background includes programs at Harvard University, MIT, Henley Business School, and University of Stellenbosch, and he has received multiple global honors including the Eisenhower Global Fellowship, Edward Mason Fellowship at Harvard, the Lucius Littauer Leadership Award, and the Erik Yankah Prize for Leadership from Harvard University.
Otto’s story is one of purpose-driven leadership, courageous decisions, and a deep commitment to community transformation. He represents a generation of African leaders who are not waiting for change, but leading it.
As the global community increasingly recognises the role of youth-led innovation and inclusive leadership in driving sustainable development, Otto’s selection as a Young Global Leader sends a powerful message — that indigenous ideas from Africa can solve global problems, and that the future of leadership is collaborative, values-driven, and rooted in service.
