Wale Lawal is the founder and CEO of The Republic, a platform dedicated to sharp, long-form analysis on African politics, business and culture. His background in research and consulting shapes the publication’s distinctive editorial voice. Under his leadership, The Republic also operates a growing digital newsroom and an expanding suite of knowledge products.
He is being honoured for building The Republic into one of the continent’s most respected thought-media institutions. The platform continued strengthening its position in 2025 through rigorous commentary and ambitious editorial expansion. His work has made The Republic a crucial space for understanding African ideas at depth.