Dr. Michael Thompson was honored with the prestigious International Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 2024-25 African Achievement Awards, held on December 15, 2024, at the Seattle Airport Marriott in SeaTac, Washington. This recognition celebrates Dr. Thompson’s groundbreaking work in the fields of technology, communications, and his relentless commitment to creating opportunities for African communities globally.
A true pioneer, Dr. Thompson’s career spans over decades of leadership in the tech and telecom sectors. In 1999, he sold his first streaming company—an accomplishment that predates the launch of Netflix by several years. His innovative approach to video streaming and networking allowed him to design and implement national and global networks for leading companies like Bell Atlantic, Verizon, NBC, CBS, and many others. These contributions established Dr. Thompson as an influential figure in the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure.
As the Chairman and President of Sikhona, Inc., a company valued at $2.9 billion, Dr. Thompson continues to make a profound impact. Sikhona is dedicated to developing cutting-edge global social media platforms and communication infrastructures, while also addressing the pressing energy challenges in Africa through green energy initiatives. By providing employment opportunities for Africans and people of African descent across the Diaspora, Sikhona is not only transforming the tech and energy industries but also advancing economic empowerment across the African continent.
In addition to his business success, Dr. Thompson’s career has been defined by his passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation. He has mentored hundreds of young men and women, particularly in the media and technology sectors, offering invaluable guidance to those aspiring to follow in his footsteps. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom, with a focus on social impact and community development.
Dr. Thompson’s dedication to fostering African unity was demonstrated in 2021 when he led the surviving members of Black Wall Street on a historic trip to Ghana, where they met with the President and local royalty. This trip marked a pivotal moment in the acknowledgment and celebration of Black history and heritage, and it reflects Dr. Thompson’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower African communities.
Sikhona’s success is a testament to Dr. Thompson’s vision for the future. With its own versions of popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Dropbox, Sikhona is poised to be a global player in social media and digital communication. The company’s app “DoYou,” a potential alternative to TikTok, is expected to rival major platforms and further solidify Sikhona’s position as a leader in the digital age.
Dr. Thompson’s ultimate goal is to build the first Black-owned trillion-dollar company, a milestone that would reshape the global economic landscape and provide the African Diaspora with unprecedented geopolitical power. His ambitious vision for generational wealth and the economic empowerment of African people reflects his unwavering commitment to lasting, transformative change.
At the African Achievement Awards, attended by nearly 450 distinguished guests—including elected officials, industry leaders, and cultural icons—Dr. Thompson’s accomplishments were celebrated as a shining example of entrepreneurship, leadership, and social responsibility. His award is a well-deserved recognition of his trailblazing work and his ongoing commitment to building a brighter future for Africa and its Diaspora.
As the 2024-25 International Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr. Michael Thompson continues to inspire future generations with his extraordinary vision and dedication to global change. His contributions are a testament to the power of innovative leadership and the boundless potential of African people worldwide.
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Thompson on receiving the International Entrepreneur of the Year award—an achievement that underscores his impact on the world and his dedication to creating lasting change
