The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) initiative, now in its fifth year, has announced the selection of fifty promising entrepreneurs from across the African continent as finalists. Supported by the philanthropic efforts of the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, the ABH competition is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the continent’s exceptional business leaders.
Launched in 2019, the ABH initiative has consistently provided US$1.5 million each year to ten entrepreneurs who demonstrate outstanding innovation and leadership. The benefits of the program extend beyond monetary awards, offering finalists the chance to engage in mentorship, expand their professional networks, and participate in various development programs.
This year’s edition of the competition attracted close to 20,000 applications from entrepreneurs spanning the diverse geographic and industrial landscape of Africa. The 50 finalists have been chosen for their embodiment of the entrepreneurial zeal that is propelling Africa’s economic advancement.
Zahra Baitie-Boateng, the Managing Director for Africa at the Africa’s Business Heroes Initiative, shared her excitement about the quality of the entrepreneurs in this year’s cohort. “We are thrilled to recognize the exceptional talent and potential of these 50 entrepreneurs,” she remarked. “Their innovative ideas and steadfast commitment to driving positive change are truly inspiring.”
The ABH initiative continues to serve as a prominent stage for highlighting the entrepreneurial talent within Africa and for promoting a dynamic and thriving business environment across the continent.
The 50 finalists include:
- Adewale Yusuf – CEO, AltSchoolAfrica
- Adriaan Kruger – Co-Founder, nuvoteQ
- Alexander Odhiambo – Co-Founder, Solutech Limited
- Amir Tuodor – Co-Founder, Ted Solar
- Ady Coulibaly – Operations Manager, Bolingo Consult Ltd
- Angelo Pascal Tubibu – CEO, Congofresh
- Bamba Lo – Co-Founder & CEO, Paps
- Boubacar Biro Balde – Founder & CEO, SodiShop
- Clement Owusu-Donkor – Founder, Aquantuo
- Daniel Mukisa – CEO, Ridelink Limited
- Denis Karema – Co-Founder, SokoFresh
- Elizabeth Njuguna – Director, Risiih Investments Limited
- Emmanuel Tuyisenge – Temaco Builders Ltd
- Eric Onchonga – Co-Founder, Irri-Hub
- Eya Hammouda – HK Consulting
- Eyitayo Ogunmola – CEO, Utiva
- Farah Ahmed Farag – Founder & CEO, The Baby Garage
- Godwin Benson – Co-Founder & CEO, Tuteria
- Hadeel Fayek – CEO, Joviality for Cosmetics
- Hadeer Soliman – Founder, The Happiness Factory
- Helmy Abouleish – CEO, SEKEM
- Henri Ousmane Gueye – Co-Founder, EYONE
- Ikechukwu Anoke – Founder & CEO, Zuri Health
- Jihan Abass – CEO, Lami
- Jolis Nduwimana – Founder, WEGE COMPANY
- Judith Marera – Founder, Lanforce Energy
- Laila Hassaballa – Co-Founder, Bellies En-route
- Lotfi Darragi – Founder, ReBootKamp
- Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi – Co-Founder & Director, Kunda Kids
- Maman Abdou – Founder, TECH-INNOV
- Martin Ssali – Founder, Smart Foods Limited
- Mathildah Amollo – Founder, GREATLAKES FEEDS LTD
- Matina Razafimahefa – Co-Founder & CEO, Sayna
- Maxima Nsimenta – CEO, LIVARA
- Mercy Mwende – Co-Founder, Thalia Psychotherapy
- Mina Shahid – CEO, Numida
- Mobolaji Ajayi – CEO, Purelife Health
- Muriuki Collins – Co-Founder, TERRA
- Najim Abdulrazak – CEO, Noba Africa Agro Allied Limited
- Olubunmi Otufowora – CEO, Boomsky Smoothies
- Omar Sefiani – Co-Founder, Sobrus
- Peter Kironji – Founder, Twiva
- Philippe Nkouaya – Co-Founder, PHILJOHN TECHNOLOGIES
- Rasha Rady – COO, Chefaa
- Richard Duodu – CEO, Metaschool Ltd
- Salma Bougarrani – Co-Founder, GREEN WATECH
- Samuel Munguti – Co-Founder, Shamba Pride
- Samuel Rigu – CEO, Safi Organics
- Tisya Mukuna – CEO, La Boite (La Kinoise)
- Victor Maina – Founder, Duhqa Ltd
Learn more about them here:
