Africa’s entrepreneurial community is gearing up for one of the continent’s most anticipated innovation events. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) — the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy — has announced that the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 12–13 December 2025, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
The two-day gathering is expected to draw more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and the world for a celebration of ingenuity, shared learning, and entrepreneurial excellence.
A Stage for Africa’s Brightest Innovators
The Grand Finale will feature live pitch competitions, immersive stage moments, and performances that highlight Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial energy. Finalists will compete in front of a panel of distinguished judges for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding — one of the continent’s most transformational entrepreneur support platforms.
This year’s finale follows a highly competitive semi-final round held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, in September 2025. After two days of intensive pitching and evaluation, the judges selected the Top 10 finalists, representing some of the most promising ventures shaping Africa’s future.
The 2025 Top 10 include innovators from agritech, foodtech, textiles, fintech, healthtech, biotech, supply chain, and SME technology. They are:
- Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) – BuuPass, Transport & Digital Ticketing
- Siny Samba (Senegal) – Le Lionceau, FoodTech & Infant Nutrition
- Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) – DIKAM Ltd, Textiles & Women’s Empowerment
- Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa, AgriTech & Food Security
- Janet Kuteli (Kenya) – Fortune Credit Limited, FinTech & Microfinance
- Diana Orembe (Tanzania) – NovFeed, AgriTech & Biotech
- Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) – Uzapoint Technologies, SME Digital Tools
- Gohar Said (Egypt) – Suplyd, FoodTech & Supply Chain Innovation
- Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) – nuvoteQ, HealthTech & Digital Solutions
- Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) – Waspito, HealthTech & Telemedicine
“These finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director for ABH. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a powerful celebration of innovation and the potential of African founders to define the continent’s future.”
Rwanda: A Home for Innovation
Rwanda’s continued role as host highlights its growing reputation as a regional hub for business and technology. This year marks the third consecutive time Kigali will welcome the ABH Grand Finale.
“We are delighted to host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board. “Our partnership with ABH reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship across Africa. This platform gives investors, founders, and business leaders space to connect, learn, and drive sustainable growth for the continent.”
Defining Africa’s Future Today
The 2025 Summit will run under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” featuring masterclasses, fireside chats, and interactive sessions led by global and African business icons. Confirmed speakers include:
- Mr. Lijun Sun, Chair of the Board, Alibaba Foundation & President, Alibaba Philanthropy
- Mrs. Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO, RDB
- Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa
- Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara
- Wandia Gichuru, CEO, Vivo Fashion Group
- Naa Ashorkor, Journalist & Theatre Producer
Grand Finale judges include Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, global business leader and former Chair of First Bank of Nigeria.
A Platform Transforming Africa’s Entrepreneurial Landscape
Since inception, ABH has supported 70 entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and global exposure, while training over 5,000 entrepreneurs and attracting more than 160,000 applicants across Africa. Its alumni continue to scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, health, sustainability, education, fintech, and technology.
The 2025 Summit is made possible through the support of partners including Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, as well as outreach partners such as Hanga Pitchfest, Norrsken Africa, Impact Hub Kigali, ALU, CMU Africa, Kepler College, and others.
Registration Now Open
Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders interested in attending the 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale can register via AfricaBusinessHeroes.org.
