The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition, the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has officially unveiled the top 20 semi-finalists for its prestigious 2025 edition, where entrepreneurs will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding.
ABH is dedicated to empowering visionary entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries, with a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth on the continent. Over a 10-year period, the initiative will recognize 100 outstanding entrepreneurs, providing them with financial support, training, mentorship, and a global platform to amplify their impact.
This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 32,000 applications, the highest in ABH’s history, with submissions coming from every corner of Africa. From this pool, 50 finalists were initially selected, and now the list has been narrowed down to 20 semi-finalists who will compete in Dakar, Senegal on September 10–11 for a coveted spot in the Grand Finale.
Finalists who advance to the top 10 will not only receive grant funding ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000, but also gain access to mentorship, international networks, and global visibility, resources designed to accelerate their ventures and amplify their social impact.
Meet the 2025 Top 20 Finalists:
| Name | Company | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adriaan Kruger | nuvoteQ | South Africa | HealthTech / Digital Solutions |
| Baraka Chijenga | Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Ltd | Tanzania | AgriTech / Food Security |
| Blandine Umuziranenge | Kosmotive | Rwanda | HealthTech / Women Empowerment |
| Bundi Mbuthia | Uzapoint Technologies Ltd | Kenya | SME Tech / Digital Tools |
| Diana Gerald | NovFeed | Tanzania | AgriTech / Biotech |
| Gohar Said | Suplyd | Egypt | FoodTech / Supply Chain |
| Janet Kuteli | Fortune Credit Ltd | Kenya | FinTech / Microfinance |
| Jean Lobe Lobe | Waspito | Cameroon | HealthTech / Telemedicine |
| Jessica Roussos | BluLever Education Pty Ltd | South Africa | EdTech / Skills Training |
| Khadija Churchill | Kwanza Tukule Foods Ltd | Kenya | FoodTech / Distribution |
| Louisa Olafuyi | Kunda Kids Ltd | Uganda | EdTech / Children’s Media |
| Mofehintolu Funso | CredPal | Nigeria | FinTech / Credit Access |
| Moka Lantum | CheckUps Medical Center | Kenya | Healthcare / FinTech |
| Mukashahaha Diane | DIKAM Ltd | Rwanda | Textiles / Women & Youth Empowerment |
| Neamat Eltazi | Poultry Sync | Egypt | AgriTech / Sustainability |
| Racine Sarr | SAWA by Shop Me Away | Senegal | Logistics / Digital Platforms |
| Samwel Ezikiel | Mwamba Mining Ltd | Tanzania | Mining / Sustainability |
| Siny Samba | Le Lionceau | Senegal | FoodTech / Infant Nutrition |
| Thomas Patrick | Franc Group | South Africa | FinTech / Wealth Management |
| Wycliffe Onyango | BuuPass | Kenya | Transport / Digital Ticketing |
Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, said:
Year after year, we are inspired by the caliber of entrepreneurs we see at ABH. The 2025 top 20 span nine countries and 10 sectors, from health-tech and fintech to agri-tech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape.
She added that ABH continues to see strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B models, and impact-driven businesses tackling challenges such as financial inclusion, food security, and environmental sustainability. These trends, she noted, highlight both the resilience of African founders and the continent’s potential to deliver profitability alongside social impact.
As the semi-finalists prepare to pitch in Dakar, the continent watches closely to see which entrepreneurs will rise to the top and help shape Africa’s future through innovation, purpose, and bold leadership.
