Africa’s Business Heroes Reveals 2025 Top 20 Finalists

Landmark Competition Heads to Dakar for the First Time

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, has announced the Top 20 entrepreneurs advancing to the 2025 Semi-Finals, set to take place on 10–11 September in Dakar, Senegal. This marks the first time the competition will be hosted in a francophone country, underscoring Senegal’s rising influence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

From 32,000 Applications to 20 Exceptional Entrepreneurs

The journey to the Top 20 has been rigorous, beginning with nearly 32,000 applications from across Africa. Candidates navigated through several competitive stages, including Top 50 Round 2 interviews and a thorough due diligence process. The chosen 20 embody Africa’s resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive.

One Step Away from the Grand Finale

These 20 semi-finalists now stand on the brink of becoming part of the Top 10 Heroes who will share grant funding between $100,000 and $300,000 USD, alongside mentorship, global visibility, and access to international networks.

Spotlight on African Innovation and Impact

“The 2025 Top 20 span 9 countries and 10 sectors—from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability—reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH. She emphasized the strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B models, and impact-driven businesses tackling financial inclusion, food security, and environmental sustainability.

High-Stakes Pitching Before Esteemed Judges

At the Semi-Finals, finalists will pitch to a distinguished panel, including:

• Hasan Haidar – Managing Director of PlusVC and long-standing ABH judge.
• Moulaye Taboure – CEO of ANKA and former ABH Top 10 Hero, returning as the first alumnus judge.
• Jason Pau – Vice President of Alibaba Group and Executive Director (International) at the Jack Ma Foundation.

The judges will assess entrepreneurs based on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership to determine who advances to the Top 10.

Senegal: Rising Hub of African Entrepreneurship

Hosting ABH in Dakar highlights Senegal’s strong economic trajectory, with an 8.6% GDP growth and its upcoming role as host of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The Semi-Finals will also feature networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and pitch sessions supported by leading sponsors Wave, Sonatel, and InTouch Group, alongside ecosystem partners such as Impact Hub Dakar, Ignite.E, SenStartup, and ALU.

“Wave is honored to partner with Africa’s Business Heroes in bringing this landmark event to Dakar. For us, this is more than sponsorship, it is a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, accelerating innovation, and positioning Senegal as a hub of Africa’s economic transformation,” said Coura Tine Sene, Regional Director and Head of Public Affairs at Wave.

Meet the 2025 Top 20 Heroes

• Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) – HealthTech / Digital Solutions
• Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Food Security
• Blandine Umuziranenge – Kosmotive (Rwanda) – HealthTech / Women Empowerment
• Bundi Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) – SME Tech / Digital Tools
• Diana Gerald – NovFeed (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Biotech
• Gohar Said – Suplyd (Egypt) – FoodTech / Supply Chain
• Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Limited (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 Limited (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 Limited (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

Looking Ahead

Now in its 7th edition, the ABH Prize Competition continues to shine a spotlight on African entrepreneurs creating lasting community impact. The Semi-Finals in Dakar are set to be a landmark event, amplifying the continent’s entrepreneurial energy and global potential.

For more information, visit: AfricaBusinessHeroes.org