Top 20 African Entrepreneurs Selected for ABH Semi-Finals in Senegal
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, has announced the Top 20 entrepreneurs selected to advance to the Semi-Finals of its 2025 Prize Competition. The event, taking place on 10–11 September in Dakar, marks the first time the Semi-Finals will be hosted in a francophone country and the first in Senegal, underscoring the nation’s emergence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The Top 20 were selected from nearly 32,000 applications submitted across the African continent, following a rigorous process that included multiple interviews and due diligence checks. Representing nine countries and 10 diverse sectors—from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability—these entrepreneurs embody the resilience and creativity driving Africa’s innovation landscape.
“Year after year, we are inspired by the calibre of entrepreneurs we see at ABH,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH. “The 2025 Top 20 reflect strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B and subscription models, and impact-driven businesses tackling challenges from financial inclusion to food security and environmental sustainability. These trends highlight the potential of African founders to deliver both profitability and social impact.”
The Semi-Finals will feature high-stakes pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of judges: Hasan Haidar, Managing Director of PlusVC; Moulaye Taboure, CEO and Founder of ANKA and a former ABH Top 10 Hero; and Jason Pau, Vice President of Alibaba Group and Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation. The judges will assess candidates based on innovation, scalability, impact, and leadership, determining who advances to the Top 10 Grand Finale.
Entrepreneurs reaching the final stage will compete for grant funding ranging from USD 100,000 to 300,000, alongside mentorship, access to international networks, and global visibility.
This year’s Semi-Final is supported by leading Senegalese partners Wave, Sonatel and InTouch Group, as well as ecosystem collaborators including Ignite.E, Impact Hub Dakar, SenStartup, and African Leadership University. The choice of Senegal is particularly symbolic, given its robust 8.6 per cent GDP growth and its forthcoming role as host of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first ever on African soil.
“Wave is honoured to partner with Africa’s Business Heroes in bringing this landmark event to Dakar,” said Coura Tine Sene, Regional Director and Head of Public Affairs at Wave. “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.”
The 2025 Top 20 Entrepreneurs
- 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
Now in its seventh edition, the ABH Prize Competition continues to celebrate and support African entrepreneurs making a transformative impact in their communities. The programme aims to empower a new generation of business leaders with the tools, funding, and recognition needed to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa.
For more information on the Top 20 Heroes, visit: AfricaBusinessHeroes.org
