Africa's Business Heroes Converge in Kigali for 7th Edition

Daftar Isi

A Platform for African Entrepreneurs to Shine

Kigali is set to host the seventh edition of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) on December 12 and 13, offering a stage for some of the continent’s most innovative entrepreneurs. This initiative, launched by Alibaba Philanthropy, was inspired by Jack Ma’s visit to Africa in 2017, where he engaged with young people and entrepreneurs at events like Youth Connect in Kigali and a trip to Nairobi. His interactions sparked a vision to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa, leading to the creation of ABH as a philanthropic program.

The competition, which officially began in 2019, provides African entrepreneurs with a chance to compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding. Individual awards range from $100,000 to $300,000, but the benefits extend beyond financial support. Participants gain access to mentorship, training, coaching, and a broad network that helps them share their stories, attract investment, form partnerships, and expand into new markets.

This year saw an impressive number of applications, with over 32,000 entries from across the continent. The final ten competitors represent a diverse range of industries and countries:

• Kenya: Wyclife Onyango of BuuPass in transport and digital ticketing, Janet Kuteli of Fortune Credit in fintech and microfinance, and Abraham Mbuthia of Uzapoint Technologies in SME tech and digital tools.
• Rwanda: Diane Mukasahaha of DIKAM Ltd, a textile company focused on empowering women and youth.
• Tanzania: Baraka Chijenga of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa in AgriTech and food security, and Diana Orembe of NovFeed in AgriTech and biotech.
• Senegal: Siny Samba of Le Lionceau in FoodTech and infant nutrition.
• Egypt: Gohar Said of Suplyd in foodtech and supply chain.
• South Africa: Adriaan Kruger of nuvoteQ in HealthTech.
• Cameroon: Jean Lobe Lobe of Waspito in HealthTech and telemedicine.

Stories of Innovation and Resilience

Abraham Mbuthia, CEO and co-founder of UzaPoint, shared how his platform helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate more efficiently. “About 50 per cent of SMEs don’t make it past their fifth year. What we are doing at UzaPoint is equipping them with the tools and resources to manage their cash resources optimally,” he explained. Reflecting on his journey to becoming an ABH finalist, Mbuthia called it “intense but rewarding.” He emphasized the value of the community built through ABH, where entrepreneurs from different markets can create synergies and collaborate on impactful projects.

Diane Mukasahaha, founder of DIKAM Ltd, leads a garment and textile manufacturing company focused on empowering women and youth. Her company produces over 10,000 garments per day and is pioneering fully made-in-Rwanda products. She highlighted the importance of presenting her business clearly during the finals, as well as the personal growth and community impact that come with participating in ABH.

Adriaan Kruger, founder of nuvoteQ, spoke about transforming clinical research across Africa through digital solutions. He noted the challenge of simplifying complex industry concepts for a broader audience. “The most important thing is to have a positive mindset. Just being part of the top 10 is amazing because of the financial support that will help us grow our business,” he said.

Diana Orembe, co-founder of NovFeed, described her company’s mission to turn food waste into sustainable agricultural inputs. She expressed excitement about the networking opportunities and visibility provided by ABH, saying she looks forward to learning from other founders and their journeys.

Challenges and Support Beyond Funding

Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Managing Director of ABH, pointed out that while funding is a major challenge for African entrepreneurs, it is not the only hurdle. Access to talent, regulatory challenges, and difficulties in scaling across the continent are also significant obstacles. ABH offers ongoing support beyond funding, including training, one-on-one sessions, and platforms for alumni to share their stories.

Last year, ABH took past finalists on a sponsored trip to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou, providing them with insights into the ecosystem. Alumni continue to benefit from visibility at events and through online and offline platforms, ensuring that ABH’s support extends beyond a one-time grant.

Looking Ahead to the Finals

Participants at the 2025 ABH Summit and finals can expect two days of engaging discussions on key issues facing African entrepreneurs. The event promises to celebrate entrepreneurship and excellence on a world-class level, featuring innovative formats and purposeful design. Baitie-Boateng encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to join the movement and be part of a platform that empowers African entrepreneurship.

For those interested in attending, registration details are available at the official ABH website.