Africa’s Business Heroes Unveils 20 Finalists for $1.5M 2025 Competition
The 20 finalists for the US$1.5 million 2025 competition have been revealed by Alibaba Philanthropy’s main charitable program, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
The Jack Ma Foundation’s principal African philanthropy endeavor is Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH). It helps forward-thinking businesspeople in all 54 African nations who are creating sustainable and inclusive economies.
ABH will identify 100 entrepreneurs over the course of ten years and provide them with training, grant financing, and a platform to share their experiences. The top 10 finalists vie for a portion of US$1.5 million in a televised pitch finale every year.
With submissions from all 54 African countries, ABH received 32,000 applications this year, the most in the competition’s history. The initial selection of 50 finalists has been reduced to twenty for the 2025 semi-finals, which will be held from September 10–11 in Dakar, Senegal.
These startups will now compete for a spot in the top 10 at the Grand Finale, which is just one step away. In addition to receiving grant money between $100,000 and $300,000, those who progress will also have access to international networks, mentorship possibilities, and unmatched worldwide visibility.
The top 20 for 2025 are as follows:
- 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
“The quality of entrepreneurs we witness at ABH inspires us year after year. Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH, stated, “The 2025 top 20 span nine countries and ten sectors from health-tech and fintech to agri-tech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape.”
“Digital transformation, scalable B2B and subscription models, and impact-driven companies addressing issues ranging from financial inclusion to food security and environmental sustainability continue to show significant momentum. These patterns demonstrate the tenacity of African entrepreneurs as well as the continent’s capacity to produce both financial success and social impact.
