PraxiLabs founder named winner of Africa’s Business Heroes 2021
The winners of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2021 were announced during a virtual live Grand Finale, with the top ten finalists getting a grant of US$1.5 million.
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the principal charitable program of the Jack Ma Foundation, strives to foster an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.
The annual competition, now in its third year, recognizes creative African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and helping to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
This year’s event had over 12,000 applications, and it took 230 judges over seven months to select the ten finalists, who were announced this week in a live-streamed grand finale.
The winner was PraxiLabs creator Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy, who received $300,000 to construct the virtual 3D science lab platform, which allows students with little resources to conduct scientific experiments.
“I hope our triumph inspires many young Africans to believe that we can make a difference no matter where we are,” Elbedweihy said.
The following are the top 10 African Business Heroes for 2021:
1st Place – $300,000 – Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy – Founder, PraxiLabs (Egypt)
2nd Place– $250,000 – Ikenna Nzewi – Co-founder and CEO, Releaf (Nigeria)
3rd Place– $150,000 – Navalayo Osembo-Ombati – Co-founder and CEO, Enda Athletic (Kenya)
Ghirmay Abraham – Founder, Aptech Africa (Uganda)
Oghenetega Iortim – Founder, Gricd (Nigeria)
Yvette Ishimwe – Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group (Rwanda)
Charlot Magayi – Founder and CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves (Kenya)
Chidi Nwaogu – Co-founder and CEO, Publiseer (Nigeria)
Violet Amoabeng – Founder and CEO, Skin Gourmet (Ghana)
Ketshephaone Jacob – Founder and CEO, The Bulb World (Botswana)
The Top 10 finalists come from seven African countries, with 80 percent of the finalists operating in rural regions and half of the finalists being women.
Visit the competition’s website for additional details.
