Contenders for the $1.5 million Africa's Business Heroes contest narrowed down to 20 finalists in 2025

The excitement is building as the 20 finalists of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) 2025 competition stand one step away from the Grand Finale. These visionary entrepreneurs, hailing from diverse sectors and 14 African countries, are vying for a place among the top 10.

The competition, a philanthropic initiative of the Alibaba Philanthropy, received a record-breaking 32,000 applications this year, making it the highest in the competition's history. The applications came from all 54 African countries, showcasing the immense potential and entrepreneurial spirit on the continent.

The finalists represent a wide range of industries, including fintech, microfinance, mining, sustainability, transport, digital ticketing, foodtech, supply chain, edtech, children's media, healthtech, digital solutions, biotech, logistics, digital platforms, agritech, food security, healthcare, fintech, SME tech, wealth management, credit access, and textiles.

Janet Kuteli from Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) is one of the finalists in the fintech/microfinance sector. Her company offers digital financial services to underserved communities, empowering them to manage their finances effectively.

Samwel Ezikiel from Mwamba Mining Limited (Tanzania) is another finalist, representing the mining/sustainability sector. His company focuses on environmentally friendly mining practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment while maximising profits.

Wycliffe Onyango from BuuPass (Kenya) is in the transport/digital ticketing sector. His company provides a digital platform for bus ticket booking, making travel more convenient and efficient for millions of commuters.

Gohar Said from Suplyd (Egypt) is in the foodtech/supply chain sector. His company aims to revolutionise the food supply chain by using technology to eliminate waste and ensure fresh produce reaches consumers.

Louisa Olafuyi from Kunda Kids Ltd (Uganda) is in the edtech/children's media sector. Her company creates educational content for children, promoting learning through engaging and interactive methods.

Adriaan Kruger from nuvoteQ (South Africa) is in the healthtech/digital solutions sector. His company develops digital health solutions to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Diana Gerald from NovFeed (Tanzania) is in the agritech/biotech sector. Her company uses biotechnology to improve crop yields and reduce waste, contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Racine Sarr from SAWA by Shop Me Away (Senegal) is in the logistics/digital platforms sector. Her company provides a digital marketplace for local merchants, making it easier for consumers to access goods and services.

Neamat Eltazi from Poultry Sync (Egypt) is in the agritech/sustainability sector. Her company uses technology to optimise poultry farming practices, promoting sustainability and profitability.

Khadija Churchill from Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) is in the foodtech/distribution sector. Her company distributes food products, focusing on providing affordable and nutritious food to consumers.

Blandine Umuziranenge from Kosmotive (Rwanda) is in the healthtech/women empowerment sector. Her company provides healthcare services to women, with a focus on empowering them to take control of their health.

Moka Lantum from CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) is in the healthcare/fintech sector. His company offers financial services tailored to the healthcare industry, making it easier for patients to access and pay for healthcare services.

Baraka Chijenga from Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) is in the agritech/food security sector. His company focuses on improving food security by using technology to optimise farming practices.

Jessica Roussos from BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) is in the edtech/skills training sector. Her company provides skills training through online courses, helping individuals to upskill and reskill.

Jean Lobe Lobe from Waspito (Cameroon) is in the healthtech/telemedicine sector. His company provides telemedicine services, making it easier for patients to access healthcare services remotely.

Bundi Mbuthia from Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) is in the SME tech/digital tools sector. His company provides digital tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them to grow and thrive.

Thomas Patrick from Franc Group (South Africa) is in the fintech/wealth management sector. His company offers wealth management services through a digital platform, making it easier for individuals to manage their finances.

Mofehintolu Funso from CredPal (Nigeria) is in the fintech/credit access sector. His company provides credit access to individuals and businesses, helping them to access the capital they need to grow.

Siny Samba from Le Lionceau (Senegal) is in the foodtech/infant nutrition sector. Her company produces nutritious food for infants, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Mukashahaha Diane from DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) is in the textiles/women & youth empowerment sector. Her company produces textiles, with a focus on empowering women and youth through employment opportunities.

The semi-finals for the ABH 2025 competition will take place in Dakar, Senegal on September 10-11. Those who advance in the competition will share in grant funding ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000, as well as mentorship opportunities, international networks, and unparalleled global visibility. The top 10 finalists will compete in a televised pitch finale for a share of US$1.5 million.

ABH supports visionary entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries who are building inclusive and sustainable economies. The competition is a testament to the immense potential of African entrepreneurs and a celebration of their achievements.

Contenders for the $1.5 million Africa's Business Heroes contest narrowed down to 20 finalists in 2025