Meet 20 entrepreneurs in Africa Business Heroes 2025 race
A total of 20 entrepreneurs from nearly 32,000 applications have been short-listed for the Top 10 list of Africa Business Heroes 2025
[The selection of these Top 20 reflects a rigorous and highly competitive process (Image: Africa’s Business Heroes)]
Dakar (Senegal): A total of 20 entrepreneurs from nearly 32,000 applications have been short-listed for the Top 10 list of Africa Business Heroes 2025.
The Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy which on Monday released the names and details of Top 20 entrepreneurs selected to advance to the 2025 Semi-Finals, to take place in Dakar, Senegal on 10 – 11 September 2025.
The selection of the Top 20 reflects a rigorous and highly competitive process. Starting from nearly 32,000 applications spanning the African continent, candidates advanced through multiple rounds, including the Top 50 Round 2 interviews and a thorough due diligence process.
2025 Top 20 Business Heroes
- 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
From this pool, 20 exceptional entrepreneurs were chosen, representing diverse sectors and embodying the spirit of African innovation and resilience.
The 20 entrepreneurs now stand just one step away from the Grand Finale, where they will compete for a place among the Top 10 Heroes.
Those who advance will share in grant funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 USD and also gain access to mentorship opportunities, international networks, and unparalleled global visibility.
Panel for the Final Round
The Top 20 finalists will present their businesses before a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing deep expertise and perspective from across the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. The panel includes:
- Hasan Haidar, Managing Director of PlusVC and a long-standing ABH judge, recognized for his extensive experience in venture capital and commitment to supporting early-stage startups across the Middle East and Africa.
- Moulaye Taboure, CEO and Founder of ANKA, a pioneering e-commerce and fintech platform empowering African artisans and merchants to access global markets. A former ABH Top 10 Hero, Moulaye’s participation marks a milestone for the program as the first time an alumnus has returned to serve as a judge.
- Jason Pau, Vice President of Alibaba Group and Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation, who has spearheaded global philanthropic initiatives including Africa’s Business Heroes.
"Together, this panel will evaluate the finalists based on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership, ultimately determining which entrepreneurs will advance to the Top 10 stage of the competition", the ABH said.
This year’s Semi-Final marks the first time ABH is hosting in a francophone country and a first in Senegal, underscoring the country’s growing influence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.
Senegal’s strong 8.6% GDP growth and its upcoming role as host of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games — the first ever on African soil, further cement its position as a dynamic center for talent, business, and global events.
"The event will feature high-stakes pitch sessions, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs for the finalists", the ABH said.
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