Africa’s Business Heroes announce Top 20 Semi-Finalists for 2025 in Dakar

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, revealed the Top 20 entrepreneurs advancing to the 2025 Semi-Finals in Dakar, Senegal, set for September 10–11, 2025.

From nearly 32,000 applications across Africa, candidates progressed through multiple rounds, including interviews and thorough due diligence, to emerge as the continent’s most promising innovators.

These 20 entrepreneurs now stand just one step away from the Grand Finale, where the Top 10 Heroes will gain grant funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 USD, along with mentorship, international networking, and global visibility.

Exceptional diversity across sectors and countries

The Top 20 span nine countries and ten sectors, from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability, showcasing Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape. Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH, said:

“These entrepreneurs reflect resilience, creativity, and impact-driven solutions addressing challenges from financial inclusion to food security. They highlight the continent’s potential to deliver both profitability and social impact.”

This year’s Semi-Finals mark the first ABH event in a francophone country and the first in Senegal, a country experiencing 8.6% GDP growth and preparing to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The event will feature pitch sessions, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for the finalists.

Distinguished panel of judges

The Top 20 will present their businesses to a panel of judges with deep entrepreneurial and investment expertise:

• Hasan Haidar – Managing Director of PlusVC, long-standing ABH judge

• Moulaye Taboure – CEO and Founder of ANKA, former ABH Top 10 Hero

• Jason Pau – Vice President, Alibaba Group, Executive Director (International), Jack Ma Foundation

The judges will evaluate finalists on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership to determine which entrepreneurs advance to the Top 10 stage.

Strong support and partnerships

The Semi-Finals are supported by Alibaba Philanthropy, Wave, Sonatel, and InTouch Group, reinforcing Senegal’s position as a hub for African entrepreneurship. Key ecosystem partners include Ignite.E, Impact Hub Dakar, SenStartup, and African Leadership University (ALU), contributing to outreach and engagement.

Meet the 2025 Top 20 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