Africa’s Business Heroes to host 7th Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali

The 7th Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12–13 December 2025, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, and industry experts will gather for learning, networking, and celebrating African entrepreneurship.

The Grand Finale will feature live pitches before a panel of esteemed judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances highlighting African creativity. Up to US$1.5 million in grant funding will be awarded to the winners of this year’s competition.

The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists at the first-ever ABH Semi-Finals in Dakar, Senegal, held on 10–11 September 2025. They represent diverse sectors shaping Africa’s future, including agritech, fintech, health innovation, foodtech, and women’s empowerment.

Top 10 finalists and their ventures

• Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) – BuuPass, Transport and Digital Ticketing

• Siny Samba (Senegal) – Le Lionceau, FoodTech and Infant Nutrition

• Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) – DIKAM Ltd, Textiles and Women’s Empowerment

• Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa, AgriTech and Food Security

• Janet Kuteli (Kenya) – Fortune Credit Limited, FinTech and Microfinance

• Diana Orembe (Tanzania) – NovFeed, AgriTech and Biotech

• Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) – Uzapoint Technologies Limited, SME Tech and Digital Tools

• Gohar Said (Egypt) – Suplyd, FoodTech and Supply Chain

• Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) – nuvoteQ, HealthTech and Digital Solutions

• Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) – Waspito, HealthTech and Telemedicine

“Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, ABH. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication and creativity, and the Summit will celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent’s future.”

Celebrating entrepreneurship in Rwanda

Rwanda hosts the ABH Grand Finale for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its status as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship across the continent. The Summit provides a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB.

Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the Summit will include interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions. Confirmed speakers include Lijun Sun (Alibaba Philanthropy), Juliana Muganza (RDB), Clare Akamanzi (NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (House of Tara), Wandia Gichuru (Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (journalist and theatre producer).

The Grand Finale judges will include Dr. Diane Karusisi (Bank of Kigali) and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (The Chair Centre Group).

A pan-African platform for growth

Now in its seventh edition, ABH has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and supported over 5,000 participants through ABH ScaleUp programs. Since inception, the initiative has received over 160,000 applications, helping entrepreneurs scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability.

The 2025 Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropy in collaboration with RDB, with support from sponsors Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko. Outreach partners such as Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa also help connect ABH with vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent.