Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship entrepreneurship initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, has unveiled its Top 10 finalists for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale. The much-anticipated two-day event will take place on 12–13 December 2025 in Kigali, bringing together more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and innovators from across the continent.
Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions celebrating visionary entrepreneurs driving Africa’s transformation.
Confirmed speakers include Mr. Lijun Sun (Chair of the board, Alibaba Foundation, President, Alibaba Philanthropy), Mrs. Juliana Muganza (Deputy CEO, RDB), and industry leaders such as Clare Akamanzi (CEO, NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (Founder of House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute), Wandia Gichuru (CEO, Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (Journalist and Theatre Producer).
The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from a rigorous semi-final in Dakar, Senegal, held on 10–11 September. The semi-final itself followed an extensive screening process: nearly 32,000 applications, Top 50 interviews, due diligence, and live pitches before a distinguished panel.
Here are the standout entrepreneurs who will compete in Kigali:
Wyclife Onyango – BuuPass (Kenya) – Transport / Digital Ticketing
Siny Samba – Le Lionceau (Senegal) – FoodTech / Infant Nutrition
Mukasahaha Diana – DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) – Textiles & Women’s Empowerment
Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Food Security
Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) – FinTech / Microfinance
Diana Orembe – NovFeed (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Biotech
Abraham Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies (Kenya) – SME Tech / Digital Tools
Gohar Said – Suplyd (Egypt) – FoodTech / Supply Chain
Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) – HealthTech / Digital Solutions
Jean Lobe Lobe – Waspito (Cameroon) – HealthTech / Telemedicine
Now in its seventh edition, ABH continues to champion inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. Since its inception, it has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and provided them with training and global exposure, helping them scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability.
Through its training programs such as ABH ScaleUp, ABH has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to date attracting over 160,000 applicants.
Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, praised the cohort as “visionary leaders building bold, scalable businesses that create meaningful social and environmental impact.”
“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, Africa’s Business Heroes.
“Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth, and we are excited to see them take the stage to share their stories and ideas with a pan-African audience. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent’s future, today.”
Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, said the event reflects “a shared commitment to supporting innovation across Africa.”
“We are delighted to host the 7th Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali. This partnership with Africa’s Business Heroes reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board.
“Rwanda is proud to host the Grand Finale for the third time, reaffirming our position as a hub for business and innovation in Africa. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities that advance sustainable growth across the continent.”
At the Grand Finale, the Top 10 will pitch live to a panel of esteemed judges, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, and Ibukun Awosika, CEO of The Chair Centre Group.
They will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding, with the grand prize winner slated to take home US$300,000. Other finalists are guaranteed at least US$100,000 each, plus access to mentorship, storytelling platforms, and global networks designed to support their next stage of growth.
Beyond funding, the Summit fosters learning and collaboration. This December’s event is expected to host more than 1,000 participants: investors, founders, mentors, partners creating fertile ground for alliances, partnerships, and future ventures.
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