Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is once again in the spotlight as the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a flagship initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, announced its Top 10 Finalists for 2025. The announcement follows two days of intensive semi-final pitches held in Dakar, Senegal, from September 10–11.
This year’s competition drew nearly 32,000 applications from across the continent, underscoring the growing appetite for entrepreneurship despite economic headwinds. After rigorous interviews, due diligence, and live pitches, 10 standout innovators emerged, representing diverse industries ranging from healthtech and agritech to fintech, foodtech, and digital solutions.
A Stage for Africa’s Next Generation Leaders
The semi-finals in Dakar marked a symbolic milestone as Senegal hosted ABH for the first time, cementing its position as a rising hub for innovation. With the country’s economy recording 8.6% GDP growth and preparing to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Dakar provided a fitting backdrop for Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial talent.
“These entrepreneurs reflect the ingenuity and resilience shaping Africa’s future,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH. “They are not only building bold, scalable businesses but also delivering solutions with lasting social and environmental impact.”
The 2025 Top 10 Finalists
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Wyclife Onyango – BuuPass (Kenya) | Digital Transport Solutions
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Siny Samba – Le Lionceau (Senegal) | FoodTech / Infant Nutrition
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Mukasahaha Diane – DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) | Textiles / Women & Youth Empowerment
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Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Ltd (Tanzania) | AgriTech / Food Security
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Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Ltd (Kenya) | FinTech / Microfinance
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Diana Orembe – NovFeed (Tanzania) | AgriTech / Biotech Innovation
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Abraham Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies Ltd (Kenya) | SME Digital Tools
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Gohar Said – Suplyd (Egypt) | FoodTech / Supply Chain Innovation
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Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) | HealthTech / Digital Health Solutions
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Jean Lobe Lobe – Waspito (Cameroon) | HealthTech / Telemedicine
Beyond Funding: A Platform for Scale
The finalists will now head to Kigali, Rwanda, for the 7th ABH Grand Finale on December 12–13, 2025, where they will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grants. The ultimate winner will claim US$300,000, while each finalist is guaranteed at least US$100,000, alongside access to mentorship, storytelling platforms, and global investor networks.
The judging panel—featuring Hasan Haidar (PlusVC), Moulaye Taboure (ANKA), and Jason Pau (Alibaba/Jack Ma Foundation)—assessed candidates on innovation, scalability, impact, and leadership. For Taboure, himself a former ABH finalist, the experience came full circle: “ABH changed my entrepreneurial journey. To now serve as a judge and welcome new heroes into this community is a privilege,” he said.
A Movement Beyond Competition
Backed by Alibaba Philanthropy and Senegalese partners such as Wave, Sonatel, and InTouch Group, the ABH Prize has become more than a pitch contest—it’s a pan-African platform for celebrating business leadership. Over the past seven years, ABH has spotlighted entrepreneurs whose ventures not only scale profitably but also deliver meaningful community impact.
By amplifying these stories, ABH continues to reinforce a crucial message: Africa’s future prosperity will be shaped by entrepreneurs who combine grit, innovation, and purpose.
