Africa’s Business Heroes selects 20 finalists for $1.5 M 2025 competition

The 20 finalists for the US $1.5 million 2025 competition have been revealed by Alibaba Philanthropy’s flagship philanthropic program, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

The Jack Ma Foundation’s principal African philanthropic endeavour is Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH). It helps forward-thinking businesspeople in all 54 African nations who are creating sustainable and inclusive economies.

ABH will identify 100 entrepreneurs over a ten-year period and provide them with training, grant funding, and a platform to share their stories. The top 10 finalists vie for a portion of US$1.5 million in a televised pitch finale every year.

With submissions from all 54 African nations, ABH received 32,000 applications this year, the most in the competition’s history. The initial selection of fifty finalists has been reduced to twenty for the 2025 semi-finals, which will be held from September 10–11 in Dakar, Senegal.

These startups will now compete for a spot in the top 10 at the Grand Finale, which is just one step away. In addition to receiving grant money between $100,000 and $300,000, those who progress will also have access to international networks, mentorship opportunities, and unmatched worldwide visibility.

Here are the 2025 top 20:

1. Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) – HealthTech / Digital Solutions
2. Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Food Security
3. Blandine Umuziranenge – Kosmotive (Rwanda) – HealthTech / Women Empowerment
4. Bundi Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) – SME Tech / Digital Tools
5. Diana Gerald – NovFeed (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Biotech
6. Gohar Said– Suplyd (Egypt) – FoodTech / Supply Chain
7. Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) – FinTech / Microfinance
8. Jean Lobe Lobe – Waspito (Cameroon) – HealthTech / Telemedicine
9. Jessica Roussos – BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) – EdTech / Skills Training
10. Khadija Churchill – Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) – FoodTech / Distribution
11. Louisa Olafuyi – Kunda Kids Ltd (Uganda) – EdTech / Children’s Media
12. Mofehintolu Funso – CredPal (Nigeria) – FinTech / Credit Access
13. Moka Lantum – CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) – Healthcare / FinTech
14. Mukashahaha Diane – DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) – Textiles / Women & Youth Empowerment
15. Neamat Eltazi – Poultry Sync (Egypt) – AgriTech / Sustainability
16. Racine Sarr – SAWA by Shop Me Away (Senegal) – Logistics / Digital Platforms
17. Samwel Ezikiel – Mwamba Mining Limited (Tanzania) – Mining / Sustainability
18. Siny Samba – Le Lionceau (Senegal) – FoodTech / Infant Nutrition
19. Thomas Patrick – Franc Group (South Africa) – FinTech / Wealth Management
20. Wycliffe Onyango – BuuPass (Kenya) – Transport / Digital Ticketing

“Year after year, we are inspired by the caliber of entrepreneurs we see at ABH. The 2025 top 20 span nine countries and 10 sectors from health-tech and fintech to agri-tech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH.

“We continue to see strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B and subscription models, and impact-driven businesses tackling challenges from financial inclusion to food security and environmental sustainability. These trends not only highlight the resilience of African founders but also underscore the continent’s potential to deliver both profitability and social impact.”