Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), Jack Ma Foundation’s philanthropic program, has unveiled the final 10 entrepreneurs of their 2023 prize competition. The finalists were chosen from a pool of 20 semi-finalists who pitched their businesses to a panel of judges at a pitch session event that was held at the Pergola, Norrsken House in Kigali, Rwanda from Sep. 1-2, 2023.
In an announcement made on X (formerly Twitter), ABH said, “We’re thrilled to introduce our remarkable 2023 Top 10 Africa’s Business Heroes — a testament to the unwavering determination and innovation that drives meaningful impact across the continent.” Adding “Each of them is geared up to take a leap into the grand finale this coming November, infusing the journey of these aspiring visionaries with their passion.”
The finalists a competing to get a share of USD$1.5 million (approx. UGX5.5 billion). PC Tech Magazine is aware that the value of the prize goes beyond financial gain. All participants, including the overall winners and the finalists, will benefit from the expertise and insights garnered by Africa’s Business Heroes community of business leaders.
“As we celebrate their incredible achievements so far, we eagerly await the finals [coming this November], where the 10 finalists stand to win a share of up to USD$1.5 million in grant funding,” ABH wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The distinguished judges; Rene Parker, Fred Swaniker, Ken Njoroge, and Hasan Haider interrogated the 20 semi-finalists identifying the 2023 top 10 Africa’s Business Heroes. The 10 finalists include;
- Ayman Bazaraa, co-founder of Sprints. (Egypt)
- Bola Bardet, founder and CEO of Susu. (Benin)
- Christina Gyisun, founder and CEO of Sommalife Limited. (Ghana)
- Albert Munyabugingo, co-founder and CEO of Vuba Vuba Africa Ltd. (Rwanda)
- Ismael Belkhayat, co-founder of Chari. (Morocco)
- Ikpeme Neto, founder of WellaHealth Technologies. (Nigeria)
- Theo Baloyi, CEO of Bathu. (South Africa)
- Andrew Takyi-Appiah, founder of Zeepay Ghana Limited. (Ghana)
- Nthabiseng Mosia, co-founder of Easy Solar. (South Africa)
- Thomas Njeru, co-founder and CEO of Pula Advisors Limited. (Kenya)
The finalists were selected based on their demonstration of visionary entrepreneurship, embodying traits such as innovation and creativity, impact on communities and societies, leadership and vision, the potential for growth and scalability, market demand, and financial sustainability.
Effective communication skills was also crucial as finalists were required to present and articulate their business plans while responding to thought-provoking questions from the judges. Their ability to convey their passion, expertise, and unique selling points was essential to impressing the judges thus securing their spot in the final 10.
We were unable to reach any of the 10 finalists for a comment regarding their selection in the last 10.
Africa’s Business Heroes competition is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program wants to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over a ten-year period and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring, and learning programs, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.
The Africa’s Business Heroes competition not only empowers entrepreneurs but also captivates audiences with the diversity and ingenuity of the business plans submitted. Each business plan tells a unique story of resilience, creativity, and the drive to make a positive impact in Africa. From innovative tech solutions and beauty and fashion to sustainable agricultural initiatives, the business plans showcased in the competition offer fascinating insights into the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa.
