Competition for Africa's Business Heroes exhibition features 20 contestants vying for $1.5 million prize in the year 2025

Alibaba Philanthropy's primary charitable endeavor, Africa's Business Heroes (ABH), unveils the 20 contenders vying for the $1.5 million prize in its 2025 competition.

, and Administrator

2025 September 17 . 3:07 PM

2 min read

Competition finalists announced for Africa's Business Heroes contest, granting $1.5 million in 2025

Competition for Africa's Business Heroes exhibition features 20 contestants vying for $1.5 million prize in the year 2025

In a groundbreaking event, Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) has announced its top 20 finalists for the 2025 competition. This flagship philanthropic initiative of the Alibaba Philanthropy in Africa received a record-breaking 32,000 applications, marking the highest number in the competition's history.

The finalists represent a diverse range of sectors, spanning nine countries across the continent. From Kenya to Senegal, these visionary entrepreneurs are driving change in areas such as HealthTech, Digital Solutions, AgriTech, Food Security, Women Empowerment, SME Tech, FinTech, Microfinance, Telemedicine, EdTech, Children's Media, Logistics, Digital Platforms, Mining, Sustainability, FoodTech, Infant Nutrition, Wealth Management, and Transport.

Janet Kuteli from Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) is a FinTech/Microfinance finalist, while Moka Lantum from CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) is a Healthcare/FinTech finalist. In the realm of AgriTech, Neamat Eltazi from Poultry Sync (Egypt) and Baraka Chijenga from Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) are making waves. Gohar Said from Suplyd (Egypt) is a FoodTech/Supply Chain finalist, and Khadija Churchill from Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) is a FoodTech/Distribution finalist.

The HealthTech sector is strongly represented, with Adriaan Kruger from nuvoteQ (South Africa), Blandine Umuziranenge from Kosmotive (Rwanda), Jean Lobe Lobe from Waspito (Cameroon), and Moka Lantum from CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) all vying for a spot in the finals.

SME Tech is also well-represented, with Bundi Mbuthia from Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) and Mofehintolu Funso from CredPal (Nigeria) showcasing innovative B2B and subscription models. Jessica Roussos from BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) is an EdTech/Skills Training finalist, while Louisa Olafuyi from Kunda Kids Ltd (Uganda) is an EdTech/Children's Media finalist.

In the realm of Logistics and Digital Platforms, Racine Sarr from SAWA by Shop Me Away (Senegal) and Wycliffe Onyango from BuuPass (Kenya) are making strides. Samwel Ezikiel from Mwamba Mining Limited (Tanzania) is a Mining/Sustainability finalist, and Thomas Patrick from Franc Group (South Africa) is a FinTech/Wealth Management finalist.

The finalists will also gain access to mentorship opportunities, international networks, and unparalleled global visibility. Those who advance from the semi-finals will share in grant funding ranging from US$100,000 to US$300,000. The semi-finals will take place in Dakar, Senegal on September 10-11.

Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH, stated that the 2025 finalists demonstrate the dynamic innovation landscape in Africa. These trends highlight the resilience of African founders and underscore the continent's potential to deliver both profitability and social impact.

Over the next 10 years, ABH will recognize 100 entrepreneurs and award them with grant funding, training, and a platform to amplify their stories. This year's competition underscores the importance of supporting African innovation and the potential it holds for a prosperous and sustainable future.