Africa Business Heroes - Afrikan Heroes

West And East African Startups Dominate “Africa’s Business Heroes” 2021 Top 10 Shortlist

October 5, 2021

The top ten contenders for the 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) prize (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), a flagship philanthropy program launched by the Jack Ma Foundation, have been announced. These ten entrepreneurs will make their last presentation in November for a chance to earn a portion of a US$1.5 million prize fund at the grand finale.

**Jason Pau, Executive Director of International, Jack Ma Foundation.**

“It’s African time! We have been continuously impressed with all of our 2021 Top 10 finalists, especially their diversity and strength of their businesses. The Top 10 are truly inspiring and are a testament to the talent, resilience, innovation, and passion of African entrepreneurs. In the midst of unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in our efforts to identify, support and shine a spotlight on African entrepreneurs that are driving positive growth for their communities,” said Jason Pau, Executive Director of International, Jack Ma Foundation.

Here Is What You Need To Know

The ten entrepreneurs, half of whom are women, were chosen from over 12,000 applicants from 54 African countries and went through several levels of judgment and review.

The top ten companies, with an average age of 32, are based in seven African countries: Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Agriculture, beauty, education, energy, food & beverage, logistics, manufacturing, media & entertainment, and retail are among its important industries.

The companies of 80% of the finalists are located in rural areas.

Africa’s Business Heroes will hold its virtual Grand Finale in November, and the top recipients of the 2021 ABH prize will be announced soon after.

The finalists will refine their pitches over the next two weeks, leveraging the in-depth training, learnings, and insights gained over their ABH journey.

Meet the 2021 Top 10 finalists here:

Ghirmay Abraham, Founder, Aptech Africa (https://AptechAfrica.com) (Uganda)

Ghirmay was born in Eritrea and went to the University of Asmara to study mechanical engineering before working in the renewable energy business. Aptech Africa was founded with only a $20,000 investment. Aptech has grown to be a worldwide company operating in seven African countries, working to bring electricity and water to people all over the continent.

Navalayo Osembo-Ombati, Co-Founder and CEO, Enda Athletic (https://Endasportswear.com) (Kenya)

Navalayo is from a Kenyan community that has produced generations of world-class distance runners. Navalayo created Enda Athletic, a made-in-Kenya running shoe firm that creates jobs, invests in local communities, and promotes economic growth through exports, to maximize social impact in Kenya through sports. She is a London School of Economics graduate.

Oghenetega Iortim, Founder, Gricd (https://Gricd.com) (Nigeria)

Oghenetega has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Communications Engineering from Covenant University. Oghenetega is committed to using technology to address health and food accessibility issues. He is creating cold-chain facilities through his firm, Gricd, to address storage issues in the agriculture and healthcare sectors.

Yvette Ishimwe, Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group (https://IRIBAWaterGroup.com) (Rwanda)

IRIBA Water Group is a non-profit organization that provides innovative drinking water solutions. Yvette, the company’s founder, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has honored her as a YALI Mandela Washington Fellow in appreciation of the impact IRIBA has had on the community.

Charlot Magayi, Founder and CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves (https://MukuruStoves.org) (Kenya)

Charlot was inspired to create safer cooking technology when his two-year-old daughter was severely burned by a typical burner. Mukuru was founded by her to help keep youngsters safe while also reducing household air pollution and fuel usage. Charlot has been recognized by Global Citizen, the World Bank, and AWIEF as an Echoing Green Fellow.

Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy, Founder, PraxiLabs (https://Praxilabs.com) (Egypt)

Khadija earned her PhD in human-computer interaction and user experience from the University of Sheffield. Khadija established and currently manages PraxiLabs, which provides virtual scientific labs to educational institutions and schools, based on her belief that technology can improve education and enable equal chances.

Chidi Nwaogu, Co-founder and CEO, Publiseer (https://Publiseer.net) (Nigeria)

Chidi Nwaogu is a software developer and a digital entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Publiseer, a digital content distribution company that aims to support independent and underrepresented African creatives. He is an Acumen Fellow, Alibaba eFounders Fellow, Westerwelle Fellow, and French-African Young Leader, as well as the winner of the Swiss Government’s 2020 Migration Entrepreneurship Prize.

Ikenna Nzewi, Co-founder and CEO, Releaf Marketplace Nigeria (https://Releaf.africa) (Nigeria)

Ikenna earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Yale University in 2017 and co-founded Releaf while still in school. Releaf is an agriculture technology firm that creates hardware and software to help Africa’s food processing industry become more industrialized.

Violet Amoabeng, Founder and CEO, Skin Gourmet (https://SkinGourmet.com) (Ghana)

Violet holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in business administration, with a focus on marketing, supply chain management, and accounting. Violet launched Skin Gourmet in 2014 with GHS 145 (US $45.00). Violet has been profiled in Glitz and EMY Magazine as a growing industry leader, and Skin Gourmet is currently available in over 17 countries.

Ketsheaphone Jacob, Founder and CEO, The Bulb World (https://bit.ly/3FgGU1u) (Botswana)

Ketsheaphone is the founder and CEO of The Bulb World, a firm that makes LED lights. Ketshephaone is passionate about assisting young entrepreneurs and giving back to communities through The Bulb World’s CSR Initiative, which aims to brighten up public boarding schools so that students may learn more effectively.

Africa’s Business Heroes 2021 Africa’s Business Heroes 2021

Egyptian Startup, Swvl, Inspires Three Well-Funded Startups Four Years After

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Expands Ecosystem of Partners

June 7, 2021

The Africa Business Heroes has joined forces with a broader network of partners from across Africa to identify and support talented African entrepreneurs for the 2021 prize competition; In response to the strong level of interest from across the continent, ABH has extended the deadline for applications from June 7 to June 21. The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition, a philanthropic program established by the Jack Ma Foundation to spotlight and support African entrepreneurs, has extended its network of local and international partners (https://bit.ly/2RzMAzK) for its 2021 edition.

This year, ABH has consolidated its long-standing collaboration with Anchor Partners, including African Leadership Group (www.ALGroup.org), Janngo (www.Janngo.com), and RiseUp (www.RiseUp.co), to work together to mobilize talented and mission-driven entrepreneurs from across the continent. This year, the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has also joined ABH’s partner ecosystem and will help to ensure greater participation of female entrepreneurs and business owners. ABH has also partnered with the Research Institute for Innovation & Sustainability (RIIS) (www.EnablingInnovation.africa), a group working at the intersection of corporate strategy, socio-economic development and entrepreneurship & innovation; VC4A (www.VC4A.com), a leading platform for startup funding in Africa, and Briter Bridges (www.BriterBridges.com), a data-driven research company with a focus on emerging markets.

Mrs. Bogolo J. Kenewendo, global economist and former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana, has also joined ABH as Special Advisor. Her unparalleled background and expertise in the field of economic development will be key to shaping initiatives that will help foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We are immensely grateful to all our partners as we work hand in hand to give the talented entrepreneurs from across Africa a platform to grow their businesses and share their stories,” notes Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Partnerships and Programs at ABH. “With their unparalleled expertise, they serve a critical role in engaging with entrepreneurs from a diverse range of regions and industries. With the support of this robust network of partners, we will be able to do even more to support African entrepreneurs.”

ABH’s partner network also includes media outlets such as CNBC Africa, Pulse.Africa and StarTimes; incubators and accelerators such as the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Ethiopia Entrepreneurship Development Center, Impact Hub Dakar and i4policy; communications platforms like Sasai, and telecoms operator Liquid Telecom.

Furthermore, ABH has continued to build out its pool of expert judges. More than 100 judges will take on the critical task of reviewing applications throughout the initial phases of the competition. The judges include investors and VCs, members of the media, academics, senior consultants and advisors, incubators and accelerators, and other recognized business leaders.

To date, the 2021 edition of the ABH prize competition has received strong applications from candidates representing all 54 countries in Africa. In recognition of the level of interest from across the continent and the challenging circumstances that entrepreneurs and SMEs continue to face, ABH has extended the deadline for applications from June 7 to June 21. To apply and for more information about ABH, please visit: AfricaBusinessHeroes.org and follow us on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3im0iRw), LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3v0lhMD), Instagram (https://bit.ly/3w1cV8P) and Facebook (https://bit.ly/3uWkYSL).

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition Calls for 2021 Applications

March 30, 2021

The Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program, Africa Business Heroes which is an annual award for 10 outstanding finalists with a share of a US$1.5 million grant is calling for applications for the year 2021. Now in its third year, the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition gives African entrepreneurs a unique platform to showcase their talent and grow their businesses; ABH, which is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa, annually awards 10 outstanding finalists with a share of a US$1.5 million grant; Applications are now open in English and French for “heroes” across all sectors and African countries, with special emphasis on those working to achieve the UN SDGs.

The “Africa’s Business Heroes” (ABH) prize competition (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program spotlighting and celebrating Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, opened applications for its third annual edition.

Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector, age group, and gender will now be able to submit their applications, in either French or English, for a chance to compete for a spot among the Top 10 finalists. The central theme of this year’s competition, “It’s African Time”, is a bold call to action for all talented African entrepreneurs who are challenging stereotypes associated with “African time” through their businesses, to leverage the ABH prize to scale their efforts as well as share their stories of how they’ve driven change and solutions.

ABH is part of the Jack Ma Foundation’s long-term commitment to help support and foster an inclusive and strong Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs over a ten-year period and allocate grant funding alongside training, mentoring and learning programmes, as well as access to a community of like-minded African business leaders.

At the grand finale later this year, ten finalists will take the stage to present their businesses and share their visions to an esteemed panel of judges, to win a share of the US$1.5 million grant. The journey to the Finale will include several rounds of rigorous evaluation panels, as well as access to a community of international leaders and innovators, industry experts, investors and accelerators, through a number of multi-disciplinary bootcamps and training sessions.

In 2020, the ten outstanding finalists (https://bit.ly/3wlDA0G) – half of whom were female – were selected from over 22,000 applicants across all 54 African nations. They represented eight African countries – Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – and various industries including agriculture, fashion, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and financial services.

“I am proud to have been named the winner of the 2020 Africa’s Business Heroes prize. The competition was an incredible journey. 2020 was a challenging year that made us refocus from profitability to survival. I hope my win inspires Africans to believe that we have what it takes to make an impact, no matter where we are. The Prize is helping us scale our energy solution across East Africa, and we remain focused to change how Africa cooks, one kitchen at a time,” said Chebet Lesan, Founder and CEO at BrightGreen Renewable Energy.

The journeys of Chebet and her fellow finalists will be featured in the televised ABH show, which will air in four episodes across Africa and online, later this year. The show will give exclusive access to the 2020 edition, following the finalists as they go head to head in the pitch to the final judges. With the show, ABH hopes to provide a masterclass in entrepreneurship and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses across Africa to pursue their business dreams. The 2019 documentary “Looking for Africa’s Heroes (https://bit.ly/3wjNTlZ)” featuring the first edition of ABH was recently shortlisted by global film festivals including RapidLion – The South African International Film Festival and AmDocs – the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival.

“As we open our third annual pitch competition, we want to recognize Africa’s extraordinary entrepreneurs, whose business ventures not only are successful and profitable but are generating a positive impact on their local communities. Despite the incredibly difficult conditions faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world over the past year, Africa’s entrepreneurship has been experiencing an incredible upward trajectory, showing the magnitude of potential and opportunities yet to be seized. Therefore, Africa’s Business Heroes is excited to join forces with our partners to identify, spotlight and support even more passionate, innovative, and determined entrepreneurs across Africa.” said Jason Pau, Executive Director of International, Jack Ma Foundation.

Global leaders Graca Machel, Chair of the Graca Machel Trust Board and Ban Ki-moon, Former UN Secretary-General and Co-chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens serve on the ABH advisory board. In addition, Anita Erskine, UN SDG Advocate and Founder of the STEM Woman Project, will continue to serve as the official host of “Africa’s Business Heroes” program. This year, ABH will continue to work with its Anchor Partners across the continent – African Leadership Group (www.ALGroup.org), Ashesi (www.Ashesi.edu.gh), Dalberg (www.Dalberg.com), Janngo (www.Janngo.com), and RiseUp (www.RiseUp.co), with more to be announced in due course.

Applications will be open online until June 7 with semi-finalists announced in August, and the top ten finalists for 2021 unveiled in September. To apply and for more information about ABH, please visit: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org and follow us on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3ddXou2), LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/31trJiD), Instagram (https://bit.ly/3sCcz6C) and Facebook (https://bit.ly/3rv6g3H).

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry