Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List features 120 of Africa’s brightest achievers under the age of 30 in four categories: business, technology, creatives, and sport. The list celebrates pioneers who are building brands, creating jobs, innovating, leading, transforming and contributing to new industries and ultimately impacting positively on the continent.

This year is the fifth issue of the annual Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 List.

The publication features 120 young and dynamic individuals across four sectors, namely business, technology, creatives, and sport.

“Meet the class of 2019, a stellar collection of entrepreneurs and innovators rewriting rules and taking bold new risks to take Africa to the future,” the publication explains.

Jason Pau, chief of staff for billionaire Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, told Forbes that the journey for young entrepreneurs, especially in Africa, is not always easy.

Many start-ups fall by the wayside due to a lack of resources. In South Africa, it is estimated that the small enterprise failure rate is at almost 80% within the first three years.

The select few celebrated in this list represent those individuals who continue to persevere against the odds. It also serves as a reminder that it is possible. However, not only does the list look at the financial impact of each candidate but also their reputation, resilience, and ability to be role models to other young Africans.

Sport is the newest category, opening up the list to the game changers and Africa’s next generation of leaders. Individuals in this category have “won awards, broken records, made social investments and pushed the boundaries by challenging the status quo on policies in sports,” the Forbes team stated, adding that “some of the challenges they still face include lack of resources, a gender pay gap and an immense pool of untapped talent not yet given a chance to be in the limelight.”

Below are the lists of Africa’s30Under30 individuals in each category:

Business Category 2019

1. Bruce Diale, 29, South Africa – Founder and Managing Director: Brucol Global Development
2. Terence Mathe, 29, Zimbabwe – Co-founder: Southern Incineration Services (SISCO) PBC
3. Mariam Manack, 29, South Africa – Founder and Director: iTrain
4. Khanyisile Madonko-Nderezina, 25, Zimbabwe – Co-founder and CEO: Sakhile Madonko Enterprises
5. Isaac Mbatha, 28, South Africa – Founder and CEO: Sky Tents SA
6. Sadaam Suleiman, 28, Kenya – Co-founder and Managing Director: DragonFly Limited
7. Adeniyi Omotayo, 28, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Betensured Group
8. David Kyalo, 29, Kenya – Founder and CEO: Koncepts & Events Ltd
9. Ogechukwu Anugo-Obah, 28, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: BodyLikeMilk
10. Dorn Ndlovu, 26, South Africa – Founder and CEO: Entrepreneur Blueprint Africa
11. Busi Mkhumbuzi Pooe, 24, South Africa – Co-founder and Chief Executive: Tshimong
12. Sydney Sam, 26, Ghana – Founder and CEO: Workspace Global
13. Shirlene Nafula, 27, Kenya – Founder and CEO: Crystal River Products
14. Kgahlego Rasebotsa, 29, South Africa – Founder and Director: Interior Bubble
15. Kimani Adam, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and CEO: Nature Expeditions Destination Management
16. Ijeoma Balogun, 29, Nigeria – Founder and Managing Director: RedrickPR
17. Bright Jaja, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: iCreate Africa
18. Jesse Carlton Happy Ndongo, 27, Cameroon – General Manager: Easy Group
19. Henrich Akomolafe, 26, Nigeria – Co-founder and Managing Director: Akotex Nigeria Limited
20. Lesego Mokae, 29, South Africa – Co-founder: Ditsogo Projects
21. Oginni Tolulope, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Transfurd Limited
22. Theo Baloyi, 29, South Africa – Founder and CEO: Bathu Swag
23. Avthar Aniruth, 21, South Africa – Founder and Executive Producer: Audience Networks
24. Barbara Okereke, 28, Nigeria – Cake Designer, Founder, and Managing Director: Oven Secret Limited
25. Jessica Anuna, 27, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Klasha
26. Charles Edosomwan, 29, Nigeria – Founder and Chief Strategist: TekSight Edge Limited
27. Charmaine Mbatha, 29, South Africa – Co-founder: Millennial Business Administrators
28. Shaney Vijendranath, 28, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO: Vimage Media
29. Adetola Nola, 28, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Veritasi Properties Limited
30. Caleb Stephen David, 27, South Africa – Founder and CEO: Versatile Commodity Traders

Creatives Category 2019

1. Karabo Poppy Moletsane, 27, South Africa – Creative Illustrator, Street Artist, and Graphic Designer
2. Rophnan Nuri, 29, Ethiopia – Electronic Dance Music Artist
3. Henry Amponsah, 27, Ghana – Designer, Founder, and CEO: 101 Clothing
4. Austin Malema, 28, South Africa – Photographer and CEO: Pixel Kollective
5. Harmony Katulondi, 29, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Presenter, Model, Actor and Voice Over Artist
6. Kapasa Musonda, 29, Zambia – Fashion Designer
7. Richard Akuson, 26, Nigeria – Founder and Editor: A Nasty Boy
8. Menzi Mcunu, 22, South Africa – Founder: Afrocentric Gentlemvn
9. Trevor Stuurman, 26, South Africa – Photographer and Creative Director
10. Burna Boy, 28, Nigeria – Musician
11. Kim Jayde, 28, Zimbabwe – TV Presenter, Model, and MC
12. Petite Noir, 28, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Singer, Songwriter, and Producer
13. Aisha Baker, 29, South Africa – Businesswoman, Influencer and Style Icon
14. Karun, 24, Kenya – Musician
15. Gilmore Moyo, 29, Zimbabwe – Creative Director, Fashion Facilitator, Former TV & Radio Host and Founder: Paper Bag Africa
16. Boitumelo ‘Boity’ Thulo, 29, South Africa – TV Host, Entrepreneur, and Musician
17. Hermann Kamte, 27, Cameroon – Architect, Founder, and CEO: Hermann Kamte & Associates
18. Helen Chukwu, 25, Nigeria – Fashion Designer, Founder, and CEO: Helen Couture
19. Luis Munana, 27, Namibia – Creative Director, Model, TV Host, and Founder: Voigush Africa
20. Upile Chisala, 24, Malawi – Author and Poet
21. Joseph Awuah-Darko, 22, Ghana – Contemporary Artist
22. Joe ‘Human’ Nawaya, 25, the Democratic Republic of the Congo – Graphic Designer and Co-founder: Creative Mind Space
23. Thando Thabethe, 29, South Africa – Actress, TV Presenter, and Radio DJ
24. Rich Fumani Mnisi, 27, South Africa- Fashion Designer
25. Kevin Njue 27, Kenya – Producer, Director, Writer, and CEO: Rocque Pictures
26. Sho Madjozi, 27, South Africa – Musician
27. Sarah Owusu, 28, Ghana – Artist and Painter
28. Abisola Akintunde, 28, Nigeria – Founder and Creative Director: MakeupbyAshabee and Beelashes
29. Yaa Bonsu, 28, Kenya – Fashion Stylist and Creative
30. Paola Audrey Ndengue, 29, Cote d’Ivoire – Host and Producer and Co-founder: FASHIZBLACK

Technology Category 2019

1. Nthabiseng Mosia, 28, Sierra Leone – Co-founder and CMO: Easy Solar
2. Evans Akanno, 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Cregital
3. Michael Paul Mollel, 29, Tanzania – Co-founder and Executive Chairman: Jimz Technologies Co. Ltd
4. Nureshka Viranna, 27, South Africa – Co-founder and Director: ShopLi
5. Jacob Rugano, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and director: AfricarTrack International
6. Fred Oyetayo, 25, Nigeria – Founder and CEO: Fresible
7. Alpha Nury, 29, Senegal – Founder and CEO: Jamaa Funding
8. Hansley Noruthun, 27, Mauritius – Founder: Mauritius Space and Science Foundation
9. Schizzo Thomson, 29, Malawi – Founder and Managing Director: Sky Energy
10. Vena Arielle Ahouansou, 25, Benin – Co-founder and CEO: KEA Medicals
11. Damilola Olokesusi, 29, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO: Shuttlers Logistics Company
12. Diana Esther Wangari, 27, Kenya – Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer: Sagitarix
13. Chinedu Azodoh, 29, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer: Metro Africa Xpress (MAX)
14. Shoriwa Shaun Benjamin, 29, Zimbabwe – Co-founder: Simba Solutions
15. Karidas Tshintsholo, 24, and Matthew Piper, 25, South Africa – Founders: Khula App
16. Courtney Bentley 29, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO: Vizibiliti Insight
17. Josh Okpata, 27 and Tochukwu Mbanugo, 29, Nigeria – Founders: Eazyhire
18. Muhammad Salisu Abdullahi, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Managing Director: eTrash2Cash
19. Silas Adekunle, 26, Nigeria – CEO and Co-Founder: Reach Robotics
20. Joshua Chibueze, 26, Somto Ifezue, 28, and Odunayo Eweniyi, 26, Nigeria – Founders: PiggyVest
21. Uka Eje, 29, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO: Thrive Agric
22. Melissa Mwale, 29, Zimbabwe – Founder: Hive Incorporation, and Co-founder: CryptoGem
23. Eric Muli, 27, Kenya – Founder and CEO: Odyssey Capital
24. Eric Rutayisire, 28, Rwanda – Founder and CEO: Charis UAS
25. Wissal Farsal, 27, and Khalid Machchate, 26, Morocco – Founders: K&W Technologies
26. Tyrone Adams, 28, and Siyabonga Thomas Tiwana, 29, South Africa – Founders: Skywalk Innovations
27. Chika Madubuko, 27, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO: Greymate Care
28. Dorcas Owinoh, 28, Kenya – Co-founder and Director: LakeHub
29. Ndabenhle Ngulube, 28, Matthew Smith, 26, and Marnus van Heerden, 29, South Africa – Founders: Pineapple App

Sports Category 2019

1. Clarence Munyai, 21, South Africa – Track and Field Athlete
2. Jean Sseninde, 26, Uganda – Footballer and CEO
3. Mohamed Salah, 27, Egypt – Footballer
4. Wayde van Niekerk, 26, South Africa – Track and Field Athlete
5. Chad le Clos, 27, South Africa – Swimmer
6. Genzebe Dibaba, 28, Ethiopia – Track and Field Athlete
7. Jacob Kiplimo, 18, Uganda – Track and field athlete
8. Sara Ahmed, 21, Egypt – Weightlifter
9. Luvo Manyonga, 28, South Africa – Track and Field Athlete
10. Giana Lofty, 24, Egypt – Martial Arts practitioner
11. Beatrice Chepkoech, 24, Kenya – Track and Field Athlete
12. Patricia Apolot, 28, Uganda – Kickboxer
13. Caster Semenya, 28, South Africa – Track and field athlete
14. Emmanuel Korir, 24, Kenya – Track and Field Athlete
15. Faith Kipyegon, 25, Kenya – Track and field athlete
16. Francine Niyonsaba, 26, Burundi – Track and Field athlete
17. Kagiso Rabada, 24, South Africa – Cricketer
18. Ruhan van Rooyen, 24, South Africa – Paralympic Track and Field Athlete
19. Sadio Mane, 27, Senegal – Footballer
20. Sabrina Simader, 21, Kenya – Alpine skier
21. Gerson Domingos,23, Angola – Basketballer
22. Siya Kolisi, 28, South Africa – Rugby player
23. Thembi Kgatlana, 23, South Africa – Footballer
24. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 29, Gabon – Footballer
25. Aphiwe Dyantyi, 24, South Africa – Rugby player
26. Percy Tau, 25, South Africa – Footballer
27. Quinton de Kock, 26, South Africa – Cricketer
28. Alex Iwobi, 23, Nigeria – Footballer
29. Akani Simbine, 25, South Africa – Track and Field Athlete
30. Margaret Nyairera Wambui, 23, Kenya – Track and Field Athlete

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.

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