The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition is set to broaden its global influence with the addition of Jerry Yang—Co-Founder of Yahoo! and one of the world’s most respected tech innovators—to its 2025 judging panel. Yang’s participation reflects ABH’s commitment to strengthening the link between African entrepreneurship and world-class expertise, ensuring founders on the continent gain exposure to high-level mentorship and global business perspectives.
Sharing his excitement, Jerry Yang emphasized the inspiration he draws from Africa’s rising innovators. He noted that African founders are “reshaping the future of global innovation,” and expressed his eagerness to engage with entrepreneurs who are developing ambitious, scalable solutions capable of transforming communities across the continent and beyond.
Expanded Judging Panel
Yang will serve alongside established African leaders who bring deep regional knowledge and business experience:
-
Diane Karusisi – CEO, Bank of Kigali
-
Ibukun Awosika – Founder, The Chair Centre Group
Their combined expertise creates a balanced judging panel that blends international insight with a strong understanding of Africa’s entrepreneurial environment.
Influential Speakers for the 2025 ABH Summit
The upcoming ABH Summit will feature prominent figures who are shaping investment, policy, and creative industries across Africa. Confirmed speakers include:
-
Lijun Sun – Chair of the Board, Alibaba Foundation & President, Alibaba Philanthropy
-
Juliana Muganza – Deputy CEO, Rwanda Development Board
-
Clare Akamanzi – CEO, NBA Africa
-
Tara Fela-Durotoye – Founder, House of Tara
-
Wandia Gichuru – CEO, Vivo Fashion Group
-
Naa Ashorkor – Journalist & Theatre Producer
These speakers will bring diverse insights that span technology, culture, leadership, and economic development.
Summit Theme & Activities
The 7th annual ABH Summit and Grand Finale will take place under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today.” For the third consecutive year, Rwanda will host the event, further cementing its reputation as an emerging hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The two-day experience will include:
-
Hands-on masterclasses and interactive learning sessions
-
Live pitch presentations from the 2025 Top 10 finalists
-
Networking opportunities that connect founders, investors, and business ecosystem leaders
Key conversations will focus on innovation, leadership, sustainable development, investment, and collaboration across different sectors.
Partnerships and Support
The Summit is organized through a partnership between Alibaba Philanthropies and the Rwanda Development Board, supported by an extensive network of sponsors and collaborators.
Partner Highlights
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Key Sponsors | Gebeya (Catalyst Sponsor), Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, Inkomoko |
| Outreach Partners | MTN Rwanda, Hanga Pitchfest, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Norrsken Africa |
| Support Providers | Kabisa (EV ecosystem), Kozo Kigali (hospitality services) |
Amadou Daffe, Co-Founder & CEO of Gebeya and a former ABH Top 10 Hero, shared that supporting the Grand Finale is a meaningful way to give back to a program that has significantly uplifted African innovators. During the Summit, Gebeya will also unveil its Gebeya Dala initiative, which aims to accelerate the development of Africa’s digital talent pipeline.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners interested in attending the 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale can register directly through the official ABH website.
