The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition — the flagship philanthropic programme of Alibaba Philanthropy — is gearing up for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 12–13 December 2025. Hosted in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), this year’s edition promises an inspiring two-day gathering dedicated to advancing African entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.
The Summit will welcome over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, founders, mentors, and industry experts from across the continent and around the world. Attendees will engage in networking sessions, masterclasses, discussions, and interactive experiences that highlight the growth of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A major highlight of the event will be the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony, where the Top 10 finalists will pitch live before a distinguished panel of judges. The programme will combine dynamic stage interactions, immersive showcases, and artistic performances that celebrate Africa’s creativity and ingenuity. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the 2025 winners and the presentation of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.
This year’s Grand Finale follows the successful 7th ABH Semi-Finals, held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025. From the 20 semi-finalists who competed in Dakar, ten outstanding entrepreneurs emerged as the 2025 finalists.
Representing diverse industries shaping Africa’s future, the 2025 Top 10 Finalists are:
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Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) – Transport & Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
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Siny Samba (Senegal) – FoodTech & Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
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Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) – Textiles & Women’s Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
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Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) – AgriTech & Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
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Janet Kuteli (Kenya) – FinTech & Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
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Diana Orembe (Tanzania) – AgriTech & Biotech, NovFeed
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Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) – SME Tech & Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies
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Gohar Said (Egypt) – FoodTech & Supply Chain, Suplyd
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Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) – HealthTech Solutions, nuvoteQ
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Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) – HealthTech & Telemedicine, Waspito
According to Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, this year’s finalists are a testament to the creativity, resilience, and ambition of African entrepreneurs. She noted that their journey to Kigali represents months of hard work and growth, and the Summit will serve as a platform for them to share their stories, innovations, and visions for transforming the continent.
The Rwanda Development Board, a long-standing partner of ABH, will be hosting the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year. This ongoing partnership underscores Rwanda’s rising reputation as a regional hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business development.
RDB CEO Jean-Guy Afrika expressed pride in hosting the event, highlighting Rwanda’s commitment to fostering opportunities for founders, innovators, and investors across Africa.
What to Expect at the 2025 Summit
The event, themed “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” will feature high-level sessions, expert-led masterclasses, and competitive pitch stages. Confirmed speakers include:
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Mr. Lijun Sun – Chair of the Board, Alibaba Foundation & President, Alibaba Philanthropy
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Mrs. Juliana Muganza – Deputy CEO, RDB
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Clare Akamanzi – CEO, NBA Africa
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Tara Fela-Durotoye – Founder, House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute
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Wandia Gichuru – CEO, Vivo Fashion Group
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Naa Ashorkor – Journalist & Theatre Producer
The Grand Finale will also welcome celebrated global business leaders such as Dr. Diane Karusisi (CEO, Bank of Kigali) and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (CEO, The Chair Centre Group).
A Platform Fueling Continental Growth
Now in its seventh year, ABH continues to champion inclusive development by providing funding, mentorship, and global visibility to African founders. To date, the programme has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, attracted more than 160,000 applicants, and awarded 70 innovators with funding to scale transformative businesses across sectors including fintech, agribusiness, healthcare, sustainability, and education.
The 2025 edition is made possible through Alibaba Philanthropy, the Rwanda Development Board, and major partners such as Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko. ABH also acknowledges its outreach partners—including Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa—whose involvement strengthens its mission of empowering entrepreneurs across the continent.
Together, these collaborators are helping elevate the next generation of African business heroes who are shaping the continent’s future.
