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Africa’s Business Heroes Announces Top 20 Entrepreneurs Advancing to the Semi-Finals in Dakar

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Entrepreneurs

This year’s Semi-Final marks the first time ABH is hosting in a francophone country and a first in Senegal, underscoring the country’s growing influence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation

DAKAR, Senegal, September 1, 2025/APO Group/ –The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, today revealed the Top 20 entrepreneurs selected to advance to the 2025 Semi-Finals, taking place in Dakar, Senegal on 10 – 11 September 2025.

The selection of the Top 20 reflects a rigorous and highly competitive process. Starting from nearly 32,000 applications spanning the African continent, candidates advanced through multiple rounds, including the Top 50 Round 2 interviews and a thorough due diligence process.

From this pool, 20 exceptional entrepreneurs were chosen, representing diverse sectors and embodying the spirit of African innovation and resilience.

They now stand just one step away from the Grand Finale, where they will compete for a place among the Top 10 Heroes. Those who advance will not only share in grant funding ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 USD but also gain access to mentorship opportunities, international networks, and unparalleled global visibility.

“Year after year, we are inspired by the caliber of entrepreneurs we see at ABH. The 2025 Top 20 span 9 countries and 10 sectors from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape. We continue to see strong momentum in digital transformation, scalable B2B and subscription models, and impact-driven businesses tackling challenges from financial inclusion to food security and environmental sustainability. These trends not only highlight the resilience of African founders but also underscore the continent’s potential to deliver both profitability and social impact,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa MD of ABH.

This year’s Semi-Final marks the first time ABH is hosting in a francophone country and a first in Senegal, underscoring the country’s growing influence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. Senegal’s strong 8.6% GDP growth and its upcoming role as host of th*2026 Youth Olympic Games—the first ever on African soil—further cement its position as a dynamic center for talent, business, and global events. The event will feature high-stakes pitch sessions, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs for the finalists.

The 2025 Top 20 span 9 countries and 10 sectors from healthtech and fintech to agritech and sustainability, reflecting Africa’s dynamic innovation landscape

The Top 20 finalists will present their businesses before a distinguished panel of judges, each bringing deep expertise and perspective from across the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem. The panel includes:

  • Hasan Haidar, Managing Director of PlusVC and a long-standing ABH judge, recognized for his extensive experience in venture capital and commitment to supporting early-stage startups across the Middle East and Africa.
  • Moulaye Taboure, CEO and Founder of ANKA, a pioneering e-commerce and fintech platform empowering African artisans and merchants to access global markets. A former ABH Top 10 Hero, Moulaye’s participation marks a milestone for the program as the first time an alumnus has returned to serve as a judge.
  • Jason Pau, Vice President of Alibaba Group and Executive Director (International) of the Jack Ma Foundation, who has spearheaded global philanthropic initiatives including Africa’s Business Heroes.

 

Together, this panel will evaluate the finalists based on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership, ultimately determining which entrepreneurs will advance to the Top 10 stage of the competition.

This landmark event is made possible through the support of Alibaba Philanthropy, together with leading Senegalese sponsors Wave, Sonatel and InTouch Group. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and positioning Senegal as a driving force in Africa’s economic transformation.

“Wave is honored to partner with Africa’s Business Heroes in bringing this landmark event to Dakar. For us, this is more than sponsorship, it is a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, accelerating innovation, and positioning Senegal as a hub of Africa’s economic transformation. Hosting the Semi-Finals here reflects our belief in the power of young African talent to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent” emphasized Coura Tine Sene, Regional Director and Head of Public Affairs at Wave, said.”

Now in its 7th edition, the ABH Prize Competition continues to spotlight and support African entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in their communities. This year’s Semi-Final is further strengthened by the collaboration of key ecosystem partners, including Ignite.E, Impact Hub Dakar, SenStartup, and African Leadership University (ALU), who are helping to expand outreach and foster deeper engagement within Senegal’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.

Meet the 2025 Top 20 Heroes:

  1. Adriaan Kruger – nuvoteQ (South Africa) – HealthTech / Digital Solutions
  2. Baraka Chijenga – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Limited (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Food Security
  3. Blandine Umuziranenge – Kosmotive (Rwanda) – HealthTech / Women Empowerment
  4. Bundi Mbuthia – Uzapoint Technologies Limited (Kenya) – SME Tech / Digital Tools
  5. Diana Gerald – NovFeed (Tanzania) – AgriTech / Biotech
  6. Gohar Said– Suplyd (Egypt) – FoodTech / Supply Chain
  7. Janet Kuteli – Fortune Credit Limited (Kenya) – FinTech / Microfinance
  8. Jean Lobe Lobe – Waspito (Cameroon) – HealthTech / Telemedicine
  9. Jessica Roussos – BluLever Education Pty Ltd (South Africa) – EdTech / Skills Training
  10. Khadija Churchill – Kwanza Tukule Foods Limited (Kenya) – FoodTech / Distribution
  11. Louisa Olafuyi – Kunda Kids Ltd (Uganda) – EdTech / Children’s Media
  12. Mofehintolu Funso – CredPal (Nigeria) – FinTech / Credit Access
  13. Moka Lantum – CheckUps Medical Center (Kenya) – Healthcare / FinTech
  14. Mukashahaha Diane – DIKAM Ltd (Rwanda) – Textiles / Women & Youth Empowerment
  15. Neamat Eltazi – Poultry Sync (Egypt) – AgriTech / Sustainability
  16. Racine Sarr – SAWA by Shop Me Away (Senegal) – Logistics / Digital Platforms
  17. Samwel Ezikiel – Mwamba Mining Limited (Tanzania) – Mining / Sustainability
  18. Siny Samba – Le Lionceau (Senegal) – FoodTech / Infant Nutrition
  19. Thomas Patrick – Franc Group (South Africa) – FinTech / Wealth Management
  20. Wycliffe Onyango – BuuPass (Kenya) – Transport / Digital Ticketing

 

For more information on the Top 20 Heroes, visit: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

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Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

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Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

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Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

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African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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