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Africa’s Business Heroes Announces Top 50 Finalists for 2024 Prize Competition

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Business Heroes

The competition is a philanthropic program supported by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy to honor and elevate African entrepreneurs

KIGALI, Rwanda, July 31, 2024/APO Group/ — 

After receiving ~20,000 applications from all 54 African countries, the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition has revealed the Top 50 Finalists for its 2024 edition. The competition is a philanthropic program supported by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy to honor and elevate African entrepreneurs. This year’s competition reflects an increasingly diverse applicant pool cementing the competition’s reputation as Africa’s largest and most inclusive competition.

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has dedicated itself to identifying, supporting and spotlighting talented African entrepreneurs. Annually, this sector-agnostic competition awards a total grant of $1.5 million to 10 deserving entrepreneurs. Beyond financial support, ABH provides its Finalists and the broader entrepreneurial community with significant exposure, training, mentorship and networking opportunities.

“Over the past five years, the ABH Prize Competition has seen growth and increased participation from critical demographics, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity. This year, we are thrilled to recognize the exceptional talent and potential of the top 50 Finalists, who embody the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of our continent.  As these entrepreneurs lead the way toward a brighter future for Africa and beyond, we’re proud to highlight their innovative achievements. At the same time, we look forward to the continued impact of ABH in empowering African entrepreneurs and driving positive change across the continent,” said Zahra Baitie- Boateng, Managing Director, Africa, Africa’s Business Heroes Initiative.

Expanding Reach and Inclusivity

The 2024 call for applications received submissions from all corners of Africa, demonstrating the continent’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Notably, female applicants reached 39%, surpassing the five-year average of 30% and North African representation increased from the five-year average of 5% to 9%.

Building on this momentum, the 2024 ABH top 50 represents a diverse spectrum, encompassing 14 sectors across 18 countries, with 40% female and 20% francophone representation. Agriculture remains the most prominent sector, alongside strong showings in Education and Healthcare, continuing trends from previous years. This diversity among finalists mirrors the broad range of applicants, underscoring ABH’s commitment to inclusivity. Increased participation across regions and demographics reflects a growing cadre of changemakers making significant local and global impacts.

Benefits for the Top 50 Finalists

Over the past five years, the ABH Prize Competition has seen growth and increased participation from critical demographics, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity

The top 50 Finalists will receive a range of benefits enhancing their entrepreneurial journey as they advance to the next stages of the competition. They will become members of the global ABH community, gaining access to a network of like-minded innovators. Additionally, they will benefit from ABH programs, designed to further develop their skills and business acumen. One of the first of these activities is the ABH Top 50 Virtual Bootcamp, where Finalists will participate in capacity-building workshops delivered by African business leaders and members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including ABH partners, judges, and Heroes.

The workshop sessions cover a range of essential topics. Dorcas Rutunda (https://apo-opa.co/3A5UhU8), Head of Expansion at ITM Africa Ltd. (www.ITM-Rwanda.com), will lead a session on building a winning team. Ozan Sonmez (https://apo-opa.co/3WrZv3Z), an ABH Judge, will discuss leveraging AI for business productivity. There will be a session offering insights on hacking growth through digital marketing. Business planning will be covered by Guillaume Darnaudet (https://apo-opa.co/4ftVipo), an entrepreneur and coach with GD Consulting. Additionally, there will be a session on investment readiness conducted by Founders Factory Africa (www.FoundersFactory.Africa).

Finalists will also receive extensive media exposure through press releases, articles, and media interviews which will amplify their business stories and successes.

2024: Highlighting Innovators and Enhancing Community

Over the years, ABH has showcased outstanding participants through traditional media and social media channels. This has included providing significant exposure to the top 10 Finalists via the ABH Show, which recounts their ABH journey and entrepreneurial stories through the pitch competition. This year, ABH continues to highlight the inspirational narratives behind past Finalists’ entrepreneurial journeys through its ‘Hero Stories’ series on social media.

ABH has also announced an upcoming community-building initiative, in recognition of the continent’s emergence as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence. In addition to its grant and other programs, ABH is set to further support trailblazing entrepreneurs reshaping industries and creating global impacts by launching hubs in major African cities, which will be announced soon.

The Top 50 Finalists will now advance to Round 2 of the ABH evaluation process. In August, the Top 20 Finalists will be announced and proceed to Cairo for the Semi-Finale after a rigorous due diligence process by PlusVC (https://Plus.VC). The Top 10 Finalists will then be revealed in September and pitch at the Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda in early December.

For details about this year’s 2024 ABH top 50 participants, please visit: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org.

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

Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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