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Meet the Top 10 Heroes: Africa’s Business Heroes Gears for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali

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5 months ago

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ABH

The two-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond for learning, networking, and collaboration in celebration of African entrepreneurship and innovation

KIGALI, Rwanda, November 19, 2025/APO Group/ –The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, will host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12–13 December 2025 in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),

 

The two-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond for learning, networking, and collaboration in celebration of African entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony will feature live pitches before a panel of esteemed judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances celebrating African creativity and innovation — culminating in the announcement of this year’s winners and the awarding of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.

The 2025 ABH Grand Finale follows the 7th ABH Semi-Finals, which was held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025. The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists after two days of live pitches and evaluation in Dakar.

Representing diverse sectors that are shaping Africa’s future, the 2025 Top 10 finalists are:

  1. Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4o7wk2b) – Transport and Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
  2. Siny Samba (Senegal) (https://apo-opa.co/3JLlhh0) – FoodTech and Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
  3. Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) (https://apo-opa.co/4nZbeml) – Textiles and Women’s Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
  4. Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/4r8N7o5) – AgriTech and Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
  5. Janet Kuteli (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4r6I8UT) – FinTech and Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
  6. Diana Orembe (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/3X4fR3y) – AgriTech and Biotech, NovFeed
  7. Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma5IzZ) – SME Tech and Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies Limited
  8. Gohar Said (Egypt) (https://apo-opa.co/3KbGdxJ) – FoodTech and Supply Chain, Suplyd
  9. Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/47OPvZJ) – HealthTech and Digital Solutions, nuvoteQ
  10. Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) (https://apo-opa.co/3X0W70P) – HealthTech and Telemedicine, Waspito

 

Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability

“Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, Africa’s Business Heroes. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth, and we are excited to see them take the stage to share their stories and ideas with a pan-African audience. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent’s future, today.”

As a longstanding partner, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) continues its collaboration with Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), with Rwanda once again hosting the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year — a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a home of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

“We are delighted to host the 7th Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “This partnership with Africa’s Business Heroes reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent. Rwanda is proud to host the Grand Finale for the third time, reaffirming our position as a hub for business and innovation in Africa. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities that advance sustainable growth across the continent.”

The 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale

Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions celebrating visionary entrepreneurs driving Africa’s transformation. Confirmed speakers include Mr. Lijun Sun (Chair of the board, Alibaba Foundation, President, Alibaba Philanthropy), Mrs. Juliana Muganza (Deputy CEO, RDB), and industry leaders such as Clare Akamanzi (CEO, NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (Founder of House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute), Wandia Gichuru (CEO, Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (Journalist and Theatre Producer).

The Grand Finale will also bring together a distinguished panel of global business leaders and innovators, including Dr. Diane Karusisi (CEO, Bank of Kigali), and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (CEO, The Chair Centre Group)

A Pan-African Platform for Partnership

Now in its seventh edition, ABH continues to champion inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. Since its inception, it has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and provided them with training and global exposure, helping them scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Through its training programs such as ABH ScaleUp, ABH has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to date attracting over 160,000 applicants.

The 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The event is supported by key sponsors— Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, whose partnership helps amplify the reach and impact of African entrepreneurship. ABH also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its Outreach Partners, including Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa, who play a critical role in connecting ABH to vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent. Together, these partners reflect the collective effort driving ABH’s mission to inspire, support, and celebrate Africa’s business heroes.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players are invited to learn more and register to attend the ABH Summit and Grand Finale via https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.

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

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Canada–Africa Financing Forum to Convene Investors and Decision-Makers in Cape Town – May 14, 2026

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13 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

By

Ateau Zola

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships

TORONTO, Canada, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) will convene investors, financiers, policymakers, and industry leaders in Cape Town on May 14, 2026 for the Canada–Africa Financing Forum—a high-level platform focused on unlocking capital and accelerating deal flow across African markets.

Registration is open (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships. The program connects leaders from venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors to examine where capital is moving—and where the next opportunities lie—supported by Canadian project partners with proven capacity to deliver on-the-ground.

Delegates will engage directly with finance and investment decision-makers, following the program opening, featuring messages from President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Mark Carney, in addition to high-level Ministerial representation.

This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation

“This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business. “We are convening investors, institutions, and project leaders who are actively shaping transactions across Africa—and connecting them directly with Canadian partners who are ready to work together.”

The Canada–Africa Financing Forum reflects the Chamber’s role as a privately financed, market-led platform advancing Canada-Africa trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.

Why Attend

  • Direct access to active dealmakers and capital allocators
  • Insights into where capital is being deployed and key players delivering major projects
  • Opportunities to build partnerships across Canada and African markets
  • Participation in a curated, high-level environment focused on execution

Secure Your Place

Space is limited and demand is strong.

Apply to secure your place (http://apo-opa.co/4vXb9oz)

Read More and View the Program (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

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ORUN and 1xBET Partner to Support a Dynamic Creative Africa

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19 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

By

MIR Holding

During the MASA 2026 edition, held from April 11 to 18, 2026, ORUN and 1xBET implemented the We Champion Talent program, an initiative aimed at promoting African talent and advancing the development of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs)

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 28, 2026/APO Group/ –As part of the Innovation Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa) announces the rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the continent.

We aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an economic driver for the continent.

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure, and internationalize African creative industries through events, content, and strategic partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

 

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MIR Holding Reaffirms Its Commitment to African Creative Industries Alongside ORUN at Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain d’Abidjan (MASA) 2026

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19 hours ago

on

April 29, 2026

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MIR Holding

More than event support, this partnership reflects a commitment to backing platforms capable of structuring value chains, increasing the visibility of talent, and fostering the emergence of strong African creative infrastructures

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, April 28, 2026/APO Group/ –On the occasion of MASA 2026, held from April 11 to 18 in Abidjan, MIR Holding (https://MIRHolding.odoo.com) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of African creative industries by partnering with ORUN as part of the Innovation Village, hosted at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan. This presence reflects a clear intention to support the scaling of cultural and creative industries so they can fully contribute to job creation and value generation across the continent.

 

Co-organized by ORUN and MASA, the Innovation Village brought together over several days scenography designed by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses dedicated to creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a key institutional highlight on April 17.

At MIR Holding, we believe that Africa’s future will also be shaped by its ability to structure its narratives, its talent, and its creative value chains

Built around three pillars — memory, structure, and transmission — the initiative carried a renewed ambition for culture: positioning it as a concrete lever for economic structuring and African projection.

By supporting this initiative, MIR Holding aligns with a broader dynamic aimed at strengthening connections between creation, entrepreneurship, content, youth, and growth ecosystems. More than event support, this partnership reflects a commitment to backing platforms capable of structuring value chains, increasing the visibility of talent, and fostering the emergence of strong African creative infrastructures. MIR Holding stands among the main partners of the Village, alongside Africa Currency Network and other stakeholders engaged in this vision.

“With ORUN, we are not only seeking to make culture visible. We aim to help provide it with a framework, a reach, and a trajectory. What is at stake here is the continent’s ability to better transform its creative energy into sustainable value, real opportunities, and influence,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

Mouhamed Dieng, President of MIR Holding, added: “Supporting Africa’s creative industries is not about backing a secondary sector. It is about investing in one of the continent’s most powerful spaces for storytelling, youth, innovation, and competitiveness. At MIR Holding, we believe that Africa’s future will also be shaped by its ability to structure its narratives, its talent, and its creative value chains.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MIR Holding.

 

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