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Thank you for your interest in joining the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes Grand finale PHYSICALLY at Kigali, Rwanda. Kindly note that seating is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Powering Small Shops — Turning Point of Sale Into Profit Engines
Uzapoint equips African SMEs with smart, localized digital tools and embedded financing that transform manual business processes into intelligent systems. The platform enhances accountability, streamlines operations, and unlocks growth capital for small enterprises while turning guesswork into data-driven informed decisions powered by A.I. Founded in 2020, the platform serves over 3,500 businesses, across 7 markets and has supported SMEs to unlock more than $150,000 in SME financing. Uzapoint strengthens the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by expanding access to credit and job creation, enabling SMEs to contribute effectively to economic development, with plans to scale into additional African markets and enhance platform features.
Where Health Meets Code — Digitizing Clinical Research in Africa
nuvoteQ is a South African health-tech venture transforming how clinical research is conducted through its cutting-edge Electronic Research Record (ERR) solutions. Founded in 2015, the company’s flagship platforms - Nukleus , Safetybase , and Kronus - streamline research data management, enhance patient safety, and optimize clinical trial workflows. By eliminating the inefficiencies of paper-based processes, nuvoteQ enables faster, more reliable, and more transparent research outcomes. Trusted by over 400 research centres and managing more than 1.5 million patient records globally, nuvoteQ is not only driving the digital transformation of healthcare but also helping to attract global clinical research investment to Africa. This growing digital infrastructure is unlocking new opportunities for medical innovation on the continent—accelerating the development of life-saving treatments and ensuring that the patients who need them most gain access sooner. With plans to expand into new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and continue advancing healthcare technology, nuvoteQ is redefining what’s possible where health meets code.
From Farm to Market — Streamlining Food Supply Chains Across East Africa
Kilimo Fresh is an agritech platform that connects smallholder farmers to B2B buyers and retailers through digital logistics solutions. By improving supply chain efficiency, the company reduces post-harvest losses by 40%, ensures fair pricing, and provides consistent access to quality produce. Kilimo Fresh currently serves 2,500+ retailers and impacts 2,200+ farmers across Tanzania. With 45 employees, Kilimo Fresh is on a mission to strengthen food systems, empower farmers, and expand operations to Dodoma and Zanzibar, while scaling cold-chain logistics and digital tools to enhance agricultural efficiency nationwide.
Feeding Fish, Fueling Futures — Turning Waste into Protein Gold.
NovFeed is a biotech startup that transforms agricultural waste into sustainable, affordable fish feed and biofertilizers. Its products reduce feed costs by up to 40% and increase yields by 45%, making aquaculture and farming more productive and climate-smart in Tanzania. Serving over 1,300 farmers through a network of Local Service Providers, NovFeed advances food security and rural economic empowerment. The company plans to scale production, expand into Kenya and Uganda, and grow its network to 600 service providers by 2027.
Smart Supply, Seamless Kitchens — Powering Egyptian Food Service Economy.
Suplyd is building the digital backbone for restaurant supply chains, streamlining backend operations for small and medium-sized businesses. The platform offers transparent pricing, financing solutions, and access to reliable fulfillment, helping restaurants save costs and operate more efficiently. Suplyd strengthens local food ecosystems by reducing inefficiencies and supporting SME growth, with plans to expand into marketing tools, cash management solutions, and broader supplier infrastructure.
Fueling Dreams — Expanding Access to Finance for Underserved Communities
Fortune Credit Limited is a Kenyan microfinance institution empowering underserved communities, including farmers, traders, and women entrepreneurs. Founded in 2014, the company combines digital financial services with community outreach to deliver collateral-free loans, insurance, and tech-enabled support. With 106 employees and over 30,000 active clients, Fortune Credit drives financial inclusion, supports green energy adoption, and strengthens livelihoods. The company is on a mission to reach 1,000,000 clients, expand its digital lending platforms, and scale insurance coverage across Kenya to enhance economic resilience.
Health without a step - Revolutionizing healthcare in Africa.
Waspito is a social healthcare network designed to be a one-stop platform for all healthcare needs. It offers discussion forums, online consultations, lab requests, and more, making quality healthcare services more accessible and integrated for patients. Founded in 2020, the platform serves 850,000 users and 100,000 paying clients, offering remote consultations, lab tests, and preventive care. Waspito improves healthcare affordability and access, reduces hospital wait times, and combats health misinformation, with plans to expand across Africa and integrate AI-driven diagnostic and engagement tools.
Inclusive Textiles — Stitching Economic Empowerment for Young Women
Rwandan garment and textile manufacturing company founded to empower women and youth through industrial textile training and job creation. The factory has introduced large scale garment production with a capacity of over 10,000 pieces per day, and is pioneering apparel that is 100% made in Rwanda. By developing the entire value chain – from raw cotton and fabric production to garment manufacturing and distribution – DIKAM is building a sustainable Rwanda textile industry.
Feeding the Future — Nutritious Baby Food Made in Africa, for Africa
Le Lionceau is a Senegalese social enterprise driving food systems transformation by turning Africa’s forgotten and lost crops into nutritious, locally made baby food. Founded in 2019, the company preserves Africa’s culinary heritage while working with smallholder farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and create economic opportunities for women across the food value chain. By producing and distributing high-quality infant foods, Le Lionceau improves nutrition and access to healthy diets through supermarkets, online platforms, and community-based rural networks. As it scales up industrial production and strengthens partnerships with governments through health centers and school meal programs, Le Lionceau is building one of West Africa’s largest baby food hubs, with a pan-African vision to transform how the continent nourishes its children while building the health and resilience of future generations.
Your Journey, Digitized — Making Transport Seamless Across Africa.
BuuPass is a Kenya-based digital mobility company providing integrated ticketing and payment solutions for long-distance transport across Africa. With 52 staff across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa & Nigeria, BuuPass supports over 120 bus operators and sells 10,000 train tickets daily—powering 90% of Kenya’s government trains. The platform aggregates 400+ airlines and integrates with 20+ banks and telcos, including VodaPay, MTN, and M-Pesa. It also powers corporate travel for partners like Old Mutual Bank. By digitizing intercity transport, BuuPass is improving access to reliable, affordable travel and driving digital transformation across the continent.
Alexander Odhiambo is a visionary technology leader and entrepreneur redefining how Africa's FMCG and distribution sectors leverage data and automation for growth. As the CEO and Co-founder of Solutech, a Nairobi-based technology company, he has spearheaded the transformation of field sales operations and retail visibility across the continent.
In 2025, Alexander distinguished himself as one of Africa's Business Heroes, placing third among more than 27,000 entrepreneurs across Africa, a testament to his relentless pursuit of scalable innovation. He has also been honored as one of Kenya's Top 40 Under 40, recognized for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the country's digital economy.
Since founding Solutech in 2014, Alexander has led the company's evolution from a one-client startup to a continent-wide technology partner serving over 120 enterprise clients and empowering more than 6,000 active users across 12 African countries.
Amadou Daffe is the CEO and Co-founder of Gebeya, Inc., a Pan-African technology company transforming Africa's service economy. Born from witnessing talented African service providers struggle with inadequate tools rather than lack of skill, Amadou co-founded Gebeya in 2016 with an audacious mission: to prove that "African-made" means "excellence."
Under Amadou's leadership, Gebeya has evolved from addressing Africa's tech talent shortage to building the complete operating system for Africa's service economy. His vision extends beyond traditional marketplace solutions: Gebeya now operates as "Shopify + WhatsApp + AI agents," built BY Africans, FOR Africans.
Amadou's approach is deeply rooted in understanding that Africa doesn't have a talent problem. It has a tools problem. Through Gebeya's comprehensive ecosystem, he's empowering millions of service providers across the continent to compete globally, transforming individual struggles into collective strength.
His bold 2030 vision positions Africa's service economy to reach $1 trillion annually, with millions of entrepreneurs building 7-figure businesses. For Amadou, every transaction through Gebeya's platform represents defiance against outdated narratives about Africa's capabilities.
Ayo Arikawe is the Co-Founder of ThriveAgric, a fast-growing agricultural technology company that is passionate about ensuring food security and productivity in Africa by empowering smallholder farmers through its flagship proprietary product; Agricultural Operating System (AOS).
To date, ThriveAgric has partnered with several organizations to unlock over $200m in financing for farmers; working with over 1million farmers across 5 African countries.
Ayo serves as a mentor to Google Launchpad, was top 10 African Business Heroes by the African Business Heroes, and was the winner of the 2022 Visa Everywhere Initiative.
Clare Akamanzi is the CEO of NBA Africa , appointed in December 2023. An accomplished business executive and international trade lawyer, she oversees the NBA’s business and basketball development across Africa, driving growth for the NBA , Basketball Africa League (BAL) , and related initiatives in media, partnerships, and youth development.
Before joining the NBA, Clare served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for six years, where she led major reforms and global partnerships that accelerated Rwanda’s economic transformation, including collaborations with the BAL, Arsenal FC, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern Munich, and TIME Magazine.
She previously held senior roles in the Rwandan government and represented Rwanda at the World Trade Organization and in London .
Clare holds degrees from Harvard University , University of Pretoria , and Makerere University , and serves on several boards including the WHO Foundation and ECOBANK . She was named one of Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women in 2020.
Ethel Mupambwa is a visionary entrepreneur and governance leader with over a decade of experience in driving inclusive finance, digital innovation, and institutional transformation across Africa.
She is the Founder and Group CEO of MoneyMart Finance, a leading fintech-driven microfinance institution that has expanded across Zimbabwe, Zambia and being introduced in regional markets. Her groundbreaking work in financial inclusion has earned her continental recognition, including being the only Zimbabwean to ever place as 2nd runner-up 2020 in the prestigious Africa Business Heroes Competition.
Ethel currently serves on several boards including the Zimbabwe Association of Microfinance Institutions (ZAMFI) and Beyond Borders Logistics, where she is Chairperson. She also sits on the Advisory Bench of Kwangu Trust, through which she was appointed to the Presidential Title Deeds Programme Task Force, a strategic national initiative supporting the formalization of informal settlements in Zimbabwe.
A champion of women’s economic empowerment and ethical leadership, who is leading MoneyMart’s internal AI strategy to enhance credit scoring, fraud detection, and customer behavior analytics. She brings a unique blend of operational depth, policy insight, and visionary thinking making her a valuable contributor to boards seeking innovation, compliance, and national impact.
Jess Roussos is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BluLever Education, a pioneering artisan training institution reshaping vocational education in Africa. She is passionate about human capital development, building high-impact learning cultures, and scaling education startups that drive systemic change.
With expertise in marketing, sales, human capital, and entrepreneurship, Jess has played a key role in developing BluLever’s innovative trade training approach.
She holds a BA Hons in Literature and Psychology from Wits University, a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia, and an MBA from ALU's School of Business. Jess is committed to elevating vocational training and empowering artisans to build sustainable careers in Africa’s evolving economy.
Naa Ashorkor is an accomplished media professional with over a decade of experience in media, communications, and theatre production. With degrees in Law, Journalism, and a Master’s in Public Relations, she combines analytical depth with strong communication skills.
She currently hosts TV3 New Day , Ghana’s leading morning show, where she drives national discussions on governance and civic engagement. Naa has moderated and hosted major events across Africa, including the Africa’s Business Heroes Summit in Kigali, the Standard Chartered Investment Forum , and Ghana’s Independence Day Presidential Ball .
With a following of over 2.4 million , she uses her platform to advocate for mental health , STEM education , and support for vulnerable groups . Passionate about fitness and hiking, Naa believes in balancing purpose and challenge — values that define her authenticity and leadership both on and off screen.
Wandia Gichuru is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group (www.vivofashiongroup.com), a retailing clothing business that she co-founded in 2011 and that now includes Shop Zetu (www.shopzetu.com), a multi-brand e-commerce marketplace dedicated to fashion, beauty and accessory brands launched in 2020.
Vivo is East Africa’s fastest growing locally designed and locally manufactured fashion business. Vivo brands (Vivo Woman, Safari & Zoya) are known for being stylish yet comfortable and affordable. Vivo currently runs 30 stores: 27 across Kenya, 1 in Rwanda and 2 in Uganda. Vivo brands are also available online and via partner boutiques in the US.
Shop Zetu hosts over 300 local and international fashion brands and was the Gold Winner of the Kenyan E-commerce Fashion Awards in 2021, 2022, 2023 and again in 2024.
Prior to starting Vivo, Wandia spent over 15 years as international development adviser and held positions with the UK government, the UN and the World Bank. In addition to running Vivo Fashion Group, Wandia is also a certified life coach and business mentor.
She is passionate about changing the way Africa is seen and sees itself through strengthening African brands, talent and creativity, and developing partnerships across Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world. She is particularly keen on creating economic opportunities and transforming lives through fashion and entrepreneurship.
Violet Awo Amoabeng is the Founder and CEO of Skin Gourmet, a Ghana-based company producing edible-grade skincare from wild-harvested ingredients. She launched the business in 2014 with US $45 and has grown distribution to 30+ countries, serving over 150,000 customers.
Skin Gourmet’s operations support 9,000+ jobs, about half in rural communities. The company delivers a 100 percent income premium to its women shea producers, benefiting more than 565 household members.
The company runs a zero-waste model that keeps roughly 1 ton of waste out of landfill each year and avoids about 5 metric tons of CO₂ annually. Its refill program cuts packaging per product by 20 percent and is on track to eliminate up to 15,000 units a year by 2026.
In partnership with Mukuru Clean Stoves, Skin Gourmet is deploying 5,000 clean cook-stoves over five years. Each stove prevents about 1.5 tons of CO₂ and saves 1 ton of fuel-wood per year, improving indoor air quality for households.
Recent recognition includes being named Skincare Brand of the Year at the Ghana Beauty Awards 2025. Violet holds an MBA and is currently completing a Master’s in Sustainability at Webster University, Leiden Campus.
Charlot is a 2022 Earthshot Prize Winner! Orphaned at the age of 10, she grew up in Mukuru, one of the biggest slums in Nairobi, and became a mother at age 16. Charlot was moved to provide safer cooking technologies for her community when her daughter got burned by a traditional stove and has dedicated her time, skills, and experience fighting household air pollution, Energy poverty and Malaria.
Her organization, Mukuru Clean Stoves, has manufactured and distributed over 700,000 life saving cookstoves, impacting the lives of 3.5 Million Africans living in poverty and just launched the first in the world, patented mosquito repellent fuel.
She has been recognized and awarded by Global Citizen, World Bank, United Nations. She is one of the 100 most influential Young Africans and was named a Forbes Sustainability Leader and Independent Climate 100 in 2024. Charlot is an Echoing Green Fellow, Schmidt Futures Fellow, Africa Business Hero, Global Good Fund Fellow, Stanford Global Energy Hero, Cartier Fellow, Forbes under 30 lister, Forbes Africa Youth Icon, One young World Entrepreneur of the year, Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awardee and a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst.
She sits on the board of three international funds and William, the Prince of Wales proudly calls her the queen of Africa!
Nthabiseng Mosia is a trailblazing African social entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Easy Solar, a West African energy company that distributes and finances solar solutions for those with limited access to the grid. Since 2016, Easy Solar has powered over 1 million people, while creating jobs for more than 1,000 in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A dual South African-Ghanaian citizen, Nthabi is deeply Pan-African and passionate about energy as a driver of inclusive development, with her work being recognized globally. She was named an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur by the World Economic Forum (2019), Forbes Africa Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year (2020), inaugural Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst (2021) and an ABH Top 10 finalist in 2023. She has spoken on major global platforms, including President Biden’s inaugural Leaders Summit on Climate.
Mohamed Ali is the founder and CEO of iLock, an Egyptian company specializing in the design and manufacturing of innovative electrical safety products. With a background in aerospace engineering, Mohamed transitioned into product innovation after identifying a critical gap in household electrical safety. His journey began with a single patented idea, which later evolved into a portfolio of global patents and a manufacturing operation producing millions of units annually. iLock’s products are now sold across multiple international markets, gaining recognition for safety, durability, and practical design. Mohamed’s approach focuses on integrating user feedback, local manufacturing excellence, and continuous R&D to build products that solve real problems at scale. He has secured licensing partnerships, expanded export networks, and developed a strong brand recognized for innovation in the electrical industry. Mohamed’s work aims to prove that high-quality, globally competitive products can be imagined, designed, and manufactured from Egypt to the world.
Alp Tilev is the Co-Founder and President/CTO of Ampersand, Africa’s leading electric motorcycle and battery-swapping network. With a background in software engineering and product development, he has led Ampersand’s growth from a small R&D effort into a scaling energy and mobility platform.
Alp began his career in natural language processing and machine learning at Fast Search before joining Microsoft as a developer evangelist, working closely with high-growth start-ups and innovation teams. In 2015, he moved to Rwanda to work in renewable energy systems, where he witnessed firsthand the economic and infrastructural challenges facing transport operators across East Africa.
In 2019, Alp co-founded Ampersand to address the rising demand for low-cost, low-emission transport. He led the design of Ampersand’s smart battery platform and swap network, ensuring that electric motorcycles deliver immediate financial benefits to drivers while maintaining reliability, safety, and performance. Under his leadership, Ampersand has built local manufacturing capacity in Kigali, formed key commercial and conservation partnerships, and demonstrated a scalable model for clean transport infrastructure.
Today, Ampersand operates thousands of vehicles and battery swaps across the region, with plans to expand into new markets. Alp advocates for enabling policy, industry collaboration, and long-term investment to accelerate Africa’s transition to electric mobility. He believes that locally-built energy networks can unlock new economic opportunity while reducing emissions at scale.