I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) semi-finals, an experience that took me to Egypt for the first time—a land filled with timeless history, bustling streets, and inspiring founders from all over Africa.
As I landed in Cairo and looked out over the desert stretching as far as I could see, it struck me how different this place was from the lush, green landscapes of my home region near Mt. Kenya. Egypt, though, is a land of its own beauty and growth, with rapidly booming infrastructure and a vibrant culture filled with stories as old as time. Cairo, with its high population and rich history, welcomed us warmly. And let me tell you, the tip culture there is something else—you even tip in the bathrooms!
Our journey began with an incredible visit to some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Walking through the Royal Museum, seeing the history of the Hanging Church, and finally standing before the towering Pyramids of Giza were experiences that felt surreal. As someone who treasures faith, it was deeply moving to see these ancient sites mentioned in biblical history come alive before my eyes, reminding me of the rich spiritual and historical layers that have shaped this land and, in many ways, all of us.
The highlight of my trip, however, was meeting the other incredible ABH semi-finalists, each one a hero in their own right. I had the chance to connect with talented founders like Alexander Odhiambo of Solutech, Dennis Karema of Soko Fresh, Jihan Abbas of Lami, and Tesh Mbaabu of Chpter—all from Kenya. It felt wonderful to share this journey with them as fellow Kenyans, seeing how each of us is working to make a unique impact in Africa. I also had great engagements with founders like Adewale Yusuf from AltSchool, Clement from Aquantuo, Ethel from MoneyMart and Henri Ousmane (who, I swear, looks just like Samuel Eto'o!). Together, we were a diverse mix of founders, all there with the same goal: to share our visions and show how our businesses are impacting lives across the continent.
The pitching event was held at the Kamelizer Spaces, a fantastic venue that set the perfect tone for our presentations. Each of us shared our stories, our challenges, and the transformative potential we see in Africa. There was a sense of camaraderie and inspiration that filled the room—heroes from all over Africa, bound by a shared mission to uplift our communities through innovation and resilience.
The ABH team made our stay memorable, even organizing a stunning dinner cruise on the Nile. As we floated along this legendary river, with Cairo’s lights reflecting off the water, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience and the connections I made. The friendships, laughter, and support among us truly embodied the spirit of ABH—uniting and celebrating the diversity and potential of African entrepreneurship.
This trip wasn’t just about pitching or competing; it was a week of learning, connecting, and reflecting on the incredible journey of entrepreneurship. Egypt’s blend of ancient wonder and fast-paced modernity reminded me of the powerful blend of history and potential we have in Africa. I’m immensely grateful to the ABH team for their unwavering support and for bringing us together in such an unforgettable way.
To the top 10 who are moving forward to the finals in Kigali, you have my full support! You’re all true heroes, and I can’t wait to cheer you on in Rwanda. This journey doesn’t end here for any of us—it’s only the beginning.
Thank you, Egypt, for the memories. And to my fellow ABH finalists—let’s keep pushing forward, making a difference in every corner of our beloved continent.
About Collins Muriuki
Collins Muriuki is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Terra Softworks, a company revolutionizing digital financial services in Africa, which provides a Wallet-as-a-Service platform that centralizes payment solutions, identity verification, and loans, supporting over 5 million mobile wallets across 25 countries. His initiatives demonstrate a focus on leveraging technology for social impact, such as enhancing tea supply chain transparency and enabling financial inclusivity for smallholder farmers. He has received accolades like Business Daily's Top 40 Under 40 and recognition from The Founder Africa for his entrepreneurial achievements.
