from PHYLLIS BIRORI in Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda Bureau
KIGALI, (CAJ News) – AFRICA’S Business Heroes (ABH), the 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 gathering will convene over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across the continent and beyond for learning, collaboration, and celebration of African innovation.
The Grand Finale will showcase live pitches before a distinguished panel of judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances highlighting African creativity.
The event will conclude with the announcement of this year’s winners and the allocation of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.
This follows the 2025 Semi-Finals held in Dakar, Senegal, where 20 semi-finalists competed, resulting in the selection of the Top 10.
The 2025 Top 10 finalists represent diverse, future-driven sectors across the continent:
– Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) – Transport & Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
– Siny Samba (Senegal) – FoodTech & Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
– Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) – Textiles & Women’s Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
– Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) – AgriTech & Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
– Janet Kuteli (Kenya) – FinTech & Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
– Diana Orembe (Tanzania) – AgriTech & Biotech, NovFeed
– Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) – SME Tech & Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies
– Gohar Said (Egypt) – FoodTech & Supply Chain, Suplyd
– Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) – HealthTech, nuvoteQ
– Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) – HealthTech & Telemedicine, Waspito
According to Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, the finalists exemplify the continent’s entrepreneurial excellence and the spirit of innovation that ABH seeks to elevate.
Rwanda will host the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year—reflecting its growing prominence as a regional hub for business and innovation. Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB, emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and enabling opportunities for founders and investors.
Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 ABH Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, pitch competitions, and insights from influential leaders, including executives from Alibaba Philanthropy, NBA Africa, Vivo Fashion Group, and more.
Since its inception, ABH has supported 70 entrepreneurs with funding, training, and global exposure, while its programs have reached over 5,000 entrepreneurs and attracted more than 160,000 applicants. The 2025 event is made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies, RDB, and key regional partners dedicated to empowering Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
– CAJ News