The winners of the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, an initiative backed by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, have been announced.
The Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, celebrated the Top 10 finalists, selected from nearly 20,000 applicants to compete for a share of the $1.5 million prize.
Under the theme “AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact,” they pitched their businesses to a live audience and a distinguished judging panel, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali and Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre, who were joined by Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies. The event culminated in the awards ceremony, where the winners were unveiled.
Meet The Winners
Out of nearly 20,000 applicants from across Africa, ten finalists emerged victorious, sharing a total prize pool of US$1.5 million. However, three entrepreneurs stood out, securing the top prizes:
- Henri Ousmane Gueye (Senegal) – Co-founder & CEO of EYONE
🥇 Grand Prize Winner | Award: US$300,000
EYONE, a pioneering digital health platform, is transforming healthcare accessibility in Senegal. The company is revolutionizing healthcare efficiency and improving patient outcomes through digital medical records and patient-centred solutions. - Dr. Salma Bougarrani (Morocco) – Co-founder & CEO of GREEN WATECH
🥈 Second Place | Award: US$250,000
GREEN WATECH specializes in sustainable water treatment solutions. By offering eco-friendly technologies, Dr. Bougarrani and her team are addressing water scarcity challenges across Africa, ensuring clean water access for communities and industries. - Alexander Odhiambo (Kenya) – Founder & CEO of Solutech Limited
🥉 Third Place | Award: US$150,000
Solutech Limited is enhancing business operations through digital solutions. Focused on data-driven decision-making, the company provides software solutions that streamline sales, distribution, and customer relationship management for African businesses.
The 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition
With another successful year in the books, the ABH Prize Competition has already opened applications for its 2025 edition. African entrepreneurs with bold ideas and scalable business models are encouraged to apply for a chance to join the prestigious League of Business Heroes and compete for a share of the US$1.5 million grant.
Visit Africa Business Heroes for more details on how to apply.
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