Africa’s Business Heroes Confirms 2025 Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali

Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is preparing for one of its most influential gatherings as Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, announces that its 7th Summit and Grand Finale will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 12–13 December 2025. The event is being organised in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

More than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, and ecosystem players from across the continent and beyond are expected to attend the two-day celebration of innovation, collaboration, and business leadership.

A Showcase of Africa’s Leading Innovators

The Grand Finale will feature live pitch sessions, immersive stage experiences, and performances designed to reflect the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit powering Africa’s growth. Finalists will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding, marking one of the continent’s most significant support platforms for emerging business leaders.

This year’s finale follows a highly competitive semi-final staged for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, in September 2025. After two days of rigorous pitching and evaluation, judges selected the Top 10 finalists, representing ventures that are reshaping Africa’s economic and social landscape.

The 2025 finalists include entrepreneurs from agritech, foodtech, textiles, fintech, healthtech, biotech, supply chain innovation, and SME digital solutions:

• Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) – BuuPass, Transport & Digital Ticketing

• Siny Samba (Senegal) – Le Lionceau, FoodTech & Infant Nutrition

• Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) – DIKAM Ltd, Textiles & Women’s Empowerment

• Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) – Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa, AgriTech & Food Security

• Janet Kuteli (Kenya) – Fortune Credit Limited, FinTech & Microfinance

• Diana Orembe (Tanzania) – NovFeed, AgriTech & Biotech

• Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) – Uzapoint Technologies, SME Digital Tools

• Gohar Said (Egypt) – Suplyd, FoodTech & Supply Chain Innovation

• Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) – nuvoteQ, HealthTech & Digital Solutions

• Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) – Waspito, HealthTech & Telemedicine

“These finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director for ABH. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a powerful celebration of innovation and the potential of African founders to define the continent’s future.”

Kigali’s Growing Reputation as an Innovation Hub

Rwanda’s ongoing role as host underscores its emergence as a regional centre for business and technology. This marks the third consecutive year that Kigali will welcome the ABH Grand Finale.

“We are delighted to host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board. “Our partnership with ABH reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship across Africa. This platform gives investors, founders, and business leaders space to connect, learn, and drive sustainable growth for the continent.”

Spotlight on Africa’s Future Leaders

Held under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature masterclasses, fireside chats, and interactive sessions led by prominent global and African business leaders. Confirmed speakers include:

• Mr. Lijun Sun, Chair of the Board, Alibaba Foundation & President, Alibaba Philanthropy

• Mrs. Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO, RDB

• Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa

• Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara

• Wandia Gichuru, CEO, Vivo Fashion Group

• Naa Ashorkor, Journalist & Theatre Producer

Grand Finale judges include Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, global business leader and former Chair of First Bank of Nigeria.

Driving Impact Across Africa

Since its inception, ABH has backed 70 entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and global exposure. It has trained more than 5,000 entrepreneurs and attracted over 160,000 applicants from across the continent. Alumni continue to scale high-impact ventures in agribusiness, health, sustainability, education, fintech, and technology.

The 2025 Summit is supported by partners including Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, alongside outreach partners such as Hanga Pitchfest, Norrsken Africa, Impact Hub Kigali, ALU, CMU Africa, and Kepler College.

Registration Open

Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders interested in attending the 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale can register now via the official website: AfricaBusinessHeroes.org.