The semi-finals of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2025, held in Dakar, Senegal, on September 10–11, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape. Drawing from an impressive pool of nearly 32,000 applications across Africa, the competition showcased the continent’s most innovative, resilient and impactful entrepreneurs.
After rigorous evaluation and competitive live pitches before a distinguished panel of judges, the top 10 finalists were announced, representing Africa’s diverse entrepreneurial talent and vision for sustainable growth.
Historic Moment for Senegal and West Africa
This year’s semi-finals were historic, as they marked the first time that ABH was hosted in a francophone country and specifically in Senegal. The choice of Dakar as the host city underscores Senegal’s rising prominence as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
With a GDP growth rate of 8.6% and its upcoming role as the host of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first on African soil, Dakar provided an inspiring backdrop for this high-stakes competition.
The event not only celebrated entrepreneurial excellence but also highlighted Senegal’s growing influence on the continent’s economic landscape.
Celebrating Diversity and Impact: The 2025 Top 10 Finalists
The finalists emerging from Dakar exemplify Africa’s entrepreneurial diversity, spanning sectors such as healthtech, agritech, fintech, foodtech and sustainability.
Among the distinguished group, Jean Lobe Lobe from Cameroon stood out as the sole finalist from Central Africa, representing West Africa’s vibrant healthtech sector through his telemedicine platform, Waspito.
From Senegal, Siny Samba’s innovative infant nutrition startup, Le Lionceau, captured attention by addressing critical food security issues and improving child health outcomes. Her success underscores the growing prominence of Senegalese entrepreneurs in shaping Africa’s social development.
Representing East Africa, Wyclife Onyango from Kenya with BuuPass is revolutionizing transportation with digital ticketing solutions, while Janet Kuteli, also from Kenya, is making strides in microfinance through Fortune Credit Limited.
Tanzania’s Mukasahaha Diane and Diana Orembe from Tanzania have made notable advances in agritech and biotech, focusing on women and youth empowerment through their respective ventures, DIKAM Ltd and NovFeed.
Other finalists from the continent include Abrahama Mbuthia of Kenya, who is leveraging SME tech to support small and medium enterprises, as well as Gohar Said from Egypt with Supplyd, an innovative platform in FoodTech and supply chain logistics.
South Africa’s Adriaan Kruger has impressed the judges with his healthtech solutions via nuvoteQ.
West Africa’s Rising Stars
West Africa’s influence is particularly evident in the finalists’ lineup. Senegal’s Siny Samba from Le Lionceau exemplifies the region’s innovative capacity to tackle food and health challenges.
Her project aims to improve infant nutrition, addressing a critical gap in the region’s health sector. Additionally, Cameroon’s Jean Lobe Lobe from Waspito represents West Africa’s expanding healthtech sector, offering telemedicine solutions that improve access to healthcare services in underserved regions.
Their progress to the finals highlights West Africa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and its potential to drive impactful change across the continent.
Insights from Leadership and the Road Ahead
Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director of ABH, expressed pride in the finalists’ accomplishments.
She emphasized the diversity and resilience of the entrepreneurs, stating, “Our Top 10 Finalists embody the best of African entrepreneurship—visionary leaders building bold, scalable businesses that create meaningful social and environmental impact.
“Their journeys showcase the ingenuity, grit and diversity of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, from healthtech and agritech to fintech, education, and sustainability.
“We are thrilled to see them advance to Kigali for the Grand Finale, where they will not only compete for funding but also inspire millions across the continent with their stories of resilience and innovation.”
The Grand Finale in Kigali
The top 10 finalists will now prepare for the grand culmination of the competition, the 7th ABH Grand Finale scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, on December 12–13, 2025. During this prestigious event, they will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding.
The ultimate winner will be awarded US$300,000, with all finalists receiving a minimum of US$100,000, alongside mentorship, storytelling opportunities and access to a global network of investors and partners.
This platform not only provides financial support but also amplifies their stories and fosters connections that can accelerate their ventures.
A Continent Brimming With Entrepreneurial Talent
The semi-finals in Dakar have reaffirmed Africa’s position as a continent brimming with entrepreneurial talent and innovative solutions.
With finalists from across the region, including Senegal and Cameroon, representing West Africa’s dynamic startup scene, the competition highlights Africa’s potential to lead in sectors vital for sustainable development.
As the finalists gear up for the Kigali grand finale, the continent eagerly awaits the next chapter in these entrepreneurs’ journeys, confident that they will continue to drive impactful change and inspire future generations.
Interested entrepreneurs and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and registration details for the upcoming grand finale by signing up for the Africa’s Business Heroes newsletter.
The future of African enterprise is bright, and the contenders from Dakar are proof of the continent’s relentless pursuit of growth, innovation, and social impact.
