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The organisers say more than 12,000 applications were received from all 54 countries in Africa for consideration in 2021 and that 'the finalists were chosen after several rounds of rigorous evaluation conducted by over 230 judges. They were selected after demonstrating that they are visionary entrepreneurs who embodied innovation, resilience, growth potential and impact on Africa'.

Africa’s Business Heroes Competition Announces Winners

By Abdi Ali
Published November 20, 2021

The organisers say more than 12,000 applications were received from all 54 countries in Africa for consideration in 2021 and that 'the finalists were chosen after several rounds of rigorous evaluation conducted by over 230 judges. They were selected after demonstrating that they are visionary entrepreneurs who embodied innovation, resilience, growth potential and impact on Africa'.An initiative that helps in fostering inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa has announced its top 10 winners.

The top three winners of the 3rd annual Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) have come from Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria.They are:

  • 1st – winning US$300,000 – Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy, Founder, PraxiLabs (praxilabs.com, Egypt)
  • 2nd – winning US$250,000 – Ikenna Nzewi, Co-founder and CEO, Releaf (releaf.africa, Nigeria)
  • 3rd – winning US$150,000 – Navalayo Osembo-Ombati, Co-founder and CEO, Enda Athletic (EndaSportswear.com, Kenya)

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“I’m humbled to be named Africa’s Business Hero. This competition has been an incredible journey. I have learnt important lessons from each judge and from my fellow talented entrepreneurs. I hope that this win inspires many young Africans to believe, that we have what it takes to make an impact where we are. It has been a challenging year for many businesses, but challenges are key to build our resilience. PraxiLabs is solving pressing issues around education and training, and we will remain focused and determined to change how Africa learns and teaches science, one virtual lab at a time,” said Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy.

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The other 7 finalists who shall all receive US$100,000 in prize funding, and additional US$10,000 for a training programme to be hosted in Alibaba Group’s headquarters in Hangzhou, China, are:

  • Ghirmay Abraham, Founder, Aptech Africa (aptechafrica.com, Uganda)
  • Oghenetega Iortim, Founder, Gricd (Gricd.com, Nigeria)
  • Yvette Ishimwe, Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group (IRIBWaterGroup.com, Rwanda)
  • Charlot Magayi, Founder and CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves (mukurustoves.org, Kenya)
  • Chidi Nwaogu, Co-founder and CEO, Publiseer (Publiseer.net, Nigeria)
  • Violet Amoabeng, Founder and CEO, Skin Gourmet (SkinGourmet.com, Ghana)
  • Ketshephaone Jacob, Founder and CEO, The Bulb World, Botswana).

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The organisers say more than 12,000 applications were received from all 54 countries in Africa for consideration in 2021 and that ‘the finalists were chosen after several rounds of rigorous evaluation conducted by over 230 judges. They were selected after demonstrating that they are visionary entrepreneurs who embodied innovation, resilience, growth potential and impact on Africa’.

The judging panel comprised Ibukun Awosika, Founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group; Victor Williams, NBA Africa CEO; and Joe Tsai, Executive Vice Chairman of Alibaba Group.

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ABH is the initiative of Jack Ma Foundation that is sponsored by Alibaba Foundation. The competition, the organisers say, ‘shines a spotlight on talented African entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference in their communities and helping to build a more sustainable, inclusive future’.