Mitchell Elegbe, CEO Interswitch
Mitchell Elegbe leads Interswitch Group, Africa’s first tech unicorn valued at $1 billion. He is a Bishop Desmond Tutu fellow of the African Leadership Institute who enjoys mentoring emergent African entrepreneurs.
Interswitch is an integrated digital payments and commerce company that facilitates the circulation of money across Africa. In 2019, VISA invested $200 million in Interswitch for a 20% stake. The company also plans to list an IPO next year.
Mostafa Kandil, Founder SWVL
In 2017, Mostafa, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh founded SWVL, an on-demand bus transportation company based in Cairo, Egypt. The company now operates along fixed routes in more than five African countries and Pakistan. SWVL is one of the disrupting bus sharing companies in the MENA region. The company raised $42 million in 2019, bringing its valuation to over $157 million.
Eric Hersman, CEO BRCK
Eric Hersman is the founder of BRCK, the Nairobi-based internet hardware and service startup. His wireless WiFi modems are designed to connect up to 100 devices to the internet.
Eric is also the co-founder of Ushahidi, free and open-source software for sourcing crisis information in Kenya. His afrigadget.com and whiteafrican.com online communities promote creative solutions and entrepreneurship development across Africa.
