The winners of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2021 were announced during a virtual live Grand Finale, with the top 10 finalists receiving US$1.5 million in grant cash.
The Jack Ma Foundation’s primary charitable program, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), aims to promote an inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.
The annual competition, now in its third year, highlights brilliant African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and contributing to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive future.
This year’s event had over 12,000 applications, and it took 230 judges more than seven months to choose the ten finalists, who were unveiled this week in a live-streamed grand finale.
PraxiLabs founder Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy was the winner, taking home $300,000 to develop the virtual 3D science lab platform, which allows students with little means to conduct scientific experiments.
“I hope that our victory inspires many young Africans to feel that we can make a difference wherever we are,” Elbedweihy remarked.
The following are the top 10 African Business Heroes for 2021:
1st Place – $300,000 – Khadija Mohamed Elbedweihy – Founder, PraxiLabs (Egypt)
2nd Place– $250,000 – Ikenna Nzewi – Co-founder and CEO, Releaf (Nigeria)
3rd Place– $150,000 – Navalayo Osembo-Ombati – Co-founder and CEO, Enda Athletic (Kenya)
Ghirmay Abraham – Founder, Aptech Africa (Uganda)
Oghenetega Iortim – Founder, Gricd (Nigeria)
Yvette Ishimwe – Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group (Rwanda)
Charlot Magayi – Founder and CEO, Mukuru Clean Stoves (Kenya)
Chidi Nwaogu – Co-founder and CEO, Publiseer (Nigeria)
Violet Amoabeng – Founder and CEO, Skin Gourmet (Ghana)
Ketshephaone Jacob – Founder and CEO, The Bulb World (Botswana)
The Top 10 finalists come from seven African countries, with 80 percent of the finalists operating in rural regions and half of the finalists being women.
Visit the competition’s website for additional details.
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