Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) has selected the 10 entrepreneurs who will compete at the 2026 Grand Finale, bringing the competition closer to its final stage and creating a platform for businesses working on some of Africa’s key economic and social challenges.
The finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists following a competitive pitching round in Nairobi, Kenya. Representing eight African countries, the entrepreneurs are building businesses across industrial technology, agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, education, commerce technology and the circular economy.
Beyond the competition, the initiative is expected to have a wider impact by giving African businesses access to funding, training, visibility and networks that can help them grow. The finalists will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, in December to compete for a share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
The 10 Entrepreneurs Taking African Innovation to the Final
Ahmed Shaaban, Simplex CNC, Egypt, founded an industrial technology company that develops and manufactures computer numerical control (CNC) machinery and other manufacturing technologies. His business is focused on strengthening local manufacturing capacity by giving industrial businesses access to technology needed for production.
Appessika Adanin Laurent Koffi, Green Agro Valley CI, Côte d’Ivoire, is developing agricultural solutions through solar-powered irrigation and more efficient farming systems. The agritech company combines technology and renewable energy to support farmers, improve production and encourage more sustainable farming practices.
Gildas Zodome, BIO PHYTO, Benin, founded an agritech company producing organic agricultural inputs and fertilisers. Its work is aimed at supporting farmers with products that can improve soil and crop performance while offering a more sustainable approach to agricultural production.
Jess Roussos, BluLever Education, South Africa, founded an education technology company focused on vocational education and skills training. BluLever Education connects learning with practical employment opportunities, helping prepare people for skilled trades at a time when businesses need workers with technical and practical skills.
Joseph Paul, Dawa Mkononi, Tanzania, is using health technology to address pharmaceutical supply-chain challenges. His company works to improve access to medicines by making the movement and distribution of pharmaceutical products more efficient, recognising the important role that logistics plays in healthcare delivery.
Kelvin Umechukwu, Bumpa, Nigeria, founded a commerce technology company that provides small businesses with digital tools to manage sales and daily operations. Through its mobile-first approach, Bumpa also supports access to financial services, addressing the needs of small and growing businesses that form an important part of Africa’s economy.
Louisa Gathecha, Bottle Logistics East Africa, Kenya, is building a circular economy business around glass recovery and recycling. Her company works to recover discarded glass and turn it into an economic resource, showing how environmental challenges can create opportunities for business growth, employment and better resource management.
Naom Monari, BENA CARE and Renal Roads, Kenya, is working to improve access to specialised healthcare through health technology and mobile renal and dialysis services. Her work focuses on bringing essential treatment closer to patients who may face challenges accessing specialised medical services.
Salma Tammam, Reme-D, Egypt, founded a health technology and biotechnology company developing medical diagnostic and biotechnology solutions. Her selection highlights the growing role of science and innovation in improving healthcare diagnostics across the continent.
Samson Fentaye, Thur Biotech, Ethiopia, founded a biotechnology company developing biological solutions for agriculture. Its bacterial biofertilisers and biocontrol agents are designed to help farmers improve yields, strengthen crop resilience and support healthier ecosystems, bringing scientific research closer to practical agricultural needs.
A Platform for African Businesses to Grow
The 10 finalists will now prepare for the ABH 2026 Grand Finale in Kigali, where they will pitch their businesses and compete for part of the $1.5 million prize funding.
However, the value of Africa’s Business Heroes extends beyond the final prize. The Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic programme in Africa was created to identify and support entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond. Over a 10-year period, the programme aims to recognise 100 African entrepreneurs while providing grant funding, training and broader support to the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The 2026 finalists demonstrate the range of problems African entrepreneurs are tackling, from manufacturing and food production to healthcare, education, waste management and digital commerce. Their progression to the Grand Finale also puts greater attention on businesses that are developing practical solutions while creating opportunities for economic growth.
With the final stage set for December, the competition will now shift from selecting the strongest businesses to determining which entrepreneurs will take home a share of the $1.5 million prize pool and potentially use the platform to take their businesses to the next level.
