Five entrepreneurs from across Africa are demonstrating how digital innovation can solve local challenges while creating lasting economic value. Their work has earned them recognition in the 2026 Digital Lion Program, a joint initiative by Alibaba Global Initiatives (AGI) and Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), which supports ambitious founders building businesses for the digital economy.
More than a digital skills programme, the initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, embrace digital transformation and prepare for sustainable growth. It brings together founders from different African countries to learn, collaborate and build enterprises that can create jobs, improve services and contribute to economic development. The 2026 winners represent businesses operating in logistics, agriculture, food manufacturing and educational technology, each addressing real challenges within their communities while creating opportunities for long-term growth.
Entrepreneurs Building Businesses with Lasting Impact
Phionah Nagaba of Uganda was recognised for Jukye BananaPak, a circular economy enterprise that transforms banana waste into affordable and sustainable products. The company converts banana peels, stems and overripe bananas into products including banana soap, banana flour and banana fibre sanitary pad prototypes. By purchasing agricultural waste from local farmers, the business creates an additional source of income for rural communities while reducing waste. Jukye BananaPak also trains young people and women in production, packaging and delivery, creating employment opportunities. The company serves households, schools and small retailers in Kabuyanda and surrounding communities and uses solar drying technology to keep production affordable and environmentally friendly in an area without electricity.
Thelma Chimbganda of Zimbabwe was recognised for Beyond Borders Logistics, a company helping businesses move goods more efficiently between international markets and Zimbabwe. The company identified a gap in the China-Zimbabwe logistics corridor and now provides intermodal logistics services connecting businesses with suppliers in China and Dubai. Beyond Borders Logistics focuses on affordable shipping, timely deliveries, transparent communication and continuous improvement. As the company plans to expand into additional trade routes, it aims to make international commerce more accessible for businesses while supporting regional trade and economic growth.
Billy Gareth of Uganda was honoured for Ubuntu Universe Creations, a gaming company developing interactive digital experiences that educate, inspire and solve real-world problems. The business began through experimentation and participation in the Nairobi Global Game Jam, where the team discovered the power of games as learning tools. Today, Ubuntu Universe Creations develops original games, including its flagship educational adventure, Soraha, while continuing to create new digital experiences that combine entertainment with meaningful learning outcomes.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Shaping Africa’s Digital Economy
Aby Thiam of Senegal was recognised for La Sénégalette, an agri-food company founded in Dakar in 2019 to modernise traditional Senegalese cuisine through high-quality frozen food products. The company produces convenient ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meals using ingredients sourced directly from Senegalese farmers. By creating value from local agricultural produce, La Sénégalette strengthens domestic food production while supporting farming communities and preserving local culinary traditions. The business also demonstrates how innovation within agro-processing can increase the value of locally produced food and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector.
Dominion Paul of Nigeria was recognised for LadX, a peer-to-peer cross-border logistics platform that is making shipping across Africa more accessible and affordable. The platform connects individuals and businesses that need to send parcels with air travellers who have unused luggage space, creating a decentralised delivery network that reduces the cost of moving goods across borders. Operating between major African cities including Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali and Harare, LadX supports small businesses by simplifying cross-border trade while giving travellers an opportunity to earn additional income from unused baggage capacity. Through the platform, Dominion Paul has gained first-hand experience of the operational challenges limiting intra-African trade and is building systems that improve efficiency, strengthen business operations and unlock new economic opportunities.
The recognition of the 2026 Digital Lion Program winners reflects the programme’s broader goal of supporting entrepreneurs whose businesses generate both commercial success and social impact. By equipping founders with practical digital skills, business knowledge and access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, the initiative is helping build stronger enterprises that can compete in the digital economy while creating meaningful change across African communities.
