Grand Prize Winner Crowned at the Sixth Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale, Marking a Landmark Year for African Entrepreneurship
African Business Heroes (ABH) Award Contest (www.africabusinessheroes.org) is a charity program sponsored by the Jack MA Foundation and Alibaba Philantharpopy, announcing the winners of the sixth annual competition, along with first and second place at the latest ABH summit and finale.
The ABH summit and finale in Kigali, Rwanda celebrated the top ten finalists who were selected from nearly 20,000 applicants to compete for a $1.5 million prize. With the theme of “AI – African Innovation, Insight and Influence”, they pushed their business to live audiences and outstanding jury, including Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali and Ibukun Awosika and founder of the Chairman Center Ibukun Awosika, who are joined by Fred Swaniker, Fred Swaniker, founder of Sand Sandolies and founder of Sand Sandolies. The event climaxed at the awards ceremony and the winners were unveiled.
The top three business heroes in Africa in 2024 are:
First – Win $300,000 – Henri Ousmane Gueyeco-founder and CEO, Go to one ((https://eyone.net/)(Senegal)
Second time – Win $250,000 – Dr. Salma Bougarranico-founder and CEO, Green WATECH ((www.greenwaterch.com) (Morocco)
Third time – Win $150,000 – Alexander OdhiamboFounder and CEO Solutech Limited ((www.solutech.co.ke) (Kenya)
Commenting on the win, Henri Ousmane Gueye said: “I am honored to be declared the winner of the 2024 ABH Awards. This achievement is the result of a lot of effort and I am very proud of my team. This is an important milestone for us and it is an encouragement to continue to work on addressing the issue of innovative addresses. It drives us to continue to address the major challenges facing our country.”
ABH Africa Managing Director Zahra Baitie-Boateng highlighted ABI’s debut at this year’s summit and finale, noting its role in providing insights, igniting discussions and enhancing connections. She highlights the originality of the top ten finalists, whose influence demonstrates the ability of entrepreneurs to deal with African challenges. “Congratulations to Henry and all of our finalists! As we celebrate their success, we are excited to launch the 2025 application call and continue to empower Africa’s next business leader.”
ABH announced that Rwanda will host summits and finale over the next four years and strengthen its role as an entrepreneur hub. The Rwanda Development Commission (RDB) and the Rwanda Conference Board (RCB) are considered key partners, and Kigali Bank also supports the event.
Summit for entrepreneurial insights and thought leadership
The two-day ABH summit and finale brought together 1,606 participants to demonstrate thought leadership and top entrepreneurial talents. The discussion explores how entrepreneurs can respond to major challenges in healthcare, agriculture and education in Africa. The event features live podcast recordings, debates, TED-style ABHX speeches, financing masterclasses and interactive experiences such as ABH Heroes “Circle’Circle Business’ Roast” and web conferences in the dark, blindfolded web conferences.
More than 50 outstanding spokespersons from 15 countries include Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Council; Nick Hu, Executive Director of Health Innovation at Sand Technologies; Dr. Brenda Kateera, National Director of the Clinton Health Visit Program; Nathalie Munyampenda, Kepler CEO; and Hasan Haider, Founder and Executive Partner of the PLUSVC and ABH Semi-Final Judges.
ABH finals judge Ibukun Awosika emphasized in her opening keynote speech that “African intelligence” is the key to shaping the future of entrepreneurs on the continent. She highlights goal-oriented leadership, life experience and local creativity to drive impactful solutions. “The future of Africa will be influenced by those who see challenges as opportunities and act,” she said.
2025 ABH Apply for Call
The event ends with the official release of the 2025 application, inviting African entrepreneurs to apply for the next edition of the competition and have the opportunity to win a share of $1.5 million. For complete details of interested applicants, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/4bucitt
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
