Diverse Cohort of Entrepreneurs Selected for Prestigious Award
A remarkable group of ten founders from across Africa have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition. Chosen from over 24,000 applications representing all 54 African countries, these entrepreneurs demonstrate innovation and resilience in addressing critical challenges.
A New Generation of Problem-Solvers
The finalists represent diverse sectors including agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, education, and climate solutions. The cohort includes founders from Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire – showcasing the breadth of entrepreneurial activity across the continent.
With an average age of 35 years old, this generation is building businesses rooted in local realities, often close to the communities they serve. Women entrepreneurs make up a strong 40% of the cohort, highlighting their growing leadership role in Africa’s business landscape.
Meet the Finalists:
- Salma Tammam (Egypt) – REME-D Company for Laboratory Equipment and Chemicals
- Ahmed Shaaban (Egypt) – Simplex for Software Development and Industrial Solutions
- Kelvin Umechukwu (Nigeria) – Bumpa (enterprise technology platform)
- Naom Monari (Kenya) – Bena Care Limited (healthtech startup)
- Louisa Gathecha (Kenya) – Bottle Logistics East Africa Ltd
- Samson Fentaye (Ethiopia) – Thur Biotech Manufacturing Plc (agritech)
- Jess Roussos (South Africa) – BluLever Education Pty Ltd (edtech company)
- Joseph Paul (Tanzania) – Dawa Mkononi (healthtech platform)
- Gildas Zodome (Benin) – BIO PHYTO (agritech startup)
- Appessika Adanin Laurent Koffi (Côte d’Ivoire) – GREEN AGRO VALLEY CI
Naom Monari, founder of Bena Care, shared that the ABH application process pushed her to refine her business model and strengthen her understanding of its growth potential.
The finalists will compete at the Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda on December 1-2, 2026 for a share of $1.5 million in grant funding.