Wellahealth, Pula Advisors and Sprints Win Fifth Edition of Africa’s Business Heroes Competition
In a Grand Finale held in Kigali, Rwanda, entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt emerged triumphant in the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition. Dr. Ikpeme Neto from Nigeria, Thomas Njeru from Kenya, and Ayman Bazaraa from Egypt claimed the first, second, and third prizes, respectively, in a showcase of entrepreneurial brilliance. The ABH, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, revealed the winners during an Augmented Reality-enabled event that captivated a global audience through a live broadcast.
The Top Three Africa’s Business Heroes for 2023
- Dr. Ikpeme Neto (Nigeria) – Wellahealth Technologies
- First Prize: US$300,000
- Thomas Njeru (Kenya) – Pula Advisors Limited
- Second Prize: US$250,000
- Ayman Bazaraa (Egypt) – Sprints
- Third Prize: US$150,000
The selection process was rigorous, with the winners emerging from an impressive pool of 27,267 applications spanning all 54 African nations. These entrepreneurs have not only demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and tenacity but have also made a substantial impact on their communities, contributing to the creation of over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs through their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Impactful Journey of ABH Winners
Apart from the top three, the top 10 contestants will each receive US$100,000 in prize funding from ABH, and an additional US$10,000 will be allocated to each of them for post-competition training programs. The winners expressed gratitude and commitment to driving positive change through innovation.
Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, the first prize winner, remarked, “I am deeply honored to be named this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes winner. This award energizes my commitment to driving positive change through innovation.”
Champions of Change
The ABH competition, now in its 5th year, embodies bold ambition and innovation. Jason Pau, Executive Director of International Programs at the Jack Ma Foundation, noted, “The judges recognized them for their remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities, unwavering commitment to community betterment, and innovative approaches to solving pressing issues.”
The Grand Finale featured live pitches from the top 10 finalists to a panel of esteemed judges, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Ibukun Awosika, Founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group; and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group.
Commemorating Five Years of Impact
To mark the 5th anniversary of ABH, a celebratory summit titled “AI: African Insight, Innovation, Impact” took place from November 23 to 24. The event, the largest in ABH’s history, brought together over 1,750 entrepreneurial ecosystem players and aspiring entrepreneurs from across Africa. The summit included live pitching sessions, speeches, workshops, and an afterparty to celebrate the milestone.
Since 2019, ABH grant recipients have achieved remarkable milestones, collectively raising over US$153 million in investments and serving a vast base of over 37.5 million customers. With a combined reported revenue exceeding US$252 million, these entrepreneurs have contributed to the creation of over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly impacting the region’s economic development.
A Global Effort for African Entrepreneurship
Over the past five years, ABH has received support from investors, entrepreneurs, and business professionals globally. A total of 903 volunteers have devoted over 15,280 hours to judging, mentoring, and supporting thousands of contestants. Jason Pau emphasized, “Moving forward, our mission is clear: to continue our work with ecosystem stakeholders to identify and support even more African Business Heroes so that their stories inspire millions more.”
The ABH Prize Competition stands out for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Africa. In its fifth year, the competition continues to spotlight the remarkable talents of African entrepreneurs dedicated to effecting positive change within their communities. With its grassroots orientation and sector-agnostic approach, ABH remains a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of African business leaders.