By Michel Nkurunziza
The 6th Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Summit, where entrepreneurs are competing for a $1.5 million prize, is taking place in Kigali from March 14 to March 15.
Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa, designed to support entrepreneurs. Its mission is to showcase and grow local talent that is creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond, and to inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship. Over a 10-year period, the program has recognized 100 African entrepreneurs and provided grant funding, training programs, and broader support for the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event, sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, will feature 10 finalists who will share the $1.5 million grant prize pool in a Grand Finale on Saturday, March 15.
This year’s event, themed “AI – African Innovation, Insights and Impact: Addressing Africa’s Biggest Challenges through Entrepreneurship,” promises to be even more dynamic than previous years.
A day before the Grand Finale, the ABH Summit focuses on how entrepreneurship is tackling critical industries, namely Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education—sectors that are the top priorities among ABH entrepreneurs—as well as Emerging Industries.
Attendees experienced AI-powered elements, participating in lively panel discussions and debates, and engaging in interactive networking opportunities.
Over 1,000 industry experts, including top African entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, influencers, and celebrities, are attending.
The event features keynote speeches, workshops, and TED-style talks, culminating in a live awards ceremony where the top three winners and the remaining seven finalists will be revealed and receive their share of the grant funding on Saturday.
Speaking at the summit, Michelle Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said, “Today is more than just a gathering. It’s a celebration of vision, a celebration of resilience, and the relentless pursuit of solutions for Africa’s challenges. As we gather here today, we are reminded of Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship. This nation has proven that through bold leadership, innovative policies, and strategic investments, we can create an environment where businesses not only survive but thrive.”
She also noted that the Africa Business Heroes initiative will continue to work hand in hand to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs across the continent.
While addressing the entrepreneurs contesting for the prize, she added, “Let me turn now to our top 10 finalists. You have reached 40 million consumers. Although that might seem like a tiny fraction of the African market, I know that’s no easy feat. It’s no easy task. You are trailblazers, innovators, and change-makers, and your boldness, creativity, and resilience are truly shaping Africa’s future.”
Jason Pau, Executive Director of International Programs at the Jack Ma Foundation, said, “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses—it’s about resilience, vision, and impact. African founders are building solutions that matter, and the world is taking notice.” He emphasized ABH’s significant impact, noting that previous winners have collectively raised $180 million and reached 40 million consumers through their businesses.
Who Are the Previous Rwandan Winners?
Rwandan entrepreneur Christelle Kwizera, Founder of Water Access Rwanda, was the 2019 ABH 2nd Runner-up, winning US$100,000 for her innovative clean water solutions, which have provided safe water access to underserved communities in Rwanda and beyond.
She shared that when she won ABH in 2019, she had 63 employees. Today, she employs 122 workers and serves over 170,000 users with clean water solutions.
Francine Munyaneza, another Rwandan, Founder of Munyax Eco, won US$110,000 in 2021 to expand her eco-friendly business, which offers sustainable solutions to reduce waste and promote green initiatives.
Yvette Ishimwe, Founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group—a 2021 Top 10 finalist—won US$110,000 to scale her water purification solutions, improving access to clean water in rural areas.
Kevine Kagirimpundu, Co-founder of UZURI K&Y—a 2019 Top 10 finalist—won US$65,000 to grow her sustainable fashion brand, focusing on high-quality, locally sourced materials.
Albert Munyabugingo, Co-founder of Vuba Vuba Africa—a 2023 Top 10 finalist—won US$110,000 to expand his tech-based solutions, helping small businesses in Africa digitize their operations. He noted that winning $100,000 allowed his company to scale from three Rwandan cities to four and enter Uganda.
Other Rwandan finalists include Blandine Umuziranenge, Founder and CEO of Kosmotive—a 2021 ABH Top 50 finalist—who received visibility and mentorship to further scale her business, which promotes eco-friendly and sustainable home solutions.
Emmanuel Tuyisenge, CEO of Temaco Builders—a 2024 ABH Top 20 finalist—is using the exposure to grow his construction and real estate company.
Fatuma Mbarushimana, Founder of Great Lakes Power Ltd—a 2019 ABH Top 50 finalist—received valuable mentorship and feedback to strengthen her energy solutions business.
The 2024 edition marked significant strides in gender representation Female applicants reached 39%, surpassing the five-year average of 30%.
North African representation increased to 9%, compared to the five-year average of 5%. Applications from all 54 African countries underscored ABH’s continental impact.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Madagascar were represented in the Top 20 for the first time. Tisya Mukuna (DRC) advanced to the Top 10. ABH hosted it’s first-ever event in North Africa, with the semi-final in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2024.
Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The winner takes home $300,000; the first runner-up and second runner-up take home $250,000 and $150,000, respectively. All other seven finalists receive $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for global immersion training.
