Africa’s Business Heroes names 20 entrepreneurs for Nairobi semi-final

Twenty entrepreneurs from 12 African countries have been selected for the 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) semi-final, set for Nairobi on August 21–22.

The entrepreneurs were selected from more than 24,000 applications submitted across all 54 African countries and represent 11 sectors. Their businesses collectively generated about $85 million (approx. Ksh.11 billion) in revenue in 2025.

The semi-finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors, business leaders and experienced entrepreneurs, with the top 10 advancing to the grand finale in Kigali in December.

The competition, a philanthropic initiative of the Alibaba Foundation, provides $1.5 million (Ksh.194 million) in annual grant funding to African entrepreneurs, alongside mentorship, visibility and access to business networks.

Kome Oruade-Etim, Global Programme Manager for Acumen Angels and a judge, said the changing funding environment was forcing entrepreneurs to build commercially sustainable businesses while delivering social and environmental impact.

“It forces the question that we no longer need just businesses to solve problems, but only ones that are commercially sound, have strong fundamentals,” she said.

Oruade-Etim said African entrepreneurs also needed to develop solutions addressing persistent challenges in healthcare, energy, education and technology.

“How do you bring technology to where people are at as opposed to the other way around?” she asked, highlighting the need for innovation that reflects the realities of African communities.

Abraham Mutian, CEO and co-founder of Kuza Point and a 2025 ABH runner-up, urged the semi-finalists to clearly communicate their business models and financial performance.

“Sharpen your story. Know your numbers. Articulate them clearly,” Mutian said, while encouraging entrepreneurs to build relationships with investors, customers and mentors beyond the competition.

Wandia Gichuru, co-founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group and a judge, said entrepreneurs must demonstrate the potential to expand beyond their current markets.

“The scale of the business matters. Is this something that you're building that can take you much wider, much further?” she posed.

The Kenyan contingent includes Ikechukwu Anoke of Zuri Health, Naom Monari of Bena Care, Joseph Mungai of AceleAfrica and Louisa Gathecha of Bottle Logistics East Africa.

Other participants come from Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and Ghana, spanning sectors such as agritech, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, fintech, education and climate technology.

The return to Nairobi is notable as the city hosted ABH’s inaugural semi-final in 2019. The 2026 event is also expected to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with investors and strategic partners from Africa and beyond before the final selection of the Top 10.