Africa’s Business Heroes Names 20 Entrepreneurs for Nairobi 2026 Semi-Final
The entrepreneurs were chosen from more than 24,000 applications submitted from all 54 African countries. The semi-finalists represent 12 countries and 11 business sectors, with their enterprises collectively generating approximately $85 million in revenue in 2025.
During the Nairobi semi-final, the entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a panel of investors, business leaders and experienced entrepreneurs. Ten finalists will emerge from the competition and proceed to the grand finale in Kigali in December.
The competition, a philanthropic initiative of the Alibaba Foundation, provides $1.5 million in annual grant funding to African entrepreneurs, in addition to mentorship, visibility and access to a wider business network.
Kome Oruade-Etim, Global Programme Manager for Acumen Angels and a judge in this year's competition, said entrepreneurs are facing increasing pressure to develop commercially sustainable businesses as the funding environment changes.
She said successful businesses must not only address social problems but also demonstrate strong commercial fundamentals, social impact and environmental responsibility.
Oruade-Etim further emphasised the importance of developing innovations that respond directly to the realities of African communities, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, energy, education and technology.
Meanwhile, Abraham Mutian, CEO and co-founder of Kuza Point and a 2025 ABH runner-up, encouraged the semi-finalists to clearly communicate their business models, financial performance and growth potential.
He urged entrepreneurs to use the competition to build lasting relationships with investors, customers, mentors and other business leaders, rather than focusing solely on the judging process.
Wandia Gichuru, co-founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group and one of this year's judges, challenged entrepreneurs to demonstrate how their businesses can expand beyond their existing markets and borders.
Kenya will be represented by Ikechukwu Anoke of Zuri Health, Naom Monari of Bena Care, Joseph Mungai of AceleAfrica and Louisa Gathecha of Bottle Logistics East Africa.
The other semi-finalists come from Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and Ghana. Their businesses span agritech, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, fintech, education, climate technology and technology.
The return of the ABH semi-final to Nairobi is significant, as the Kenyan capital hosted the competition's inaugural semi-final in 2019.
Organisers say this year's event will also give entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with investors and strategic partners from across Africa and beyond.
The programme will culminate in the selection of the Top 10 entrepreneurs, who will advance to the grand finale in Kigali in December, where they will compete for recognition and a share of the competition's grant funding.
