The New Africa Africa’s Rising Stars — 2025
Across Africa, a new generation is not just knocking on the door of the future they are building it. In tech hubs buzzing with innovation, on farms harnessing smart agriculture, in studios creating world-class art, and in labs pioneering new solutions, young Africans are taking the lead. Welcome to Africa’s Rising Stars – 2025, a celebration of the brilliant minds and bold spirits who are redefining what’s possible. These are the architects of a rising continent, turning challenges into opportunities and shaping a legacy of progress that resonates far beyond its borders.
- Perseus Mlambo — Zimbabwe
- Odunayo Eweniyi — Nigeria
- Ham Serunjogi — Uganda
- Juliana Rotich — Kenya
- Rebecca Enonchong — Cameroon
- Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa — South Africa
- Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konaté — Côte d’Ivoire
- Maya Horgan Famodu — Ghana
- Clarisse Iribagiza — Rwanda
- Isaya Yunge — Tanzania
- Rapelang Rabana — South Africa
- Judith Owigar — Kenya
- Betelhem Dessie — Ethiopia
- Rania Belkahia — Egypt
- Hiba Mrani Alaoui — Morocco
- Abdellah Aouf — Algeria
- Fatou Kiné Diop Keïta — Senegal
- Fatoumata Ba — Senegal
- Darlington Ahiale Akogo — Ghana
- David Mantiziba — Zimbabwe
Perseus Mlambo — Zimbabwe Tech entrepreneur and fintech innovator, Perseus Mlambo is transforming digital financial services for African businesses through his ventures, including Union54 and the social commerce app ChitChat. His work provides accessible digital payments, financial infrastructure, and microloans for SMEs, driving financial inclusion and innovation across the continent. Recognized in Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 and featured in TechCabal, Mlambo is one of Zimbabwe’s most promising emerging leaders
Odunayo Eweniyi — Nigeria Co-founder of PiggyVest, one of Africa’s leading digital savings and investment platforms. She champions financial inclusion and women-led initiatives, advancing fintech innovation across Nigeria and the continent. [Photo Placeholder] Source: Forbes Africa, Bloomberg
Ham Serunjogi — Uganda Co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, enabling cross-border mobile payments in Africa, the UK, and the US. Serunjogi is a leading voice in African fintech and entrepreneurship. [Photo Placeholder] Source: Forbes, TechCrunch
Juliana Rotich — Kenya Co-founder of Ushahidi, a civic-tech platform for crisis mapping. Rotich is globally recognized for technology solutions that empower communities and address social challenges.
Rebecca Enonchong — Cameroon Founder of AppsTech, a global enterprise software company. Enonchong is a prominent voice in African entrepreneurship and technology innovation.
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa — South Africa CEO of Naspers South Africa, leading major investments in technology and media, while advocating for African innovation and corporate responsibility. [Photo Placeholder] Source: Forbes Africa, Bloomberg
Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konaté — Côte d’Ivoire At around 25 years old, Ibrahima Ben Aziz Konaté is one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most promising young entrepreneurs. He founded Volaille d’Or, a rapidly expanding agro‑food company dedicated to producing and distributing high‑quality poultry products locally. Starting with modest capital, Konaté built a business that now employs dozens and supports local food systems, while also mentoring aspiring African entrepreneurs in agriculture and value‑chain development. His achievements have earned him continental recognition, including awards such as the Anzisha Grand Prize and inclusion among emerging leaders shaping Africa’s future.
Maya Horgan Famodu — Ghana Founder of Ingressive Capital, investing in Africa’s early-stage tech startups and supporting women-led ventures across the continent. [Photo Placeholder] Source: Forbes Africa, TechCabal
Clarisse Iribagiza — Rwanda Founder of HeHe Limited, developing software solutions to drive business innovation in Africa. She is recognized as one of Rwanda’s leading tech entrepreneurs.
Isaya Yunge — Tanzania Founder of SomaApps Technologies, creating tech solutions tailored to African markets. Yunge is recognized for innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa.
Rapelang Rabana — South Africa Founder of Rekindle Learning, innovating digital learning solutions and workforce development in Africa
Judith Owigar — Kenya Founder of AkiraChix, equipping young African women with technology skills and supporting women in STEM.
Betelhem Dessie — Ethiopia Tech entrepreneur and software developer, known for advancing digital solutions and coding education for African youth.
Rania Belkahia — Egypt Entrepreneur Rania Belkahia is the founder of Brimore, a digital commerce platform empowering micro-entrepreneurs across Egypt. Her work promotes financial independence for youth and small businesses, earning her recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa (2024).
Hiba Mrani Alaoui- Morroco Entrepreneur Hiba Mrani Alaoui is a rising star in Morocco’s startup ecosystem. As Managing Partner at AlphaVest Capital and co-founder of Witamax, she helps early-stage African startups scale innovative solutions. Recognized in Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2024), Alaoui is one of Morocco’s most promising emerging business leaders.
Abdellah Aouf – Algeria Entrepreneur Abdellah Aouf (27) is the founder of GO Platform, a startup helping young people discover academic, professional, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Recognized for empowering youth and promoting digital inclusion, Aouf is one of Algeria’s most promising emerging leaders in 2024–2025.
Fatou Kiné Diop Keïta – Senegal Entrepreneur Fatou Kiné Diop Keïta is the founder of E‑Tontine, a digital savings platform modernizing traditional community savings systems in Senegal. Diop Keïta has been featured in Forbes Afrique as an innovative leader advancing digital finance in West Africa
Fatoumata Ba Entrepreneur Fatoumata Ba is the Founder and Executive Chair of Janngo Capital, Africa’s first social startup studio supporting tech-for-good ventures. She previously led operations for Jumia Ivory Coast and is recognized for driving innovation across Africa’s digital economy.
Darlington Ahiale Akogo- Ghana Entrepreneur Darlington Ahiale Akogo (29) is the founder of Mino Health AI Labs, an AI startup developing diagnostic tools that detect tuberculosis with high accuracy for hospitals across Ghana. Recognized in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, Akogo is a young innovator advancing healthcare technology with real impact in 2024–2025.
David Mantiziba- Zimbabwe Entrepreneur David Mantiziba (born 1998) is the founder and CEO of Wildfin Financial Services, a fintech and microfinance company expanding access to financial services in Zimbabwe. Recognized for his leadership in financial inclusion, he is a fast-rising figure in Africa’s fintech ecosystem.
