As the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) grand finale nears, the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic initiative has announced Jerry Yang, Co-Founder of Yahoo!, Founding Partner of AME Cloud Ventures, and Board Director of Alibaba Group, as the new addition to the competition’s judging panel, scheduled to be held at the ABH Summit [simultaneously] in Kigali, Rwanda on December 12–13, 2025.
As a leading figure in global technology and entrepreneurship, Yang’s involvement in the competition highlights ABH’s dedication to connecting African entrepreneurs with international expertise and mentorship.
“I am honoured to join the judging panel for this year’s Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition and look forward to learning from founders who are building bold, scalable solutions for the continent and beyond,” said Yang, while adding that Africa’s entrepreneurs are shaping the future of innovation in ways that inspire the world.
Alongside Yang, the judging panel features prominent African business leaders, including Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali, and Ibukun Awosika, Founder of The Chair Centre Group.
Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the two-day event will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, live pitches from the 2025 Top 10 finalists, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders. The programme will explore key themes including leadership, innovation, investment, sustainability, and the cross-sector collaboration driving Africa’s business landscape.
See also: Uganda fails to secure a spot in the Top 10 of the ABH 2025 prize competition
The 10 finalists, Wyclife Onyango (Kenya), Siny Samba (Senegal), Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda), Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania), Janet Kuteli (Kenya), Diana Orembe (Tanzania), Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya), Gohar Said (Egypt), Adriaan Kruger (South Africa), and Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon), compete for their share of US$1.5 million.
The overall winner will take US$300,000, while each of the other nine finalists will receive at least US$100,000, along with access to mentorship, storytelling opportunities, and global networks to accelerate their growth.
Selected from a pool of nearly 32,000 applications across Africa, the finalists advanced through multiple rigorous rounds of evaluation, interviews, extensive due diligence, and live pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of judges. The finalists represent Africa’s most innovative and resilient entrepreneurs and embody the spirit of ingenuity and impact that ABH celebrates each year.
“Our 10 finalists embody the best of African entrepreneurship—visionary leaders building bold, scalable businesses that create meaningful social and environmental impact,” Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, ABH, said in a press statement. “Their journeys showcase the ingenuity, grit, and diversity of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, from healthtech and agritech to fintech, education, and sustainability.”
The Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The event is supported by key sponsors, including Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, whose partnership helps amplify the reach and impact of African entrepreneurship.
“Being part of ABH as a Top 10 Hero was a defining moment in my journey. Sponsoring this year’s Finale is my way of giving back to a platform that continues to open doors for African innovators,” said Amadou Daffe, Co-Founder & CEO of Gebeya, Catalyst Sponsor, and Former ABH Top 10 Hero.
ABH also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its Outreach Partners, including MTN Rwanda, Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University – Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa, who play a critical role in connecting ABH to vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent.
The event is also supported by Kabisa, a leading EV Ecosystem in Africa, and Kozo Kigali, who are generously providing transportation and hospitality services.
See also: Rwanda-based EV Dealer, Kabisa, reportedly said to launch in Uganda later this year
Together, these partners reflect the collective effort driving ABH’s mission to inspire, support, and celebrate Africa’s business heroes.
Meanwhile, the ABH Summit is expected to bring together a powerful roster of speakers and thought leaders shaping entrepreneurship, investment, and creative industries across Africa and beyond. Confirmed participants include:
- Lijun Sun, Chair of the Board, Alibaba Foundation and President, Alibaba Philanthropy.
- Juliana Muganza, Deputy CEO, Rwanda Development Board.
- Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa.
- Tara Fela Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara.
- Wandia Gichuru, CEO, Vivo Fashion Group.
- Naa Ashorkor, Journalist and Theatre Producer.
As Kigali hosts the ABH Summit for the third year, this edition reinforces Rwanda’s growing role as a continental hub for entrepreneurship and new business opportunities.
