Kigali hosted the grand finale of the seventh Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition, an initiative supported by Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The two-day event convened leading entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across the continent, celebrating African entrepreneurship as a driving force for economic transformation.
Held on 12 December 2025, the summit underscored Africa’s expanding innovation landscape and the growing visibility of its entrepreneurs in global business conversations. Over 1,700 participants attended the Kigali gathering, marking a significant moment in recognising the power of African ingenuity and enterprise.
Sun Lijun, Chairman of the Board of Alibaba Foundation and President of Alibaba Philanthropy, described Africa as a continent defined by its creativity and resilience. “Africa has never lacked entrepreneurial spirit. Africans have never lacked problem solvers,” he remarked, adding that the continent’s future will be shaped by homegrown innovation. Sun noted Alibaba’s continued investment in artificial intelligence and digital innovation as part of its broader engagement with African markets.
Rwanda’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Juliana Muganza, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship as a pillar of national and continental progress. “Entrepreneurship is not just a tool for development; it is the engine of transformation,” Muganza said. She emphasised that young people, women, and innovators across Africa are increasingly creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, described the event as an inspiring platform that continues to nurture Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He highlighted the growing partnership between Africa and China in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green energy, and sustainable development, noting China’s ongoing efforts to enhance market access for African businesses.
The competition’s grand finale, scheduled for Saturday, features live pitches from the Top 10 finalists before a distinguished panel of judges. The finalists, representing Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, South Africa, and Cameroon, are competing for a collective 1.5 million US dollars in grant funding.
Since its inception, the Africa’s Business Heroes competition has grown into one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurship platforms. Organisers report that over 150,000 applications have been received to date. Grant recipients from past editions have collectively created more than 120,000 jobs and reached over 40 million people through the products and services they deliver.
The initiative’s growing momentum reflects a shift toward African-centred development narratives that prioritise local solutions, inclusive growth, and community impact. Rather than viewing entrepreneurship merely as a commercial endeavour, ABH positions it as a vehicle for social and economic renewal—an approach rooted in the continent’s diverse realities and aspirations.
The Kigali summit thus not only celebrated the achievements of individual entrepreneurs but also reaffirmed Africa’s collective potential to shape its own future through innovation, creativity, and resilience.
