Empowering Dreams: An Exclusive Interview with Zahra Baitie-Boateng on the 6th Africa Business Heroes Summit and Grande Finale

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

As the anticipation builds for the 6th Africa Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale set to take place in Kigali next month, we had the privilege of speaking with Zahra Baitie-Boateng, the Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. In this exclusive interview, Zahra shares insights into the mission and vision of ABH, highlighting its evolution since its inception and what distinguishes it from other entrepreneurship programs across the continent. Attendees can look forward to a transformative experience this year, as Zahra discusses the profound impact ABH has had on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa, particularly its influence on Rwandan entrepreneurs. With a rich history of fostering innovation and growth, Zahra sheds light on the remarkable journey of Rwandan finalists and the future of entrepreneurship in Africa. Join us as we delve into the heart of Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit and discover how Africa’s Business Heroes continues to inspire and empower the next generation of business leaders.

Can you tell us about the mission and vision of Africa Business Heroes and how it has evolved since its inception?

Africa Business Heroes (ABH) was founded with a clear mission: to identify, support, and celebrate Africa’s most impactful entrepreneurs. Since the first edition in 2019, ABH has worked to provide mentorship, networks, and funding to help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. The vision is to inspire and empower a new generation of African entrepreneurs who will be instrumental in shaping Africa’s future. Our goal is to have 100 ABH Heroes by 2030, whose journeys will inspire millions of other aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent. Over the years, ABH has built a robust ecosystem, increased the number of applications, partners, and mentors, and supported a growing community of innovative business leaders.

What sets Africa’s Business Heroes apart from other entrepreneurship programs and competitions in the region?

ABH stands out because of its pan-African reach, sector-agnostic approach, and commitment to grassroots entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and industries. Unlike other competitions, ABH focuses on celebrating and nurturing entrepreneurs who are creating real impact in their communities, whether in agriculture, technology, education, or other sectors.

One of the key differentiators is the substantial grant funding available; ABH awards a total of $1.5 million in grant funds, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, making it one of the most significant entrepreneurship prizes on the continent. This financial support, combined with ongoing mentorship, networking and exposure, ensures that entrepreneurs receive long-term value.

Additionally, the ABH Finale experience is more than just a pitch competition; it is a dynamic learning platform that sets ABH apart. The integration of the ABH Summit, combined with real-time insights, feedback and engagement from the Grand Finale judges – seasoned business leaders with vast industry experience -transforms the event into a masterclass in entrepreneurship. Participants gain invaluable knowledge from accomplished entrepreneurs and past ABH winners, equipping them with practical strategies to refine and scale their businesses.

This year, we are thrilled to host the 6^th ABH Summit and Grand Finale on 14-15 March at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together a diverse lineup of expert voices for an unforgettable celebration of African innovation and resilience.

How has the ABH Summit grown over the years and what can attendees expect from this year’s event?

The ABH Summit has grown exponentially since its launch, evolving into a must-attend event that draws thousands of entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders. The annual Summit has expanded its formats, now featuring engaging sessions such as live debates, podcasts, and TED-style talks (ABHx). This year’s Summit is being held under the theme AI – African Innovation, Insights and Impact: Addressing Africa’s Biggest Challenges through Entrepreneurship and will be held on March 14^th in Kigali – Rwanda. It will be even more exciting than last year’s landmark Summit as it will feature AI-powered experiences, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive networking opportunities. Attendees can expect to hear from some of the brightest minds in entrepreneurship, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and gain actionable insights on driving progress through innovation and entrepreneurship. The event will precede the 6^th Grand Finale on March 15, marking the culmination of the year-long ABH journey for our Top 10 finalists and their crowning moment.

What impact has Africa’s Business Heroes had on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa since its launch?

Since its first edition in 2019, ABH has had a transformative impact on the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, the competition has selected, supported, and awarded over 50 entrepreneurs from across the continent, representing every region of the continent. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have raised over $150 million in investments, created more than 123,000 jobs and served nearly 38 million customers, generating over $252 million in revenue.

Beyond these numbers, ABH prioritizes real opportunities through access to mentorship and partnershipsthat help entrepreneurs scale their ventures. We have also provided invaluable exposure through multimedia efforts such as The ABH Show; a reality-style TV program that captured the journeys of the Top 10 finalists, their on-stage pitches and the nail-biting moments leading up to the announcement of the grand prize winner. Over time, this coverage has evolved into Hero Stories, a social media series that highlights the impact of ABH entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation of business leaders across Africa. It has been incredible to witness how ABH has motivated aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap, building a growing community of changemakers working to elevate African businesses on the global stage.

Notably, ABH has had a significant impact on women entrepreneurs. Over 40% of ABH prize winners are women, and they represent a growing share of the applicant pool and finalists. Women entrepreneurs have also received nearly half of the total prize money awarded. This support is especially crucial given that female entrepreneurs typically receive far less investment than their male counterparts. With Africa boasting the highest percentage of women-led businesses in the world, ABH’s commitment to empowering women is driving gender equality, ensuring economic empowerment and helping women-led businesses thrive across the continent.

How does ABH support and empower entrepreneurs throughout their journey, beyond just the competition?

ABH offers a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs throughout their journey. As previously hinted at, beyond the competition, our entrepreneurs benefit from tailored mentorship, business development workshops and networking opportunities with industry experts and investors. The ABH community continues to provide ongoing support long after the competition ends, with our alumni collaborating on projects, sharing experiences, and leveraging each other’s networks.

A prime example of this ongoing support was an immersive tour in 2024 that took 40 ABH participants, including Top 10 Heroes from 2019 to 2023, to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou. They explored cloud computing, AI-driven logistics, and e-commerce ecosystems through workshops, site visits, and exchanges with Alibaba leaders, gaining insights to scale their businesses and strengthen the ABH network.

Additionally, ABH provides global exposure through robust content development and PR initiatives, ensuring that our Heroes gain visibility across key channels. This heightened exposure connects them with potential investors, partners and customers, helping them expand their businesses and amplify their impact.

Through these initiatives, ABH empowers entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, equipping them with the knowledge, networks and resources to thrive on a global scale.

Rwanda has consistently participated in the ABH competition since its inception in 2019. How has the program impacted Rwandan entrepreneurs, and how many Rwandan finalists have made it to the Top 50 and Top 10 over the past five editions?

Rwanda has had a strong presence in the ABH competition, with several talented entrepreneurs reaching the Top 50, Top 20, and Top 10 over the past five editions. The program has not only provided these entrepreneurs with significant financial support but has also empowered entrepreneurs with mentorship, networking opportunities, and global exposure, amplifying their impact on the local and international stage.

To date, ABH has awarded $1.5 million annually to 10 outstanding finalists across Africa and Rwandan entrepreneurs have collectively won over US$495,000 (approximately 625.7 million Rwandan Francs) in grant funding. This funding has allowed entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Rwanda’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Notable Rwandan ABH finalists include:

• Christelle Kwizera, Founder of Water Access Rwanda – 2019 ABH 2nd Runner-up, won US$100,000 for her innovative clean water solutions, which have provided safe water access to underserved communities in Rwanda and beyond.
• Francine Munyaneza, Founder of Munyax Eco – 2021 Top 10 finalist, won US$110,000 to expand her eco-friendly business, which offers sustainable solutions to reduce waste and promote green initiatives.
• Yvette Ishimwe, Founder and CEO of IRIBA Water Group – 2021 Top 10 finalist, won US$110,000 to scale her water purification solutions, improving access to clean water in rural areas.
• Kevine Kagirimpundu, Co-founder of UZURI K&Y – 2019 Top 10 finalist, won US$65,000 to grow her sustainable fashion brand, which focuses on high-quality, locally sourced materials.
• Albert Munyabugingo, Co-founder of Vuba Vuba Africa – 2023 Top 10 finalist, won US$110,000 to expand his tech-based solutions, helping small businesses in Africa digitize their operations.

Other Rwandan finalists include:

• Blandine Umuziranenge, Founder and CEO of Kosmotive – 2021 ABH Top 50 finalist, who received visibility and mentorship to further scale her business, which promotes eco-friendly and sustainable home solutions.
• Emmanuel Tuyisenge, CEO of Temaco Builders – 2024 ABH Top 20 finalist, who is using the exposure to grow his construction and real estate company.
• Fatuma Mbarushimana, Founder of Great Lakes Power Ltd – 2019 ABH Top 50 finalist, who received valuable mentorship and feedback to strengthen her energy solutions business.

These entrepreneurs, supported by ABH, have benefited not only from the financial grants but also from mentorship, networking, and global exposure that has helped them refine their business models, create more jobs, attract further investment, and engage with stakeholders across Africa and beyond. ABH’s comprehensive support is helping Rwandan entrepreneurs elevate their businesses, create lasting impact, and contribute to Rwanda’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and to the continent’s economic growth.

What are the key criteria that the judges look for when selecting the winners of Africa Business Heroes?

The judges look for entrepreneurs who are not only financially robust but are also creating meaningful social impact. They assess candidates based on their sense of purpose, vision and leadership qualities. The judges prioritize businesses that solve significant problems or address unmet needs in the market. They also evaluate how unique and competitive the business solution is, along with its market traction, whether there is demonstrated demand for the product or service. Financial sustainability is key, with a focus on scalable revenue models and income generation. The judges also value strong teams and an applicant’s understanding of their team’s strengths and weaknesses. Finally, references, including customer testimonials, help assess the entrepreneur’s character and leadership potential. Ultimately, ABH seeks business heroes who are passionate, innovative, leaders and using their businesses to drive positive change in their communities.

How can aspiring entrepreneurs get involved with Africa Business Heroes and what advice do you have for those looking to apply for future editions of the competition?

Aspiring entrepreneurs can get involved with ABH by applying through our website once the competition opens. We’re excited to announce that the 2025 edition of the competition will officially launch at the upcoming 6th Summit and Grand Finale, so we encourage interested Rwandan entrepreneurs to attend to learn more and have the first opportunity to apply.

My advice for future applicants is to be authentic in sharing their entrepreneurial journey; detail the challenges you’ve faced, how you’ve overcome them, and your vision for the future. This is your chance to showcase not just your business, but your passion for solving problems and creating positive change. Even if you don’t win, the exposure and connections you gain through the process can open doors that propel your business forward.

What is the anticipated line-up of industry leaders both from Rwanda and across Africa and beyond, innovators, and even potential celebrity guests who will be attending this Year’s Event, making this a truly star-studded event.

This year’s ABH Summit and Grand Finale promises to be a star-studded affair! We’re excited to welcome a diverse range of industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurial trailblazers from across Africa and the globe. These include

• Ibukun Awosika, Founder, The Chair Centre Group and ABH Grand Finale Judge
• Nick Hu, Managing Director of Healthcare, Sand Technologies (Former CEO, Zipline Rwanda)
• Dr. Brenda Kateera, Country Director, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.
• Thomas Njeru – 2023 ABH 1st Runner-up, CEO, Pula Advisors Limited
• Nathalie Munyampenda, CEO, Kepler
• Hasan Haider, Founder & Managing Partner, PlusVC and ABH Semi-final Judge

Attendees will have the chance to hear from these top CEOs, investors and thought leaders, as well as celebrity guests who will share insights into their journey and the role of entrepreneurship in Africa’s future. In addition to the live pitch competition, where our Top 10 finalists will compete for the $1.5 million prize, attendees can engage in valuable networking sessions and discussions with some of the most influential people in business today.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t covered yet?

The ABH Summit and Grand Finale is not just an event – it’s a celebration of African entrepreneurship and the potential of Africa’s young, innovative minds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor or someone passionate about Africa’s future, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. We invite everyone to join us in Kigali on March 14-15, 2025. It promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with dynamic conversations, exciting competitions, and a deep dive into Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial talent. Don’t miss out – register now and be part of something truly impactful!

Register now for the 6th ABH Summit & Grand Finale taking place on March 14-15, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).: https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/the-community/2025-abh-grand-finale