Called ‘The Newest Self-Made Young Innovators and Leaders Scripting a New Vision for Africa’, the 30 achievers under the age of 30 are described by FORBES AFRICA as “multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders uncovering Africa’s future, on their own terms”.
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 April 2023) – In a world where ‘nepotism babies’ have become commonplace and uninspired, the notion of ‘self-made’ is acquiring new meaning and respect. These young achievers are starting from scratch to build businesses and brands that are totally solutions-oriented.
For this coveted ninth annual edition of the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list, their newest class of multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders show how they will grow human capital, put a dent in issues and lead Africa’s future – on their own terms.
From over a thousand applicants this year, the finalists were drawn after a rigorous vetting process by the editorial team led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief, alongside a panel of independent external judges and subject-matter experts such as Delphine Govender, Sello Maake kaNcube, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Temba Bavuma, as also former FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 alumni such as Bright Jaja (Class of 2019), Rich Fumani Mnisi (Class of 2020), Antonio DePina (Class of 2021), and Dr Esperance Luvindao (Class of 2022). The vetting process also included audit partner SNG Grant Thornton.
“In a post-pandemic Africa, everything is evolving all over again, everything is work-in-progress. That was evident in the pool of talent we received… because here is a young batch of people completely cognizant of the changes the continent is going through and who are coming up with ideas and solutions problems. There are also problems that have been around for long, and they are now trying to tackle them quickly. I think the speed with which they are trying to execute some of these ideas is what we need to highlight. They are also building their own brand and changing the image of the continent,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA.
Meet tomorrow’s “titans” below:
The 2023 FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list:
- Alessandrio Bergman, 29, South Africa – Founder, SYNC Model Management – Industry: Fashion and Marketing
- Asisat Oshoala, 28, Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national team – Industry: Professional Footballer
- Blessing Joel Abeng, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good – Industry: Branding and Communications
- Cheslin Denman, 29, South Africa – Managing Director and Co-Founder, Trustlink Africa Hub – Industry: Fintech
- Cody Gordon, 26, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO, CG Technology Group (be frank, Constructive Candor and It’sOk) – Industry: Mental Health Technology
- Dr Olivier Uwishema, 29, Rwanda – Founder, Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO) – Industry: Medicine/Research
- Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae, 29, Botswana – Founder, Medi-Glow Aesthetics – – Industry: Aesthetic medicine
- Dricus ‘Still Knocks’ du Plessis, 29, South Africa – Professional mixed martial artist in Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – Industry: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Emmanuel Whajah, 29, Ghana – Creative Director, Videographer and owner of Emzy Production Films – Industry: Film and entertainment
- Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company – Industry: Technology
- Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company – Industry: Technology
- Isaack Damian Buhiye, 28, Tanzania – CEO, Firm 23 Limited – Industry: Digital Enterprise Solutions
- Jacques Jordaan, 27, South Africa – Co-founder and Director, Specno – Industry: Entrepreneur/Technology
- Jessica Mshama, 27, Tanzania – Founder and CEO, Nakua Na Taifa Langu, Director of Assumpter Digital Schools – Industry: Entrepreneur/Social Impact
- Joel Embiid, 29, Cameroon – Center for Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association – Industry: Professional Basketball Player
- Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama, 29, South Africa – Beauty Influencer – Industry: Content creation
- Koaile Monaheng, 29, Lesotho – Associate Director and Shareholder, Khantša Energy – Industry: Renewable Energy
- Lethabo ‘Focalistic’ Sebetso, 26, South Africa – Rapper – Industry: Music and Entertainment
- Mhlengi Mluleki Ngcobo, 28, South Africa – Founder and CEO, CoffeeMM – Industry: Agriculture
- Mohammed Kudus, 22, Ghana – Attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Ghana national team – Industry: Professional Football
- Mutethia Mbaabu, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and CEO, MarketForce – Industry: E-Commerce
- Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba, 29, South Africa – Entrepreneur/Digital Creator – Industry: Digital Marketing
- Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri. 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe – Industry: Beauty and Skincare
- Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20, Benin/Nigeria – Singer – Industry: Music and Entertainment
- Rosalia Nghitalesheni Joseph, 28, Namibia – Regional Coordinator, Women in Vector Control (WIVC), Central and Southern Africa – Industry: Medical entomologist/public researcher
- Sharva Hassamal, 29, Mauritius – Founder, Portage Labs – Industry: Information Technology
- Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, 29, South Africa – Chief Operation Officer, Green Development Foundation – Industry: Sustainability
- Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27, Nigeria – Singer-songwriter – Industry: Music and Entertainment
- Thembi Kgatlana, 26, South Africa – A Forward for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC and the South Africa women’s national team – Industry: Professional Football
- Yvette Ishimwe, 25, Rwanda – Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group – Industry: Water Solutions
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