Rwandan Entrepreneurs Mukasahaha Diane and Blandine Umuziranenge Among Top 50 Finalists for Africa’s Business Heroes 2025

Two Rwandan Entrepreneurs, Ms. Mukasahaha Diane and Ms. Blandine Umuziranenge, have been selected among the Top 50 finalists for the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition—an achievement that underscores Rwanda’s rising prominence in the continent’s startup ecosystem.

The 2025 ABH competition, the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, received a record-breaking 32,000 applications this year—the highest in the competition’s history—coming from all 54 African countries. This surge in applications reflects the growing inclusivity and reach of ABH, as it successfully attracted entrepreneurs from traditionally underrepresented nations.

Mukasahaha Diane is a renowned figure in Rwanda, recognized for her dual contributions in both fashion and healthcare sectors. She is the founder and owner of DIKAM, a clothing factory that has both boosted local employment and exemplified Rwanda’s capacity for scalable, tech-enabled manufacturing. Her innovative approach aligns with the trend highlighted in the ABH report, where African businesses increasingly leverage technology to transform sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare.

Blandine Umuziranenge is the founder and CEO of Kosmotive, established in 2014 with a mission to improve reproductive, maternal, and child health across Rwanda and beyond. Her organization’s impact reflects the competition’s emphasis on solutions that address critical challenges while fostering socio-economic development through innovative, sustainable models.

The 2025 Top 50 finalists emerge from diverse sectors and regions, with Rwanda’s representatives demonstrating the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Notably, the finalists include young innovators who are employing AI, fintech, and digital platforms—trending themes in Africa’s rapidly evolving business landscape—aimed at scaling impact and driving inclusive growth.

The ABH competition, now in its seventh year, aims to spotlight entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future by providing US$1.5 million in grants to the top 10 finalists, along with capacity-building, mentorship, and increased exposure. This year’s extensive regional outreach includes a 9-city roadshow in Casablanca, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Kampala, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Abidjan, and Dakar, fostering deeper engagement with local entrepreneurial ecosystems and increasing participation from underrepresented countries.

The finalists, including Diane and Blandine, will undergo a second evaluation stage with interviews and due diligence before the winner is announced in Kigali this December. The competition also integrates innovative technology through ABi, an AI-powered virtual co-host debuted at the initial summit in Kigali, aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing applicant experience, and promoting inclusivity.

“The 2025 ABH Prize has raised the bar, yet again. We are seeing greater depth, diversity, and innovation across the span of applications,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Managing Director, Africa at ABH. “This record-breaking year speaks to the relevance of ABH in every corner of the continent. These 50 finalists are solving real problems with global potential, and we’re excited to amplify their work.”

In addition to training and mentorship, the Top 50 will benefit from media exposure and access to a dynamic network of ABH Heroes, alumni, and partners.