Africa’s Top Innovators: Mukasahaha Diane and the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes Finalists Prepare for Kigali

Mukasahaha Diane from Rwanda has distinguished herself among Africa’s top entrepreneurs as a finalist in the 2025 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition. As the founder of DIKAM Ltd, she focuses on textiles and women and youth empowerment, showcasing her leadership in creating social impact through innovative business solutions. Her recognition as a Top 10 Finalist highlights her resilience, ingenuity, and dedication to transforming Rwanda’s textile industry while empowering marginalized communities. Diane’s journey exemplifies the spirit of African entrepreneurship, and she now prepares to compete in the final grand event in Kigali, aiming for further growth, mentorship, and funding opportunities to scale her impactful enterprise.

The Top 10 Finalists, selected from nearly 32,000 applications across the continent, include visionary entrepreneurs from different sectors such as healthtech, agritech, fintech, and foodtech. These finalists—like Mukasahaha Diane—embody Africa’s resilience, innovation, and diversity, exemplifying leadership in creating meaningful social and environmental impacts. Other finalists include Wyclife Onyango (Kenya), Siny Samba (Senegal), Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania), Janet Kuteli (Kenya), Diana Orembe (Tanzania), Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya), Gohar Said (Egypt), Adriaan Kruger (South Africa), and Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon).

The finalists will now advance to the 7th ABH Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, scheduled for December 12–13, 2025, where they will compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding. The grand prize winner will receive US$300,000, while other finalists will each receive at least US$100,000, along with opportunities for mentorship, storytelling, and global networking to accelerate their growth. This event marks a historic milestone for ABH as the first time it is hosted in Rwanda, highlighting the country’s growing influence as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent.

The competition’s judging panel, including industry leaders like Hasan Haidar, Moulaye Taboure, and Jason Pau, evaluated candidates based on innovation, impact, scalability, and leadership. These entrepreneurs are celebrated not only for their business pursuits but also for their ability to solve social challenges and inspire millions across Africa. The event underscores Africa’s entrepreneurial diversity—from health solutions to food security—showcasing the remarkable potential of its young leaders.

Supported by Alibaba Philanthropy and partners such as Wave, Sonatel, InTouch Group, Haske Ventures, Impact Hub Dakar, and others, the ABH Prize continues to empower Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs. As these finalists gear up for Kigali, they embody hope, resilience, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship—driving Africa’s ongoing economic development and inspiring future generations across the continent.