The milestone speaks for itself: it’s the 10th anniversary of FORBES AFRICA’S 30 under 30 list, and just like the honorees who have come before them, the class of 2024 too are driven by impact. Profits aside, it’s about achieving success with innovation, influence and individuality. They aren’t looking to fill big shoes but rather lace up their own and forge ahead with giant strides, leading by example and leaving an indelible path for the changemakers to come.
Words and Curation: Chanel Retief
Additional research and reporting: Nicole Pillay With inputs from: Oluwatomisin Amokeoja
Art Direction and Layout: Lucy Nkosi | Photography: Katlego Mokubyane | Photography Assistant: Sbusiso Sigidi | Studio: NewKatz Studio, Johannesburg | Styling: Deneal Van Wyk | Outfits supplied by: B Mashilo Designs, DFLO, Franc Elis, Ephymol and Preview Accessories | Hair & Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty
TEN YEARS, of uncovering some of the most influential and iconic young people on the continent. Ten years, of shining the spotlight on business innovators and tech trailblazers impacting their communities, countries and the continent.
Ten years, of profiling record-breakers, history-makers and risk-takers determined to rewrite the narrative on Africa. The 10th anniversary of FORBES AFRICA’s 30 Under 30 list is testament to the unmistakable potential and talent pool that exists on a continent boasting the world’s youngest population, and their role in together crafting Africa’s growth story.
Building a business and a brand, and consistently creating change on the continent, as a 20-something, is no mean feat. And it’s perhaps their path-breaking innovations and against-all-odds resilience that’s leading the rest of the world to Africa as the next frontier. The world is becoming more African. The whole continent of Africa, with 54 countries, is home to 1.45 billion people, and the economies are being driven by a growing young population.
The United Nations states in a report that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30; and that more than a third of the world’s young people will live in Africa by 2050.Experts also stipulate that the future of Africa’s wealth is young and female, and they hold the greatest potential for investment prospects.
The 2023 Africa Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners in partnership with New World Wealth, reports that the total investable wealth currently held on the African continent amounts to $2.4 trillion, and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 42% over the next 10 years. Whatever the numbers, over the last decade, we have recorded this and more of Africa’s appetite and tireless tenacity for growth and prosperity, with the youth spearheading that narrative, never veering away from the heartwarming concept of ubuntu (compassion and humanity) bringing the continent and its communities together. We can’t wait to see what the next decade will unfold.
Editor’s note: The list follows no particular order
METHODOLOGY
The nomination process began late 2023, as over a thousand applications came through. Part of the rigorous reporting and vetting process also involved going through social media profiles, police clearance reports, reference letters from financial institutions and testimonials from the colleagues, collaborators, business partners and employees of short-listed nominees. Background checks were conducted on potential candidates, which included reviewing documentation to ensure there are no criminal records, troubling lawsuits/bankruptcies, and/or allegations of crime, misconduct, sexual harassment/abuse or fraud. For the 2024 list, FORBES AFRICA, for the fifth year running, partnered with audit fi rm SNG Grant Thornton to assess company financials from losses to growth margins to overall revenue and profits since incorporation. In addition to the research and reporting of the editorial team, FORBES AFRICA also depended on a panel of high-profile judges and independent subject-matter experts to ensure that only Africa’s most merit-worthy make it to the final list. Instead of having only one adjudicator per category (Business, Technology, Health/Science, Creatives and Sports), we also sought the help of past list-makers – our illustrious 30 Under 30 alumni – to judge potential finalists. This list is only but a small indication of the wealth of young talent that exists on the continent and they will no doubt be unraveled on these pages in the months and years to come.
- Alex Mativo, 29, Kenya
CEO and Co-founder, E-LAB, Nanasi and Duck
Industry: Multiple ventures - Ann-Kathrin Joos, 28, South Africa
CEO and Founder, Standard Beauty
Industry: Beauty - Vimbai Masiyiwa, 29, Zimbabwe
CEO, Batoka Hospitality
Industry: Tourism - Andrew Ddembe, 28, Uganda
Co-founder and CEO, MobiKlinic
Industry: Healthtech - Chad Jones, 28, South Africa
Social Media Content Creator and Brand Influencer
Industry: Social media - Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria
Singer-songwriter
Industry: Entertainment - Tyla Laura Seethal, 22, South Africa
Singer-Songwriter
Industry: Entertainment - Ayushi Chandaria, 26, Kenya
Founder, Design Thinking Program (Kenya)
Industry: Education - Ama Qamata, 25, South Africa
Actress, Producer
Industry: Entertainment - Daniel Novitzkas, 28, South Africa
Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Specno
Industry: Software Development and Technology Solutions - Prisca Wegesa Magori, 29, Tanzania
CEO and Co-founder, TenTen Explore and Smart EFD
Industry: Software Development - Luke Mostert, 27, South Africa
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, CatalyzU
Industry: EdTech & JobTech - Arooj Sheikh, 28, Kenya
Founder and CEO, Beyond Kenyan Bars
Sector: Social development - Kenneth M. Njeru, 25, Kenya
Director and Founder, Africa Afya Healthcare
Industry: Health Investment Services - Cayley Jorgensen, 29, South Africa
CEO and Founder, Ingage Support; Registered Counselor
Sector: Mental health - Hildah Magaia, 29, South Africa
Forward for Mazatlán F.C Femenil and Banyana Banyana
Industry: Sport – Football - Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria
Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles
Industry: Sport – Football - Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria
Track and Field Athlete
Industry: Sport – Athletics - Damian Willemse, 25, South Africa
Stormers and Springboks rugby player
Industry: Sport – Rugby - Ricardo Lognath, 29, South Africa
Co-Founder and CEO, Omninela Medical - Nicolas Lognath, 27, South Africa
Co-Founder and Director, Omninela Medical
Industry: Healthcare/E-commerce - Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria
Founder, Veekee James
Industry: Fashion - Shaun Maswanganyi, 23, South Africa
Track and Field Athlete
Industry: Sport – Athletics - Jeremiah Thoronka, 24, Sierra Leone
Founder and CEO, Optim Energy
Sector: Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact) - Calvin Usiri, 28, Tanzania
Co-founder and CTO, Ramani
Industry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Peace Wutawunashe, 27, Zimbabwe
Founder, Trigershot Engineering
Industry: Solar/Renewable Energy - Esethu Cenga, 29, South Africa
Co-founder and CEO, Rewoven
Industry: Fashion - Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria
Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology
Industry: Automation and Technology - Abioye Oyetunji, 29, Ghana
Founder and CEO, FXKudi
Industry: Fintech - Nadine Roos, 27, South Africa
South African Rugby Union (Springboks) and Sevens player
Industry: Sport – Rugby
