Attention visionaries, innovators, change-makers, and risk-takers! FORBES AFRICA is back, once again on the hunt for Africans under the age of 30, who are building brands, creating jobs, and transforming the continent in their respective fields.

The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list is the most-anticipated annual compilation of game-changers in Africa and for 2022, we are on the quest for 30 of the continent’s brightest achievers under the age of 30 from the categories of Business, Technology, Creatives, Sport and Science, particularly Health.

The Class of 2021 was an intrepid cast of young people who navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, also creating social impact.

Now, as we prepare for the eighth installment of the 30 Under 30 list, we also announce a few changes.

First, we have added Health/Science to the mix to especially celebrate young thinkers, professionals, and entrepreneurs on the frontline working tirelessly to improve Africa’s medical sector.

Applicants/nominees can also now choose more than one category to apply under. If you are a sports star with a business aimed at uplifting the sports sector, choose sports AND business. If you are a creative trying to find innovative ideas using digital landscapes to showcase art, choose the creative AND technology sectors.

Past honorees of the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list include names such as Mr. Eazi, Mihlali Ndamase, Lloyd Harris, Sho Madjozi, Bruce Diale, Antonio Depina, Karabo Poppy, Thuso Mbedu, Nomzamo Mbatha, Kabza De Small, Burna Boy, Nthabiseng Mosia, Davido, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Nasty C, Chad le Clos, and WizKid.

“The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 is the most coveted list of the year, and the 2022 edition will mark eight years of it. We are particularly excited to unravel the treasure trove of talent that these tough times have created. Success has not been a given for these frontrunners in the pandemic period. Faced with innumerable hiccups and setbacks, they have rolled up their sleeves and made their work matter, also lifting others on their way up,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA.

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS CRITERIA:

Please read and take careful note of the following before applying. APPLICATIONS CLOSE 1 FEBRUARY 2022, 17:00 (SAST).

Business and Technology categories

Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger on 31 May 2022
Should have a legitimate REGISTERED business on the continent
Business/businesses should be two years or older
The more innovative the business the better
Nominees must have risked own money and have a social impact
Must be profit generating
Must employ people in Africa
All applications must be in English

Sports Category

Must be a sports person aged 29 or younger on 31 May 2022
Must be representing an African team
Should have a proven track record of no less than two years
Should be making significant earnings
Endorsement deals would be a bonus
Entrepreneurship and social impact is a plus especially if applying with the Business/Technology category. However business must be legitamate, registered and also two years or older.
All applications must be in English

Creatives category

Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 May 2020
Must be from or based in Africa
Should be making significant earnings
Should have a proven creative record of no less than two years
Entrepreneurship and social impact is a plus especially if applying with the Business/Technology category. However business must be legitamate, registered and also two years or older.
All applications must be in English

Health/Science

Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 May 2022
Must be from or based in Africa
Should have a proven record in the field of health and/or science for no less than two years.
Must have social influence and impact.
Entrepreneurship and social impact is a plus especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older.
All applications must be in English

If you think you have what it takes to enter or know someone you would like to see as part of the CLASS of 2022, please find the application here:

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