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, our 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.
Words and Curation: Chanel Retief
Art Director: Lucy Nkosi
Additional Research & Reporting: Lillian Roberts
Photography: Katlego Mokubyane
Photography Assistant: Sbusiso Sigidi
Studio: NewKatz Studio, Johannesburg
Videographer: Astro @astro.vsn
CNBC Africa Videographer: Thabo Mathebula
Video Editor: Chanel Retief
Styling: Bontlefeela Mogoye | Outfits supplied by: Wanda Wear; Markhams; Kworks_design; BailebyB
Hair & Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty
Editors Note: The list is in no particular order
Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae, 29, Botswana – Founder, Medi-Glow Aesthetics
Industry: Aesthetic medicine
Rosalia Nghitalesheni Joseph, 28, Namibia – Regional Coordinator, Women in Vector Control (WIVC), Central and Southern Africa
Industry: Medical entomologist/public researcher
Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27, Nigeria – Singer-songwriter
Industry: Music and Entertainment
Dr Olivier Uwishema, 29, Rwanda – Founder, Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO)
Industry: Medicine/Research
Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama, 29, South Africa – Beauty Influencer
Industry: Content creation
Lethabo ‘Focalistic’ Sebetso, 26, South Africa – Rapper
Industry: Music and Entertainment
Joel Embiid, 29, Cameroon – Center for Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association
Industry: Professional Basketball Player
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20, Benin/Nigeria – Singer
Industry: Music and Entertainment
Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba, 29, South Africa – Entrepreneur/Digital Creator
Industry: Digital Marketing
Yvette Ishimwe, 25, Rwanda – Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group
Industry: Water Solutions
Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri. 29, Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe
Industry: Beauty and Skincare
Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company
Industry: Technology
Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24, Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company
Industry: Technology
Asisat Oshoala, 28, Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national team
Industry: Professional Footballer
Jacques Jordaan, 27, South Africa – Co-founder and Director, Specno
Industry: Entrepreneur/Technology
Blessing Joel Abeng, 28, Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good
Industry: Branding and Communications
Jessica Mshama, 27, Tanzania – Founder and CEO, Nakua Na Taifa Langu, Director of Assumpter Digital Schools
Industry: Entrepreneur/Social Impact
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)
Koaile Monaheng, 29, Lesotho – Associate Director and Shareholder, Khantša Energy
Industry: Renewable Energy
Isaack Damian Buhiye, 28, Tanzania – CEO, Firm 23 Limited
Industry: Digital Enterprise Solutions
Emmanuel Whajah, 29, Ghana – Creative Director, Videographer and owner of Emzy Production Films
Industry: Film and entertainment
Cheslin Denman, 29, South Africa – Managing Director and Co-Founder, Trustlink Africa Hub
Industry: Fintech
Mhlengi Mluleki Ngcobo, 28, South Africa – Founder and CEO, CoffeeMM
Industry: Agriculture
Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, 29, South Africa – Chief Operation Officer, Green Development Foundation
Industry: Sustainability
Cody Gordon, 26, South Africa – Co-founder and CEO, CG Technology Group (be frank, Constructive Candor and It’sOk)
Industry: Mental Health Technology
Thembi Kgatlana, 26, South Africa – A Forward for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC and the South Africa women’s national team
Industry: Professional Football
Mohammed Kudus, 22, Ghana – Attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Ghana national team
Industry: Professional Football
Sharva Hassamal, 29, Mauritius – Founder, Portage Labs
Industry: Information Technology
Mutethia Mbaabu, 29, Kenya – Co-founder and CEO, MarketForce
Industry: E-Commerce
Alessandrio Bergman, 29, South Africa – Founder, SYNC Model Management
Industry: Fashion and Marketing
The Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa is coming back for a second time to the world’s greatest growth market, Botswana, from April 23 – 26. You are invited to join some of the greatest minds from around the world for the discounted rate of $200 (Retail Value: $2,000). Across four days in the country’s capital, we’ll harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism amid the continent whose growth will help define the 21st century. As with every Under 30 Summit, the social and cultural opportunities will be world-class.
Some of our current speakers include: Award Winning Afrobeats Artist, FIREBOY DML; Singer & Songwriter, Nomcebo Zikode; Managing Director Ashcorp Luxury Projects and Creative Director, Ashluxe, Yinka Ash; Founder & CEO, BellaNaija, Uche Pedro; And many more! Along with exceptional speakers you’ll experience amazing music from top performers, delicious cuisine by world renowned chefs and the tastes and sounds of local culture while engaging in unbeatable networking and pitching opportunities.
We promise this is going to be the best investment you will make in yourself in 2023! View the growing agenda here and claim your $200 ticket today.