Forbes Africa celebrates the 10th edition of its annual 30 Under 30 list in the magazine’s April/May 2024 issue.
This is a testament to the talent pool on the African continent, which features the world’s youngest population.
The list highlights young, ambitious, and bold leaders shaping Africa in entertainment, education, sports, technology, healthcare, art, and other industries.
Nigerians like singer-songwriter Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), Super Eagles footballer Victor Osimhen, founder and CEO of Mainlogix Technology Josiah Akinloye, founder of Veekee James Ruth Erikan James, track and field athlete Tobi Amusan, and founder and CEO FXKudi Abioye Oyetunji are among those included.
Other Africans on the list include South African singer-songwriter Tyla Laura Seethal, founder of Trigershot Engineering Peace Wutawunashe, director and founder of Africa Afya Healthcare Kenneth M. Njeru, co-founder and CTO of Ramani Calvin Usiri, and more.
From over a thousand applicants this year, the finalists were drawn after a rigorous vetting process by the editorial team led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief, alongside a panel of independent external judges and subject-matter experts such as Mo Abudu, Kate Kallot, Chris Maurice, Tlaleng Mofokeng, Helena Ndume, Desiree Ellis, and also former Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumni.
The evaluation process commenced in late 2023, with the support of the audit partner, SNG Grant Thornton.
Here’s what the managing editor of Forbes Africa, Renuka Methil, had to say: “For a decade, we have unpacked the unmistakable potential and story of Africa’s youth. And Forbes Africa’s 10th 30 Under 30 list too has ambition and adrenaline packed into this special issue. These purpose-minded 20-something achievers are on the way up, overcoming the odds in their quest to become tomorrow’s titans and billionaires, making a huge difference in the countries, companies, and communities they serve.”
Forbes will host the #Under30Summit in Gaborone, Botswana, from the 5th to the 8th of May.
See the full list here.
- 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
