The overall winner of the 2023 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition was Dr Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies from Nigeria.
The event, sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, aims to recognize and celebrate African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities.
Dr. Neto took home the ultimate prize of $300,000 at the grand finale in Kigali, Rwanda.
Thomas Njeru of Kenya took second place with a prize of $250,000, while Ayman Bazaraa of Egypt took third place with a prize of $150,000.
The finalists’ innovative enterprises were examined by a team of eminent judges, which included Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Ibukun Awosika, Founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group; and Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group.
The winning companies have created over 123,000 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating the transformative power of entrepreneurship in Africa. In addition to the top three, the top ten candidates received $100,000 apiece, with an additional $10,000 going to each of the top ten finalists for post-competition training programs.
Dr. Ikpeme Neto was thanked by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who emphasized the innovative attitude of young and brilliant Africans.
Obi emphasized the potential for success among young entrepreneurs in a Twitter remark, if the correct policies to help small enterprises are implemented. He sees these entrepreneurs as a driving force behind economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Dr. Neto expressed his heartfelt gratitude and dedication to bringing about positive change through innovation. He expressed gratitude to ABH for enabling entrepreneurs and pledged to shape a brighter future for Africa through entrepreneurship, particularly in the healthcare sector.
