Honouring African Youths
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- August 11, 2024
Africa is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by a new generation of young innovators making significant strides in business, technology, and fashion. These dynamic youths are not only reshaping their respective industries but are also redefining Africa’s image on the global stage. As the continent continues to harness its vast potential, these young leaders emerge as key players in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting cultural heritage.
In business, young African entrepreneurs are creating solutions tailored to local challenges while attracting international attention and investment. They are pioneering startups and companies that address issues from healthcare to sustainable agriculture, demonstrating that Africa is a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures.
In the realm of technology, African youths are breaking barriers and leading digital transformations. They are developing cutting-edge technologies and platforms that revolutionise everything from financial services to education. Their contributions are not only solving critical problems but are also positioning Africa as a burgeoning tech hub.
The fashion industry is also experiencing a renaissance, with young African designers gaining global acclaim for their creativity and innovation. These designers blend traditional African aesthetics with modern trends, creating unique and culturally rich fashion statements that captivate international audiences.
Together, these young leaders are crafting a new narrative for Africa—one of potential, innovation, and global relevance. Their stories are a testament to the continent’s vibrant spirit and its capacity to make a lasting impact on the world stage.
Africa is home to an energetic and innovative youth population making significant strides in business, technology, and fashion. These young leaders are reshaping Africa’s image globally, driving economic growth, and showcasing the continent’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Here are some notable young Africans who are putting Africa on a global scale.
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian-born basketball player, is a remarkable example of African youth achieving global prominence and making the continent proud. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Embiid’s journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a dominant NBA star is inspiring and influential.
Embiid’s basketball career began in earnest when he moved to the United States to play high school basketball, showcasing his extraordinary skills and potential. His talent quickly attracted attention, leading to a successful college career at the University of Kansas. In 2014, he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the third overall pick, marking the start of a transformative professional career.
Known for his versatility, athleticism, and dominance on the court, Embiid has earned multiple NBA All-Star selections and has been recognised as one of the league’s premier players. His impact extends beyond basketball; he serves as a role model for young Africans, demonstrating that one can rise to the highest levels of global sport with talent, determination, and hard work.
Emiid’s success is not only a testament to his individual excellence but also a source of pride for Africa. It showcases the continent’s potential to produce world-class athletes. His achievements inspire young Africans, proving they can compete and excel on the world stage, contributing to the growing recognition of African talent in global sports.
Joel Embiid
Blessing Joel Abeng
Born on October 16, 1994, in Jos, Nigeria, Blessing Joel Abeng is a distinguished entrepreneur and branding expert renowned for her work in Africa’s tech and business landscapes. She co-founded Disha, a tech startup Flutterwave, a leading African fintech company, later acquired.
Abeng holds a degree in Biochemistry from Covenant University in Nigeria and furthered her studies in branding at Orange Academy in Lagos. Initially aiming for a career in medicine, she shifted to branding and communications after recognising her passion for helping businesses articulate their value propositions.
She is a co-founder and the Director of Communications at Ingressive for Good (I4G), a non-profit organisation focused on empowering African youth with tech skills and enhancing their employability and economic power. Under her leadership, I4G has trained over 150,000 Africans and built a community of nearly 250,000 members.
Abeng’s work has garnered significant recognition. In 2023, she was listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 and has received several other accolades, including the African Achiever Award and being named one of the most influential people of African descent under 40 by the United Nations. Just last year, Google donated $250 million to the three-year-old non-profit.
Her career is marked by a commitment to using her diverse talents to make a positive impact, particularly in tech and entrepreneurship.
Blessing Abeng
Mutethia Mbaabu
Mutethia Mbaabu, a prominent Kenyan entrepreneur, co-founded MarketForce, a B2B commerce platform, and serves as its CEO. Born in 1993, Mbaabu’s fascination with technology began in his youth, leading him to explore how platforms like Facebook were built. His vision was to create something impactful for Africa, which led to the inception of MarketForce in 2018.
MarketForce operates the merchant super app RejaReja, which empowers informal merchants across Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda by providing next-day delivery for hundreds of SKUs from leading FMCG brands. The platform also enables merchants to source, order, and pay for inventory, access financing, and earn more by reselling financial services.
Under Mbaabu’s leadership, MarketForce has made significant strides, including closing a $40 million Series A funding round in 2022, one of the largest in East and Central Africa. This funding has allowed the company to scale rapidly and expand its operations. Mbaabu’s entrepreneurial journey and MarketForce’s success have earned him recognition, including being listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in 2023. His story exemplifies perseverance and innovation, showcasing how a strong executive team and a scalable business model can drive substantial impact and growth in the African tech ecosystem.
Mutethia Mbaabu
Anifa Mvuemba
Anifa Mvuemba, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the visionary founder of Hanifa, a fashion brand that has garnered global attention for its groundbreaking approach to fashion presentations. Mvuemba is particularly acclaimed for her pioneering use of 3D technology to showcase her collections. By embracing virtual fashion shows, she has created immersive, digital experiences that transcend traditional runway formats.
Mvuemba’s innovative use of 3D technology allows her to present her designs in a visually striking manner, capturing the essence of African aesthetics and culture in a modern context. This approach has highlighted her commitment to innovation and expanded the reach of African-inspired fashion to an international audience. Her work with Hanifa is celebrated for its blend of elegance, creativity, and technological advancement, positioning her as a trailblazer in the intersection of fashion and technology.
Through her visionary presentations, Anifa Mvuemba has redefined fashion show norms, providing a platform for African designs to be appreciated and recognised on a global scale. Her contributions are shaping the future of fashion by combining cultural richness with cutting-edge digital tools.
Anifa Mvuemba
Damian Willemse
Damian Willemse, a celebrated South African rugby player, has earned a spot on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2024. Born in Strand, Cape Town, Willemse has become a key player for the Stormers and the South African national team, the Springboks. His rugby career is marked by significant achievements, including being part of the squad that won back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, making him the youngest player to achieve this feat at 26.
Willemse’s reputation goes beyond the rugby field. He is actively involved in social and environmental initiatives, showing a commitment to giving back to his community and the planet. Notably, he has participated in reforestation efforts in Cape Town through collaborations with Vida e Caffe and One Tree Planted. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for Adidas’ Run for the Oceans campaign, which aims to combat ocean plastic pollution. Willemse’s inclusion in the Forbes list aligns with the publication’s 2024 theme: “Passion, Purpose, and a Decade of the 30 Under 30 List,” which celebrates young leaders making impactful contributions. His dual commitment to excellence in sports and social responsibility underscores his well-rounded influence and promise for future endeavours.
Damian Willemse
Dr. Wedu Tose Somolekae
Dr. Wedu Tose Somolekae is a dynamic entrepreneur and medical professional from Botswana, known for her pioneering work in aesthetics. At 29 years old, she founded Medi-Glow Aesthetics, a leading clinic offering advanced skincare and cosmetic treatments. With a solid foundation in medical science and a passion for aesthetic medicine, Dr. Somolekae established Medi-Glow to provide high-quality, personalised care, utilising the latest technologies in the field. Her clinic has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach and commitment to enhancing patients’ well-being and confidence.
Dr. Somolekae’s career is marked by her dedication to excellence and her ability to merge medical expertise with entrepreneurial vision. Her work at Medi-Glow reflects her commitment to raising the standards of aesthetic care in Botswana and beyond. As a young leader in the industry, she is advancing aesthetic practices and contributing to the broader narrative of African entrepreneurship. Her achievements underscore the potential of African youth in shaping global industries and making significant impacts through innovative solutions and professional excellence.
Dr. Wedu Tose
African youths are increasingly shaping the continent’s future and placing Africa on the global stage with their remarkable impact. Their innovative, resilient, entrepreneurial spirit drives significant changes across various sectors, from technology and sports to politics and social activism. By utilising the power of digital platforms, they are breaking traditional barriers, boosting economic growth, and influencing global conversations.
The rise of young African leaders, innovators, and creatives shows the continent’s spirited potential and ability to contribute significantly to global progress. As they continue to challenge norms and pursue excellence, African youths are redefining Africa’s image and paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous world. Their efforts underscore the continent’s evolving narrative and critical role in shaping future global trends.
