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The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, will host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12–13 December 2025 in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),

The two-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond for learning, networking, and collaboration in celebration of African entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony will feature live pitches before a panel of esteemed judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances celebrating African creativity and innovation — culminating in the announcement of this year's winners and the awarding of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.

The 2025 ABH Grand Finale follows the 7^th ABH Semi-Finals, which was held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025. The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists after two days of live pitches and evaluation in Dakar.

Representing diverse sectors that are shaping Africa's future, the 2025 Top 10 finalists are:

1. Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4o7wk2b) – Transport and Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
2. Siny Samba (Senegal) (https://apo-opa.co/3JLlhh0) – FoodTech and Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
3. Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) (https://apo-opa.co/4nZbeml) – Textiles and Women's Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
4. Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/4r8N7o5) – AgriTech and Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
5. Janet Kuteli (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4r6I8UT) – FinTech and Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
6. Diana Orembe (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/3X4fR3y) – AgriTech and Biotech, NovFeed
7. Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma5IzZ) – SME Tech and Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies Limited
8. Gohar Said (Egypt) (https://apo-opa.co/3KbGdxJ) – FoodTech and Supply Chain, Suplyd
9. Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/47OPvZJ) – HealthTech and Digital Solutions, nuvoteQ
10. Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) (https://apo-opa.co/3X0W70P) – HealthTech and Telemedicine, Waspito

“Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, Africa's Business Heroes. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth, and we are excited to see them take the stage to share their stories and ideas with a pan-African audience. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent's future, today.”

As a longstanding partner, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) continues its collaboration with Africa's Business Heroes (ABH), with Rwanda once again hosting the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year — a testament to the country's growing reputation as a home of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

“We are delighted to host the 7th Africa's Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “This partnership with Africa's Business Heroes reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent. Rwanda is proud to host the Grand Finale for the third time, reaffirming our position as a hub for business and innovation in Africa. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities that advance sustainable growth across the continent.”

The 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale

Under the theme “Defining Africa's Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions celebrating visionary entrepreneurs driving Africa's transformation. Confirmed speakers include Mr. Lijun Sun (Chair of the board, Alibaba Foundation, President, Alibaba Philanthropy), Mrs. Juliana Muganza (Deputy CEO, RDB), and industry leaders such as Clare Akamanzi (CEO, NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (Founder of House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute), Wandia Gichuru (CEO, Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (Journalist and Theatre Producer).

The Grand Finale will also bring together a distinguished panel of global business leaders and innovators, including Dr. Diane Karusisi (CEO, Bank of Kigali), and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (CEO, The Chair Centre Group)

A Pan-African Platform for Partnership

Now in its seventh edition, ABH continues to champion inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. Since its inception, it has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and provided them with training and global exposure, helping them scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Through its training programs such as ABH ScaleUp, ABH has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to date attracting over 160,000 applicants.

The 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The event is supported by key sponsors— Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, whose partnership helps amplify the reach and impact of African entrepreneurship. ABH also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its Outreach Partners, including Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa, who play a critical role in connecting ABH to vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent. Together, these partners reflect the collective effort driving ABH's mission to inspire, support, and celebrate Africa's business heroes.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players are invited to learn more and register to attend the ABH Summit and Grand Finale via https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For additional information, media resources, and downloadable visuals to accompany this release, please access the official ABH 2025 Press Kit here:
ABH Press Kit (https://apo-opa.co/4i3gW5e)

For media inquiries, please e-mail: 
pr@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa's Business Heroes (ABH):
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition is a flagship philanthropic program of Alibaba Philanthropy committed to identifying, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards US$1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders making a difference in their communities.

About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB):
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more about the Rwanda Development Board at https://RDB.rw/.

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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the leadership team within the volunteer programme.

Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) 
Commitment: 10 - 15 hours per week, for at least 6 months 

About the Role

This volunteer position is ideal for a professional with a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience and a proven record of managing calendar schedules, correspondence, and coordination tasks at a high standard of professionalism and discretion.

Working closely with the Chairman's Office and Senior Leadership, the Executive Assistant will play a key role in ensuring efficient operations and communication across teams and departments.

The Volunteer Programme works within the European and African time zones. Due to this commitment, we are only accepting applicants from within the European or African time zones.

As the Executive Assistant, you will:

• Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the leadership team.

• Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and assist with project follow-ups.

• Set up and join weekly team meetings, taking detailed minutes and tracking action items.

• Draft and review correspondence, reports, and presentations.

• Maintain organized digital filing systems and ensure document confidentiality.

• Serve as a key communication link between leadership, staff, and external partners.

• Support the preparation and documentation of meetings, including action items and next steps.

More information about the Roman Catholic Church in Africa's Communications Volunteer Programme: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oneqZr

Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or coordination role.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).

• Availability for at least 10 to 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months (fully remote).

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.

• High-level executive experience in an international, faith-driven environment.

• The chance to expand your professional network across Africa and globally.

• A multicultural and collaborative setting that values service, purpose, and professional excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church's noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.

I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered. 

APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrO9X

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. 

According to the 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.