FORBES AFRICA REVEALS 30 UNDER 30 LIST FOR 2019

A packed room burst into rapturous celebration as the names on the 30 Under 30 list for 2019 were announced at the annual FORBES AFRICA Under 30 Meet-Up in association with Kingdom Business Network (KBN) at the Houghton Hotel, Johannesburg.

The fifth annual FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list, released in a Special Issue of FORBES AFRICA for July this year, features 120 young African change-makers for the first time, increasing from 90 the previous year; with 30 finalists in each of the four categories – business, technology, creatives and sport. The annual watch-list has become one of the highest-selling editions for FORBES AFRICA, showcasing Under 30s in the driving seat of Africa’s next big start-up, creative concept, or rising business venture.

Said Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA: “It was the moment we had all been waiting for, unveiling the 120 innovators who are changing the old rules of the game and forging forward. The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list has over the last five years come to be a highly-respected and sought-after collection of tomorrow’s leaders today.”

The sold-out event kicked-off with the major announcement by Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA, which saw the four-fold FORBES AFRICA July cover revealed, representing each of the four 30 Under 30 categories in bright, candy inspired colours. This was then followed by the formal recognition of the 30 Under 30 list-makers in attendance.

THE 120 FORBES AFRICA 30 UNDER 30 HONOREES FOR 2019 ARE:

BUSINESS

1. Bruce Diale, 29, South Africa, Founder & Managing Director of Brucol Global Development
2. Terence Mathe, 29, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder of Southern Incineration Services (SISCO) PBC
3. Mariam Manack , 29, South Africa, Founder & Director of iTrain
4. Khanyisile Madonko-Nderezina, 25, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Sakhile Madonko Enterprises
5. Isaac Mbatha, 28, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Sky Tents SA
6. Sadaam Suleiman, 28, Kenya, Co-Founder & Managing Director of DragonflyLimited
7. Adeniyi Omotayo, 28, Nigeria, Founder & CEO Betensured Group
8. David Kyalo, 29, Kenya, Founder & CEO Koncepts & Events Ltd
9. Ogechukwu Anugo-Obah, 28, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Bodylikemilk
10. Dorn Ndlovu, 26, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Entrepreneur Blue Print Africa
11. Busisiwe Mkhumbuzi, 24, South Africa, Co-Founder & Chief Executive of Tshimong
12. Sydney Sam, 26, Ghana, Founder & CEO of Workspace Global
13. Shirlene Nafula, 27, Kenya, Founder & CEO of Crystal River Products
14. Kgahlego Rasebotsa, 29, South Africa, Founder & Director of Interior Bubble
15. Kimani Adam, 29, Kenya, Co-Founder & CEO of Nature Expeditions Destination Management
16. Ijeoma Balogun, 29, Nigeria, Founder & Managing Director of Redrick PR
17. Bright Jaja, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of iCreate Africa
18. Jesse Carlton Happy Ndongo, 28, Cameroon, Founder of Easy Group
19. Henrich Akomolafe, 26, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Akotex Nigeria Limited 
20. Lesego Mokae, 24, South Africa, Co-Founder of Ditsogo Projects 
21. Oginni Tolulope , 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Transfurd Limited
22. Theo Baloyi, 29, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Bathu Swag
23. Avthar Aniruth, 21, South Africa, Founder and Executive Producer of Audience Networks
24. Barbara Okereke, 28, Nigeria, Cake Designer, Founder & Managing Director of Oven Secret Limited
25. Jessica Anuna, 27, Nigeria , Founder & CEO of Klasha
26. Charles Edosomwan, 29, Nigeria, Founder & Chief Strategist of TekSight Edge Limited
27. Charmaine Mbatha, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder Millennial Business Administrators
28. Shaney Vijendranath, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder & CEO of Vimage Media
29. Adetola Nola, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO Veritasi Properties Limited
30. Caleb Stephen David, 27, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Versatile Commodity Traders

SPORTS

1. Clarence Munyai, 21, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete 
2. Patricia Apolot, 28, Uganda, Kickboxer
3. Jean Sseninde, 26, Uganda, Footballer & CEO
4. Luvo Manyonga, 28, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete 
5. Mohamed Salah, 26, Egypt, Footballer
6. Sadio Mane, 27, Senegal, Footballer
7. Wayde Van Nierkerk, 26, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
8. Chad Le Clos, 27, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
9. Francine Niyonsaba, 26, Burundi, Track & Field Athlete
10. Margaret Nyaireira Wambui, 23, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
11. Akani Simbine, 26, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
12. Genzebe Dibaba, 28, Ethiopia, Track & Field Athlete
13. Pierre Aubameyang, 29, Gabon, Footballer
14. Thembi Kgatlana, 23, South Africa, Footballer
15. Siya Kolisi, 27, South Africa, Footballer
16. Sabrina Simader, 21, Kenya, Alpine Skier
17. Quinton De Kock, 26, South Africa, Cricketer
18. Alex Iwobi, 23, Nigeria, Footballer
19. Aphiwe Dyantyi, 24, South Africa, Rugby Player
20. Percy Tau, 25, South Africa, Footballer
21. Ruhan Van Rooyen, 25, South Africa, Paralympic Athlete
22. Emmanuel Korir, 24, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
23. Beatrice Chepkoech, 24, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
24. Giana Lofty, 24, Egypt, Martial Arts Practioner
25. Caster Semenya, 24, South Africa, Track & Field
26. Kagiso Rabada, 24, South Africa, Cricketer
27. Sarah Ahmed, 21, Egypt, Weightlifter
28. Jacob Kiplimo, 18, Uganda, Track & Field Athlete
29. Faith Kipyegon, 25, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
30. Gerson Domingos, 23, Angola, Basketballer

CREATIVES

1. Karabo Poppy Moletsane, 27, South Africa, Creative Illustrator, Street Artist & Graphic Designer
2. Rophnan Nuri, 29, Ethiopia, Electronic Dance Music Artist
3. Henry Amponsah, 28, Ghana, Designer, Founder & CEO of 101 Clothing
4. Austin Malema, 28, South Africa, Photographer & CEO of Pixelkollective
5. Harmony Katulondi, 29, Democratic Republic of Congo, Presenter, Model, Actor and Voice Over Artist
6. Kapasa Musonda, 29, Zambia, Fashion Designer
7. Richard Akuson, 26, Nigeria, Founder & Editor of A Nasty Boy
8. Menzi Mcunu, 22, South Africa, Founder of the Afrocentric Gentlemvn
9. Trevor Stuurman, 26, South Africa, Photographer and Creative Director
10. Burna boy, 28, Nigeria, Musician
11. Kim Jayde, 28, Zimbabwe, TV Presenter, Model & MC
12. Petite Noir, 28, Democratic Republic of Congo, Singer, Songwriter & Producer
13. Aisha Baker, 29, South Africa, Business Woman, Influencer and Style Icon
14. Karun, 24, Kenya, Musician
15. Gilmore Moyo, 27, Zimbabwe, Creative Director, Content Creator, Fashion Facilitator, TV & Radio Host and Founder of Paper Bag Africa
16. Boitumelo ‘Boity’ Thulo, 29, South Africa, TV Host, Entrepreneur & Musician
17. Hermann Kamte, 27, Cameroon, Architect, Founder & CEO of Hermann Kamte & Associates
18. Helen Chukwu, 25, Nigeria, Fashion Designer, Founder & CEO of Helen Couture
19. Luis Munana, 27, Namibia, Creative Director, Model, TV Host & Founder of Voigush Africa and Waka Waka Moo
20. Upile Chisala, 24, Malawi, Author & Poet
21. Joseph Awuah-Darko, 22, Ghana, Contemporary Artist
22. Joe ‘Human’ Nawaya, 25, Democratic Republic of Congo, Graphic Designer & Co-Founder of Creative Mind Space
23. Thando Thabethe, 29, South Africa, Actress & Radio DJ 
24. Rich Mnisi, 27, South Africa, Fashion Designer
25. Kevin Njue, 27, Kenya, Producer, Director, Writer & CEO of Rocque Pictures
26. Sho Madjozi, 27, South Africa, Musician
27. Sarah Owusu, 28, Ghana, Artist & Painter
28. Abisola Akintunde, 28, Nigeria, Founder & Creative Director of MakeupbyAshabee and Beelashes
29. Yaa Bonsu, 28, Kenya, Fashion Stylist & Creative
30. Paola Audrey Ndengue, 29, Côte d’Ivoire, Host, Producer & Co-Founder of Fashizblack

TECHNOLOGY

1.  Nthabiseng Mosia, 28, South Africa, Co-Founder & CMO of Easy Solar

2.  Evans Akanno, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Cregital

3.  Micheal Paul Mollel, 29, Tanzania, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Jimz Technologies Co. Ltd

4.  Nureshka Viranna, 27, South Africa, Co-Founder & Director of Shopli

5.  Jacob Rugano, 29, Kenya, Co-Founder & Director of AfricarTrack International

6.  Fred Oyetayo, 25, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Fresible

7.  Alpha Nury, 29, Senegal, Founder & CEO of Jamaa Funding

8.  Hansley Noruthun, 27, Mauritius, Founder of Mauritius Space & Science Foundation

9.  Schizzo Thompson, 29, Malawi, Founder & Managing Director of Sky Energy

10. Wilford Mwanza, 29, Zimbabwe, Founder & CEO of Fordolutions

11. Vèna Arielle Ahouansou, 25, Benin, Co-Founder & CEO of KEA Medicals

12. Damilola Olokesusi, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Shuttlers Logistics Company

13. Diana Esther Wangari,, 27, Kenya, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Sagitarix

14. Chinedu Azodoh, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer of Metro Africa Xpress (MAX)

15. Shaun Benjamin, 29, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder of Simba Solutions

16. Matthew Piper, 25 and Karidas Tshintsholo, 24, South Africa, Founders of Khula App

17. Courtney Bentley, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder & CEO of Visibility Insight

18. Josh Okpata, 27, Tochukwu Mbanugo, 29, Nigeria, Founders of Eazyhire

19. Muhammed Salisu Abdullahi, 28, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Managing Director of eTrash2Cash

20. Silas Adekunle, 26, Nigeria, Founder of Reach Robotics

21. Joshua Chibueze, 26, Somto Ifezue, 28 and Odunayo Eweniyi, 26, Nigeria, Founders of PiggyVest

22. Uka Eje, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Thrive Agric

23. Melissa Mwale, 29, Zimbabwe, Founder of Hive Incorporation & Co-Founder of CryptoGem

24. Eric Muli, 27, Kenya, Founder & CEO of Odyssey Capital

25. Eric Rutayisire, 28, Rwanda, Founder & CEO of Charis UAS

26. Khalid Machchate, 26, Wissal Farsal, 27, Morocco, Founders of K&W Technologies

27. Siyabonga Thomas Tiwana, 29 & Tyrone Adams, 28, South Africa, Founders of Skywalk Innovations

28. Chika Madubuko, 27, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Greymate Care

29. Dorcas Owinoh, 28, Kenya, Co-Founder & Director of LakeHub

30. Marnus van Heerden, 29, Matthew Smith 26, Ndabenhle Ngulube, 28, South Africa, Founders of Pineapple App

Official Celebration Partner of this year’s Forbes Africa Under 30 Meet-Up, House of BNG, gifted all 120 Forbes Africa 2019 Under 30 list-makers a special bottle of House of BNG Méthode Cap Classique to toast their 2019 title with Bonang Matheba herself, doing the honours.

Attendees can now look forward to a day set to tackle many real-world issues and opportunities, with sessions ranging from business idea generation and identifying market prospects, to ascertaining funding channels and getting first-hand advice from some of the continent’s most successful minds including:

·  MOHAMMED DEWJI, President of MeTL Group and Africa’s youngest billionaire

·  South African Fashion Designer GERT-JOHAN COETZEE

·  LINDA MABHENA-OLAGUNJU, Managing Director of DLO Energy Resources Group 

·  MARNUS BROODRYK, Founder and CEO of The Beancounter

·  SYLVESTER CHAUKE, Founder of DNA Brand Architects

·  Founder and President of CliffCentral.com, GARETH CLIFF

·  Multimedia Visual Artist TREVOR STUURMAN

·  Founder/CFO of the Sierra Leone-based solar energy company EasySolar, NTHABISENG MOSIA

·  POLO LETEKA, Executive Director at IDF Capital

Tasty and refreshing, PURA Soda will be keeping delegates and speakers well re-energized as the Official Refreshment Partner, whilst MSTARR Productions will be the Forbes Africa Under 30 Meet-Up’s Official AV Partner. Proudly South African Bathu, will be ensuring the Forbes Africa Under 30 Meet-Up crew will be decked out in the latest footwear. Helping to spread the word is Yfm as the Official Radio Partner.

The 2019 FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 edition will hit shelves on Monday, 1 July and will be available at leading retailers and where good magazines are read.

For further information, follow @Under30MeetUp and #Under30MeetUp on Twitter.