The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 is an exciting collection of African trailblazers, ready to take the continent by storm.
This year’s list features an impressive array of entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and leaders who have made a mark in their respective fields. From tech geniuses to business moguls to social creators, these remarkable individuals are poised to make a lasting impact on the world. Get ready to meet the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Titans of Tomorrow:
1. Dr Wedu Tose Somolekae, 29
Botswana – Founder, Medi-Glow Aesthetics
Industry: Aesthetic medicine
2. Rosalia Nghitalesheni Joseph, 28
Namibia – Regional Coordinator, Women in Vector Control (WIVC), Central and Southern Africa
Industry: Medical entomologist/public researcher
3. Temilade Openiyi / ‘Tems’, 27
Nigeria – Singer-songwriter
Industry: Music and Entertainment
4. Dr Olivier Uwishema, 29
Rwanda – Founder, Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO)
Industry: Medicine/Research
5. Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama, 29
South Africa – Beauty Influencer
Industry: Content creation
6. Lethabo ‘Focalistic’ Sebetso, 26
South Africa — Rapper
Industry: Music and Entertainment
7. Joel Embiid, 29
Cameroon – Center for Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association
Industry: Professional Basketball Player
8. Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe / ‘Ayra Starr’, 20
Benin/Nigeria – Singer
Industry: Music and Entertainment
9. Nompumelelo ‘Mpoomy’ Ledwaba, 29
South Africa – Entrepreneur/Digital Creator
Industry: Digital Marketing
10. Yvette Ishimwe, 25
Rwanda – Founder and CEO, Iriba Water Group
Industry: Water Solutions
11. Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri. 29
Nigeria – Founder and CEO, Koko By Khloe
Industry: Beauty and Skincare
12. Hansel Ndu Okeke, 28
Nigeria – Co-founder and CEO, Weevil Company
Industry: Technology
13. Germain Ndu-Okeke, 24
Nigeria – Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer, Weevil Company
Industry: Technology
14. Asisat Oshoala, 28
Nigeria – Striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona and the Nigeria women’s national team
Industry: Professional Footballer
15. Jacques Jordaan, 27
South Africa – Co-founder and Director, Specno
Industry: Entrepreneur/Technology
16. Blessing Joel Abeng, 28
Nigeria – Co-founder and Director of Communications, Ingressive For Good
Industry: Branding and Communications
17. Jessica Mshama, 27
Tanzania – Founder and CEO, Nakua Na Taifa Langu, Director of Assumpter Digital Schools
Industry: Entrepreneur/Social Impact
18. Dricus ‘Still Knocks’ du Plessis, 29
South Africa – Professional mixed martial artist in Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Industry: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
19. Koaile Monaheng, 29
Lesotho – Associate Director and Shareholder, Khantša Energy
Industry: Renewable Energy
20. Isaack Damian Buhiye, 28
Tanzania – CEO, Firm 23 Limited
Industry: Digital Enterprise Solutions
21. Emmanuel Whajah, 29
Ghana – Creative Director, Videographer and owner of Emzy Production Films
Industry: Film and entertainment
22. Cheslin Denman, 29
South Africa – Managing Director and Co-Founder, Trustlink Africa Hub
Industry: Fintech
23. Mhlengi Mluleki Ngcobo, 28
South Africa – Founder and CEO, CoffeeMM
Industry: Agriculture
24. Talifhani Tshitwamulomoni, 29
South Africa – Chief Operation Officer, Green Development Foundation
Industry: Sustainability
25. Cody Gordon, 26
South Africa – Co-founder and CEO, CG Technology Group (be frank, Constructive Candor and It’sOk)
Industry: Mental Health Technology
26. Thembi Kgatlana, 26
South Africa – A Forward for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC and the South Africa women’s national team
Industry: Professional Football
27. Mohammed Kudus, 22
Ghana – Attacking midfielder for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Ghana national team
Industry: Professional Football
28. Sharva Hassamal, 29
Mauritius – Founder, Portage Labs
Industry: Information Technology
29. Mutethia Mbaabu, 29
Kenya – Co-founder and CEO, MarketForce
Industry: E-Commerce
30. Alessandrio Bergman, 29
South Africa – Founder, SYNC Model Management
Industry: Fashion and Marketing