MARGARET CHISANGA
Kigali, Rwanda
OVER the past five years, the fusion of digital technology with entrepreneurship has unlocked opportunities for young Africans to tackle societal challenges in education, healthcare, and economy.
Sun Lijun, Partner at Alibaba Partnership and Board member of The Jack Ma Foundation, said this while speaking on behalf of the organizers at the fifth edition of the Africa’s Business Heroes Summit, held Thursday November 23rd in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Africa’s Business Heroes started in August 2018 after Jack Ma’s inaugural visit to Africa in July 2017 ignited his passion for the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit on the continent.
“ABH’s mission is to support African entrepreneurs, empower the young generation to achieve their business aspirations, create job opportunities, and propel talent development and economic progress,” he said.
Now, in its fifth year, the annual competition has witnessed participation by nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs from all 54 African nations.
“Over the years, we have engaged over 900 entrepreneurs and investors. It has been inspiring to see them deploy advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and blockchain to forge solutions that are groundbreaking and inventive,” he said.
He said innovative online virtual 3D labs have been established in education, enhancing the learning experience in science disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and biology while visionaries in the health care sector have established tech-enabled diagnostic centers in communities, democratizing access to top-tier medical services.
“Taking agriculture for instance. Some entrepreneurs have harnessed data to develop efficient platforms for farmers, revolutionizing how agricultural products are sold. Others have utilized technology to modernize African food processing industries,” he said.
He shared that in renewable energy, entrepreneurs are creating affordable fuel bricks, easing the financial burden of cooking and safeguarding forests. 
“These individuals, who leverage technology and innovation to transform lives and generate societal change, are undoubtedly Africa’s heroes,” he said.
This year’s competition has attracted over 27,000 participants from all 54 African nations, with women representing an all-time high of 34 percent.
The finalists’ projects span critical sectors like agriculture, education, energy, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, each shining a light on the innovative drive that propels societal advancement.
“This is a true reflection of Africa’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, symbolizing the continent’s immense innovative and entrepreneurial potential,” he said.
