Forbes Africa has released its fifth edition of its 30 under 30 list, honouring some of the continent’s most accomplished young artists, entrepreneurs and tech stars.
The popular magazine, this year, has released the names of 120 young African game-changers, all under the age of 30, in each of the four sectors – business, technology, creatives and sport.
This is an increase from 90 people from the previous year. The list was announced at the annual Forbes Africa Under 30 Meet up that took place at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg.
Meet the 2019’s class of game-changers:
BUSINESS
Bruce Diale, 29, South Africa, Founder & Managing Director of Brucol Global Development
Terence Mathe, 29, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder of Southern Incineration Services (SISCO) PBC
Mariam Manack , 29, South Africa, Founder & Director of iTrain
Khanyisile Madonko-Nderezina, 25, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Sakhile Madonko Enterprises
Isaac Mbatha, 28, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Sky Tents SA
Sadaam Suleiman, 28, Kenya, Co-Founder & Managing Director of DragonflyLimited
Adeniyi Omotayo, 28, Nigeria, Founder & CEO Betensured Group
David Kyalo, 29, Kenya, Founder & CEO Koncepts & Events Ltd
Ogechukwu Anugo-Obah, 28, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Bodylikemilk
Dorn Ndlovu, 26, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Entrepreneur Blue Print Africa
Busisiwe Mkhumbuzi, 24, South Africa, Co-Founder & Chief Executive of Tshimong
Sydney Sam, 26, Ghana, Founder & CEO of Workspace Global
Shirlene Nafula, 27, Kenya, Founder & CEO of Crystal River Products
Kgahlego Rasebotsa, 29, South Africa, Founder & Director of Interior Bubble
Kimani Adam, 29, Kenya, Co-Founder & CEO of Nature Expeditions Destination Management
Ijeoma Balogun, 29, Nigeria, Founder & Managing Director of Redrick PR
Bright Jaja, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of iCreate Africa
Jesse Carlton Happy Ndongo, 28, Cameroon, Founder of Easy Group
Henrich Akomolafe, 26, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Akotex Nigeria Limited
Lesego Mokae, 24, South Africa, Co-Founder of Ditsogo Projects
Oginni Tolulope , 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Transfurd Limited
Theo Baloyi, 29, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Bathu Swag
Avthar Aniruth, 21, South Africa, Founder and Executive Producer of Audience Networks
Barbara Okereke, 28, Nigeria, Cake Designer, Founder & Managing Director of Oven Secret Limited
Jessica Anuna, 27, Nigeria , Founder & CEO of Klasha
Charles Edosomwan, 29, Nigeria, Founder & Chief Strategist of TekSight Edge Limited
Charmaine Mbatha, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder Millennial Business Administrators
Shaney Vijendranath, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder & CEO of Vimage Media
Adetola Nola, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO Veritasi Properties Limited
Caleb Stephen David, 27, South Africa, Founder & CEO of Versatile Commodity Traders
SPORTS
Clarence Munyai, 21, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
Patricia Apolot, 28, Uganda, Kickboxer
Jean Sseninde, 26, Uganda, Footballer & CEO
Luvo Manyonga, 28, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
Mohamed Salah, 26, Egypt, Footballer
Sadio Mane, 27, Senegal, Footballer
Wayde Van Nierkerk, 26, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
Chad Le Clos, 27, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
Francine Niyonsaba, 26, Burundi, Track & Field Athlete
Margaret Nyaireira Wambui, 23, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
Akani Simbine, 26, South Africa, Track & Field Athlete
Genzebe Dibaba, 28, Ethiopia, Track & Field Athlete
Pierre Aubameyang, 29, Gabon, Footballer
Thembi Kgatlana, 23, South Africa, Footballer
Siya Kolisi, 27, South Africa, Footballer
Sabrina Simader, 21, Kenya, Alpine Skier
Quinton De Kock, 26, South Africa, Cricketer
Alex Iwobi, 23, Nigeria, Footballer
Aphiwe Dyantyi, 24, South Africa, Rugby Player
Percy Tau, 25, South Africa, Footballer
Ruhan Van Rooyen, 25, South Africa, Paralympic Athlete
Emmanuel Korir, 24, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
Beatrice Chepkoech, 24, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
Giana Lofty, 24, Egypt, Martial Arts Practioner
Caster Semenya, 24, South Africa, Track & Field
Kagiso Rabada, 24, South Africa, Cricketer
Sarah Ahmed, 21, Egypt, Weightlifter
Jacob Kiplimo, 18, Uganda, Track & Field Athlete
Faith Kipyegon, 25, Kenya, Track & Field Athlete
Gerson Domingos, 23, Angola, Basketballer
CREATIVES
Karabo Poppy Moletsane, 27, South Africa, Creative Illustrator, Street Artist & Graphic Designer
Rophnan Nuri, 29, Ethiopia, Electronic Dance Music Artist
Henry Amponsah, 28, Ghana, Designer, Founder & CEO of 101 Clothing
Austin Malema, 28, South Africa, Photographer & CEO of Pixelkollective
Harmony Katulondi, 29, Democratic Republic of Congo, Presenter, Model, Actor and Voice Over Artist
Kapasa Musonda, 29, Zambia, Fashion Designer
Richard Akuson, 26, Nigeria, Founder & Editor of A Nasty Boy
Menzi Mcunu, 22, South Africa, Founder of the Afrocentric Gentlemvn
Trevor Stuurman, 26, South Africa, Photographer and Creative Director
Burna Boy, 28, Nigeria, Musician
Kim Jayde, 28, Zimbabwe, TV Presenter, Model & MC
Petite Noir, 28, Democratic Republic of Congo, Singer, Songwriter & Producer
Aisha Baker, 29, South Africa, Business Woman, Influencer and Style Icon
Karun, 24, Kenya, Musician
Gilmore Moyo, 27, Zimbabwe, Creative Director, Content Creator, Fashion Facilitator, TV & Radio Host and Founder of Paper Bag Africa
Boitumelo ‘Boity’ Thulo, 29, South Africa, TV Host, Entrepreneur & Musician
Hermann Kamte, 27, Cameroon, Architect, Founder & CEO of Hermann Kamte & Associates
Helen Chukwu, 25, Nigeria, Fashion Designer, Founder & CEO of Helen Couture
Luis Munana, 27, Namibia, Creative Director, Model, TV Host & Founder of Voigush Africa and Waka Waka Moo
Upile Chisala, 24, Malawi, Author & Poet
Joseph Awuah-Darko, 22, Ghana, Contemporary Artist
Joe ‘Human’ Nawaya, 25, Democratic Republic of Congo, Graphic Designer & Co-Founder of Creative Mind Space
Thando Thabethe, 29, South Africa, Actress & Radio DJ
Rich Mnisi, 27, South Africa, Fashion Designer
Kevin Njue, 27, Kenya, Producer, Director, Writer & CEO of Rocque Pictures
Sho Madjozi, 27, South Africa, Musician
Sarah Owusu, 28, Ghana, Artist & Painter
Abisola Akintunde, 28, Nigeria, Founder & Creative Director of MakeupbyAshabee and Beelashes
Yaa Bonsu, 28, Kenya, Fashion Stylist & Creative
Paola Audrey Ndengue, 29, Côte d’Ivoire, Host, Producer & Co-Founder of Fashizblack
TECHNOLOGY
Nthabiseng Mosia, 28, South Africa, Co-Founder & CMO of Easy Solar
Evans Akanno, 29, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Cregital
Micheal Paul Mollel, 29, Tanzania, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Jimz Technologies Co. Ltd
Nureshka Viranna, 27, South Africa, Co-Founder & Director of Shopli
Jacob Rugano, 29, Kenya, Co-Founder & Director of AfricarTrack International
Fred Oyetayo, 25, Nigeria, Founder & CEO of Fresible
Alpha Nury, 29, Senegal, Founder & CEO of Jamaa Funding
Hansley Noruthun, 27, Mauritius, Founder of Mauritius Space & Science Foundation
Schizzo Thompson, 29, Malawi, Founder & Managing Director of Sky Energy
Wilford Mwanza, 29, Zimbabwe, Founder & CEO of Fordolutions
Vèna Arielle Ahouansou, 25, Benin, Co-Founder & CEO of KEA Medicals
Damilola Olokesusi, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Shuttlers Logistics Company
Diana Esther Wangari,, 27, Kenya, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Sagitarix
Chinedu Azodoh, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer of Metro Africa Xpress (MAX)
Shaun Benjamin, 29, Zimbabwe, Co-Founder of Simba Solutions
Matthew Piper, 25 and Karidas Tshintsholo, 24, South Africa, Founders of Khula App
Courtney Bentley, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder & CEO of Visibility Insight
Josh Okpata, 27, Tochukwu Mbanugo, 29, Nigeria, Founders of Eazyhire
Muhammed Salisu Abdullahi, 28, Nigeria, Co-Founder & Managing Director of eTrash2Cash
Silas Adekunle, 26, Nigeria, Founder of Reach Robotics
Joshua Chibueze, 26, Somto Ifezue, 28 and Odunayo Eweniyi, 26, Nigeria, Founders of PiggyVest
Uka Eje, 29, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Thrive Agric
Melissa Mwale, 29, Zimbabwe, Founder of Hive Incorporation & Co-Founder of CryptoGem
Eric Muli, 27, Kenya, Founder & CEO of Odyssey Capital
Eric Rutayisire, 28, Rwanda, Founder & CEO of Charis UAS
Khalid Machchate, 26, Wissal Farsal, 27, Morocco, Founders of K&W Technologies
Siyabonga Thomas Tiwana, 29 & Tyrone Adams, 28, South Africa, Founders of Skywalk Innovations
Chika Madubuko, 27, Nigeria, Co-Founder & CEO of Greymate Care
Dorcas Owinoh, 28, Kenya, Co-Founder & Director of LakeHub
Marnus van Heerden, 29, Matthew Smith 26, Ndabenhle Ngulube, 28, South Africa, Founders of Pineapple App
Forbes Africa announces 30 under 30 list for 2019
Decent work
Last week saw the launch of the “Advancing Decent Work and Inclusive Industrialization in Ethiopia”, a program by ILO and partners in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
This is a comprehensive and coordinated program to promote decent work and inclusive industrialization, which is a very timely and important focus at a time in which the country continues to grow socially and economically.
The program will in the first instance prioritise the garment and textile industries, which play a very prominent role in Ethiopia’s second Growth and Transformation Plan. Productivity in the sectors is affected by the working conditions, wages, turn over, regulations and capacity of the workers. The program’s purpose is therefor to enhance the effective functioning of the sector and related business environment by addressing workers’ rights, income, compensation, safety, equality, voice and representation. As a result, productivity and global competitiveness of the sector is expected to increase.
During the launch, two high level panel discussions were moderated, preceded by opening remarks of representatives of partner organizations and institutions, including the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, while in between the ILO Program Manager presented a concise overview of the program.
The launch ended with positive and encouraging conclusions, recognising the unique opportunity and ingredients now available to do things right to advance decent work in the fast-growing industrialization the country is witnessing.
Now, for workers to be productive they need to be fit. At the same time, we know that many of them suffer from anaemia or other micronutrient deficiencies. There seems to be a big opportunity thus to address undernutrition especially in the light of economic development and enhanced production in the private sector in general and in the industrial parks particularly. In his book “Food at Work”, Christopher Wanjek takes a comprehensive look at the opportunities to increase the nutrition status of employees at their place of work. Below follow some excerpts from the introduction of the book.
“This book addresses a simple question – how do workers eat while at work? This question, we have found, is not always given much thought. This is strange, as food is the fuel that powers production. One would think that employers, wanting to maximize productivity, would provide their workforce
with nourishing food or, at the very least, convenient access to healthy food. What we have found in researching material for this book is that workplace meal programmes are largely a missed opportunity. It is a salient fact that worldwide nearly a billion people are undernourished while over one billion are overweight. How do we address this catastrophic misappropriation of food resources? The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), among other international bodies, have taken great steps in remedying malnutrition through projects focused on better food supply chains, storage, land management, food fortification, bulk food distribution and education. Our view, in assisting this global aim, is that the workplace
should be a locale for meal provision and nutrition education initiatives.
Too often the workplace meal programme is either an afterthought or not even considered by employers. Work, instead of being accommodating, is frequently a hindrance to proper nutrition. Canteens, if they exist, routinely offer an unhealthy and unvaried selection. Vending machines are regularly stocked with unhealthy snacks. Local restaurants can be expensive or in short supply. Street foods can be bacteria laden. Workers sometimes have no time to eat, no place to eat or no money to purchase food. Some workers are unable to consume enough calories to perform the strenuous work expected of them.
Agricultural and construction workers often eat in dangerous and insanitary conditions. Mobile workers and day labourers are expected to fend for themselves. Migrant workers, far from home, often find themselves with no access to local markets and no means to store or cook food. Night shift workers find they have few meal options after hours. Hundreds of millions of workers face an undesirable eating arrangement every day. Many go hungry; many get sick, sooner or later. The result is a staggering blow to productivity and health. Poorer nations, in particular, remain in a cycle of poor nutrition, poor health, low productivity, low wages and no development. Presented in this book are mostly positive examples of how governments, employers and trade unions are trying to improve the nutritional status of workers. In wealthier nations, where obesity and related non-communicable diseases – cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney problems – are
epidemic, we find some employers offering healthier menus or better access to healthier foods, such as on-site farmers’ markets. In developing and emerging economies, where hunger and micronutrient deficiencies such as anaemia are epidemic, we find some employers offering free, well-balanced meals or access to safer street foods.
Governments gain from a well-nourished population through reductions in health costs, through tax
revenue from increased work productivity, and – in feeding its children – through the security of future generations of healthy workers. The savings are significant. In Southeast Asia, iron deficiency accounts for a US$5 billion loss in productivity. In wealthier nations, obesity accounts for 2 to 7 per cent of total health costs. In addition to these costs, employers must understand that poor nutrition is tied to absenteeism, sickness, low morale and higher rates of accidents. Obesity, inadequate calories and iron deficiency result in fatigue and
lack of dexterity. Employees must understand that their health and thus job security is dependent upon proper nutrition. The workplace can be an instrument for eating well and is the logical setting for nutrition intervention. First, nutrition is an occupational health and safety concern. Spoiled food can be as deadly to the workforce as a chemical leak; poor nutrition can be as deadly as a weak ladder rung. Second, workers usually come to the workplace regularly for an extended period, making intervention convenient. Larger enterprises regularly have the means to make some improvement at little cost, such as negotiating with food suppliers for safer,
healthier food or providing better shelter to make the meal more restful and enjoyable. Even the smallest enterprises have low-cost options, such as working with local vendors to supply clean water or discount vouchers.”
There are indeed many opportunities to address food at the workplace, while interventions may work as a double-edged sword: better and nutrition for many and increased production for the private sector. The book provides many examples and case stories from which we can derive interventions. It is an opportunity not to be missed, if we want to achieve our goal to become the middle-income country we envision.
Source and recommended reading: “Food at Work” by Christopher Wanjek – an ILO publication
ton.haverkort@gmail.com
Abiy Alem
Name: Abiy Alem
Education: BSC in Computer Science
Company name: Mulu Ecolodge
Studio Title: Owner
Founded in: 2017
What it does: Agro Tourism
HQ: Eastern Goajm, Dega Damot
Number of employees: 10
Startup Capital: 560,000 birr
Current capital: Growing
Reasons for starting the business: To promote tourism
Biggest perk of ownership: Doing what I want
Biggest strength: Commitment
Biggest challenge: Lack of awareness about agro tourism
Plan: To create my own agro tourism brand
First career: Tour guide
Most interested in meeting: Zumra Nuru, founder of Awra Amba Ethiopian intentional community
Most admired person: PM Abiy
Stress reducer: Touring
Favorite past-time: Working
Favorite book: The Power of Thinking Big by John C. Maxwell
Favorite destination: Bahir Dar
Favorite automobile: Toyota Land Cruiser
A strategic foreign policy to move Ethiopia forward
By Betty D.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appeared before the House of People’s Representatives on 1st July 2019. He was presenting his government’s performance report for the year 2018-2019. During this particular year, a wind of change blew over Ethiopia and the Prime Minister’s report conveyed a message of meaningful partnership and of hope for the foreseeable future.
In the report, the Prime Minister adroitly articulated the broad lines of a stronger and highly focused foreign policy that effectively balances ideals with Ethiopia’s true potentials. This foreign policy has reached an unprecedented degree of coherence as it takes into full consideration the dynamic and ever-changing international environment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its more than 60 diplomatic missions have been strengthening their capacities, increasing their resources and relying on meticulous analysis of sound facts. This transformation will enable them to implement Ethiopia’s foreign policy objectives with a clear sense of purpose and to better carry out desired diplomatic initiatives.
The starting point for Ethiopia’s new foreign policy is safeguarding the dignity, rights and interests of the citizens of Ethiopia. To this effect, the government has managed to get more than 15,000 Ethiopians released from detention in various countries with unprecedented determination.
The government also brought back to Ethiopia more than 76,000 citizens whose working contracts have been canceled for various reasons. Crucially, the government has signed labor agreements with hiring governments. At the very least, Ethiopian citizens will gain more secure employment abroad.
The centerpiece of Ethiopia’s new and non-confrontational foreign policy is mutual cooperation with neighboring countries in political, economic, technical and security areas. This improved cooperation is meant to eventually set in motion deeper regional economic integration mainly in infrastructure and energy. Moreover, well beyond what other countries are willing or able to provide, Ethiopia continues to responsibly maintain regional peacekeeping by deploying thousands of troops beyond its borders into Darfur, Abyei, South Sudan and Somalia.
With a foresight rarely seen in international politics today, Prime Minister Abiy wisely initiated towards Eritrea a policy of historic magnitude. It takes no great leap of imagination to realize that this bold policy has conferred on Ethiopia greater international legitimacy and will bring peace and prosperity to the Horn of Africa for years to come.
Prime Minister Abiy has thus sought to enhance the diplomatic role that Ethiopia plays regionally. Ethiopia launched a sustained diplomatic initiative to mediate the diplomatic dispute between Kenya and Somalia. Ethiopia also focused its explicit attention on ending the protracted conflict in South Sudan and thereby limits the suffering of the South Sudanese people. And, Ethiopia determinedly took another independent initiative to support the negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the opposition forces within Sudan.
Moreover, Ethiopia is thriving to create a common regional policy on the Red Sea. This policy will provide Ethiopia the possibility to use multiple ports and to access the highly lucrative trade in this immensely affluent but unstable region. Ethiopia has also competently finalized preparations for the establishment of an agile naval force.
This naval force could respond to regional crises and could effectively ensure the peaceful movement of Ethiopia’s commercial ships. The naval force will also allow Ethiopia to adequately deal with the most urgent threats including piracy, international terrorist groups, organized criminal networks, insurgent armed groups and external powers’ competition.
At the continental level, Ethiopia is currently extending a warm welcome to all African visitors. They are allowed to enter Ethiopian territory with a visa on arrival. Moreover, Ethiopia has resolutely ratified the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area. This agreement will undoubtedly offer Ethiopia unprecedented opportunities to tap into Africa’s emerging markets and to enhance industrialization. It could also enable Ethiopia to possibly lure millions of USD in revenues every year and to generate thousands of new permanent and temporary jobs.
Various international institutions have offered Ethiopia increased financial assistance. This is coming to fruition because Ethiopia, more than ever, endorses economic and political freedom and fully complies with international and continental human rights commitments. Not surprisingly, Ethiopia has received over 3 billion USD in budget assistance during the past year for the implementation of its economic reforms.
Many countries have significantly increased their investment in Ethiopia’s gradually liberalizing economy that is generating wealth. And, other countries that have not been previously involved in foreign direct investment are now showing promising enthusiasm to pour millions of USD into Ethiopia’s vibrant economy.
The icing on the cake is the success of Ethiopia’s cultural diplomacy. Ethiopia secured assistance for the renovation of the Lalibela rock-hewn church, the Axum obelisk, the Jubilee palace and the Aba Jifar palace.
This assistance will allow these locations to become key tourist destinations. Ethiopia will thus be able to sustain the increase in tourism revenues and arrival as well as to create more jobs. It should also be noted that Ethiopia obtained immediate assistance to contain the fires in the Semien Mountains National Park.
Lastly, a high-ranking advisor to Prime Minister Abiy explained that “the report to the House of People’s Representatives clearly demonstrates that Prime Minister Abiy has a clear vision of where Ethiopia is going”. The good news for the advisor who asked not to be identified is that “Prime Minister Abiy adopted a solid form of strategic thinking of how Ethiopia could seize the diplomatic and economic opportunities throughout the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa and Africa”.
According to the advisor, the report also demonstrates that Prime Minister Abiy has the exceptional ability to patiently balance bilateral diplomacy with multilateral diplomacy. This ability will allow him to capitalize on game-changing trends and shifts in international politics while protecting Ethiopia’s interests and to keep old friends while making new ones.
Ed.’s Note: Betty D. holds graduate degrees in international relations. She privately provides advice, analysis and research services. And, she occasionally writes on local and regional issues. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Capital. She can be reached on betteyd824@gmail.com
