Held in Kigali, the competition's Grand Finale marked a significant moment for the continent's entrepreneurial ecosystem, recognizing the top ten most impactful and innovative business leaders selected from nearly 20,000 applicants.
Gueye, whose company EYONE is revolutionizing digital healthcare across Africa, took home the top prize of US$300,000.
His company's mission is to create a connected healthcare ecosystem that facilitates access to quality medical services for patients while improving coordination between healthcare providers, insurers, and government institutions.
The first runner-up, Dr. Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder and CEO of GREEN WATECH from Morocco, secured US$250,000 for her innovative work in water management solutions.
Kenyan entrepreneur Alexander Odhiambo, Founder and CEO of Solutech Limited, took third place, winning US$150,000 for his company's efforts in digital transformation for businesses.
The ABH competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has become one of the most prestigious platforms for African entrepreneurs.
This year's competition was held under the theme 'AI â€" African Innovation, Insight and Impact,' highlighting the role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving solutions across industries.
The selection process was rigorous, with the Top 10 finalists pitching their businesses before a live audience and an esteemed judging panel.
The panel featured high-profile business leaders, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre; and Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies.
The judges assessed each entrepreneur based on their business model, scalability, innovation, and potential for social impact.
Speaking after being crowned champion, Gueye said, 'I am very proud to be announced as the winner of the 2024 ABH Prize Competition. This achievement is the result of a lot of hard work, and I am incredibly proud of my team. It's a significant milestone for us, and it serves as an encouragement for us to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses.'
The competition also highlighted the increasing role of AI and technology in Africa's economic landscape. ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the significance of this year's innovations.
'Congratulations to Henri and all our finalists! As we celebrate their success, we're excited to launch the 2025 call for applications and continue empowering Africa's next business leaders,' she said.
The ABH Summit and Grand Finale brought together over 1,600 participants, including top-tier investors, policymakers, and thought leaders.
The event featured a series of interactive sessions, including TED-style ABHx talks, financing masterclasses, and networking experiences such as the ABH Heroes' Circle business 'roast' and Networking in the Dark, a unique blindfolded networking event.
During the event, ABH judge Ibukun Awosika underscored the importance of leveraging African intelligence and homegrown solutions in shaping the continent's future.
'Africa's future will be shaped by those who see challenges as opportunities and take action,' she remarked, stressing the role of purpose-driven leadership and lived experiences in fostering impactful entrepreneurship.
Further reinforcing its commitment to African entrepreneurship, ABH announced that Rwanda will continue to host the Summit and Grand Finale for the next four years.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) were recognized as key partners, with the Bank of Kigali also supporting the event.
On his behalf, Jean-Guy Afrika, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in Africa.
"Entrepreneurship holds enormous significance for Africa's economic growth, as it fuels innovation, creates opportunities, and builds sustainable industries. Our continent is home to more than 50 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which significantly boost GDP.
He expressed Rwanda's commitment to the ABH initiative. ' Since its inception in 2019, ABH has profoundly impacted Africa's entrepreneurial landscape, engaging over 120,000 entrepreneurs. Rwanda is honored to host this prestigious event, not just this year, but for the next five years,' he said
The event concluded with the official launch of the 2025 ABH call for applications, inviting African entrepreneurs to compete for their share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
Sam K Nkurunziza
