Nine Kenyans are on Forbes’ latest list of the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa.
A shortlist of 150 entrepreneurs was compiled through nominations from Forbes Africa readers and its editorial team; the final 30 were decided by a panel of judges from across the continent. In making their choices, they looked at business size, location, struggles and determination.
“Months of research yielded a list of 150 young hopefuls. We worked for weeks, verifying and investigating, to whittle it down,” said Forbes Africa. “We favoured entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and took into account their business size, location, struggles and determination. Senior editors then debated and argued over the final 30. We find this list exciting, thought-provoking and forward-looking. We hope you will too.”
Kenyans on the list are: Trushar Khetia (Founder, Tria Group); Catherine Mahugu (Co-Founder, Soko); Teresa Mbagaya (Co-Founder, Econet Education); Mubarak Muyika (Founder, Zagace Limited); Hasnain Noorani (CEO, Pride Group); Kelvin Macharia Kuria (Founder, Sunrise Tracking); Eric Kinoti (Founder, Shades System East Africa); Ronak Shah (Founder, Kronex Chemicals Ltd); and Barclay Paul (Founder/CEO Impact Africa Industries)
Besides the nine Kenyans, there are six from South Africa, six from Nigeria, three from Uganda and one each from Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Rwanda. They represent all sectors, but there is a strong technology influence – 17 of the companies headed by these entrepreneurs are either tech-based or have technology as their base, such as through apps or online platforms.
