Forbes Africa celebrates the 10th edition of its annual 30 Under 30 list in the magazine’s April/May 2024 issue. This list shows off young talent from Africa, which has the world’s youngest population. It features ambitious leaders in fields like entertainment, education, sports, tech, healthcare, and art.
Eminent Nigerians such as the renowned singer-songwriter Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan, better known as Fireboy DML, Super Eagles footballer, Victor Osimhen, founder and CEO of Mainlogix Technology Josiah Akinloye, founder of Veekee James Ruth Erikan James, track and field athlete Tobi Amusan, and founder and CEO FXKudi Abioye Oyetunji, are among those included.
Other Africans on the list include South African singer-songwriter Tyla Laura Seethal, founder, of Trigershot Engineering Peace Wutawunashe, director and founder of Africa Afya Healthcare Kenneth M. Njeru, co-founder and CTO of Ramani Calvin Usiri and more.
Out of more than a thousand applicants this year, the finalists were selected through a tough screening process led by Under 30 curator Chanel Retief and her editorial team. They worked alongside independent judges and experts like Mo Abudu, Kate Kallot, Chris Maurice, Tlaleng Mofokeng, Helena Ndume, Desiree Ellis, and former Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 alumni. This evaluation started in late 2023, with support from audit partner SNG Grant Thornton.
For a decade, we have unpacked the unmistakable potential and story of Africa’s youth. And Forbes Africa’s 10th 30 Under 30 list too has ambition and adrenaline packed into this special issue. These purpose-minded 20-something achievers are on the way up, overcoming the odds in their quest to become tomorrow’s titans and billionaires, making a huge difference in the countries, companies, and communities they serve.
Managing editor of Forbes Africa, Renuka Methil
The 2024 FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 List
- Alex Mativo, 29, Kenya, CEO and Co-founder, E-LAB, Nanasi and Duck, Industry: Multiple ventures
- Ann-Kathrin Joos, 28, South Africa, CEO and Founder, Standard Beauty, Industry: Beauty
- Vimbai Masiyiwa, 29, Zimbabwe, CEO, Batoka Hospitality, Industry: Tourism
- Andrew Ddembe, 28, Uganda, Co-founder and CEO, MobiKlinic, Industry: Healthtech
- Chad Jones, 28, South Africa, Social Media Content Creator and Brand Influencer, Industry: Social media
- Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria, Singer-songwriter, Industry: Entertainment
- Tyla Laura Seethal, 22, South Africa, Singer-Songwriter, Industry: Entertainment
- Ayushi Chandaria, 26, Kenya, Founder, Design Thinking Program (Kenya), Industry: Education
- Ama Qamata, 25, South Africa, Actress, Producer, Industry: Entertainment
- Daniel Novitzkas, 28, South Africa, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Specno, Industry: Software development and technology solutions
- Prisca Wegesa Magori, 29, Tanzania, CEO and Co-founder, TenTen Explore and Smart EFD, Industry: Software development
- Luke Mostert, 27, South Africa, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, CatalyzU, Industry: Venture Capital
- Kenneth M. Njeru, 25, Kenya, Director and Founder, Africa Afya Healthcare, Industry: Health investment services Services
- Arooj Sheikh, 28, Kenya, Founder and CEO, Beyond Kenyan Bars, Sector: Social development
- Cayley Jorgensen, 29, South Africa, CEO and Founder, Ingage Support; Registered Counselor, Sector: Mental health
- Hildah Magaia, 29, South Africa, Forward for Mazatlán F.C Femenil and Banyana Banyana, Industry: Sport-football
- Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria, Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles, Industry: Sport-football
- Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria, Track and Field Athlete, Industry: Sport – athletics
- Damian Willemse, 25, South Africa, Stormers and Springboks Rugby Player, Industry: Sport – rugby
- Ricardo Lognath, 29, South Africa, Co-Founder and CEO, Omninela Medical, Industry: Healthcare/E-commerce
- Nicolas Lognath, 27, South Africa, Co-Founder and Director, Omninela Medical, Industry: Healthcare/E-commerce
- Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria, Founder, Veekee James, Industry: Fashion
- Shaun Maswanganyi, 23, South Africa, Track and Field Athlete, Industry: Sport – athletics
- Jeremiah Thoronka, 24, Sierra Leone, Founder and CEO, Optim Energy, Sector: Climate change and sustainability (Social Impact)
- Calvin Usiri, 28, Tanzania, Co-founder and CTO, Ramani, Industry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Peace Wutawunashe, 27, Zimbabwe, Founder, Trigershot Engineering, Industry: Solar/Renewable Energy
- Esethu Cenga, 29, South Africa, Co-founder and CEO, Rewoven, Industry: Fashion
- Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria, Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology, Industry: Automation and technology
- Abioye Oyetunji, 29, Ghana, Founder and CEO, FXKudi, Industry: Fintech
- Nadine Roos, 27, South Africa, South African Rugby Union (Springboks) and Sevens player, Industry: Sport – rugby
