Who are the top African entrepreneurs, and what companies do they own? Check out this post to get the list and read about their companies!
Best 10 African Entrepreneurs
African entrepreneurs have made substantial efforts to provide job opportunities for people in their countries. Entrepreneurs boost productivity, increase competition, create new businesses and markets, and add significant income to their respective nations. Here are the top ten African entrepreneurs. Read on!
1. Fomba Trawally
Fomba Trawally moved to The Gambia from Liberia during the civil war in 1989. Fomba returned to the country two years later and started a trading business, selling flip-flops. He had only 200 dollars to fund his startup company. However, today, he is the wealthiest man in Liberia and one of the most successful entrepreneurs.
2. Tabitha Karanja
Tabitha Karanja is the founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries. She started the company in 1997, and today, it is a global corporation and part of the East African Breweries Limited. Karanja has worked hard to develop a successful company. The Kenyan market has embraced her beer products, making it one of the top companies on the continent.
3. Sibongile Sambo
Sibongile Sambo is a successful entrepreneur in the Aviation industry. She wanted to start a career as a flight attendant. However, South African Airways rejected her application due to height requirements. The best thing is that Sambo did not give up and founded the first black female-owned company, SRS Aviation. Today, it is one of the successful companies in the aviation industry.
4. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is one of the wealthiest men in Africa, with a current worth of $18.3 billion. Dangote is a role model for African entrepreneurs and keen interest in scaling businesses across Africa. Dangote started a business in 1978 and worked hard to create an entrepreneurial empire.
5. Anna Phosa
Anna Phosa is a successful pig farmer in Africa. She started the pig farming business in 2004 and spent only $100 from her savings. Although she began with four small pigs, her company has scaled to numerous countries across the African continent, making her one of the top entrepreneurs in the continent.
6. Patrick Ngowi
Patrick Ngowi first started his business at the age of 19 selling Chinese-made cellphones. Today, he is the founder and owner of Africa’s most successful, profitable, and successful solar energy companies. The company, Helvetic Solar Contractors, has generated higher profits within a few years.
7. Saran Kaba Jones
Saran Kaba Jones has significantly improved the lives of communities in the sub-Saharan region. She runs a U.S-based non-profit organization, Face Africa, that provides clean water to communities living in the remote areas of Liberia.
8. Salwa Akhannouch
Salwa Akhannouch is a prominent and most successful entrepreneur in northern Africa. She is the founder of Aksel Group and the CEO of Akwa Group. Salwa began her business journey in 1993 with a distribution company to supply floor laying materials. She also distributes luxury goods, petroleum products, and fashion items across Morocco and other African countries.
9. Adii Pienaar
Adii Pienaar is the co-founder of a technology company called Woo Themes. The company is worth $30 million. Adii was an online freelancer and provided consultancy services to businesses. However, he started Woo Themes using his earnings and savings to make the company successful.
10. Jason Njoku
Jason Njoku is an inspiration for young entrepreneurs. Njoku is the founder and CEO of Iroko TV, an internet TV platform and mobile entertainment center featuring Nollywood movies. The company will be worth $40 million in 2022.
Final Words
Entrepreneurship is one of the best ways to achieve financial freedom, turn your idea into a profitable business, and live a prosperous life. These ten African entrepreneurs inspire young people looking to start and run profitable businesses. Until Next Time!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.