Art Direction and Layout: Lucy Nkosi | Photography: Katlego Mokubyane | Photography Assistant: Sbusiso Sigidi | Studio: NewKatz Studio, Johannesburg | Styling: Deneal Van Wyk | Outfits supplied by: B Mashilo Designs, DFLO, Franc Elis, Ephymol and Preview Accessories | Hair & Makeup: SnehhOnline Beauty
TEN YEARS, of uncovering some of the most influential and iconic young people on the continent.
Ten years, of shining the spotlight on business innovators and tech trailblazers impacting their communities, countries and the continent.
Ten years, of profiling recordbreakers, history-makers and risktakers determined to rewrite the narrative on Africa.
The 10th anniversary of FORBES AFRICA’S 30 Under 30 list is testament to the unmistakable potential and talent pool that exists on a continent boasting the world’s youngest population, and their role in together crafting Africa’s growth story.
Building a business and a brand, and consistently creating change on the continent, as a 20-something, is no mean feat And it’s perhaps their pathbreaking innovations and against-all-odds resilience that’s leading the rest of the world to Africa as the next frontier.
The world is becoming more African. The whole continent of Africa, with 54 countries, is home to 1.45 billion people, and the economies are being driven by a growing young population. The United Nations states in a report that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30; and that more than a third of the world’s young people will live in Africa by 2050.
Experts also stipulate that the future of Africa’s wealth is young and female, and they hold the greatest potential for investment prospects. The 2023 Africa Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners in partnership with New World Wealth, reports that the total investable wealth currently held on the African continent amounts to $2.4 trillion, and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 42% over the next 10 years.
Whatever the numbers, over the last decade, we have recorded this and more of Africa’s appetite and tireless tenacity for growth and prosperity, with the youth spearheading that narrative, never veering away from the heartwarming concept of ubuntu (compassion and humanity) bringing the continent and its communities together. We can’t wait to see what the next decade will unfold.
Editor’s note: The list on these pages follows no particular order
METHODOLOGY
The nomination process began late 2023, as over a thousand applications came through. Part of the rigorous reporting and vetting process also involved going through social media profiles, police clearance reports, reference letters from financial institutions and testimonials from the colleagues, collaborators, business partners and employees of short-listed nominees. Background checks were conducted on potential candidates, which included reviewing documentation to ensure there are no criminal records, troubling lawsuits/ bankruptcies, and/or allegations of crime, misconduct, sexual harassment/abuse or fraud.
For the 2024 list, FORBES AFRICA, for the fifth year running, partnered with audit firm SNG Grant Thornton to assess company financials from losses to growth margins to overall revenue and profits since incorporation.
In addition to the research and reporting of the editorial team, FORBES AFRICA also depended on a panel of high-profile judges and independent subject-matter experts to ensure that only Africa’s most merit-worthy make it to the final list.
Instead of having only one adjudicator per category (Business, Technology, Health/ Science, Creatives and Sports), we also sought the help of past list-makers - our illustrious 30 Under 30 alumni - to judge potential finalists.
This list is only but a small indication of the wealth of young talent that exists on the continent and they will no doubt be unraveled on these pages in the months and years to come.
Key milestones for the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list:
2015: The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list debuts.
2018: 90 listers in the Class of 2018.
2019: 120 listers in the Class of 2019.
2020: Audit firm SNG Grant Thornton comes on board as a trusted rerification and validation partner.
2021: FORBES AFRICA adds Health/Science to the categories, post-pandemic, to celebrate young thinkers, professionals and entrepreneurs on the frontline working tirelessly to improve Africa’s medical sector.
2022: For the first time, FORBES AFRICA has the opportunity to conduct the 30 Under 30 cover photoshoot outside of South Africa, in Gaborone, Botswana, coinciding with the 2022 Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa.
EXTERNAL JUDGES: THE CATEGORY EXPERTS WHO TOOK ON THE ROLE OF SURVEYING ALL THE FINALISTS OF THE 2024 30 UNDER 30 LIST AND PROVIDE COMMENTARY ON EACH CANDIDATE:
BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY
KATE KALLOT - Founder and CEO, Amini
Kallot has received global acclaim for her work advancing technology access across Africa. She has received multiple accolades, including being named one of TIME 100’s Most Influential People in AI. With over a decade of experience leading Al innovation at global tech companies such as Nvidia, Intel and Arm, she has a proven track-record of delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that drive social impact and transform communities.
CHRIS MAURICE - Co-founder and CEO, Yellow Card
Maurice is a 27-year-old American tech entrepreneur who has spent five years living and working in Africa, making significant contributions to the continent’s financial services industry. Yellow Card is the largest centralized crypto exchange on the continent, has facilitated over $2 billion in transactions, grown to over 200 employees across 25 countries, and launched full on-and-off ramps for local fiat currencies in 20 African markets.
HEALTH/SCIENCE
DR TLALENG MOFOKENG - Medical doctor, Author, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health
Mofokeng is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, and a medical doctor at DISA Clinic in Johannesburg. She is also the author of , a broadcaster, a senior lecturer of Gender, Culture and HIV at the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management, Stellenbosch University, and lecturer at the O’Neill Institute, Georgetown University in the U.S.
