Her career reflects a profound commitment to fostering Africa’s economic independence through sustainable practices and education-driven empowerment for underserved communities.

As the founder of Onze Capital, Roselyne champions African-led investment, focusing on building a diversified portfolio across manufacturing, logistics, digital, and sustainability sectors.

Through Onze Capital, she works with companies that align with her vision of Africa as a hub of locally-driven, value-added industrial activity.

In addition, she serves on the board of Gabon’s sovereign wealth fund (FGIS) and contributes her expertise to multiple companies and organizations shaping the future of African economies.

Roselyne also serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP) in Côte d’Ivoire, a company she founded and managed.

ARISE IIP designs, develops, and operates industrial ecosystems that transform natural resources into value-added products, bolstering local job creation, promoting trade, and attracting foreign investment.

Her efforts have set new benchmarks for sustainable industrial growth in Africa. Notably, from 2018 to 2023, she served as the Managing Director of the Industrial Bulk Multipurpose Terminal of San Pedro, a EUR 173-million mineral port in Côte d’Ivoire.

This project, which Roselyne conceptualized, secured financing for, and led to completion, increased Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP by 3%, highlighting her impact on economic growth and job creation.

Beyond her business pursuits, Roselyne is a passionate advocate for education, particularly for girls and underserved communities in rural Africa.

She founded the Sename Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to empower girls and marginalized populations.

The foundation recently launched a school and community center in Comè, Benin, aiming to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for girls aged 3-18, thereby fostering pathways to success and breaking cycles of poverty.

Her leadership and commitment to Africa’s development have earned Roselyne recognition on the global stage.

In 2023, the World Economic Forum (WEF) named her a Young Global Leader and mandated her to serve two years on the WEF’s Global Future Council on the Future of Growth.

She is also a laureate of the Choiseul 100 Africa (2020-2024), which honors influential African leaders under 40. In Côte d’Ivoire, she was awarded the title of Officer of the National Order for her contributions to the nation.

Known for co-founding Jumia Nigeria, Africa’s first unicorn and e-commerce powerhouse, Afaedor has since pivoted his focus toward empowering small retailers and farmers by co-founding Kyosk Digital Services.

Based in Kenya, Kyosk is a platform that leverages technology to connect informal retailers, small shops, and kiosk owners directly with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) suppliers through a data-driven mobile application.

Afaedor founded Kyosk in 2019 to address the deep-rooted challenges small retailers face across Africa—limited access to inventory, high supply chain costs, unreliable delivery networks, and exclusion from formal financial services.

Many of these stores, known as “dukas,” are lifelines in urban and rural communities but often struggle due to fragmented supply chains and high barriers to credit.

Through Kyosk, Afaedor has introduced a digital-first approach to an industry historically underserved by technology.

This platform allows small business owners to order goods directly from manufacturers at competitive prices and receive timely deliveries, effectively cutting out the numerous intermediaries that once drove up costs and created inefficiencies.

In addition to transforming retail, Afaedor has set his sights on Africa’s agricultural sector.

Through the recent acquisition of KwikBasket, Kyosk now connects farmers directly to urban markets, restaurants, and other end-users, providing them with fair pricing, consistent demand, and reduced post-harvest losses.

His focus on integrating smallholder farmers into Kyosk’s supply chain addresses critical issues of food insecurity, waste, and income instability, effectively supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and offering fresh, affordable produce to urban consumers.

Afaedor’s vision is comprehensive. Beyond distribution, he aims to create a financial inclusion ecosystem by partnering with banks and financial institutions to provide retailers with access to micro-credit, buy-now-pay-later options, and insurance products.’

This strategy not only helps store owners stabilize their cash flow but also encourages business growth and economic resilience at the grassroots level.

Under Afaedor’s leadership, Kyosk has expanded to over 40 distribution centers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria, serving hundreds of thousands of outlets and small retailers.

His commitment to ethical and transparent business practices, a principle reinforced after navigating operational challenges in Kyosk’s early days, has solidified the trust of stakeholders and investors alike, including Mitsui and the Export Trading Group, which back the platform’s ambitious growth.

Afaedor’s work at Kyosk reflects a broader ambition to revolutionize Africa’s retail and agricultural sectors.

With a hands-on approach and deep understanding of the continent’s unique challenges, he is not only modernizing how goods move from supplier to storefront but also providing crucial economic support to small businesses that form the backbone of African economies.

In 2024, she was appointed the President and CEO of The ONE Campaign, a global advocacy organization focused on ending extreme poverty and preventable diseases.

Ndidi’s appointment underscores her commitment to tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, especially those affecting the African continent.

With over two decades of experience in driving transformative change, she has earned international recognition for her work across multiple sectors.

Born in Nigeria, Ndidi’s formative years were influenced by a strong sense of responsibility to serve her community and uplift those in need.

She pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

In 2002, Ndidi founded LEAP Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing dynamic, principled leaders for Africa.

LEAP, which stands for Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism, focuses on leadership training for youth, social innovators, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

Under her leadership, LEAP Africa has trained thousands of youth, empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and create social impact.

The organization has become a key player in leadership development in Nigeria and across Africa, instilling a culture of ethical leadership and fostering a new generation of changemakers.

In 2010, Ndidi co-founded Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition, a leading management consulting firm focused on transforming Africa’s agricultural sector and addressing critical issues related to food security and nutrition.

Sahel Consulting provides advisory and technical services to agribusinesses, governments, and international organizations.

Its goal is to unlock the potential of Africa’s agriculture sector, improve productivity, and strengthen value chains, with a focus on smallholder farmers.

The firm works on projects that aim to reduce post-harvest losses, improve access to nutritious food, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Ndidi’s work with Sahel Consulting has been instrumental in addressing challenges in food systems, such as inefficiencies in production, limited market access for farmers, and the malnutrition crisis, particularly in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

Through the firm, she has worked with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and African governments, to develop sustainable solutions to these challenges.

In 2010, Ndidi also co-founded AACE Foods, an agro-processing company that produces and distributes food products made from raw materials sourced from smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

AACE Foods works with local farmers to ensure they receive fair prices for their crops, while also contributing to food security and improving the availability of nutritious products in the Nigerian market.

The company processes spices, herbs, seasonings, and snacks, providing healthier alternatives to imported products.

Through AACE Foods, Ndidi has helped to bridge the gap between rural farmers and urban consumers, fostering a sustainable agricultural value chain that contributes to rural development, economic empowerment, and enhanced nutrition for Nigerian families.

The enterprise has positively impacted the lives of thousands of farmers, providing them with the technical support and access to markets they need to thrive.

As president and CEO of The ONE Campaign, Ndidi leads the organization’s global advocacy efforts to combat extreme poverty and preventable diseases, with a particular focus on Africa.

One is known for its work mobilizing citizens, influencing policymakers, and driving international action to improve health, education, and economic opportunities in the world’s poorest countries.

Ndidi’s work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition, both within Africa and globally.

As a co-founder and CEO of Faithful, a startup established in 2020, Mbiapa has leveraged his technical skills to create cutting-edge digital platforms and applications that aim to improve access to services and drive economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and beyond.

His work spans various industries, from education to fashion and finance, with a central focus on building digital infrastructure that enhances daily life for Africans.

Faithful’s core mission is to use technology to solve everyday problems that hinder development across Africa.

Under Mbiapa’s leadership, the company has created a number of innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

One of their flagship products is Newmed, a software that simplifies the registration process for medical entrance exams at the University of Kinshasa, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined experience for students.

Another notable creation is Lata, a social network dedicated to fashion. It allows users to connect, share, and promote fashion trends across the continent.

In addition, Faithful developed Smart Couture App, which helps tailors manage orders, products, and deliveries with greater ease and organization​

In 2021, Mbiapa co-founded Express App, a mobile application that allows users to access mobile banking and financial services without an internet connection, targeting areas with limited or no internet access.

This innovation is particularly significant in regions where financial inclusion remains a challenge due to infrastructure gaps.

Express App has made a meaningful impact in the DRC and Central Africa by enabling users to perform essential transactions like mobile money transfers, thereby contributing to economic empowerment and greater access to financial services​

Mbiapa also ventured into secure communication technologies by co-founding Masolo, a free instant messaging app that offers end-to-end encrypted services.

This app provides users in the DRC with a reliable and private platform for messaging, voice calls, video calls, and file transfers.

Masolo’s commitment to ensuring communication confidentiality resonates with the growing need for digital security across Africa​

With an extensive background in law, governance, and strategic management, Victoria has built a reputation for driving innovation and creating meaningful change in Africa’s agricultural, renewable energy, and climate resilience sectors.

She began her career in the legal sector, where she honed her skills in governance, regulatory frameworks, and corporate affairs.

She joined AECF, initially serving as Legal Counsel and Corporate Affairs Director, a position where she played a critical role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Her understanding of legal frameworks allowed her to effectively bridge the gap between governance and the organization’s broader mission of reducing poverty and empowering African enterprises.

As the CEO of AECF, Victoria leads a team dedicated to providing catalytic funding to private sector businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Under her leadership, AECF has significantly scaled its operations, impacting over 30 countries and benefiting millions of rural households.

The organization focuses on supporting businesses that address critical social challenges, such as food security, access to renewable energy, and climate adaptation, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities.

She is passionate about fostering innovation in the private sector to create scalable, sustainable solutions that drive socio-economic development.

Victoria’s leadership is driven by a deep commitment to solving pressing issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to sustainable energy.

Through AECF, she aims to drive Economic Empowerment by funding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate in rural and underserved areas.

She is also committed to gender inclusivity, ensuring that women-led businesses and initiatives are given the resources and support needed to thrive.

Under Victoria’s leadership, AECF has recorded impressive milestones, including supporting over 400 enterprises across Africa, with investments totaling more than $356 million.

Her leadership and contributions to sustainable development in Africa have seen her win numerous accolades, including being listed among the Top 100 Most Influential African Women by the Avance Media Group.

With over a decade of experience in economics and finance, Tunji has become a respected figure in the Nigerian financial ecosystem for his ability to communicate complex economic concepts in a relatable and accessible manner.

He is dedicated to solving critical socio-economic challenges in Africa, primarily through increasing financial literacy and creating inclusive financial solutions.

Tunji’s journey into economics and financial advocacy began with his academic background in economics.

He developed a passion for financial empowerment early in his career, realizing the massive gap in financial literacy across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

As he gained experience in both the private and public sectors, he became increasingly focused on addressing the barriers that prevent many Africans, particularly in the informal sector, from accessing financial services and securing a stable financial future.

Andrews is the co-founder of Awabah, a fintech company that provides pension solutions tailored for Africa’s informal workforce.

In Africa, over 80% of the working population is employed in the informal sector, where traditional pension schemes and social safety nets are largely inaccessible.

Awabah was created to address this significant gap by offering flexible pension plans for informal workers, ensuring they can save for retirement despite their irregular income streams.

Through Awabah, Tunji is working to bring financial security to millions of Africans who have been historically excluded from formal financial systems.

By leveraging digital technology and developing easy-to-use platforms, Awabah enables informal sector workers to plan for their retirement, making it possible for more people to achieve long-term financial stability.

Beyond financial literacy, Tunji is also an advocate for economic policy reforms that promote financial inclusion and sustainable development.

He regularly participates in discussions on Nigeria’s economic future, engaging with policymakers, financial institutions, and the private sector to advocate for reforms that support a more inclusive financial system.

Tunji has been involved in multiple forums and roundtable discussions aimed at addressing the challenges of Nigeria’s economy, including unemployment, inflation, and the impact of fiscal policies on everyday citizens.

His work has garnered recognition both within and outside Nigeria.

He has received awards for his contributions to financial literacy and fintech innovation, particularly for his efforts with Awabah in bringing pension solutions to Africa’s informal workforce. Some of his notable achievements include:

In 2022, he was feted with the Financial Inclusion Award for his work with Awabah in providing pension solutions to informal workers across Nigeria.

He is the co-founder and CEO of Kumulus Water, a company that develops innovative solutions to address the global water crisis by converting air into clean drinking water using solar-powered technology.

His work aims to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the modern era: providing sustainable access to potable water, particularly in regions facing severe droughts and water stress, such as North Africa and the Middle East.

Born and raised in Tunisia, Iheb was acutely aware of the impacts of water scarcity, as the region suffers from periodic droughts and a growing demand for water resources.

His passion for solving real-world challenges led him to pursue an extensive academic career.

He earned his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley, and prior to that, he studied at the prestigious École Polytechnique in France, where he specialized in mechanical engineering and economics.

Before founding Kumulus Water, Iheb built an impressive career in the fields of consulting, finance, and renewable energy.

He began his professional journey at The Boston Consulting Group, where he worked on strategic projects across various industries.

His experience in private equity spans nearly seven years, during which he specialized in renewable energy and infrastructure investments across the Middle East and Africa.

As executive Director at Swicorp, he oversees sustainable infrastructure investments, particularly focusing on developing and operating assets in the energy and water sectors.

Iheb also served as an advisor to the Tunisian Ministry of Energy and played a key role in shaping renewable energy policies.

In 2021, Iheb co-founded Kumulus Water with the mission of delivering a groundbreaking technology capable of providing safe, clean drinking water by extracting moisture from the air.

The startup’s flagship product is a solar-powered atmospheric water generator that captures air, filters it, and condenses the humidity into drinkable water.

The machine produces 20 to 30 liters of water per day, and its reliance on solar energy makes it highly sustainable and ideal for remote or off-grid areas.

This solution addresses critical challenges in both water access and climate change by reducing the need for plastic water bottles and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from water transportation.

Kumulus Water’s technology has attracted attention for its potential to serve millions of people globally who are living in water-scarce regions.

According to UN estimates, over 2 billion people worldwide experience water stress. Iheb’s innovation presents a concrete, scalable solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Iheb’s leadership and vision have earned him several accolades. In 2021, he was recognized by the Choiseul Institute as one of the Top 100 Young African Leaders, a prestigious honor highlighting his contributions to innovation and sustainability.

His company has also gained international recognition, securing substantial funding to scale its operations.

A graduate of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a degree in Development Communication, Oyamo is committed to using innovation to solve global problems, particularly those related to sustainability and waste management in the textile industry.

At Rethread Africa, Oyamo and his team are working on creating sustainable, bio-based synthetics from waste products like sugarcane and corn.

These agricultural by-products, which are often discarded, are transformed into high-performance textile fibers.

The fabrics produced by Rethread Africa are biodegradable, meaning they naturally decompose, significantly reducing their environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic materials like polyester.

This approach contributes to the circular economy by repurposing waste, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources, and lowering carbon emissions by up to 80% while using 99% less water than conventional cotton production.

Oyamo’s work addresses critical issues in the fashion industry, which is notorious for its high environmental impact, particularly in terms of water use, pollution, and waste.

By offering sustainable alternatives, Rethread Africa seeks to reduce the fashion industry’s ecological footprint and promote planet-positive solutions.

Oyamo’s innovative approach has garnered significant international attention and accolades.

In 2023, he was named one of the winners of the Global Change Award, an initiative by the H&M Foundation that supports groundbreaking innovations aimed at transforming the fashion industry.

Additionally, in 2022, Rethread Africa was one of the 13 winners of the Make It Circular Challenge, an innovation competition organized by What Design Can Do and the IKEA Foundation.

Oyamo is driven by a passion for sustainability and social impact. His vision for Rethread Africa is not only to reduce waste but also to create new economic opportunities, especially for small-holder farmers who supply agricultural waste to the company.