With over 13 years of experience in executive leadership, her career has spanned key roles across data analytics, consulting, and SME development, cementing her as a leader committed to economic empowerment and the sustainable growth of black-owned businesses in South Africa.

Currently, Susan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Edge Growth Solutions, a division of Edge Growth, which specializes in Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD).

Edge Growth’s mission is to help companies build sustainable value chains by investing in SMEs that are vital to economic and social development.

Since her appointment as CEO in September 2023, she has focused on developing tailored programs that empower SMEs, particularly those that are black-owned, which face unique challenges in accessing funding, scaling operations, and achieving longevity.

Her strategic vision aims to tackle the systemic barriers limiting SME growth, from limited access to capital to market entry challenges, helping these businesses contribute meaningfully to the South African economy.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from Wits Business School, where her research focused on identifying success factors for black-owned SMEs in South Africa.

This academic foundation in systems, business strategy, and enterprise development has been instrumental in shaping her approach to SME growth and economic inclusion.

Her deep knowledge of data and analytics, honed during her time as Executive Head of Data and Analytics at Standard Bank, gives her a unique perspective on harnessing insights to drive measurable impact in the SME sector.

Before joining Edge Growth, Susan was the Managing Director at Oyana Consulting, where she championed grassroots SME acceleration.

Under her leadership, Oyana Consulting achieved remarkable growth for clients by focusing on community-based enterprises and providing these businesses with the tools and resources needed to thrive in competitive markets.

Her work at Oyana underscored her belief in the transformative power of SMEs and the importance of nurturing these enterprises to build a resilient economy.

Susan’s journey has been marked by achievements and accolades that underscore her commitment to economic development.

She has been recognized for her thought leadership on platforms like the SuperLead Podcast, where she has shared insights on entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the keys to succeeding as an entrepreneur.

Focusing on addressing the pervasive issue of local security in Uganda, Kirigwajjo’s work integrates traditional communal practices with modern technology to provide affordable and accessible security solutions for vulnerable communities.

Kirigwajjo co-founded YUNGA (Youth United in Neighborhood Groups Against Crime), a local digital security network that connects neighbors and the police through a unique physical device, mobile app, or SMS service.

This solution serves as a modern response to the ‘ten-household model’—a traditional African practice where communities alert each other to emergencies through various means, such as beating drums.

With YUNGA, Kirigwajjo and his team have created a network that enables households within a 20-kilometer radius to alert and receive alerts from each other during security breaches, emergencies, or even health crises.

This localized, low-cost security network has provided a lifeline for communities that would otherwise struggle to afford conventional security systems.

YUNGA has been widely implemented across Uganda, connecting nearly 1,000 households in over 30 communities and helping to prevent more than 130 incidents of break-ins and related crimes.

The impact of this innovation is not only immediate but transformative, fostering communal trust and safety by empowering neighborhoods to take collective action against crime.

Kirigwajjo’s approach to leveraging grassroots cooperation with cutting-edge technology has made YUNGA a model for affordable security in resource-limited settings.

In July 2023, Kirigwajjo’s contributions were internationally recognized when he was jointly awarded the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation alongside South African biomedical engineer Edmund Wessels.

This award, shared for the first time between two innovators, highlights the groundbreaking and practical impact of Kirigwajjo’s work.

The Royal Academy of Engineering’s recognition underscores YUNGA’s potential to revolutionize security solutions across Africa, where Kirigwajjo envisions scaling the network to reach 32,000 households over the next two years.

Kirigwajjo’s work embodies the spirit of innovative social engineering, creating accessible solutions for everyday challenges in Uganda and beyond.

Through YUNGA, he has not only enhanced the security of countless families but also reinvigorated the notion of community-driven safety—a timeless tradition now redefined through technology.

Currently serving as the Managing Partner at Unconventional Capital (Uncap), leading a €30 million fund dedicated to pioneering new financing approaches tailored for early-stage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.

Uncap, which specializes in providing non-dilutive, revenue-based financing, seeks to unlock funding for high-potential African entrepreneurs who have historically faced barriers in accessing traditional venture capital.

Through this innovative model, Esther is working to empower SMEs that are often overlooked by traditional financing, bridging crucial gaps in the region’s investment ecosystem.

Previously, she served as the Investment Principal at Uncap in its Munich and Nairobi offices.

Before her tenure at Uncap, she held the role of Executive Director at the East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EAVCA).

Under her leadership, EAVCA grew its influence, launching initiatives that strengthened East Africa’s private equity landscape and supported cross-border investment strategies.

She spearheaded the establishment of EAVCA’s first regional office in Uganda, further demonstrating her commitment to creating a cohesive investment ecosystem within East Africa.

Esther was also instrumental in scaling EAVCA’s thought leadership platform, encouraging dialogue on the role of private equity in regional development, and fostering an environment conducive to investment in East Africa’s emerging markets.

She began her career in business coordination and management, where she gained foundational experience as the regional coordinator at the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).

Her background also includes extensive experience in business management and coordination, which has given her a broad understanding of African markets and the unique challenges they present to entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Esther’s influence extends beyond her direct professional roles; she has consistently advocated for women in leadership, financial inclusion, and innovative funding models.

Her commitment to advancing these causes has earned her recognition in Kenya’s business community and beyond.

In 2018, Business Daily Africa honored her as one of Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 Women, celebrating her leadership, visionary approach, and contribution to expanding the boundaries of traditional finance in Africa.

Currently serving as a Principal at Flourish Ventures, a global venture capital firm that champions entrepreneurs advancing financial inclusion, Efayomi’s expertise and passion lie in supporting innovations that tackle some of the continent’s most pressing economic challenges.

At Flourish Ventures, he has spearheaded numerous investments in African startups, focusing on sectors that promise transformative financial accessibility and impact, from fintech and mobile financial services to digital infrastructure.

Beyond his role at Flourish, Efayomi is the co-founder of Madica, an Africa-focused pre-seed investment platform designed to bridge structural gaps in the African startup ecosystem.

Madica offers capital, mentorship, and comprehensive support to early-stage startups, targeting entrepreneurs who may lack access to traditional venture networks.

Through Madica, Efayomi aims to decentralize funding and empower talented African founders, especially those outside the typical tech hubs, fostering a diverse and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Prior to his current roles, Efayomi was instrumental in strategic finance at Lori Systems, a Nairobi-based tech company revolutionizing logistics in Africa.

During his tenure as Head of Strategic Finance and later as Interim Chief Financial Officer, he led a team of 15 finance professionals across multiple countries, helping to navigate the company through the complexities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

His work at Lori significantly contributed to the development of cost-saving market infrastructure for Africa’s trucking industry, directly supporting more efficient, scalable supply chains.

Efayomi’s investment journey began with Quona Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to financial inclusion, where he specialized in African investments.

He also worked at Boston Consulting Group, developing strategies for diverse clients across various industries.

Notably, at Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, Efayomi served as Head of Marketplace, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and operational efficiency, helping solidify Jumia’s position in the African market.

He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

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.