Economy

The 2021 Forbes Africa ‘30 under 30’ list is out

15 Jun, 2021

The annually released Forbes list features influential young Africans under 30 years of age

Forbes has released this year's under 30s list that ran under the theme "A new Covid-induced agenda for social change". This new June/July issue is already out on shelves and celebrates 7 years of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 where it showcases the continent's talent pipeline. Featured are innovative entrepreneurs, sports stars, techies, and high-flying creatives who led the continent despite the ravaging pandemic.

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This year’s list was dominated by Southern Africa talent which took 18 of the 30 slots. West Africa followed with 8 and East Africa landed 4.

Past year lists featured stars such as Siya Kolisi, Bruce Diale, Thuso Mbedu, Burna Boy, Nthabiseng Mosia, Davido, Shamim Nabuuma, Wikid, Nasty C, Karabo Poppy, Sho Madjozi, Mr.Eazi, and many others.

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This year’s list was a little different with the businesses and brands hugely affected by Covid-19. In their considerations, the editorial team scouted for resilience and resourcefulness when scouring through the list of candidates. This was so crucial at a time when countless African businesses and brands bore the brunt of the ravaging pandemic. However, some stood the test of time and radiated a story capturing Africa’s rebuilding and growth.

A seasoned panel of judges, experts on given subject matters and SNG Grant Thompton also helped in the extensive vetting process.

Renuka Methil, Managing Editor at Forbes Africa described the “Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list as its ”most coveted list of the year.” She pointed out the “fighting spirit of the candidates” who braved it this year and were honored as leaders charting “a non-linear trajectory to success.”

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Here are the outstanding people who made it to the list in no particular order.

Southern Africa

Cleo Johnson (South Africa) Founder/Director at NUECLEO
Lebohang Moeletsi Phadi (South Africa) CEO Basadi Logistics
Deborah Mutwemwa (Zambia) Founder/CEO Tsumbo Scott Incorporated
Bontle Tshole (South Africa) CEO/Founder BAAA Health
Shakemore Timburwa (Zimbabwe) Founder Energy Plus
Mihlali Ndamase (South Africa) creative/digital influencer
Reinhard Mahalie (Namibia) fashion stylist
Tendai Kevin Zhou (Zimbabwe) founder VP Hostings
Kabelo Motha (South Africa) producer & Dj
Kgaogelo Moagi (South Africa) Music artist/ producer
Li-Chi Pan (South Africa) digital influencer
Hayze Engola (Malawi) Founder KNQR Investments
Tilka Paljk (Zambia) swimmer
Lukhanyo Am (South Africa) rugby player
Julio Bianchi “Beast”(South Africa) e-gamer
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) rugby player
Thabo Moloi (South Africa) e-gamer
Antonio Depina (Cape Verde) Founder, Overseas Basketball Connection

Western Africa

Timilehin Bello (Nigeria) CEO/Founder at Media Panache
Sepenica Darko (Ghana) Founder FarmerTribe Company
Temidayo Oniosun (Nigeria) Founder Space in Africa
Amarachi Nwosu (Nigeria) CEO Melanin Unscripted
Divine Ikubor (Nigeria) musician
Hertzy Kabeya (DRC-South Africa) Founder/CEO The Student Hub
Ifan Ifeanyi Michael (Nigeria) Creative artist/ filmmaker
Wale Lawal (Nigeria) Founder The Republic

Eastern Africa

Brian Kakembo (Uganda) Founder/CEO Weye Clean Energy
Felix Byaruhanga (Uganda) Founder Skyline media and Management LTD
Harrykrishna Niadassen Poonoosamy Padiachy (Mauritius) Founder NKH Energy
James Kang’aru MwangI (Kenya) CEO of Epitome School of Chess

[New Edition] Members of this year’s list of under 30s have one thing in common: A New Covid-Induced Agenda for Social Change. Celebrating 7 years of the FORBES AFRICA 30 UNDER 30, these achievers prove that now more than ever, they are crucial to the African growth story! pic.twitter.com/ufbdAmbpFU
— Forbes Africa (@forbesafrica) June 1, 2021