Latest news with #HenriOusmaneGueye
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Third Time Lucky: How Henri Ousmane Gueye's Relentless Pursuit of Impact was Rewarded with the 2024 Africa's Business Heroes Grand Prize
Combining a professional qualification as a software engineer dedicated to digital transformation, with a passion for improving Senegal's medical ecosystem, has finally led to recognition for visionary Senegalese entrepreneur Henri Ousmane Gueye on the global stage. After entering the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition on two previous occasions without success, 2024 proved to be Henri's year. He was named the grand prize winner of the just ended edition of the competition for the stellar work his company, Eyone ( is doing in ensuring that doctors and patients at Senegal's healthcare facilities have access to comprehensive digital medical records. Perseverance and Dedication Lead to Success It would have been easy for Henri to give up the first time he didn't make the cut, but his belief in his company, coupled with a deep-rooted understanding of the need for its life-changing healthcare services, pushed him to persevere. Driven by personal motivation – the loss of a family member in 2017 – Henri focused on using his digital and technology knowledge to ensure that reliable, electronic patient medical records are available at clinics and hospitals throughout Senegal. Less than a decade later, Eyone (which means "Let's go together") services more than 500 healthcare facilities, giving communities access to approximately 30 specializations. In line with Eyone's vision to make medical data accessible to all healthcare professionals, its interconnected solution has enabled Senegal's doctors and medical administrators to send their invoices remotely, manage their appointments online and offer innovative services to their patients. The security and privacy of patients' personal and medical data are ensured, and their records are instantly accessible. Overcoming Hurdles to Solve Africa's Challenges In a country like Senegal, which faces constraints ( such as shortages of medical personnel, rural communities far from healthcare facilities and a traditional reliance on manual processes, Eyone is improving healthcare quality, streamlining administrative processes and saving lives. Added to this were the initial challenges of establishing a successful startup in Africa, including funding constraints, technological barriers and the daunting task of convincing institutions to embrace digital transformation. With this in mind, it's clear why Henri Ousmane Gueye became the deserving winner of the sixth annual Africa's Business Heroes Prize competition. A Commitment to Delivering Life-Altering Solutions When Henri stepped onto the stage at the ABH Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda to pitch his entry to a live audience and the judging panel, he was up against nine other finalists from across the continent, vying for a share of the US$1.5 million prize. His journey had started months before alongside nearly 20,000 applicants, all dedicated to finding solutions to Africa's challenges. Reflecting the competition theme of 'AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact,' Henri's story captivated the audience and the judges and, more importantly, demonstrated how Eyone is transforming Senegal's healthcare landscape through digitization. Commenting on winning the competition, Henri highlighted not only the hard work that has gone into creating a company that meets specific healthcare challenges, but also how proud he is of Eyone and his team, saying: ' It's a significant milestone for us and it serves as an encouragement for us to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses. It motivates us to continue tackling the big challenges our country faces.' ABH: Recognizing the Heroes Transforming Communities This commitment to finding solutions to pressing issues set Henri apart in this year's competition. Undeterred by his previous failures to advance through the competition, he adapted his approach, refined his business model and presented a technological innovation that is not only changing lives in Senegal but also has the potential for expansion across Africa. Henri's determination, perseverance and commitment to the African continent all contributed to his eventual success in the ABH Prize competition, an initiative of the Jack Ma Foundation's flagship philanthropic program in Africa to support entrepreneurs. ABH's mission is to showcase and grow local talent who are creating positive impact in their communities and beyond and inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship. Over a ten-year period to 2030, the program will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training programs and support for the broader African entrepreneurial ecosystem. Henri Ousmane Gueye has proudly joined the ranks of these African changemakers. 2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH).
Zawya
31-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Business Heroes Launches 2025 Call for Applications, Building on Unprecedented Momentum
Following the success of its 6th Summit and Grand Finale held in Kigali, Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) ( – the Jack Ma Foundation's flagship philanthropic initiative in Africa – is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Call for Applications. This year, ABH is building on its momentum to deepen its impact across the continent by actively encouraging applications from typically underrepresented regions in entrepreneurship competitions, including Francophone and Central Africa. In 2024, ABH saw a historic level of diversity: 39% of applicants were women , with 60% of the Top 10 finalists being female entrepreneurs. , with being female entrepreneurs. For the first time, a Top 10 finalist hailed from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – a powerful milestone for Central Africa. – a powerful milestone for Central Africa. And in another first, a Francophone entrepreneur – Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal – won the Grand Prize, marking a major moment for Francophone Africa. Now in its 7th edition, ABH continues its mission to spotlight and support exceptional African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact in their communities. Why Apply? Unmatched Benefits for African Entrepreneurs Winning a spot among the ABH finalists unlocks the resources and support needed to elevate a business. The Top 10 finalists share $1.5 million in grant funding, with the grand prize winner receiving $300,000, the first runner-up $250,000, and the second runner-up $150,000. The remaining finalists each secure $100,000, plus an additional $100,000 for global immersion training. Beyond funding, ABH finalists gain unparalleled media exposure and access to an exclusive network of Africa's top business leaders, investors and fellow entrepreneurs. This community enables high-level networking and collaboration as well as mentorship and strategic insights to help scale their ventures. Throughout the competition, they also receive valuable feedback from seasoned professionals, strengthening their business acumen, storytelling and long-term growth trajectory. A Testament to Resilience and Perseverance ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the resilience needed to succeed in entrepreneurship, highlighting two standout examples from the 2024 competition. 'Henri Ousmane Gueye from Senegal won the Grand Prize on his third attempt, and Alexander Odhiambo from Kenya, our second runner-up, applied twice before reaching the Top 10. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that success at ABH isn't just about taking home the prize. It's about resilience - the courage to keep showing up, to learn, to grow and to keep believing in your vision even when the odds are tough. That's the true spirit of entrepreneurship, and exactly what ABH celebrates." Eligibility Criteria ABH welcomes applications from entrepreneurs across all sectors and African countries. To qualify, applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a business that is registered, headquartered, and primarily operating in Africa. They must be African citizens or direct descendants and have at least three years of revenue with proven market traction. Application Process The ABH competition offers valuable learning opportunities at every stage. Judges rigorously review applications in the first round, selecting the Top 50 based on merit. These finalists then face in-depth interviews with seasoned business leaders, who assess their potential and narrow the pool to the Top 20. Following due diligence on the Top 20, they are announced and advance to the Semi-Final, where they pitch in person to a distinguished panel. Judges then select the Top 10, who compete in the Grand Finale's live pitch competition to determine the winners of the $1.5 million grant funding. How to Apply Entrepreneurs eager to seize this opportunity can begin their journey by registering ( an ABH account and confirming their eligibility. The application requires them to articulate their personal vision, business model and future plans, alongside submitting a reference and a video introduction. Aspiring business leaders across Africa are invited to take this bold step toward funding, mentorship and unparalleled exposure. For more information and to apply, visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH). For more information contact: info@ +250792575614 About Africa's Business Heroes: The Africa's Business Heroes prize competition is the flagship philanthropic initiative spearheaded by the Jack Ma Foundation aimed at supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future of the continent. Over a 10-year period, ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and commit to allocating grant funding, training programs, and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each year, the ABH prize competition and show features 10 Finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation, created the prize after he made his first trip to Africa in 2017 and was inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he met with there.
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Grand Prize Winner Crowned at the Sixth Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Summit and Grand Finale, Marking a Landmark Year for African Entrepreneurship
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition ( a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has announced the grand prize winner of its sixth annual competition, along with the first and second runners-up, at the latest ABH Summit and Grand Finale. The ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, celebrated the Top 10 finalists, selected from nearly 20,000 applicants to compete for a share of the $1.5 million prize. Under the theme 'AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact,' they pitched their businesses to a live audience and a distinguished judging panel, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali and Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre, who were joined by Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies. The event culminated in the awards ceremony, where the winners were unveiled. The top three Africa's Business Heroes for 2024 are: 1st – winning US$300,000 – Henri Ousmane Gueye, Co-founder&CEO, EYONE ( (Senegal) 2nd – winning US$250,000 – Dr. Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder&CEO, GREEN WATECH ( (Morocco) 3rd – winning US$150,000 – Alexander Odhiambo, Founder&CEO, Solutech Limited ( (Kenya) Commenting on the win, Henri Ousmane Gueye said, 'I am very proud to be announced as the winner of the 2024 ABH Prize Competition. This achievement is the result of a lot of hard work, and I am incredibly proud of my team. It's a significant milestone for us, and it serves as an encouragement for us to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses. It motivates us to continue tackling the big challenges our country faces.' ABH Managing Director - Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng highlighted the debut of ABi, ABH's AI co-host, at this year's Summit and Grand Finale, noting its role in providing insights, sparking discussions and enhancing connections. She emphasized the ingenuity of the Top 10 finalists, whose impact showcases entrepreneurship's power to address Africa's challenges. 'Congratulations to Henri and all our finalists! As we celebrate their success, we're excited to launch the 2025 call for applications and continue empowering Africa's next business leaders.' ABH announced that Rwanda will host the Summit and Grand Finale for the next four years, reinforcing its role as a hub for entrepreneurship. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) were recognized as key partners, with Bank of Kigali also supporting the event. A Summit of Entrepreneurial Insights and Thought Leadership The two-day ABH Summit and Grand Finale brought together 1,606 participants, showcasing thought leadership and top entrepreneurial talent. Discussions explored how entrepreneurship addresses Africa's key challenges in healthcare, agriculture and education. The event featured live podcast recordings, a debate, TED-style ABHx talks, a financing masterclass and interactive experiences like the ABH Heroes' Circle business 'roast' and Networking in the Dark, a blindfolded networking session. With over 50 distinguished speakers from 15 countries, the lineup included Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board; Nick Hu, Executive Director of Health Innovation at Sand Technologies; Dr. Brenda Kateera, Country Director at the Clinton Health Access Initiative; Nathalie Munyampenda, CEO of Kepler; and Hasan Haider, Founder&Managing Partner at PlusVC and ABH Semi-Final judge. In her opening keynote, ABH Grand Finale judge Ibukun Awosika emphasized 'African Intelligence' as key to shaping the continent's entrepreneurial future. She highlighted purpose-driven leadership, lived experiences and local ingenuity in driving impactful solutions. 'Africa's future will be shaped by those who see challenges as opportunities and take action,' she stated. The 2025 ABH Call for Applications The event closed with the official launch of the 2025 call for applications, inviting African entrepreneurs to apply for the next edition of the competition and stand their chance to win a share of $1.5 million USD. Full details for interested applicants can be found at: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa's Business Heroes (ABH).
