The Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards (ASEB) has announced its finalists for the 2025 edition, set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 15 to 17, 2025. The event will bring together some of Africa’s most influential entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and ecosystem enablers to recognize excellence and collaboration across the continent’s startup landscape. With more than 2,600 nominations received from 52 countries across 35 categories, ASEB 2025 highlights how Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is becoming a key driver of innovation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.
This year marks the fourth edition of the awards, which have quickly become one of the continent’s most respected platforms for honoring those building Africa’s startup future. The finalists, 175 organizations and individuals, represent a diverse mix of changemakers working tirelessly to strengthen innovation networks, expand access to funding and create inclusive opportunities across sectors and borders.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The ASEB Awards were established to shine a spotlight on the people and organizations driving Africa’s entrepreneurship agenda forward. From policymakers to accelerators, investors and community leaders, the initiative honors those who go beyond individual success to uplift the wider ecosystem.
McKevin Ayaba, Founder and Convener of ASEB, emphasized the importance of recognizing this shared mission. “Each year, the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards shines a light on the visionaries and changemakers across the continent who are committed to creating opportunities far beyond themselves,” he said. “The 2025 edition not only celebrates individual excellence but also the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges and building an inclusive African future.”
This spirit of collaboration is at the heart of ASEB’s impact. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted over 11,000 nominations, reflecting a growing sense of unity and purpose among Africa’s entrepreneurs. The awards have become more than a celebration, they are a catalyst for knowledge exchange, cross-border partnerships and long-term ecosystem development.
Hosting this year’s event in Ethiopia is especially symbolic. The country has emerged as one of East Africa’s fast-growing innovation hubs, with a strong focus on digital entrepreneurship and ecosystem building. According to Addisu Deresse, Lead of the ASEB Local Committee Team in Ethiopia, “Hosting the 2025 Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards in Ethiopia is a celebration of collective ambition and local resilience. We are honored to welcome Africa’s most inspiring innovators to Addis Ababa.”
He further credited local partners such as the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Association of Startup Ecosystem (EASE), the Ethiopian Entrepreneurs Association, Velocity Marketing ET and Rise Addis Podcast for their instrumental roles in ensuring the event’s success. “We are proud to play our part in showcasing Africa’s unity, potential and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit,” he added.
Recognizing Africa’s Innovation Champions
The ASEB Awards 2025 cover 35 diverse categories that reflect the dynamic nature of Africa’s startup ecosystem. Each category celebrates a unique aspect of entrepreneurship, from angel investing and incubation to policy advocacy and social impact.
Among this year’s finalists are organizations and leaders shaping the future of business and innovation across the continent.
1. Angel Investor Champion of the Year
Daniel Kwaku Merki 🇬🇭 (Ghana), Managing Partner of Boxplay Ventures;
Henok Asefa 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia), Managing Partner of African Renaissance Partners;
Isabelle de Melo 🇲🇺 (Mauritius), Co-founder of Mo Angels;
Odunayo Eweniyi 🇳🇬 (Nigeria), Co-founder and General Partner of FirstCheck Africa;
Diana Gichaga 🇰🇪 (Kenya), Managing Partner of Private Equity Support.
2. Corporate-Startup Collaboration Champion
Access Bank 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Allan Gray Makers 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Safaricom 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Orange Egypt 🇪🇬 (Egypt);
Standard Bank 🇳🇦 (Namibia).
3. Coworking Space of the Year
Nairobi Garage 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
New Work Lab 🇲🇦 (Morocco);
MQR Spaces 🇪🇬 (Egypt);
AfricaWorks 🇿🇲 (Zambia);
WeWork 🇿🇦 (South Africa).
4. Cross-Border Collaboration Initiative
ECCAS Startup & Innovation Network 🇬🇦 (Gabon);
Village Capital Climate Programme (Pan-Africa);
Startup Incubator Gambia 🇬🇲 (Gambia);
Smart Africa Alliance 🇷🇼 (Rwanda);
Création Africa Cultural Entrepreneurship (Regional).
5. Startup Service Provider of the Year
Paystack 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Melela Partners 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia);
Bujeti 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Keldork Global Innovations 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
Legafrik 🇨🇮 (Ivory Coast).
6. Startup Ecosystem Builder Champion
Abenazzer B. Tadesse 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia), Co-founder of The Disruptors Den;
Silas Newaka 🇳🇦 (Namibia), Manager of NUST Innovation Hub;
Carol Kyazze Kakooza 🇺🇬 (Uganda), Ecosystem Mentor and Advocate;
Christopher O. Fallah 🇱🇷 (Liberia), Founder of Annita Platform;
Paula Ingabire 🇷🇼 (Rwanda), Minister of ICT & Innovation.
7. Ecosystem Development Partner
Visa 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Google (USA/Africa);
Mastercard Foundation 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia);
ANDE (Africa Chapter);
UNDP Accelerator Labs 🇱🇸 (Lesotho).
8. Ecosystem Diversity & Inclusion Initiative
Frank Aswani – AVPA 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Tanzania Startup Association 🇹🇿 (Tanzania);
Thinking Minds Ghana 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
UFEP 🇹🇩 (Chad);
CAR Women Entrepreneurs Network 🇨🇫 (Central African Republic).
9. Ecosystem Funder of the Year
Partech Africa 🇸🇳 (Senegal/France);
TLcom Capital 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
AfricInvest 🇹🇳 (Tunisia);
Oasis Capital 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
Equity Bank Group 🇰🇪🇨🇩 (Kenya/DRC).
10. Ecosystem Media & Content Creator
Disrupt Africa 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Digest Africa 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
The African Tech Roundup 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Kessiya.com 🇨🇮 (Ivory Coast);
Tech In Africa (Pan-African).
11. Ecosystem Measurement & Impact Initiative
Startup Genome (Global/Africa);
AVCA (Pan-African);
MobilityX Africa (Africa);
Africa: The Big Deal 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator (Africa-wide).
12. Ecosystem Collaboration Champion
249Startups 🇸🇩 (Sudan);
Startup Incubator Gambia 🇬🇲 (Gambia);
iRise Hub 🇸🇴 (Somalia);
Growth Accelerator Malawi 🇲🇼 (Malawi);
University of Kigali Enterprise Center 🇷🇼 (Rwanda).
13. Ecosystem Internationalization Champion
Antler 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Outbox Hub 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
KiandaHub 🇦🇴 (Angola);
Innov’Lab 🇰🇲 (Comoros);
Endeavor Egypt 🇪🇬 (Egypt).
14. Startup Mentor of the Year
Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Cindy Sibanda 🇧🇼 (Botswana);
Florence Toffa 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
Chantal Claassen 🇳🇦 (Namibia);
Amity Weiss 🇪🇹🇺🇸 (Ethiopia & USA).
15. Entrepreneurship Education Champion
Thinkubate 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Innovation SL 🇸🇱 (Sierra Leone);
Habaka Innovation Hub 🇲🇬 (Madagascar);
LUANAR Agribiz Hub 🇲🇼 (Malawi);
2iE Incubator 🇧🇫 (Burkina Faso).
16. Startup Event Initiative of the Year
Gitex Africa 🇲🇦 (Morocco);
Kenya Innovation Week 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Dakar Innovation Week 🇸🇳 (Senegal);
Africa Startup Festival 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Silicon Mountain Conference 🇨🇲 (Cameroon).
17. Immigrant Ecosystem Builder Champion
Olatokunbo Ige 🇳🇬→🇹🇬 (Nigeria → Togo);
Ercília Mata Ubisse 🇲🇿→🇿🇦 (Mozambique → South Africa);
Amadou Daffe 🇸🇳→🇪🇹 (Senegal → Ethiopia);
Ashwin Ravichandran 🇮🇳→🇬🇭 (India → Ghana);
Jon Stever 🇺🇸→🇷🇼 (USA → Rwanda).
18. Youth Ecosystem Builder of the Year
Abigail Epongseh MBA’AH MBATU 🇨🇲 (Cameroon);
Damon Osei 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
Isaac Oladipupo 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
Kelvin Doe 🇸🇱 (Sierra Leone).
19. Accelerator of the Year
Impact Hub Harare 🇿🇼 (Zimbabwe);
Grindstone 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Jokkolabs Dakar 🇸🇳 (Senegal);
iSpace Foundation 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
Innovest Africa 🇳🇬 (Nigeria).
20. Woman in STEAM of the Year
Afomia Andualem 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia);
Bernice Omiunu 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Fatim Zahra Biaz 🇲🇦 (Morocco);
Nelly Cheboi 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Dr. Nomso Kana 🇿🇦 (South Africa).
21. Technology Transfer & Commercialization
Ennovate Lab 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Kumasi Hive 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
COSTECH 🇹🇿 (Tanzania);
CREATECH Mali 🇲🇱 (Mali);
UCT GSB Solution Space 🇿🇦 (South Africa).
22. Startup Coach of the Year
Dr. Obichi Obiajunwa 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Fiona Komugisha 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
Willem Gous 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Gitonga Mwaura 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Ernest Gavor 🇬🇭 (Ghana).
23. Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO)
Anzisha Prize 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Tony Elumelu Foundation 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Création Africa 🇱🇸🇲🇼🇿🇦 (Regional);
Algerian Startup Fund 🇩🇿 (Algeria);
AfBC Francophone Africa 🇸🇳 (Senegal).
24. Government Initiative for Startups
Acelera Angola 🇦🇴 (Angola);
Cabo Verde Digital / Startup Act 🇨🇻 (Cabo Verde);
CIPMEN 🇳🇪 (Niger);
Startup Zambia Bill Program 🇿🇲 (Zambia);
Seychelles National Strategy 🇸🇨 (Seychelles).
25. Startup Research & Development Initiative
Universit Hassan II Casablanca 🇲🇦 (Morocco);
UniPod Abomey-Calavi 🇧🇯 (Benin);
Mauritius Research & Innovation 🇲🇺 (Mauritius);
Timbuktoo UniPod 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
KIX Africa 21 Hub 🇬🇼 (Guinea-Bissau).
26. Policy Initiative of the Year
Tunisia Startup Act 🇹🇳 (Tunisia);
Nigeria Startup Act 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
Senegal Startup Act 🇸🇳 (Senegal);
Kenya Startup Bill 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Rwanda Draft Startup Act 🇷🇼 (Rwanda).
27. Startup Financing Initiative
Catalyst Fund 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Open Si 🇧🇯 (Benin);
Kazana Group 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia);
Unipod-Juba University 🇸🇸 (South Sudan);
Cathay AfricInvest Innovation 🇲🇱 (Mali).
28. Incubator of the Year
Iceaddis 🇪🇹 (Ethiopia);
Jamhuriya Incubation Center 🇸🇴 (Somalia);
EtriLabs 🇧🇯 (Benin);
Jokkolabs 🇸🇳 (Senegal);
Nailab 🇰🇪 (Kenya).
29. Diaspora Investment Champion
African Diaspora Network 🇺🇸 (USA);
Afri Fund Capital 🇰🇪🇬🇧 (Kenya/UK);
Hadijah Nankanja 🇺🇬🇬🇧 (Uganda/UK);
AFFORD 🇬🇧🇳🇬 (UK/Nigeria);
ABAN 🇲🇺 (Mauritius).
30. Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
SC Ventures (Standard Chartered);
Safaricom Spark Fund 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Orange Digital Ventures Africa 🇸🇳 (Senegal);
SC Ventures Digital Asset Fund (Africa);
Orange & Digital Africa Co-Invest (Regional).
31. Diaspora Ecosystem Bridge Builder
Diaspo4Africa 🇨🇮 (Ivory Coast);
Munify 🇪🇬 (Egypt);
Pangea Connect 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
WIDU Program 🇹🇳 (Tunisia);
StartSOUTHSUDAN 🇸🇸 (South Sudan).
32. Social Entrepreneurship Support Initiative
CWEN Uganda 🇺🇬 (Uganda);
Salvy VentureCorp 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
TechLit Africa 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Social SkillsUp 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
Inkomoko 🇷🇼 (Rwanda).
33. Innovation Hub of the Year
Norrsken Kigali 🇷🇼 (Rwanda);
Silikin Village 🇨🇩 (DRC);
The Innovation Hub 🇿🇦 (South Africa);
iHub Nairobi 🇰🇪 (Kenya);
Chad Innovation Hub 🇹🇩 (Chad).
34. Investor Readiness & Matching Initiative
Penpromise Ventures 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
The Baobab Network (Pan-Africa);
Ecomax 🇬🇭 (Ghana);
VC4A Startup Academy (Pan-Africa);
OYA Startups Guinea 🇬🇳 (Guinea).
35. Gender & Diversity Inclusion Initiative
Women Empowered/PCI 🇧🇮 (Burundi);
InspireHer 🇲🇷 (Mauritania);
Tech Herfrica 🇳🇬 (Nigeria);
AWE Eswatini 🇸🇿 (Eswatini);
Women in Tech Zambia 🇿🇲 (Zambia).
A Catalyst for Continental Impact
The ASEB Awards are more than a recognition ceremony, they are a movement that amplifies Africa’s collective progress. By celebrating collaboration, inclusion and innovation, the platform inspires others to build solutions that address real challenges while creating shared prosperity.
Voting for the 2025 edition opens on October 13, 2025, allowing the public to participate in choosing their ecosystem champions. The winners will be officially announced at the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards in Addis Ababa from November 15 to 17, 2025.
Behind the scenes, the success of this initiative is powered by collaboration and community spirit. The ASEB organizing team expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners, supporters and the Local Committee Team in Addis Ababa for their unwavering commitment. “Above all, we thank every single participant in the nomination process for championing Africa’s innovation journey,” the team shared in a joint statement.
As the anticipation builds, the ASEB Awards 2025 promise to highlight the ingenuity, resilience and interconnectedness that define Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape. Through shared purpose and recognition, this initiative continues to prove that when Africa’s builders rise together, the continent’s startup ecosystem thrives and so does its future.
