Quartz, a U.S.-based news outlet has published its top 30 innovative entrepreneurs hailing from Africa to watch in 2016. It emerged that Kenya and Nigeria are in the lead both having seven candidates each in the list of 30 seasoned innovators and entrepreneurs.
Quartz’s Top 30 African Innovative Entrepreneurs
The following is a list of the number of innovative entrepreneurs from respective countries from Africa featured in the Quartz’s list:
| Country | No. of Candidates | |
| 1. | Kenya | 7 |
| 2. | Nigeria | 7 |
| 3. | South Africa | 4 |
| 4. | Ghana | 3 |
| 5 | Uganda | 2 |
| 6. | Zimbabwe | 2 |
| 7. | Cameroon | 2 |
| 8. | Tanzania | 1 |
| 9. | Angola | 1 |
| 10. | Burkina Faso | 1 |
Kenya’s Innovative Entrepreneurs
Evelyn Gitau – With a Background in Cellular Immunology, Gitau has been an asset to the development of a rapid malaria test kit. Now, she is working on developing rapid diagnostic test for other infections from just blood drop samples.
Marie Githinji – Co-founder of AkiraChix, a social enterprise geared to inspiring and training more African women in the tech space.
Cyrus Kabiru – Self-taught artist who is “giving trash a second chance.” He is turning discarded electronic waste among other discarded materials into a work of art, as a way to conserve the environment.
Wanuri Kahiu & Nnedi Okorafor – The duo from Kenya and Nigeria respectively are set to launch their feature-long animation movie dubbed The Camel Racer.
Agosta Liko – He is the founder of PesaPal, an e-payment system that has been likened to PayPal in Kenya. His creation bridges the gap between the popularly used mobile money and online payments services.
Diana Opoti – She is the founder and MD of Diana Opoti PR; a fashion brand consultancy firm geared towards showcasing the African fashion brand.
Ciiru Waweru – Founder of FunKidz, dealing with kids’ furniture, textiles, and accessories.
For more details on other 23 remaining innovative entrepreneurs that made the cut for Quartz top 10 innovative entrepreneurs’ list. Click here.