Southern Africa has dominated the list of most influential young Africans under the age of 30 published by Forbes Africa on Tuesday.
The Southern African region contributed 18 of the 30 innovative entrepreneurs, technology geeks, sports stars and creatives who made it to the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2021.
West Africa and East Africa had eight and four entrants, respectively.
The list showcases the people who are expected to advance the ideals of the African Renaissance forward through their contributions in the areas of technology, entrepreneurship, sport and music.
“The Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list is our most coveted list of the year, and what makes this year’s compilation even more compelling is the fighting spirit of the candidates who made it through a turbulent year,” said Forbes Africa managing editor Renuka Methil.
She said the nominated young Africans “need to be honoured for their tenacity as leaders charting a non-linear trajectory to success, and they are also representative of Africa’s greater talent trove that they will in turn help shine a light on.”
Below is the complete list for the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 for 2021 (in no particular order):
– Cleo Johnson, South Africa, founder and director of NUECLEO
– Timilehin Bello, Nigeria, CEO and founder of Media Panache
– Lebohang Moeletsi Phadi, South Africa, CEO of Basadi Logistics
– Sepenica Darko, Ghana, founder of FarmerTribe Company
– Deborah Mutwemwa, Zambia-South Africa, founder and CEO Tsumbo Scott Incorporated
– Bontle Tshole, South Africa, CEO and founder of BAAA Health
– Brian Kakembo, Uganda, founder, and CEO of Weye Clean Energy Co. Ltd
– Hertzy Kabeya, DRC – South Africa, founder and CEO of The Student Hub
– Temidayo Oniosun, Nigeria, founder of Space in Africa
– Felix Byaruhanga, Uganda, founder of Skyline media and Management LTD
– Harrykrishna Niadassen Poonoosamy Padiachy, Mauritius, founder of NKH Energy
– Shakemore Timburwa, Zimbabwe, founder of Energy Plus
– Mihlali Ndamase, South Africa, creative and digital influencer
– Amarachi Nwosu, Nigerian self-taught visual artist, storyteller, and CEO of Melanin Unscripted
– Divine Ikubor (also known as Rema), Nigeria, musician
– Reinhard Mahalie, Namibia, fashion stylist and founder of RM Fashion Styling
– Tendai Kevin Zhou, Zimbabwe, founder of VP Hostings
– Kabelo Motha (also known as Kabza De Small), South Africa, producer and DJ
– Kgaogelo Moagi (also known as Master KG), South Africa, music artist and producer
– Ifan Ifeanyi Michael, Nigeria, Creative artist and filmmaker
– Li-Chi Pan, South Africa, art director and digital influencer; founder of Li Chi Pan Studios
– Hayze Engola, Malawi, musician, creative, and founder of KNQR Investments
– Wale Lawal, Nigeria, founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic
– Tilka Paljk, Zambia, swimmer
– Lukhanyo Am, South Africa, rugby player
– James Kang’aru MwangI, Kenya, founder and CEO of Epitome School of Chess
– Julio “Beast” Bianchi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
– Cheslin Kolbe, South Africa, rugby player
– Thabo Moloi, South Africa, e-gamer, FIFA Player
– Antonio Depina, Cape Verde, founder, Overseas Basketball Connection, Praia League
JN/APA