JOHANNESBURG—On June 1, Forbes Africa dropped their much anticipated "30 Under 30" issue featuring the latest cohort of young African entrepreneurs working on building an African business. The African edition of ForbesMagazine—a publication localized for the African business—launched in 2011, becoming the 16th local edition of Forbes magazine with distribution in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.
In advance of the release, Forbes Africa released the cover for the "30 Under 30" list earlier this week. We caught up with Ancillar Mangena, the Forbes Africa journalist who leads the "30 Under 30" project and asked her more about the list and why it's important to celebrate young ambitious Africans.
Take a look at the cover and read our conversation with her below.
OkayAfrica: Why do you think Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list is relevant right now?
Ancillar Mangena: This list celebrates young Africans who are working hard to turn the continent’s fortune. The list is released in June, which is South Africa’s Youth Month were we remember the youth of 1976 and their role in democracy. One would argue that while the youth of '76 fought for political freedom, these under 30s are fighting for financial freedom. As we like to call them, they are the billionaires of tomorrow.
OKA: Why do you think this list is important to the continent and the diaspora?
AM: Many a time we hear of Africa’s struggle, poverty, unemployment, crime and disease, this list shows how much Africa continues to evolve. They are not waiting or asking for handouts. These 30 are not waiting for anyone to offer them a job, they are creating the jobs and building global brands. The people featured are in diverse industries from manufacturing, import and export, fashion, beauty, agriculture, tech and many more.
OKA: What about this list is different or stands out from last year's list?
AM: This year we have more women compared to last year. It brings balance and features women breaking barriers.
OKA: As a journalist at a notable media house, how does it feel to be so instrumental in shining a light on the continent's rising stars?
AM: I call the under 30s my babies. That’s how personal the process is. I have spent months studying them, looking into their lives and business. We have been communicating back and forth and I have a lot of faith in their potential. Like a mother, I will always offer support where I can so that they can one day be on the cover of Forbes Africa magazine—meaning they will be worth more than $200 million. These are the bright shining stars in Africa. You may not know their names now but you will be forced to in a few years.
Meet the new class of Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 below. Read more on these young, African trailblazers here.
Khethi Ngwenya, 26 (South Africa)
Founder, School Media
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, 26 (Nigeria)
Founder, Flutterwave
Lulo Rubushe, 23 (South Africa)
Founder, RNDM Network
Thato Kgatlhanye, 24 (South Africa)
Founder, Rethaka
Upendo Shuma, 28 (Tanzania)
Founder, Lavie Makeup Studio
Edikan Udiong, 29 (Nigeria)
Founder, Oleander House
Sibusiso Ngwenya, 25 (South Africa)
Founder, Skinny Sbu Socks
Jokate Mwegelo, 30 (Tanzania)
Founder, Kidoti Company
Allegro Dinkwanyane, 27 (South Africa)
Founder, Orgella Media
Jishan Ahmed, 30 (Zambia)
Founder, Arete Steel
Corbyn Munnik, 26 (South Africa)
Founder, Sliide
Mike Chilewe Jnr, 27 (Malawi)
Founder, Chilewe Brands
Knight Ganje, 29 (Zimbabwe)
Founder, H&G Advertising Group
Jean Bosco Nzeyimana, 24 (Rwanda)
Founder, Habona Ltd
Rupert Weterings, 28 (South Africa)
Founder, Allied Insurance Brokers
Eugene Mbugua, 26 (Kenya)
Founder, Young Rich Television Limited and My Yearbook Kenya
Limited
Sandra Mwiihangele, 29 (Namibia)
Founder, Kiyomisandz Beauty Products
Nasir Yammama, 27 (Nigeria)
Founder, Verdant Agri-Tech
Sean Drake, 29 (Ghana)
Founder, The Wealth Project Holdings
Shaleen Manhire Nullens, 29 (Zimbabwe)
Founder, Conquered Events
Shakeela Tolasade Williams, 29 (Nigeria)
Founder, Sade Hair
Zameer Verjee, 30 (Kenya)
Founder, Studio AZ
Harun Elias, 25 (Tanzania)
Founder, Javis International Trade Co.
Muktar Onifade, 26 (Nigeria)
Founder, VIZUVLGVDS
Elijah Lubala, 27 (DR Congo/South Africa)
Founder, Naserwa Real Estate
Mwayi Kampesi, 28 (Malawi)
Founder, In-House Interiors
Godfrey Magila, 25 (Tanzania)
Founder, Magilatech
Alloysius Attah, 27 (Ghana)
Founder, Farmeline
Jennifer Glodik, 29 (South Africa)
Founder, Diva Slimming and Aesthetics Centre
Rushil Vallabh, 29 (South Africa)
Founder, Secha Capital