African Hidden Champions Hosts Soirée Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit
The 25+ AHC member companies generate over $8.3 billion in revenues, employ 78,000 people, and extend reach across 14 African nations.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa— African Hidden Champions (AHC) will host an exclusive Soirée on April 24 in Johannesburg to convene and celebrate entrepreneurial spirit with top African founders taking on the global stage, writes Winston Mwale.
The event will also feature a private concert with award-winning South African artist, Ami Faku.
AHC, a co-partnership of Africa Foresight Group, Germany's DEG and the African Development Bank, was founded in 2020 and now has over 25 dynamic African firms in its network.
It supports companies' global expansion through visibility, technical assistance, innovation, talent, and investment support.
"Investing in Africa's businesses goes beyond just capital; it's about believing in our potential to lead on the global stage. This Soirée is our testament to the world: Africa is not just rising; it is ready to lead," said Yasmin Kumi, AHC Co-Founder and CEO of Africa Foresight Group.
The evening, dubbed "Proudly Local, Boldly Global," will feature opening addresses by Aspen Pharmacare Chairman Kuseni Dlamini, DEG's Anne Keppler, and Chris Chijiutomi of British International Investment (BII). It will include a fireside chat with Dare Okoudjou, founder and CEO of Onafriq.
"Intentional investments and empowerment of African companies create value far surpassing what individuals can achieve alone," said Thomas Viot, Chief Investment Officer at the African Development Bank Group.
Chijiutomi said the celebration reflects BII's commitment to empower local businesses critical to driving Africa's prosperous and sustainable economic future.
The 25+ AHC member companies generate over $8.3 billion in revenues, employ 78,000 people, and extend reach across 14 African nations.
New members sign the AHC declaration annually to commit to the entrepreneurial spirit.