The founder of Headboy Industries is something of a serial entrepreneur, having dabbled in biodiesel, healthy cigarettes and a a security magazine before he launched <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2014%2F03%2F10%2Fbusiness%2Fdrybath-how-to-keep-clean%2F">DryBath</a>. Spurred on by a friend who was too lazy to take a bath, Marishane came up with a gel that acts as a viable alternative. Marishane, born in Limpopo, South Africa, has attracted the attention of Google, who named him one of 12 bright young minds in the world and was voted best student entrepreneur in the world by the Entrepreneur Organization.
Ludwick Marishane, 25 —
The founder of Headboy Industries is something of a serial entrepreneur, having dabbled in biodiesel, healthy cigarettes and a a security magazine before he launched DryBath. Spurred on by a friend who was too lazy to take a bath, Marishane came up with a gel that acts as a viable alternative. Marishane, born in Limpopo, South Africa, has attracted the attention of Google, who named him one of 12 bright young minds in the world and was voted best student entrepreneur in the world by the Entrepreneur Organization.
Courtesy Ludwick Marishane
Alain Nteff has previously <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2015%2F02%2F17%2Fafrica%2Fgifted-mom-cameroon-alain-nteff%2F">featured on CNN </a>with his start-up Gifted Mom, an app aiming to reduced the high death rate of newborn babies and pregnant woman in Cameroon. The app works out due dates and is used in conjunction with health workers to remind mother-to-be of upcoming appointments. Over 1,200 pregnant women and mothers have benefited so far and antenatal attendance is up by 20% in 15 rural communities using the app.
Alain Nteff, 22 —
Alain Nteff has previously featured on CNN with his start-up Gifted Mom, an app aiming to reduced the high death rate of newborn babies and pregnant woman in Cameroon. The app works out due dates and is used in conjunction with health workers to remind mother-to-be of upcoming appointments. Over 1,200 pregnant women and mothers have benefited so far and antenatal attendance is up by 20% in 15 rural communities using the app.
Indira Tsengiwe - www.youngpreneurmedia.com
Orekunrin was studying to become a doctor when tragedy struck: her younger sister died while traveling in Nigeria -- a fate that might have been avoided if the country had an air ambulance service. Once she qualified as a doctor in the UK -- at the age of 21, she was one of the youngest ever -- Orekunrin took it upon herself to fix the problem in West Africa, founding<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2013%2F04%2F08%2Fworld%2Fafrica%2Fola-orekunrin-flying-doctors-nigeria%2F"> Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd.</a> Recognition for starting the region's first air ambulance service has come from the World Economic Forum, who named her a Young Global Leader in 2013.
Olamide Orekunrin, 29 —
Orekunrin was studying to become a doctor when tragedy struck: her younger sister died while traveling in Nigeria -- a fate that might have been avoided if the country had an air ambulance service. Once she qualified as a doctor in the UK -- at the age of 21, she was one of the youngest ever -- Orekunrin took it upon herself to fix the problem in West Africa, founding Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd. Recognition for starting the region's first air ambulance service has come from the World Economic Forum, who named her a Young Global Leader in 2013.
Flying Doctors Nigeria
Seen here with Pink Food Industries co-founder Felix Okuye, Stephen Sembuya (left) has revived his family fortunes in fine style. Sembuya took over the family's failing cocoa plantation and built a new chocolate empire with the produce. The 700 acre farm is the largest individually owned cocoa plantation in Africa, now employing 100 workers who produce 60 kg of chocolate an hour.
Stephen Sembuya, 28 —
Seen here with Pink Food Industries co-founder Felix Okuye, Stephen Sembuya (left) has revived his family fortunes in fine style. Sembuya took over the family's failing cocoa plantation and built a new chocolate empire with the produce. The 700 acre farm is the largest individually owned cocoa plantation in Africa, now employing 100 workers who produce 60 kg of chocolate an hour.
CNN
The founder of <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmindtrix.co.za%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Mind Trix Media</a> has battled the odds on his path to success. In his youth Kunene, from South Africa, was once falsely accused of murder and survived a horrific car crash that left him with a cracked skull and a three month stay in hospital. He now employs eight people at his website-building company and is living proof that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Bheki Kunene, 27 —
The founder of Mind Trix Media has battled the odds on his path to success. In his youth Kunene, from South Africa, was once falsely accused of murder and survived a horrific car crash that left him with a cracked skull and a three month stay in hospital. He now employs eight people at his website-building company and is living proof that whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Kirk Doncker
Empowerment is key for Clinton Mutambo, whose company <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.esaja.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Esaja</a> acts as a business network for intra-African trade by connecting buyers and suppliers. Previous experience in marketing and blogging has aided the growth of his website which allows businesses to browse suppliers and purchase just about anything imaginable.
Clinton Mutambo, 25 —
Empowerment is key for Clinton Mutambo, whose company Esaja acts as a business network for intra-African trade by connecting buyers and suppliers. Previous experience in marketing and blogging has aided the growth of his website which allows businesses to browse suppliers and purchase just about anything imaginable.
courtesy Kombo Chapfika
It's almost become a cliche, but Rupert Bryant is another tech entrepreneur who dropped out of school. At 14 he left education to start his own web development company; by 16 had started a joint venture with a friend. Called <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webafrica.co.za%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Web Africa</a>, it's now a $11 million a year business and one of South Africa's major internet service providers.
Rupert Bryant, 29 —
It's almost become a cliche, but Rupert Bryant is another tech entrepreneur who dropped out of school. At 14 he left education to start his own web development company; by 16 had started a joint venture with a friend. Called Web Africa, it's now a $11 million a year business and one of South Africa's major internet service providers.
Courtesy Rupert Bryant
Education can be expensive and course materials especially so. Kitheka and friends established <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fundaonline.co.za%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Funda</a> in 2008 to provide students with a cheaper way to access the resources necessary to thrive at university. Kitheka argues the generation of young Kenyans he is helping will be game-changers -- a moniker he arguably deserves too.
Kennedy Kitheka, 25 —
Education can be expensive and course materials especially so. Kitheka and friends established Funda in 2008 to provide students with a cheaper way to access the resources necessary to thrive at university. Kitheka argues the generation of young Kenyans he is helping will be game-changers -- a moniker he arguably deserves too.
Courtesy Kola Olajide/Funda