Africa’s new generation of leaders is proving that age is no barrier to influence. These young entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives are leveraging technology, media, and social impact to build enterprises and platforms that extend far beyond the continent. Their reach is global, their vision ambitious, and their businesses, whether digital, creative, or sustainable, are shaping how Africa engages with the world.
1. Khaby Lame – Social Media Creator and Entrepreneur (Senegal / Italy)
Khaby Lame’s rise from a factory worker in Italy to becoming the world’s most-followed TikTok creator is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his silent comedy skits that poke fun at overly complicated “life hacks,” Khaby has transformed social media influence into a global brand. Beyond content creation, he collaborates with top international brands, launches merchandise, and partners with major entertainment ventures, cementing his status as a young African empire builder in the digital entertainment space.
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2. Alex Mativo – Founder & CEO, E‑LAB and Duck (Kenya)
Kenyan entrepreneur Alex Mativo is shaping the future of African technology and sustainability. Through Duck, his AI-powered retail analytics platform, and E-LAB, which focuses on e-waste upcycling, Mativo is building businesses with the potential to scale internationally. Recognized on Forbes Africa 30 Under 30, he represents a new wave of African founders turning innovation and sustainability into global business opportunities.
3. Maya Horgan Famodu – Founder, Ingressive Capital (Ghana / Global)
Maya Horgan Famodu has become one of Africa’s most influential young venture capitalists. Through Ingressive Capital, she connects African startups to global investors, accelerating the continent’s tech ecosystem and facilitating international expansion. Her work demonstrates that empire building is not limited to product companies, it can also emerge through strategic investment networks that shape the future of business across borders.
4. Vanessa Nakate – Founder, Rise Up Movement (Uganda)
Vanessa Nakate has turned climate activism into a globally recognized platform. With the Rise Up Movement, she leads initiatives addressing environmental sustainability, partnering with international organizations, governments, and investors. Nakate exemplifies how advocacy and entrepreneurship can intersect, transforming social impact into a globally influential enterprise that amplifies Africa’s voice on the world stage.
5. Fatou Jeng – Founder, Clean Earth Gambia (The Gambia)
Fatou Jeng has built Clean Earth Gambia, a social enterprise focused on environmental sustainability and climate justice. By creating international partnerships, mobilizing youth, and implementing innovative green projects, Jeng has transformed local action into global impact. Her leadership demonstrates that young Africans can build influence-driven enterprises that combine purpose, visibility, and measurable global engagement.
Methodology
This list was curated to highlight young Africans under 40 who are building global-scale businesses or platforms, whether in technology, media, creative industries, or social impact. Selection criteria included verified founder or leadership roles, measurable international influence, cross-border scalability, and recognition by credible sources such as Forbes Africa, global awards, or verified social metrics. Only one individual per country was included to ensure broad continental representation and diversity of sectors.
