Forbes Africa

#NewIssueAlert Idealistic and driven, Africa’s youth are proving, time and time again, that they are not to be underestimated. As the continent forges ahead with countless accounts of successful start-ups and sought-after conceptions, FORBES AFRICA has made it our mission to highlight, spotlight and showcase these ambitious individuals. Our annual #30Under30 list is a curated collation of the continent’s most influential young minds, as they take on societal norms and redefine ‘the way things have always been done’, while, simultaneously, carving out their own paths, under themes of innovation, impact and inclusion. As one listee reiterates: “[My work] represents a generation of young Africans who are not waiting for change, but building it”. On the Cover: 🇿🇦Thapelo Nthite 🇳🇬Sosa Omorogbe 🇰🇪Elly Savatia 🇳🇬Hillary Dennis Udanoah (Odeal) 🇪🇹Beky Abadula Managing Editor, FORBES AFRICA: Renuka Methil Words and Curation by Chanel Retief Additional Research: Nicole Pillay, Freddie Hiney, Keren Beya and Oluwatomisin Amokeoja Art Direction: Manelisi Dabata [In-studio images] Photography: Manelisi Dabata Photography Assistant: Sbongakonke Dlamini Stylist: Vuyi Mzamo Stylist’s Assistant: Marang Phooko Outfits: Bam Collective, StyleGod Makeup: Sibulele Sisilana Hair: Ketleng Hatshejame Studio: SunshineCo, Johannesburg Lights: Glow Hire, Johannesburg

#AQuoteILiveBy Quote of The Day

#FORBESAFRICA30Under30 From a young age, Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba was captivated by the night sky, but says it was the satellites that especially captured her pragmatic attention. She describes them as “quiet promises across the equator”. “My story starts in Nairobi, Kenya, where I was born under the same equatorial skies that would later define my boldest vision,” Kanjumba tells FORBES AFRICA. “I saw space as a frontier for discovery and a platform for innovation and systemic transformation for the Global South.” While she was a graduate student, she founded Vicillion – a private aerospace venture focused on space infrastructure, systems thinking and interplanetary logistics.

#AfricaUndiscovered Tanzania Builds The Corridors Powering East Africa’s Future From ports and railways to tourism, mining, and energy, the country is strengthening its role as a regional platform, connecting East and Central Africa to global markets, while accelerating industrialization. Read full #sponsored report by @penresa_mc by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/6ejocgxjl8

#AfricaUndiscovered The country has re-emerged in 2026 as a more stable and investable market, combining macroeconomic recovery with targeted reforms that are reshaping how business operates. Read full #sponsored report by @penresa_mc by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/bdtplr7wxz

#AfricaUndiscovered The country has re-emerged in 2026 as a more stable and investable market, combining macroeconomic recovery with targeted reforms that are reshaping how business operates. Read full #sponsored report by @penresa_mc by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/awovvvdd9s

#CurrentAffairs The Nigerian-Born Artist Who Created First Joint Portrait Of The Obamas Read more by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/e1el7ccyl1

#FORBESAFRICA30Under30 The world was introduced to artist Molly Ama Montgomery, known professionally as Moliy, in 2020, when she made her debut with the extended play (EP), WONDERGIRL, followed by her breakout collaboration with Amaarae and Kali Uchis on SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY. However, Montgomery’s story began much earlier, in 1997, in Accra, Ghana, alongside her older siblings. “Sitting with a family keyboard that none of us really knew how to play, I used to tell myself, ‘I could be a star’. It felt like a wild thought, but it planted a seed,” she says. A few short years later, her hit single, Shake It To The Max, spent 27 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart.

#FORBESAFRICA30Under30 There is one sport that exudes enthusiasm and camaraderie in South Africa: soccer. At the helm of the current fandom, and a name chanted by many an Orlando Pirates fan, is Relebohile Mofokeng. Even at the young age of 21, Mofokeng has outgrown the ‘one for the future’ tag and now stands as one of the Premier Soccer League’s headline attractions. Hailing from Sharpeville in Vereeniging, Mofokeng quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting young football talents, not only for his technical ability but also for his confidence on the field.

#Under30 By Numbers The most represented region in the class of 2026 is West Africa. The most represented country on the list is South Africa. Want to read more about the #FORBESAFRICA30Under30 list? Click here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/w8cfyorlj0

🌍✨ We’re gearing up to celebrate the remarkable FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 Class of 2026, and we want you to be part of the journey. Join us for our exclusive Virtual Summit as we spotlight Africa’s next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers. 📅 26 June 2026 ⏰ 13:30 – 15:30 Be inspired by the stories, insights, and impact of this year’s exceptional honorees. 🔗 Register now by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/cjq9ijr85h #ForbesAfrica30Under30

#NewIssueAlert Get your copy today⤵️ shop.forbesafrica.com/product/single…

The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience and transformative leadership across a continent that is home to the world's youngest population. Amid economic headwinds, unemployment, infrastructure constraints and fiscal uncertainty, these young trailblazers are not merely adapting to change—they are driving it. Want to read more about the class of 2026? Get your digital copy today⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/g8skdy2rel

#AfricaUndiscovered Tanzania Builds The Corridors Powering East Africa’s Future From ports and railways to tourism, mining, and energy, the country is strengthening its role as a regional platform, connecting East and Central Africa to global markets, while accelerating industrialization. Read full #sponsored report by @penresa_mc by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/ptc5dt3q8l

The World Cup is heating up! 🌍⚽🔥 From stunning upsets and standout performances to the moments that have fans across the globe on the edge of their seats, Week Two of football's greatest show has delivered drama, passion and unforgettable stories. Stay tuned as FORBES AFRICA brings you the highlights, insights and defining moments from the FIFA World Cup 2026 — on and off the pitch. #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026

#CurrentAffairs An online sports bettor who wagered $300,000 that Portugal wouldn’t win its World Cup match against heavy underdog Democratic Republic of the Congo profited nearly $1 million when the African team managed a surprising tie Wednesday. Read full story by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/h226xcyhdz

#ICYMI Game And Glory: Africa’s 2026 World Cup Moment Awaits Read full story by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/rm5ascbcow

#CurrentAffairs A costly paradox exists in Central Africa, where renewable energy potential is astronomical but the electrification rate is among the world’s lowest. For its telecommunications sector, this means systemic barriers, but immense untapped opportunity. Want to read more? Click here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/4bgdbvifet

#CurrentAffairs The portrait unveiling comes ahead of the Obama Presidential Center’s opening ceremony, which the Obama Foundation said would be livestreamed globally on Thursday. Read more by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/1uf6vp7div

#CurrentAffairs Elon Musk’s fortune swelled above $1.4 trillion on Tuesday as SpaceX shares extended a rally in their second full trading day, ranking Musk’s rocket maker ahead of Amazon as the world’s fifth-largest company by market value. Read full story by clicking here⤵️ forbesafrica.pulse.ly/sztd5drb1p