“Make 2023 Your Year!”
It’s that time of the year again! FORBES AFRICA is calling on Africa’s brightest visionaries, risk-takers, change-makers and pioneers to take their place on the continent’s sought-after 30 Under 30 list.
For 2023, we are now on the quest for 30 of Africa’s most ingenious innovators under the age of 30 for the categories of Business, Technology, Creatives, Sport and Science/Health.
The Class of 2022 proved to the world that Africa’s Under 30s care about making money as well as meaning. For these young trailblazers, it was not just about commerce and clout but about ensuring they represent well their countries and the diverse, heterogeneous Africa they want to serve.
“Every year, the list keeps getting better and 2022 was also historic in that the cover shoot for this issue was in Botswana, for the first time outside of Johannesburg; and the finalists shone in every sense,” says Renuka Methil, Editor of FORBES AFRICA.
As we prepare for the ninth installment of the 30 Under 30 list, we also announce a few changes. Our process is extremely rigorous, and as the nominees progress through the stages, it gets more intense. As in the past, we will require a police clearance certificate (PCC) or report from your country verifying that you have no criminal record, no ongoing or upcoming court cases and that you are a citizen of that country. As an extra layer of verification, the FORBES AFRICA Under 30 team of curators now also need a recommendation/reference letter from your financial institution (like your bank), ensuring that you are a legitimate business/brand employing your funds responsibly. We recommend that you contact your financial institution or advisor to prepare for this part of the process.
In the end, it will all be worth it as you join these past honorees who are now illustrious Under 30 alumni; like Elsa Majimbo, Mr. Eazi, Lasizwe, Musa Keys, Lloyd Harris, Sho Madjozi, Bruce Diale, Antonio Depina, Karabo Poppy, Thuso Mbedu, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Nomzamo Mbatha, Kabza De Small, Burna Boy, Nthabiseng Mosia, Davido, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Sikander Kalla, Nasty C, Chad le Clos, and WizKid.
“These are the shining stars who will be leading our future and deciding what’s best. What we are looking for in 2023? Even more committed young people pivoting the continent to progress, profits, and prosperity,” adds Methil.
NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS CRITERIA:
Please read and take careful note of the following before applying.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 20 January 2023 17:00 (SAST)
Business and Technology categories
- Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
- Should have a legitimate REGISTERED business on the continent
- Business/businesses should be two years or older (please ensure you have your audited financial documents for at least two years as well as your company’s registration documents; should you make the second stage, this will be required)
- The more innovative the business the better (as it contributes to Africa’s growth story!)
- Have you/your company created social impact on the African continent?
- The company must be profit-generating
- Must employ people in Africa
- All applications must be in English
Sports category
- Must be a sports person aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
- Must be representing an African team
- Should have a proven track-record of no less than two years
- Should be making significant earnings
- Endorsement deals and/or awards of any kind would be a bonus
- Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must oblige by the same rules as under Business/Technology.
- All applications must be in English
Creatives category
- Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
- Must be from or based in Africa
- Should be making significant earnings
- Should have a proven creative record of no less than two years
- Awards of any kind would be a bonus
- Social media presence will be taken into consideration.
- Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older.
- All applications must be in English
Health/Science category
- Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2023
- Must be from or based in Africa
- Should have a proven track record in the field of health and/or science for no less than two years.
- Must have social influence and impact.
- If the nominee is a doctor/professor, please provide us with documentation and a reference letter from the institution where the applicant received a doctorate or Ph.D.
- Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered, and also two years or older.
- All applications must be in English
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!