Calling all visionaries, risk-takers and young change-makers; FORBES AFRICA is all set to for the 2025 intake!
For drawing up the continent’s most sought-after list of young leaders, we are on the quest for 30 of Africa’s brightest people under the age of 30 in the Business, Technology, Creatives, Sport and Science/Health categories.
Every year, the magazine’s 30 Under 30 listers prove that they are not just about commerce and clout but also about representing their countries and the diverse, heterogeneous continent they want to serve. The class of 2025 should be no different.
From Tyla to Davido, Vimbai Masiyiwa to Alex Mativo, Tatjana Smith to Faith Kipyegon, they have earned their place on the list. If you make the 11th instalment of the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list, you will join more past honorees such as 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, Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, Sikander Kalla, Nasty C, Chad le Clos, and WizKid.
Our nomination process is rigorous, and those who progress to subsequent rounds will need to provide a police clearance certificate (PCC) or report from your country verifying you have no criminal record, no ongoing disputes or upcoming court cases and that you are a citizen of the country.
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As an extra layer of verification, the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 team of curators and editorial research teams will also need a recommendation/reference letter from your financial institution (such as your bank) ensuring you are a legitimate business/brand deploying your funds responsibly. We recommend you contact your financial institution or advisor to prepare for this part of the process.
“For the 11th year, we will sift through the nominations flooding our inboxes to discern the boldest innovators and leaders under the age of 30 in Africa today. They will need to prove what they are doing differently to make the cut as tomorrow’s titans and tycoons pushing the needle of development,” says Renuka Methil, Editor of FORBES AFRICA.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS:
Please read the following carefully before applying.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 20 February 2025 17:00 (SAST)
Business and Technology categories
- Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger as on 31 March 2025
- 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 as on 31 March 2025
- Must be representing an African team
- Should have a proven track-record of no less than two years
- Should have significant earnings
- Endorsement deals and/or awards of any kind would be a bonus
- Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if you are a sportsperson applying under the Business/Technology categories. However, the business must abide 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 2025
- 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 you are a creative applying under the Business/Technology categories. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older.
- All applications must be in English
Health/Science categories
- Must be a creative aged 29 or younger on 31 March 2025
- 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 categories. However, the business must be legitimate, registered, and also two years or older.
- All applications must be in English
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