The Founder of The Year Awards (FOYA) celebrates and recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs across Africa who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. In the Founder of The Year category, several remarkable nominees from different African countries have been shortlisted. Let's take a closer look at the nominees from each country.

Founder of The Year (Over 30)

Kenya
Maureen Koech - Paylend Africa
Joseph Thuku - Expace Marketing Ltd
Keith Magogo - FL Creative Concepts
Florence Ndung'u - Florence Ndung'u
Emmanuel Muhire - Lakhtrem
Eric Njoroge - The Royal Baker KE
Jimmy Opiyo - Drunken Brands LTD
Elishibah Wambui Ngunjiri - The Spring Azalea
Gabriel Litunya Akali - Kakamega County Youth Agripreneurs Association
Eric Wanyama - Qaizen Car Rental K Limited
James Ireri - Best Link Developers Ltd
Jared Mwanduka - Learnsoft Beliotech Solutions
Ezekiel Zadok - Zakies Cleaning Services
Anne Chege - Imani Health
Min Patience - TUJENGANE - Business Ideas Plug
Harmstone Masambaga - Harma Safaris Ltd
John Kamau - Dothan Aqua Systems Ltd
Jared Oundo - United SMEs Association of Kenya, Jubilant Stewards of Africa, The Koundo Ventures
Morris Mbetsa - Numeral IOT
Francis Kariuki - Unitech Electrical Consultant
Wahome Maina - Denisse Group Limited
Rodgers Meitekini - EP Capital LTD
Magdalyne Ngarw - Adventurous Family Tours
Gabriel Munyao Nyamai - Santiago Perfecto Foundation
Terry Mbae Mbae - TMckenzie Global Suppliers (TMHOODIES)
Kephah Nyaribo - Loyal Complex Ltd
Victor Maina - Duhqa Ltd
Anderson Mwaizinga - Victoria Lush Limited
Moses Omoga - Brighter Community Traders
Noor Santosian - Idemiac Media
Washington Njika - Stitched By Wash Car Upholstery
Chris Otieno - Ciriz Digital Services
Chepkirui Nancy - Smart Communication
Jacktone Otieno - Bamba Studios
Mose Omari - Lighstar Solutions Ltd
Patrolis Munene Mburia - Nugreen Kenya Limited
Rosemary Ndinda - SolidLaunch Consulting
Moses Waweru - Top Ride Tour's

Uganda
Caroline Charis Mukisa - Charis Mukisa Global Consults Limited
Ivan Ivan - Cawine Technologies
Ngura Benard - Feel Free Consultancy Real Estate Uganda Limited
Ivan Mbaziira - Yo Swift

Tanzania
Rehema Konza - Women Empowering And Entrepreneurship Development Organization(WEEDO)
Henry Manyasi - Manyasi Media
Wilson Rumisha - Film In TanZania
Joel Mwinuka - Imara Security Services Ltd
Carlos Charles - The Golden Elites Global
Idd Ninga - Dunia Salama Foundation
Tatu Mbamba - Superovagroup Company Limited
Kelvin Sulugwe - Akometsi
Angel Natianota - HR World Tanzania Limited
Raymond Ntale - Mochimochi Cleaners
Adam Famao - Peachy Village Company Limited
Reena Pandya - 78inc

Rwanda
No nominees

South Africa
Kefo Mampuru - Spic n Span Cleaning Gardening and Laundry Services
Jay Nkosi - Jnw Wine SA
Phillip Chokobane - PC Staffing Solutions
Mahlatse Mamaila - INO-Biodiesel
Simphiwe Nqunqa - NQUKS Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Mubanga Malama - Prestige Car and Bike Rentals
Charma Maluleka - Made2Fly Creative
Mpho Modibedi - Upmarket Scents
Piet Maboee - Xcessive Pools
Nosipho Ncongwane - Agro Pros
Joseph Ndaba - Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub
Mduduzi Lepele - Elengos Green Supply
Lethabo Motibane - Ledjoy Holdings
Mxolisi Buthelezi - Lalela Foods
Aserie Ndlovu - Aserieviscom
Tshepo Tingana - iCartracker pty Ltd
Rorisang Kgatle - Rory k Spa
Tshepo Mashau Makananise - Vhafuwi Sports Development
Mankhedi Stephina - Mankhedi Stephina
Blessing Kudabvanji - MUST Graduate Academy
Mbali Khumalo - Beautiful Beginnings
Gwibs Pasiya - GLONS
Nakhokonke Mngadi - Pure Vawter
Murendeni Precious Munyai - Glam Alert Makeovers
Sthembiso Dlamini - Sthembiso Dlamini
Poppy Khanyile - Sixteen Plus
Katlego Thwane - Atlegang Bana Foundation
Fannie Masilela - Fcm And Liandri Publishers
Garrett Naidoo - Bobar
Amanda Ruth Pakade - Kwaza Digital Solutions (Pty)Ltd
Abi Mazibuko - Aj Technologies and Telecommunications (PTY) LTD
Sicelo Mabuza - Homegrown Shandis
Daniel Leshaba - House of Twii
Nadi Mwanza - King Wolf
Khathutshelo Tshishonga - Masha Media And Creative Supplies
Bheki Mlambo - Delight Productions SA
Khaya Burwana - AgriKey Farming
Xolani Machele - Jozi Kota Festival
Ntlotleng Manale - Black Empire Farms
Phakamani Ndlovu - Phakamani Empowerment
Gosego Hlahla - Barolong Printers and Projects Pty Ltd Trading as Honey Glow Cosmetics
Oscar Monama - Pheko PM Group
Dumisani Mahlangu - Chepa Streetwear
Quan Dambuza - Pondoland Times
Princess Mukhari - The Automotive Pros
Lungile Mhlongo - Dr LF Mhlongo Inc Trading as Numa Medical Aesthetics

Ghana
Henry Abusu-Gerchi - Jh JesHen
Nimatu Asilgya - SHE4G Foundation
Jonathan Ray Hockey - Rayon Foundation
Raffat Yemoh - Flatline Courier & Logistics Service
Amoro Bagei - Awunpara
Theresa Ansah - Mba Mode Ghana Limited
Emmanuel Yao Denyo - Royal Plans Ghana
Emma Oliveira - All Smile Dental Clinics
Frederick Boakye - Fredie’s View Enterprise

Nigeria
Adebayo Babatunde - Westman recycle Nigeria limited
Dasplang Ayuba Dauda - Salvage Biz-Hub Nig Ltd
Ogbogu Chinonso - Sabi Writers
Olalekan Jayeola - Netwalk Niche
Babafemi Oyedeji - Orientalz Imperio
Reuben Kaine - Trashcycler Limited
Felix Ugbaja - Potential Builders Foundation
George Iorpuu - George Global Management and Technology
Victor Tubotamuno - Earlybrite
Akila Jatau John - Buhknom Development Foundation
Bukola Oladapo - Al lateef Enterprises
Wuraola Ariemuduigho - Omote-eki Foods
Samuel Emeka James - Holy Mouth Communications
Ayokunle Oluwasimirin - Escort Printz
Nwaele Ijeoma Jessica - Omassica_scent
Natima Opuiyo - Natibo Technologies Nig Ltd
Uchenna Obizoba - Eminent International Media World Ltd
Christopher Jimmy - Chris Berlin Autos
Adeyemi Adesokan - Rush Homes & Gardens
Precious Orumgbe - Softmation Advertising Limited
Bright Anakwe - Brightdlife Global Academy
Justin Iyere - Just Express Global Limited
Shaka Apodoghe Imavah - MyNama.ng
Omolara Oluokun - Zeegnis Fashion and Events
Keturah Ovio - Dukka
Hassan Ogunsanwo - Sanwo Multiservices Limited
Jubilee Nwaudo - Jubilee Care International Ltd
Olajide Michael Ibitoye - Wictech Inventory Company
Ikechukwu Otuya - Boleum Energy & Technology Ltd
Justice Madua' James - Akidodo.com Ltd
Olalekan Awojodu - Global Bazaar Limited
Nelson Asegiemhe - Onells IT Tech
Cyril Smart - Cymas Technology Limited
Olufemi Odusina - Odusfem Global Concept
Stanley Nnamdi - Stansylvie Global Concept LTD
Dora Okoye - Dilota Travels
Inemesit Dike - The Legal Concierge
OlaDolapo Quadri - Liteup Naija Projects
Destiny M O Chijioke - Genesis World Writers Community
Dandy Ogujor - Dandified  Limited
Omoniyi Salami - Omoniyi Salami
Obaonike Osiyale - Bakem IT solutions
Emmanuel Denis - Pete Media Photography
Fela Akinse - SALUBATA
Isaac Agbala - Donisaac Concept
Isaac Oyedokun - Trekk scooters

Zambia
Banji Mainza - Blvck Pwr Clothing Brand
Martin Lumango - Qupark Mmoney Lenders
Andre Andrew Phiri - Pmc Zambia & Energy Pixels
Ndekazi Zimba - Goldlink Experience/ Impala Car Rental
Musekiwa Moyo - Planet Insight
Kenneth Masiye Kalwete - Slab Builders (Z) Ltd
Abigail Mbuzi - African Sunsets T/A MasterCook Zambia
Mwila Musokota - Phileo Travel

Founder of The Year (Under 30)

Kenya
Robert Salim - My Shamba Digital
Ishmael Kiptanui - Digital Africa
Denis Githinji - Densal IT Solutions
Niyodusenga Eric - Sennflower
Purity Tessy - Kitale Kids Models And Talents Academy
Hillary Kiprop - Hope Mission Foundation
Lawrence Koech - Shopika Enterprise Ltd
David Mutie Kyengo - Loving Hearts Charity Foundation
Evans Gichuki - Konnect Safaris
John Mutinda - KitutoAfrica Hygiene Solutions Company
Rabin Eli - Brandkings Kenya Ltd
Jason Oochuma - G1 Pioneers Organization
Caroline Migwi - Aviid Limited
Sylviah Muchilwa - Brazy Hub
Chris Mwas - Christian Organization Kenya
Paul Oluoch Otieno - Leap Initiative
Liviah Mose - Havil Households
Josephat Mongare - Josngare Secure Limited
Simon Macharia - Destiny New Hope Foundation
Denis Muthoni - Viworld Solutions
Stephen Muchiri - Charleson Media Group
Stephen Ougo - You(th)spacesAfrica
Fredrick Korir - Prime Movers Kenya
Doris Andeka Malika - The Ankara Hub Kenya
Sylvia Kabeyi - Miracle Arts Kenya
Abner Ongeri Ongeri - Ongeri Expeditions- Luxury Safaris
Arnold Washington - Courierbea Kenya
Sylvia Kaberia - Africa Business Warriors (eDigital Connect)
Esther Kinyua - Picnics in Nairobi
Fredrick Odero - Bontel Adventures Limited
Kevin Alulu - #BuyBoxers
Anna Chege - BrandAnna Knits
Diana Jeruto - Express Travel Tours
Naman Nyaga - Climate Change Mitigation Initiative
Jasin Owili - Afribot Robotics Ltd
Hezron Kamau - Chess Mates Premier
Nahason Nyagaka - Crissniviella
Felister Waithera - Lytherah Creations Limited
Chris Hani Mutahi - Goodvibetribeent
Kevin Odhiambo - Shaping Futures Foundation
Brian Matoke - BodaPay
Job Ogweno - Noma Creatives
Diana Rotich - Kenya Pastoralists Community Organisation
Felix Atamba - Yahi Africa
Carolinet Wanjiku - Kizito Ice Cream Parlor
Eugene Ngugi - Livewire Mashariki Studio Limited
Jacob Kiprop - Kurgline
Sarah Smiles - Smiles Agency and Property Dealers Kenya
Kennedy Muchina - BioLife Agri consultancy Ltd
Robert Odenyo - Ocrat Systems Ltd
Kelvin Kariuki - Hooke Industries
Abigail Moses - Fabs Handmade Collection
Benardict Ngase - BeamFlex Media
Billy Mugadia - Billy Graham Mugadia
Emmaculate Kivindyo - Lekek Limited

Uganda
Lubega Ibrahim - MediaBard
Kasiita Peter Claver - Prestigia Brands Ltd
Rhuderhekuguma Mongane Jules - Oasis Organization Nakivale
Okello Wilberforce Odembo - Odembo Group & Sage Workspace Ltd
Sonko Jamal - Kyuka Ventures Innovation Hub
Kakande Farid Gava - Zukuka Traders Ltd
Muwanguzi Dan - The great Sunrise Foundation
Sabiiti Davis - Yilick
Rhuderhekuguma Mongane - Oasis Organization
Alinaitwe Victor - Ugandan Catholics Online
Amanyangole Luke - Klexgh Limited
Jabulon Alyao - Aljem Technologies-Smc Ltd

Tanzania
Peter Didas - Pedima Enterprises Limited
Moses Kabarole - MNC Insight
Ibra Mustafa - Dikena Company Limited
Constantine Joseph - Oxmusic
Lupakisyo Mwakipiti - Clements International Trade CO.
George Solomon - Chap Cargo Logistics Limited
Yusuph Kissy - Kissy Technology And Electronics
Brown Lusinde - Dove Holdings Group Limited
Arafat Bakir Lesheve - Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards Initiative
Julieth Sisya - Place Perfumes
Japhet Mashauri - NKC Group Company Ltd
Frank John - Creek Company Limited
Isaack Buhiye - Firm 23 Ltd
Danda Christopher - Yacht Life Tanzania

Rwanda
No nominee

South Africa
Papamani Toronto Malawu - Kinina Africa
Gudani Ramulifho - Hayani Environmental Projects
Enerst  Katleho Pulanyane - Inverse Holdings
Thato Theledi - ATM Forex Team
Lerato Mokoena - Pro Maths And Science
Justice Lebosta - Warm Nest Enterprise
Bismark Chinyavanhu - Mark C Clothing Wear
Lesetja Letwala - Efkay Lele Projects Pty Ltd
Arthur Muhanelwa - Price Insure
Nathaniel Tshepho Semata - Semata Multi Projects (PTY) Ltd
Michael Tshitake - Zion Apostolic Church
Siyamtanda Hlobo - Eleglam Business & Digital Services
Sisamkele Ndudula - Sisamkele N (pty) Ltd
Thabang Shima - Capnet Solutions
Sfundo Gcaba - LiteBruim
Thobile Dhlangamandhla - Bathobiles Bookkeeping Services
Thabo Sean Masete - Empire Premiums Pty Ltd
Ramokone sannah Kwakwa - The new dawn RS KWAKWA trading as The New dawn poultry farm
Phindokuhle Njabulo Kunene - Prodical Designs
Makatu Tshivhula - The Light Candles
Gaoagwe Jeje - Kgosi Poultry
Thobani Zungu - Ngifour Pry Ltd
Thabiso Hlongwane - Greener Pastures Recycling Company
Mphoke Makwala - Makwala Agri
Joshua Rikhotso - Copacetic
Leseli Morakile - Young Timbers
Tebogo Madileng - Snape
Panashe Chigunwe - The Hide Portfolio
Siphumelelo Kwinana - Siphumelelo Kwinana
Terrance Tshembhani - TT Foundation
Ellen Makiti - Carousel Kids Daycare
Miyelani Cassius Mathebula - MMC Multi Media
Tamuka Chikerema - Moontu Digital Solutions
Clara Matongo - Mia International Beauty Academy
Siphosethu Nkomo - Straight Up Plug Pty Ltd
Ntsako Zaca - Royal Mane Afros
Letlotlo Moeketsi - Bakgatla Treats
Anita Sibanda - Anita’s Maid Service
Siyanda Mhlahlo - Pex Lifestyle
Sicelo Sibeko - SG Maziyah Enterprise (PTY)Ltd
Wanay Govinder - Webclift University
Abie Dlamini - Headline Clothing SA
Nkanyiso Mthiya - Umvuzo M
Gevaughn Brandt - Royalty ZA Pageants
Lungelo Nkwanyane - Siya Shoe Cleaner
Sellinah Mondlane - Zanda Empire
Asiphe Booi - Ikamva Secure Solutions
Sphelele Mthiyane - Downtown Radio
Thobile Nyawo - Isambane Energy
Vumani Shabalala - Dominant Cocktail Bar Catering
Siyanda Myeni - Siyanda Myeni
Mbuso Bam - Creative Nation Magazine
Shepherd Mkhize - Rooom Mobile Salon
Hlamalani Hlangwani - Tsemisa Group of Companies
Enerst Katleho Pulanyane - Inverse Foods

Ghana
Ann-Richel Tagoe - Yabullon Delicious Shito
Nicholas Saaka - Sanich Farms
Oheneba Kumi-Prempeh - Ticksody Ticketing Platform
Jennifer Prah-Odoom - EJ Local Beverages and Bar
Alexander Antobre Dwumah - Lotal Ghana
Bryan Wisdom Akai - Adesuapa School Management Software
Andrew Ntiri - REG Models Management
Philip Assan - InnoviTEQ
Michael Asante - Picplus Entertainment
Clement Fuachie - Lamzo4real Graphic Designs And Animations
Ebenezer Sackey - Tertiary Minds, Ghana
Oppong Christian - Nasarp Pragia Union
Abdul-wahab Hanifa - Abdul-wahab Hanifa
Richard Afoakwah-Nti - Rich Dream Consult
Princess Harriet Nana Antwiwaa Osei - Churreria Restaurant and Lounge
Gershon Dornyo Kukubor - Degersh Agribusiness Enterprise

Nigeria
Azeez Issa - Sky Sports Football
ItunuOluwa Success Ajayi-Albert - LifeSupport Network
Sunday Daniel Olayemi - Olaskid Enterprise
Sanni Seun - Ions Power Solutions
Davie King Ukwuoma - Jellywebb Inc
Rilwan Adedipe - Rheelwon Creativities®
Jamilu Abdullahi Tahir - 77 Sports Nigeria Limited
Bolaji Kolade - Koj Studios
Gideon Isaiah - Reign World
Michael Anthony - BuzzHint Media
Tolulope Akinyemi - Psycho Medical Organization
Kenechukwu Ndunwa - TynuEV technology
Ebiteinye Mbanefo - Spike Web Services
Samiu Salihu - Spendo Technologies
JB Favour - FAVES_PEN
Oluwagbeminiyi Ariyo-Agbaje - Nitesla
Oluwafemi Omosanya - Fm Global Magazine
Franklin Peters - Boundless Nexus Limited
Nosirullahi Baruwa - Ekochops and Grill
Bright Okuta - The Abuja Post
Arogundade Lateef - Ilerioluwa Group Company
Arogundade Olamilekan - Ilerioluwa Group Company
Josiah Amos - King Ruby Tech
Ridwan Akinfenwa - Strapy Technologies
Emmanuel Ekpesor - Tifemmy
Sunday olufemi - Olufemi Millennium Enterprises
David George - DavziaX
Chiamaka Okoro - Autusview Consult
Osasumwen Asoro - Asoro Automotive
Toluwalase Ayedun - God's Will Homes & Projects
Ajibade David - Bahd Street Vibes
Abur Perpetual - Aveccie Global Resources Limited
Emmanuel Ekunke - Demfati Tech Hub
Chukwuebuka Justice - Nuel Holdings
Edward Ordams - GoodLife Primes
Richard Tayo Ojo - Skipo And Sons Global Concepts Ltd
Emmanuel Fagbemi - Dharah Online Shopping Limited
Victor Okwun Njoku - iUVENUS Business Consult
Eleazar Emmanuel - CrystalJenix Technologies
Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown - Browncon Group of Companies
Amoo Elijah Oluwatimileyin - Amoel Geoservices Consult
Caleb Ayodele - Dexon security
Abdullahi Aliyu - AALI technology
Norah Etto - Barzeh's Creativity
Musendiq Motunrayo - Motun luxury stores in
Franklin Chukwuemeka - Super Queen Nigeria & Super king Nigeria
Chima Ugo - Prime 9ja Online Media
Agbahiwe Jude - Siriusmindfitness(SMF)
Oladayo Ibitoye - Jollyment
Chikodi Isaac - Chycenty
Emmanuel Ogbonna - Pamsocial Services
Bode Roberts - Dataleum

Zambia
Brian Sepiso Masheke - Guardmac Security
Niza Chauluka - Niza Chauluka Innovation
Maureen Kumwenda - Young Women With a Vision
Ted Mulenga - Rock.it Zambia
Jonathan Jonathan - Jezen General Dealers
Lolelanji Sinkala Siame - Environmentalist Mindset Consultancy Limited
Salifyanji Sikapizye - Sabchill Refrigeration Zambia
Justine Chongo - Constantcooling Refrigeration
Sugar Int - Sugar Int Store
Dorothy Nkoma - Children’s Future Society
Margaret Mumba - D&D_HOME_OF_SCENTS_ZM and Get_rich clothing
Elijah Chisamu - Chisamu
Dadcoff Siwale - Kwelan
Alick Chali - Golden Success Investments Limited
Joshua Musonda - JMJ Innovations
Tevin Mumba - Liable HUT Services
Valentine Chitifi - Fifty One Percent Group
John Sakala - A Chance for Change Foundation
Francisca Kalando - Fks Food Parlour and Event Planning
Dorothy Muya - Glam Beauty Salon and Boutique
Evaristo Kalaswa - Ek Innovation
Danny Kamuchele - Mena Art House Limited
Chushi Kasongo - Perfect Pack Media LTD
Evelyn Mukwemba - Carsys Makeover and Handmade Closure Making
Samuel Koji - Worthlit
Ipalo Mubanga - Kipaji Innovation