Tomorrow's Titans: Heart and Hustle

In a world where ‘nepotism babies’ have become commonplace and uninspired, the notion of ‘self-made’ is acquiring new meaning and respect. These young achievers are starting from scratch to build businesses and brands that are totally solutions-oriented. For this coveted ninth annual edition of the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list, our newest class of multi-tasking multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders show how they will grow human capital, put a dent in issues and lead Africa’s future – on their own terms.

- By Chanel Retief

NINE YEARS.

Nine years of uncovering Africa’s youngest and brightest change-makers for the 30 Under 30 list.

Nine years of knowing that because of them, there is hope, that there is a chance tomorrow will be better.

That because of them, there is promise that atleast some of the continent’s biggest problems will be resolved, come pestilence or pandemic; unemployment, energy crises, or broken economies.

The 30 Under 30 class of 2023 know what they have signed up for.

They know.

Selected through a careful vetting process by the FORBES AFRICA editorial research team, an eminent panel of external judges and a knowledge partner, all of who sifted through more than a thousand applications that poured into our inboxes these last few months, the well-distilled final 30 are a subset of the potential, prowess and possibilities of Africa’s youth.

And Africa is also the planet’s most youthful continent – as in 2022, around 40% of the population was aged 15 years and younger (as per StatsSA), compared to a global average of 25%; although the median age on the continent has been increasing annually, it remains low at around 20 years.

These are the founders, leaders and tomorrow’s titans creating a new world order, putting in place effective solutions for Africa’s problems such as poverty, hunger, disease and joblessness.