Each year, Africa’s top entrepreneurial talent gathers in Bretton Woods to commit to building the continent’s future. On April 12, 2024, 18 founders joined the Harambean Alliance by signing the Declaration in the historic Gold Room at the Mount Washington Hotel.
Selected from over 3,000 applicants, the 17th Class represents eight countries including Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa and has collectively raised over $31.9 million. Their ventures span fintech, health, logistics, consumer services, and more.
With seven women and eleven men, this class is driving Africa’s innovation economy through collaboration and purpose. More than a fellowship, Harambeans offers a launchpad, a powerful network of operators, funders, and changemakers across the continent.
These founders aren’t just launching companies, they’re building the systems that will shape Africa’s next chapter.
“What sets this class apart isn’t just ambition, it’s the humility and values they bring to the hard work of building Africa’s future.”
Esther Nwachukwu H’23, 2024 Admissions Fellow
HEALTH & INSURANCE
- Arjun Parameswaran H’24 (Botswana) – Founder of Alpha Direct, a digital-first insurer delivering affordable, tech-driven coverage for Africa’s mass market.
- Joelle Owona H’24 (Cameroon) – Founder of AfriWell Health, a telehealth platform connecting patients in Congo to doctors locally and globally.
- Adeola Alli H’24 (Nigeria) – Founder of OneHealth, an online pharmacy and healthcare platform improving access to medicines and clinical solutions.
- Moses Mukundi H’24 (Kenya) – Founder of Eden Care, a digital health insurer making employee benefits accessible for African businesses.
FINTECH & VC
- Prince Ilboudo H’24 (Burkina Faso) – Co-founder of Dokal, enabling the African diaspora to directly pay for goods and services back home, bypassing remittance fees.
- Muthoni Wachira H’24 (Kenya) – Managing Partner at Katapult Africa, backing startups tackling food security and climate resilience with capital and global networks.
- Hempstone Maroria H’24 (Kenya) – Co-founder of Waya, a neobank and remittance solution tailored for immigrants and underserved communities in the U.S.
- Ebby Gatamu H’24 (Kenya) – Co-founder of Cladfy, building infrastructure for microlenders with lending software and loan book financing.
- Julia Price H’24 (South Africa) – Co-founder of Linea, offering revenue-based financing to impact-driven African startups without equity dilution.
- Oluwafemi Iromini H’24 (Nigeria) – Co-founder of Moni, a trust-based community platform financing small businesses across Africa.
ENTERPRISE & LOGISTICS
- Russel Luck H’24 (South Africa) – Founder of SwiftVEE, South Africa’s leading online livestock trading platform, monetizing data for agri-finance.
- Meriem Benabad H’24 (Morocco) – Co-founder of Awal Systems, digitizing Africa’s corner shops with inventory tools, cash flow support, and next-day delivery.
- Benjamen Oladokun H’24 (Nigeria) – Co-founder of Shekel Mobility, a B2B marketplace helping dealers in emerging markets find, finance, and sell vehicles.
- Luke Mostert H’24 (South Africa) – Co-founder of CatalyzU, vetting and placing top non-technical African talent in global tech startups.
CONSUMER
- Mojolaoluwa Ola H’24 (Nigeria) – CEO of Grid Crux, building energy solutions that improve access and optimize consumption across Africa.
- Liz Letsoalo H’24 (South Africa) – Founder of Masodi, creating clean, effective beauty and wellness products for African skin, hair, and lifestyles.
- Michael Maponga H’24 (Zimbabwe) – Founder of AfroLandTV, a global streaming platform for Black cinema and television.
- Daniel Jayeoba H’24 (Nigeria) – Co-founder of Guideli, a platform simplifying international relocation and visa management for Africans.
“Our newest Harambeans will undoubtedly face unique challenges related to change and growth. Yet, I am confident that they will face them with the firm conviction and optimism of our decade old Declaration. We look forward to following their progress as they solve the challenges critical for Africa’s long-term sustainability and success,” said Harambeans Founder, Okendo Lewis-Gayle.