On April 12, 2024, a group of African innovators convened in the Gold Room of the historic Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods to sign the Harambe Declaration, officially becoming Harambeans. Together, they reaffirmed our pledge “to work together as one to pursue the social, political and economic development of Africa and fulfill the dream of our generation.”
The 18 Harambeans representing the 17th Class were culled from 3 885 applications and 79 nominations. The 17th Class represents eight African countries including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya and they have already collectively raised more than $31.9 million. The 7 women and 11 men of the 2024 class will expand our Pan-African ecosystem and strengthen our collective to build Africa’s future.
Impact Sectors
The new Harambeans are spearheading ventures in sectors critical to Africa’s prosperity, working within the health & insurance, fintech & venture capital, enterprise & logistics and consumer segments, adding to the diversity and richness of the Harambean ecosystem. Meet our 17th Class of Harambeans.
HEALTH & INSURANCE
Arjun Parameswaran H’24, founder of Alpha Direct, a company providing digital insurance products tailored for the African mass-market using home-grown technology.
Joelle Owona H’24, founder of AfriWell Health, connecting patients in Congo to doctors locally and internationally.
Adeola Alli H’24, founder of OneHealth, an online pharmacy and healthcare platform providing access to medicines and health solutions for individuals and healthcare providers.
Moses Mukundi H’24, founder of Eden Care, digital health insurance for employers in Africa.
FINTECH & VC
Prince ILboudo H’24, co-founder of Dokal, a platform for the African diaspora to pay for products and services for their loved ones back home directly without the need for sending cash.
Muthoni Wachira H’24, managing partner of Katapult Africa, a company supporting start-ups who are solving Africa’s biggest food and climate problems with capital, acceleration and a global network of mentors and partners.
Hempstone Maroria H’24, co-founder of Waya, a digital bank and money transfer service focused on immigrants and minorities in the USA.
Ebby Gatamu H’24, co-founder of Cladfy, a company providing microlenders with affordable last-mile lending software and access to collateral-free loan book financing.
Julia Price H’24, co-founder of Linea Capital, a company providing revenue-based finance to high impact, founder-led businesses to fuel growth while keeping equity in the hands of African founders.
Oluwafemi Iromini H’24, co-founder of Moni, a community-driven model providing financing to small businesses based on social trust.
ENTERPRISE & LOGISTICS
Russel Luck H’24, founder of SwiftVEE, the pioneers of real-time online livestock trading in South Africa where they monetize trading data for financial institutions.
Meriem Benabad H’24, founder of Awal, a company empowering African shops with affordable products, cash flow management via a user-friendly app and next-day product delivery.
Benjamen Oladokun H’24, co-founder of Shekel Mobility, a company building a B2B marketplace that helps auto dealers & companies in emerging markets find, finance and sell new & used vehicles.
Luke Mostert H’24, co-founder of CatalyzU, a company that vets, trains and places Africa’s leading non-technical talent at global start-ups and enterprise tech companies.
CONSUMER
Mojolaoluwa Ola H’24, founder of Grid Crux, building solutions that improve energy access and leverage on energy management to improve user experience and efficiency.
Liz Letsoalo H’24, founder of Masodi, making beauty and wellness products that tackle targeted skin, hair, beard and wellness needs such as hyperpigmentation, hair loss and fatigue.
Michael Maponga H’24, founder of AfroLandTv, a streaming service for Black movies and TV from around the world.
Daniel Jayeoba H’24, co-founder of Guideli, a settlement management tool that provides personalized relocation resources and manages the entire visa application process.
“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.