South Africa Dominate the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 List
In a continent brimming with innovation, resilience, and cultural power, Forbes Africa has unveiled its 2025 Under 30 Class—a collection of 30 of the most enterprising young Africans shaking up business, sports, health, arts, and social impact. This year’s list is not just a roll call of youthful excellence, but a blueprint for the continent’s future.
The 2025 Class features reps from eleven countries, with South Africa scoring 12 berths in the list, followed by Ghana with half that number, and then Nigeria with 3. Botswana got 2 in the list, with Mauritius, the Gambia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi all getting one apiece.
From Pabi Cooper and Elaine who continue setting the music industry ablaze with their unique yet impactful styles to Thabang Sizwe Zulu and Avian Bell pushing frontiers with their technological advancements, the list of Mzansi representatives is an eclectic collection that spotlights excellence across various disciplines.
Infographic of the List | SUPPLIED
Here is the list of the 12 South Africans who made the class of 2025 in the Forbes 30 Under 30 List:
Paballo Basetsana Mothapo (Pabi Cooper), 24 – Musician and Dancer
A dynamic amapiano artist whose sound has captured fans across Africa, blending youth culture and creativity into a continental sensation.
Elaine Ndivhuwo Mukheli, 26 – Singer-Songwriter
Known mononymously as Elaine, her soulful R&B tracks have brought South African music to global platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Johnny Malepa, 25 – Creative Director & Entrepreneur
Founder of the Malepa Agency, he’s making waves in creative branding and event curation, particularly in urban youth culture.
Chae Francis, 29 – Media & Marketing Innovator
Co-founder of Ace Labs, he specializes in digital marketing strategies and experiential media campaigns for major African brands.
Mas’ooda Varachia, 28 – Founder & CEO, Raven Technologies
A tech entrepreneur pioneering smart systems through her firm Raven Technologies (USS Raven), transforming public sector efficiency.
Bradley Max Segal, 28 – CTO & Co-Founder, Engage Mx
At the forefront of South Africa’s medical technology field, Segal co-leads Engage Mx, focusing on diagnostic and engagement platforms.
Thabang Sizwe Zulu, 28 – Founder & CEO, Glitch Portal
A leader in African gaming, Zulu is a developer and digital worldbuilder making space for local narratives in global games.
Wisani Hlangwane, 27 – Co-Founder & CEO, Funti3r
Innovating in the HRTech space, his platform enhances corporate culture through AI-powered feedback and engagement systems.
Maambele Khosa, 29 – Founder & CEO, SheCab
Combining transport innovation with public health, she leads SheCab—a women-focused ride-hailing service—while contributing to epidemic research at Stellenbosch’s CERI.
Avian Bell, 29 – CEO, Quantumed
Bell leads one of South Africa’s fastest-growing health tech companies, focusing on smart medical diagnostics and supply solutions.
Candice Chirwa, 29 – Founder, Qrate (Menstrual Health Education)
A passionate activist and educator demystifying menstrual health through workshops, policy advocacy, and youth education platforms.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 – Flyhalf, DHL Stormers & Springboks
A rising star in South African rugby, he’s already donned the green and gold of the national team with poise and promise.