Nairobi — African Hidden Champions (AHC), an initiative that promotes African companies, held its first regional event in Nairobi.
The event provided a platform for AHC to share its vision with business executives from the region.
The Nairobi reception marked the African Development Bank's (AfDB) first official engagement with AHC as a new co-partner in the initiative with Africa Foresight Group (AFG) and DEG, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (The German Development Finance Institution)
Founded in 2020, AHC has so far selected more than 20 high-performing Hidden Champions across Africa, operating in various sectors, from services, manufacturing, energy, and retail to pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and education.
AHC founders share an intense commitment to growth through performance, innovation, and a solid foundation.
"We are excited to kick off our regional engagements in Nairobi. Having selected some of our Hidden Champions from Kenya, it was only fitting for us to begin our 2023 engagements here," says Yasmin Kumi, AHC Co - Founder and CEO Africa Foresight Group.
"With these engagements, our intention is to exchange ideas and network with key stakeholders as we explore ways in which we can contribute to the growth of African businesses. We believe that by creating an atmosphere where different business leaders meet, we will be able to create lasting solutions and partnerships," he added.
The AHC initiative seeks to raise awareness, through various media, case studies, regional events, and its annual summit, of the unique role that AHC companies have played in their home markets and how they are building the muscle for success across the continent and beyond.
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"As DEG we are committed to support the sustainable growth of African businesses as they expand beyond their borders and into the global market. We are aware of the direct link between successful home-grown companies and the rise of a country's GDP," said Franziska Hollmann, Director Industries & Services Africa & EMECA - DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (The German Development Finance Institution).
The AHC intends to hold regional receptions in other key African cities as it continues selecting and sharing new hidden champions.
"The African Development Bank has consistently committed funds and technical expertise to African companies and governments in order to fast track the continent's industrialization. Our experience lends to this worthwhile AHC initiative the opportunity to expand to more markets, Thomas Viot," Chief Investment Officer at the Bank Group said.
