The Triumph of a Senegalese Dream at Africa’s Business Heroes 2024

Kigali, March 2025. Amidst cheers from an audience gathered from across Africa, Henri Ousmane Gueye, CEO of Eyone Medical, steps onto the stage at the finale of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) 2024 to receive the Grand Prize. This historic moment does not merely celebrate the success of an entrepreneur; it symbolizes the realization of a collective dream for Senegal and all of Africa. For the first time since the inception of this prestigious competition, a Francophone winner claims the highest distinction. The pride is palpable: the Senegalese flag shines atop African entrepreneurship, embodying the hope and ambition of millions of young innovators on the continent.

Africa’s Business Heroes: A Contest Driving African Innovation

Launched by the Jack Ma Foundation, Africa’s Business Heroes has become one of the continent’s most prestigious programs dedicated to entrepreneurs. Its mission? Identify, reward, and support the “heroes” of African business—those women and men building socially impactful companies that transform their communities. ABH is more than a competition: it’s a pan-African platform highlighting innovation, resilience, and leadership for development.

In 2024, the competition reached new heights, receiving nearly 20,000 applications from 54 countries, illustrating the vast enthusiasm of African entrepreneurs. After a rigorous selection process, 50 semifinalists were chosen, then narrowed to 20, and ultimately 10 finalists were invited to Kigali for the grand finale. The theme of this edition—”AI: African Innovation, Insight, and Impact”—highlighted African ingenuity and the continent’s ability to craft local solutions to global challenges. It was in this context that Henri Ousmane Gueye stood out, ultimately becoming the Grand Winner of ABH 2024, placing Senegal historically on the contest’s map.

From Top 50 to Victory: A Journey of Exemplary Perseverance

The triumph of Henri Ousmane Gueye, our CEO, was not mere luck, but the result of perseverance through challenges. A software engineer by training with a clear vision for digital transformation in healthcare, Henri had previously applied to ABH twice without reaching the finals. Rather than discouragement, he treated each failure as an opportunity to learn: “Each attempt allowed us to refine our value proposition, strengthen our impact, and return stronger,” he reflects. His tenacity paid off: in 2024, Henri successfully advanced through every competition stage, first making the Top 50, then the Top 20 at a semifinal held in Cairo, and finally, reaching the top 10.

Facing nine high-caliber entrepreneurs in the final, Eyone’s CEO persuaded a prestigious jury by staying authentic. For Henri, ABH was more than a competition—it was an international platform to showcase Eyone’s importance. His passionate pitch resonated deeply, showing how innovation born in Senegal could positively impact millions of lives in Africa. The final verdict matched his ambition: Henri Ousmane Gueye won the Grand Prize, accompanied by a $300,000 award to support Eyone’s growth. He topped Moroccan Salma Bougarrani, first runner-up, and Kenyan Alexander Odhiambo, second runner-up—two other “heroes” whose success underscores the diversity of African talent.

Eyone Medical: Innovating Healthcare for Everyone

If Henri convinced the jury, it was primarily due to Eyone Medical’s tangible impact on the ground. Founded in 2016 in Dakar, this e-health startup addresses a critical issue: fragmented and inaccessible medical information. Eyone emerged from personal tragedy; Henri recalls losing his mother-in-law amid a chaotic healthcare journey: “Her medical records were scattered across different hospitals without a coherent system ensuring continuity of care,” he remembers. Confronted by these gaps, he took action, developing a digital health records platform so patients, doctors, and hospitals could access accurate information when needed. Eyone—meaning “Let’s go together” in Serer, one of Senegal’s languages—aims to connect a previously siloed health ecosystem to save lives.

Today, Henri’s dream has tangible outcomes. Eyone Medical serves over 500 healthcare facilities across Senegal, spanning over 30 medical specialties. Urban clinics, rural health posts, regional hospitals, and private practices can digitally and securely manage patient records via Eyone. No more lost paper records or misplaced tests: the platform centralizes a patient’s medical history, tracks care pathways, and ensures continuity. More than a million patients already have their health data registered with Eyone, leading to time savings for healthcare professionals, fewer medical errors, and better access to healthcare in remote areas through real-time information sharing.

Eyone’s impact extends beyond patient care. By digitizing processes (appointments, billing, insurance reimbursements), Eyone profoundly modernizes the health system. Health authorities gain reliable statistical data to guide decisions, while insurers benefit from greater transparency to combat fraud. Moreover, the company is already expanding: healthcare facilities in Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon use Eyone’s solutions, proving that “made in Senegal” innovation addresses needs common across Africa. Behind these numbers emerges a vision of a continent where technology serves the fundamental right to health.

“Together”: A Philosophy Leading to Victory

The meaning behind “Eyone”—”together”—is deliberate, and Henri Ousmane Gueye embodies this ethos. From the outset, he involved two childhood friends as co-founders, creating a team bonded like family. “Eyone means ‘Let’s go together’ in Serer, so collaboration is ingrained in our DNA,” explains Henri. This internal solidarity was crucial in overcoming challenges like funding shortages, specialized talent needs, and healthcare complexities. At each hurdle, the Eyone “family” united, convinced of their mission’s validity.

This philosophy of “togetherness” extends beyond the company. Throughout his ABH journey, Henri felt widespread public support: “Positive feedback from Senegal and the diaspora was incredibly motivating,” he later acknowledged. Social media, media outlets, urban centers, and remote villages alike rallied behind Team Eyone. Each encouragement reflected national pride and collective aspiration, confirming the victory belonged to an entire nation. Henri encapsulates this collective drive: “The Senegalese public and diaspora support us because they believe in endogenous, effective, and lasting solutions.” This collective spirit shapes tomorrow’s heroes—entrepreneurs, authorities, and citizens alike.

African Innovation: Driving a Collective Dream

Henri’s victory honors African innovation. His journey highlights the continent’s abundance of ingenious solutions to its unique challenges. Eyone’s win sends a powerful message: Africa excels in cutting-edge technologies and impactful projects. Entrepreneurs like Henri demonstrate how local innovation, backed by determination, can succeed internationally.

Eyone Medical’s success is also a tribute to Senegal’s people, showcasing the creativity, resilience, and commitment of a youth determined to shape their future. Henri emphasizes that increasing numbers of Senegalese businesses thrive internationally, attracting investment and talents to Dakar. Eyone’s triumph fuels a virtuous cycle: inspiring talent, stimulating aspirations, and reinforcing belief in Africa’s narrative-changing potential.

Senegal as a Technological and Sovereign Leader: An Emerging Horizon

Eyone’s victory aligns with Senegal’s ambition to become a technological leader, proud of its digital sovereignty. By entrusting a local solution for hospital digitization, Senegalese authorities set a powerful example, supporting national innovation in strategic sectors like health. This partnership between public and private sectors paves the way for a digitally sovereign Senegal.

We Are All Together Tomorrow’s Heroes

Henri Ousmane Gueye and Eyone Medical’s story reminds us significant victories arise from collective effort, shared vision, and unwavering belief in the future. From Dakar to Kigali, from a nascent idea to a thriving company, togetherness propels innovation and success. Their ABH 2024 triumph inspires a generation of African innovators, proving dreams are achievable when pursued together.