Uganda's Andrew Ddembe makes Forbes '30 Under 30' list

• Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 celebrates young innovators and social impact leaders
• Andrew Ddembe, CEO of MobiKlinic, works to bridge healthcare gap in Africa
• Ddembe's personal experience with limited healthcare inspired the creation of MobiKlinic

Among them is Andrew Ddembe, the Co-founder and CEO of MobiKlinic, a Ugandan healthtech company.

Ddembe's passion for health equity stems from a personal experience. Losing his grandmother due to limited healthcare in rural areas ignited a fire within him. Witnessing similar disparities across sub-Saharan Africa during his travels further solidified his resolve to bridge the healthcare gap.

The stark reality is that many African communities, particularly those in remote locations, face significant challenges accessing basic medical services. These obstacles often involve long distances and high costs, contributing to a disproportionate burden of preventable diseases.

Ddembe's solution is MobiKlinic, a platform leveraging technology to empower communities. By providing digital tools for basic healthcare training, delivery, and access to affordable services, MobiKlinic aims to revolutionize healthcare access in Africa. Notably, the platform also focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health through specialized services and education.

Past milestones

Ddembe's vision began to take shape in early 2019 when his idea won the Sandoz HACk, a global health access challenge. This victory came with €20,000 in seed funding, which jumpstarted the development of MobiKlinic. Today, the company is actively serving townships across Uganda.

"My story is a testament to the power of human compassion, innovation, and unwavering determination," Ddembe said.

"It is a journey that continues to unfold, driven by the profound belief that healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for every human being."

The rigorous selection process for the "30 Under 30" list ensured that the chosen individuals are not just successful but also possess the integrity and dedication to make a lasting positive impact.

Below is the list of this year's Forbes Africa 30 Under 30

• Alex Mativo, 29, Kenya

CEO and Co-founder, E-LAB, Nanasi and Duck

Industry: Multiple ventures

• Ann-Kathrin Joos, 28, South Africa

CEO and Founder, Standard Beauty

Industry: Beauty

• Vimbai Masiyiwa, 29, Zimbabwe

CEO, Batoka Hospitality

Industry: Tourism

• Andrew Ddembe, 28, Uganda

Co-founder and CEO, MobiKlinic

Industry: Healthtech

• Chad Jones, 28, South Africa

Social Media Content Creator and Brand Influencer

Industry: Social media

• Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria

Singer-songwriter

Industry: Entertainment 

• Tyla Laura Seethal, 22, South Africa

Singer-Songwriter

Industry: Entertainment

• Ayushi Chandaria, 26, Kenya

Founder, Design Thinking Program (Kenya)

Industry: Education

• Ama Qamata, 25, South Africa

Actress, Producer

Industry: Entertainment

• Daniel Novitzkas, 28, South Africa

Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Specno

Industry: Software Development and Technology Solutions

• Prisca Wegesa Magori, 29, Tanzania

CEO and Co-founder, TenTen Explore and Smart EFD

Industry: Software Development

• Luke Mostert, 27, South Africa

Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, CatalyzU

Industry: EdTech & JobTech

• Arooj Sheikh, 28, Kenya

Founder and CEO, Beyond Kenyan Bars

Sector: Social development

• Kenneth M. Njeru, 25, Kenya

Director and Founder, Africa Afya Healthcare

Industry: Health Investment Services

• Cayley Jorgensen, 29, South Africa

CEO and Founder, Ingage Support; Registered Counselor

Sector: Mental health

• Hildah Magaia, 29, South Africa

Forward for Mazatlán F.C Femenil and Banyana Banyana

Industry: Sport – Football

• Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria

Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles

Industry: Sport – Football

• Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria

Track and Field Athlete

Industry: Sport – Athletics

• Damian Willemse, 25, South Africa

Stormers and Springboks rugby player

Industry: Sport – Rugby

• Ricardo Lognath, 29, South Africa

Co-Founder and CEO, Omninela Medical

• Nicolas Lognath, 27, South Africa

Co-Founder and Director, Omninela Medical

Industry: Healthcare/E-commerce

• Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria

Founder, Veekee James

Industry: Fashion

• Shaun Maswanganyi, 23, South Africa

Track and Field Athlete

Industry: Sport – Athletics

• Jeremiah Thoronka, 24, Sierra Leone

Founder and CEO, Optim Energy

Sector: Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact)

• Calvin Usiri, 28, Tanzania

Co-founder and CTO, Ramani

Industry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• Peace Wutawunashe, 27, Zimbabwe

Founder, Trigershot Engineering

Industry: Solar/Renewable Energy

• Esethu Cenga, 29, South Africa

Co-founder and CEO, Rewoven

Industry: Fashion

• Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria

Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology

Industry: Automation and Technology

• Abioye Oyetunji, 29, Ghana

Founder and CEO, FXKudi

Industry: Fintech

• Nadine Roos, 27, South Africa

South African Rugby Union (Springboks) and Sevens player

Industry: Sport – Rugby