Quick Summary
Henri Ousmane Gueye, founder of Senegal’s health-tech company EyOne, has won the $300,000 grand prize at the 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) competition. His digital health platform is transforming access to medical records in Senegal, showcasing how persistence and purpose-driven innovation can create meaningful change in Africa’s healthcare system.
Henri Ousmane Gueye of EyOne Wins $300K Grand Prize at 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes
A Major Win for African Innovation
After two previous attempts, Senegalese entrepreneur Henri Ousmane Gueye has clinched the grand prize at the 2024 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition. The ABH initiative celebrates entrepreneurs across the continent who are creating real change in their communities.
Henri, a trained software engineer, leads EyOne, a health-tech startup transforming how medical records are accessed and managed in Senegal. His win is more than a personal achievement—it highlights the growing impact of tech-driven solutions in African healthcare.
Turning Personal Loss into Purpose
Henri’s path to innovation began with tragedy. In 2017, he lost a loved one due to delays and inefficiencies in the healthcare system. That loss inspired him to build a solution that would help prevent such tragedies for others.
The result was EyOne—a digital health records platform that ensures doctors and hospitals can access patient information in real time. The platform improves coordination between healthcare providers and speeds up life-saving decisions.
EyOne’s Growing Impact
Today, EyOne—which means “Let’s go together” in Wolof—supports over 500 healthcare facilities in Senegal. The platform covers more than 30 medical specializations, helping healthcare workers schedule appointments, manage billing, and securely access digital records.
This innovation has improved access to quality healthcare in both urban and rural areas, where manual recordkeeping still limits efficiency.
Third Time’s the Charm
Henri’s ABH journey wasn’t easy. He applied twice before without success. But instead of giving up, he refined his business model and returned stronger. In 2024, his persistence paid off.
From nearly 20,000 applicants, Henri was selected as one of ten finalists who pitched their businesses at the Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda. The event focused on the theme: “AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact.”
Meet the Other Winners
Other standout entrepreneurs from the 2024 competition include:
- Salma Bougarrani (Morocco), co-founder of GREEN WATECH – First runner-up, awarded $250,000
- Alexander Odhiambo (Kenya), co-founder of Slutech Limited – Second runner-up, awarded $150,000
- The remaining seven finalists each received $100,000 in grant funding
Using Tech to Tackle Big Problems
Senegal’s health system, like many across Africa, faces challenges such as staff shortages, limited rural access, and inefficient paperwork. EyOne’s platform offers a scalable solution to bridge these gaps and bring healthcare into the digital age.
Speaking on his win, Henri said it was a “significant milestone” for EyOne. “It serves as encouragement to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses,” he shared.
Part of a Bigger Movement
Henri now joins a growing network of entrepreneurs recognized by the Africa’s Business Heroes program, a philanthropic effort launched by the Jack Ma Foundation. Running until 2030, the initiative will support 100 African entrepreneurs with funding, training, and exposure.
With applications now open for the 2025 ABH Prize, Henri’s story is a beacon for those aiming to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges through innovation and resilience.
