The founders of technology-enabled logistics firm Kobo360 and healthcare startup 54gene were this week named in Fortune’s prestigious annual 40 under 40 list, alongside several other global trailblazers.
To reflect the wave of transformation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Fortune extended the list to highlight 40 influential individuals in each of five categories: finance, technology, healthcare, government and policy, and media and entertainment.
Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, founder and chief executive of 54gene, was one of the leaders recognized for their work in the healthcare space globally. The company was launched last year and aims to improve the development, availability, and efficacy of medical products using human genetic data from diverse African populations.
Obi Ozor of Kobo360 was honored in the technology category, after successfully scaling the startup alongside co-founder Ife Oyedele II, with backing from global investors including Goldman Sachs, International Finance Corporation, and Y Combinator.
“It’s an absolute honor to be named in Fortune’s list alongside some of the world’s greatest high impact leaders,” Ozor said on the recognition from Fortune. “To have an international platform recognize our innovative approach to solving global logistics challenges is a tremendous honor and I hope this accolade inspires other young African business leaders.”
Launched in 2017, the company has expanded its presence to five other African markets including Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya, serving over 1,000 small businesses and large corporations such as DHL, Maersk, and Unilever with more than 23,000 truck drivers on its platform.
Kobo360’s service helps reduce cost, time, and carbon emissions, as well as increase visibility in the supply chain. “We’ve spent the last few years fixing Africa’s supply chain using technology and along the way, have realized that the problem we’re solving is global,” Ozor said. The goal is to build a Global Logistics Operating System that will power trade and enterprise across Africa and emerging markets.
In 2019, Obi Ozor was named the Young Business Leader of the Year and Innovator of the Year at the 9th All Africa Business Leaders Awards held in partnership with CNBC Africa. Most recently, he was selected to be a part of the Endeavor Global Entrepreneur network of high impact entrepreneurs.
