Simplex Founder Hails Africa’s Business Heroes Platform as Launchpad for Continental Expansion

Taifa news 

Macha Dave 

Ahmed Shaban, Co-founder and CEO of Egyptian CNC machine manufacturer Simplex, says being named among the Top 10 finalists of the 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has opened new opportunities for the company to expand its footprint across Africa.
Shaban said he entered the competition because ABH provides entrepreneurs with significant exposure across the continent, particularly as Simplex intensifies its focus on African markets.

«“This competition gives you many big exposure around Africa. We now target the African market, so we are so happy for people to know more about our product around Africa.”»

He said Simplex hopes the competition will help it attract customers, traders and buyers from different African countries.

Simplex has manufactured more than 6,000 CNC machines and generated sales of more than $100 million. The company operates two large factories in Egypt, with a production capacity of more than 1,000 machines annually.
Shaban said the company has already participated in exhibitions in Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, Angola and Sudan, among other African countries, as part of its strategy to build a stronger continental presence.

He said Simplex offers more than machinery, providing customers with complete solutions covering machine selection, AI-supported maintenance, after-sales services and technical training.
Shaban also highlighted the company’s contribution to employment and skills development, saying Simplex has created more than 62,000 jobs and provided over 51,000 training opportunities in the past decade.

The company is targeting more than 100,000 jobs and training opportunities across Africa within the next three years, he said.

Women and young people remain a major focus, with women accounting for about 30% of jobs created and more than 40% of training beneficiaries. Women make up more than 35% of Simplex employees, while approximately 95% of its workforce is below 40 years.

On the ABH competition, Shaban described the Top 20 and Top 10 finalists as highly competitive, saying every entrepreneur had demonstrated the ability to build impactful businesses.

He said the competition has also created an opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from one another and gain visibility beyond their individual markets.

Shaban expressed hope that Simplex would emerge as the overall winner, while wishing the other finalists success.
The Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition, established by the Jack Ma Foundation, recognises and supports African entrepreneurs who are building businesses that contribute to economic and social development on the continent.

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