Jack Ma, founder of the African Netprenuer Prize and executive vice chairman of Alibaba Group, said in choosing the top winner they looked for a business that was simple, had impact and was profitable.

Ma said the business models of the winners are good and serve as models startups can learn from.

He challenged them to stay focused, noting many times entrepreneurs tend to get distracted when they are successful.

"Don't worry about competitors, it's not the way you run but the way you stay good. Entrepreneurs don't cry, they make competitors cry," he said.

The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative is Jack Ma's flagship entrepreneur program in Africa, led by the Jack Ma Foundation. The competition aims to award $10 million to 100 African entrepreneurs over the next 10 years.