april 27, 2026

Meet The Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Honorees of 2026: Ridwane Moustapha

2025 Year in Review Graphic

Ridwane Moustapha joined PACE Loan Group as controller in 2022. He was the Minneapolis-based firm’s first full-time accounting professional and has helped grow PLG’s banking relationships from fewer than 20 accounts to 80 and doubled the income generated from those accounts. During his tenure with PLG, a C-PACE lender for commercial and industrial real estate projects, revenue grew to $31.6 million in 2024 — a 173% increase, landing it on the Business Journal’s 2025 list of fastest-growing private companies in the Twin Cities.

Beyond his day job, Moustapha also supports immigrants and his hometown in Benin, West Africa. He co-founded Primetop Group, a tax-planning and business-support firm helping immigrants establish stability in the U.S., and Initiative Alafia Africa, a nonprofit that pairs physician training with initiatives to expand affordable health care in Benin. The nonprofit’s first mobile clinic is expected to launch in 2026 and will train new nurses and doctors in the region.

Moustapha is proficient in English, French, Goun and Yoruba, often using his translation skills to assist immigrants. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Minnesota chapter and participated in the ULI Real Estate Diversity Initiative in 2024.

— Cassidy Ritter, contributing writer

More about Moustapha

Age, as of April 23: 38

Alma mater: Metro State University

Boards and committees I serve on: Initiative Alafia Africa, co-founder and board member

How I start my day at the office: I start by reviewing priorities and touching base with the team to stay aligned and ready for the day. While getting settled, I enjoy what I call coffee — mostly milk with a dash of instant coffee — and a couple of Hawaiian rolls.

You have a day off to do whatever you want. What’s on your agenda? If it’s summer, you’ll find me working in the yard with music blasting and probably singing along badly. I wrap up the day hanging out with my family and Imran, my energetic 5-year-old partner in mischief.

Something new I want to learn this year: This year, I want to learn skating and skiing — something new that keeps me active, challenges my balance, and gives me a fun excuse to enjoy both winter and summer, especially with Imran.