Four exceptional African entrepreneurs have been awarded $40,000 in prize money at the 2024 Anzisha Prize, the continent’s leading youth entrepreneurship initiative. The winners were announced during the prestigious Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Awards (EEA) gala, held in Johannesburg. This year’s top honorees are Mathias Yabe from Ghana, Nzinga Antonio, Sharon Alyorneku, and Ivo Bonfirm, each recognised for their innovative contributions to business transformation.
Each entrepreneur received a cash prize of $10,000, along with a comprehensive support package that includes coaching, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to further accelerate their ventures.
Mathia Charles Yabe, from Ghana, was awarded for his exceptional work in job creation. His company, Ako Fresh, provides food preservation and cold storage services to farmers, significantly reducing post-harvest losses. The business, which uses solar-powered cold storage facilities, not only supports environmental sustainability but also generates jobs across its supply chain, directly and indirectly.
Angolan N’zinga António won the award for outstanding system delivery for her business Confeitaria Gailza - a small bakery specialising in selling cakes and pastry products. The award recognises her ability to successfully improve her operations by streamlining her manufacturing process ensuring her goods get into the hands of consumers faster.
Sharon Alyorneku from Ghana was bestowed the award for storytelling. Her business, Peng Street is a fashion house selling trendy clothes that meet the fashion needs of university students across her country and in the continent. It is recognised for changing the story of African fashion for young people.
Ivo Bonfirm, founder and CEO of Óptica Ipris vision centre in Angola, which manufactures lenses and frames for eyeglasses won the award for revenue.
The Anzisha Prize in partnership with the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation identifies and recognises exceptional young entrepreneurs who are driving change and making a positive impact in their communities.
"We are thrilled to announce the winners for this fellowship round," said Dave Tait, Senior Director, Entrepreneurial Education Programs at the Anzisha Prize. "These young entrepreneurs are the future of Africa's economic growth, development and job creation. Their dedication, creativity, and resilience are truly inspiring."
The Anzisha Prize received a record number of applications for this fellowship period ending this year, with over 1000 young entrepreneurs from across the continent vying for entry into the prestigious programme. The finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process, which included a thorough assessment of their business models, social impact, and potential for growth and job creation.
"This is not about recognising individual achievements, but also about fostering a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs in Africa," said Didi Onwu, Managing Editor of the Anzisha Prize. "Through mentorship, coaching, training, and access to networks, we aim to empower these young leaders to scale their businesses and create sustainable change in their communities."
The Entrepreneurship Education in Africa (EEA) Award Gala brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as academia and civil society. The event provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating the achievements of young African entrepreneurs.
"The EEA is an important platform for showcasing the incredible talent and potential of young entrepreneurs in Africa and for driving the change that is necessary in youth entrepreneurship across the continent, led through an effective entrepreneurship education," said Hatim Eltayeb, CEO of the Africa Leadership Academy.
For more information about the Anzisha Prize and the Entrepreneurship Education in Africa (EEA) Summit/Gala Dinner, please visit www.anzishaprize.org.
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