Africa’s foremost youth entrepreneurship initiative, the Anzisha Prize, recently revealed the 2024 winners during the Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Awards (EEA) gala in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event honored the exceptional achievements of Mathias Yabe, Nzinga António, Sharon Alyorneku, and Ivo Bonfirm, each receiving a $10,000 prize along with a comprehensive support package, which includes mentorship, coaching, training, and networking opportunities.
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
Mathias Charles Yabe from Ghana was celebrated for his innovative job creation efforts through his company, Ako Fresh. This business offers solar-powered cold storage services to farmers, extending the shelf life of crops and reducing post-harvest losses. This initiative not only generates employment throughout its supply chain but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Nzinga António from Angola was awarded for her remarkable system optimization in her bakery, Confeitaria Gailza. By enhancing her production processes, she has greatly improved her operations, ensuring quicker delivery of cakes and pastries to consumers.
Sharon Alyorneku from Ghana was acknowledged for her impactful storytelling through Peng Street, a fashion house that caters to the style preferences of university students across Africa. Her business has been praised for reshaping African fashion for the younger generation.
Ivo Bonfirm, founder and CEO of Óptica Ipris Vision Centre in Angola, was recognized for his company’s substantial revenue growth. His business, which produces lenses and frames for eyeglasses, has made significant advances in the eyewear industry.
Nurturing Africa’s Future Entrepreneurs
In partnership with the African Leadership Academy and the Mastercard Foundation, the Anzisha Prize continues to discover and support exceptional young entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in their communities. This year saw a record number of applications, with over 1,000 young entrepreneurs from across the continent vying for a place in the esteemed program.
Dave Tait, Senior Director of Entrepreneurial Education Programs at the Anzisha Prize, highlighted the importance of the awards: “These young entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Africa’s future economic growth, development, and job creation. Their passion, creativity, and resilience are truly inspiring.”
The EEA Gala convened key stakeholders from various sectors, offering a valuable platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and celebrating the successes of young African entrepreneurs. Hatim Eltayeb, CEO of the African Leadership Academy, emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing the talent and potential of Africa’s youth and advancing necessary changes in entrepreneurship education across the continent.
For additional information about the Anzisha Prize and the Entrepreneurship Education in Africa (EEA) Summit/Gala, visit www.anzishaprize.org.
