The Anzisha Prize recently recognized young entrepreneurs in Africa working on exceptional and innovative initiatives to transform their communities. 12 entrepreneurs – all under 22 years – were shortlisted and flown to South Africa for the Award gala. The Anzisha Prize is part of the African Leadership Academy. The winners share $75,000 and are supported by ALA and partner organizations.
1. Nteff Alain, 22 (Cameroon)
Nteff was announced the overall winner of the 4th edition of Anzisha Priza taking home $25,000 (sh2.2 million). Nteff is the founder of Gifted Mom, an e-platform solution that helps pregnant women get pre-maternal information. Gifted Mom sends information through texts and follows up on expectant women. Gifted Mom has worked with 200 medical students and impacted 1200 pregnant women resulting in a 20 percent increase in antenatal attendance rate for pregnant women in rural communities.
2. Thato Kgatlthanye, 21 (South Africa)
Thato was moved to do something about kids in her community carrying books in paper bags. She started Repurpose Schoolbags which manufactures schoolbags from recycled materials. Thato also uses recycled material to make solar lamps to be used by school going kids. She has employed 8 people in her company. Thato was the first-runners up winning $15,000 (Sh1.3M) to expand her business.
3. Gabriel Kombassere 17, (Ivory Coast)
Gabriel is sorting a food security issue and creating employment at the same time through a student-led organization he founded. Gabriel formed an association that brings students together to cultivate pieces of land and selling extra produce in the local market. His association has 30 members and 4 student employees. Gabriel won $12,500 (Sh1.1M) and he is planning to buy more land for the association.
4. Tom Osborn, 18 (Kenya)
Tom got a special $10,000 (Sh890,000) energy category award for his smokeless charcoal bricks and clean energy stoves which he distributes. Tom was concerned by the effect of charcoal on forests and health of users. He has 4 employees and plans to expand his GreenChar distribution to cover more customers.
5. Winnifred Selby, 15 (Ghana)
Winnifred is the founder of Bamboo Bikes Initiative which makes bikes from bamboo. The initiative aims to create employment in women – which it has by employing 10 and producing an average of 70 bikes every month.
Source: Anzisha