The Anzisha Prize has inducted 10 inspirational African business leaders into its Hall of Fame for 2020 which is geared to celebrate their remarkable contributions to fighting unemployment in Africa.
The honorees are a different group of five male and five female entrepreneurs, whose transitions into entrepreneurship started before the age of 25.
However, these business enthusiasts from various industries, and represent six African countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, and Egypt.
The Anzisha Prize has celebrated young entrepreneurs and believes that successful transitions from school to entrepreneurship are under-invested over the past decade.
The names on this list exemplify the Prize’s longstanding belief that more young people should choose entrepreneurship to help lessen youth unemployment on the continent.
“As the youth unemployment rate increases and young people battle to find gainful employment, we want to ignite conversations about the support needed for young people to pursue entrepreneurship as a career choice.
“Educators, parents, investors, and policymakers have the power to influence the decisions of young people to view entrepreneurship as an option,” Melissa Mbazo – Ekpenyong, Deputy Director at Anzisha Prize, said in a statement.
Here are the young entrepreneurs:
Mutoba Ngoma
At the age of 21, after graduating from University, Mutoba Ngoma took a leap of faith by becoming an entrepreneur. Inspired by a documentary, he was able to delve into the energy sector and build Tapera industries.
Njeri Rionge
Njeri Rionge’s primary school days were spent selling vegetables in one of Nairobi’s busiest markets. Today she is a serial entrepreneur.
Temitope Ogunsemo
From support to monetary investment, Temitope’s entrepreneurial ideas were championed by family first, making his transition from University into entrepreneurship a familial effort.
Rapelang Rabana
In her final year of University, Rapelang Rabana had a taste of the entrepreneurial world by starting a business with friends. Interestingly, this wasn’t her first time starting a business, as she had already been questioning the conventional pathway of getting a job.
Wandile Zondo
After graduating from high school, Wandile Zondo ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. With a vision to revolutionize township streetwear, he built Thesis Lifestyle.
Baratang Miya
South African entrepreneur Baratang Miya began experimenting with entrepreneurship at the age of 14. Many years later, she is inspiring young women and girls to see technology in a different light.
Musa Kalenga
While most students were focused on getting good grades in University, Musa and his friends were trying to develop ideas that would make them self-proclaimed bosses. How did a boisterous University student catalyze on his love for business at the age of 20?
Dina el Mofty
After graduating from University at the age of 24, Egyptian entrepreneur, Dina el Mofty was on a mission to do something impactful. For this reason, she started her own business, Injaz Egypt.
Ntuthuko Shezi
As a primary school student, Nthuthuko Shezi was already an entrepreneur and by the age of 21 had launched his first business. Now on business number 14 and counting, this serial entrepreneur shares how starting early can lead to multiple successes.
Jessy Bityeki
Jessy Bityeki followed the traditional path of going to University and finding a job in a corporate company. But at the age of 24, she decided that starting her own enterprise was more interesting.
