The Anzisha Prize, a prominent initiative focused on youth entrepreneurship in Africa, recently announced the winners of the 2024 Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Awards. The announcement was made during a gala event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting the achievements of young entrepreneurs across the continent.
Among the four winners were Mathias Yabe, Nzinga Antonio, Sharon Alyorneku, and Ivo Bonfirm. Each entrepreneur was awarded $10,000, along with access to a comprehensive support package designed to foster their business growth through coaching, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
Mathias Yabe, representing Ghana, received the prize for his significant contributions to job creation. Through his venture, Ako Fresh, he provides farmers with food preservation and cold storage services, which help extend the shelf life of their crops and reduce waste.
Nzinga Antonio from Angola was recognized for her outstanding system delivery in her business, Confeitaria Gailza. This small bakery specializes in cakes and pastries, and Antonio was praised for successfully streamlining her manufacturing processes, ensuring her products reach consumers more efficiently.
Sharon Alyorneku, also from Ghana, was honored for her storytelling approach in the fashion industry. Her business, Peng Street, caters to university students by offering trendy clothing that resonates with the fashion needs of young people across Africa, effectively changing the narrative around African fashion.
Lastly, Ivo Bonfirm, the founder and CEO of Óptica Ipris Vision Centre in Angola, received the award for revenue generation. His company manufactures lenses and frames for eyeglasses, contributing to the local economy and enhancing access to vision care in the region. The Anzisha Prize, in collaboration with the African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation, continues to identify and celebrate exceptional young entrepreneurs making a positive impact.
