Applications Open for 2017 Anzisha Prize
African Leadership Academy(ALA) and The MasterCard F Foundation launched the 2017 call for applications for the Anzisha Prize, Africa’s award for youth entrepreneurs who are making their mark on Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. Fifteen of Africa’s most promising business and social entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 22 have the opportunity to win a share of US$100,000, receive ongoing business consulting services, and connect to a global network of leaders.
The Anzisha Prize, now in its seventh year, aims to scale the businesses of Africa’s brightest youth entrepreneurs, enabling them to employ other youth and showcase the power of youth-led business in Africa. A key goal is to celebrate these successful and relevant African entrepreneurship icons who will inspire young people everywhere to follow in their footsteps. This year, Anzisha Prize has increased the number of youth to be selected as finalists. In previous years, only 12 were chosen and this year 15 finalists will be flown to South Africa to compete for the grand prize.
Last year’s edition was won by 22 years old Madagascan agripreneur, Heritiana Fabien Randriamananatahina. He founded FIOMBONANA, an agro-processing initiative that drives import substitution through local manufacture of dairy products and confectioneries.
Finalists for the Prize will benefit their businesses by participating in a fellowship package valued at US$7,500 with ALA’s Youth Entrepreneur Support Unit (YES-U) which includes the Anzisha Accelerator boot camp, mentorship and consulting services, travel opportunities to network and business equipment. The 15 finalists will be flown to South Africa to compete for the grand prize; a share of US$100,000, ongoing business consulting services, and access a global network of leaders.
“Finalists for the Prize win far more than access to a share of the pool of US$100,000 in prize money, they also access a business incubation fellowship aimed at growing their business and supporting their professional development,” said Grace Kalisha, Senior Programs Manager for Anzisha Prize.
Young entrepreneurs across Africa are urged to apply for the competition by April 1, 2017. They must be between the ages of 15 and 22 at the time of applying, and be a founder or founding member of a running business in any sector.
