The finalists underscore the diversity of entrepreneurs in
the competition, representing eight countries including Ethiopia, Gambia,
Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The top ten, which
includes three woman-owned businesses, work in a range of industries, from
software to entertainment to agribusiness.
A record 3,300 companies from 48 African countries submitted
entries to compete for the Grand Prize of US $100,000, five additional prizes
of US $50,000 each, and a new $50,000 award for the Coca-Cola Prize for an
Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur. The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship
recognises and rewards business leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit
and qualities required to succeed in business and who are the inspirational
role models for the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
“The Africa Awards celebrates the standards of business
excellence within Africa, helping to build a strong network of African
entrepreneurs, and our 10 finalists demonstrate the breadth and depth of
entrepreneurial talent across the continent today,” said Alan McCormick,
Managing Director of Legatum. “Such diversity shows that Africa’s outstanding
business leaders are not constrained by geography, gender or ambition.”
The finalists of the 2011 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship
are:
- Unique
Solutions, Gambia
- InvesteQ,
Kenya
- Expand
Technology, Mauritius
- Chocolate
City Group, Nigeria
- FASMicro,
Nigeria
- Pepperoni
Foods, Nigeria
- Cellular
Systems International, Senegal
- Victoria
Seeds, Uganda
- Securico,
Zimbabwe
The finalists will present to an international jury of
business leaders chaired by Malik Fal, Managing Director of Endeavor. The jury
will also include some of Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurs and investors,
including Kamal Budhabhatti, CEO of Craft Silicon and Grand Prize Winner of the
2010 Africa Awards; James Manyika, Director of the McKinsey Global Institute;
and Ayisi Makitiani, the CEO of Fanisi Capital.
The finalists will be evaluated on profitability, return on
investment and growth; long-term business strategy; leadership, culture and
values; investment in employees; innovation to address market needs; and
contribution to the community. The winners will be announced at the Africa
Awards Gala, held on December 8th in Nairobi, honouring the finalists and
winners in the presence of an international audience of business leaders,
investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
“Omidyar Network and Legatum share the belief that
entrepreneurship is a driving force for positive social impact in Africa,” said
Matt Bannick, Managing Partner of Omidyar Network. “The caliber, talent and
diversity of the final ten reflect the tremendous potential for business
leaders to innovate, inspire, and create change from within the continent.”
A high-profile one-day conference for entrepreneurs and
investors will precede the Africa Awards Gala. Convergence Africa will be
headlined by globally-renowned champions of entrepreneurship Sir Richard
Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group; Tony O. Elumelu MFR, former Group CEO of
United Bank for Africa, and Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group; and Fred
Swaniker, Founder of the African Leadership Academy. Convergence Africa will
take place on December 8th at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in
Nairobi.
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