The inclusion of young entrepreneurs into the economy is a major national priority and has been identified by government as crucial to the country’s transformation agenda.
The strategy, which features prominently in the National Development Plan, is for government and the private sector engender an entrepreneurial spirit among the country’s youth.
It seeks to cultivate this spirit by helping them start new businesses or expand existing ones, as a way of reducing unemployment and promote economic growth.
As a celebration of this initiative and innovation, the African Leadership Academy in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation is inviting encouraging more young South African entrepreneurs to enter The Anzisha Prize for African Entrepreneurs.
The prestigious Anzisha Prize is Africa’s foremost youth entrepreneurial awards and celebrate making a difference by transforming both the continent and their communities.
It is open to entrepreneurs from around the African continent aged between 15 and 22.
There is one month remaining for young entrepreneurs on the African continent to enter.
More than $75 000 USD(R700 000) in cash prizes is up for grabs for exceptional young entrepreneurs who are leading by example and underscores their ability to significantly shape the future of Africa.
“There are thousands of entrepreneurial African youth that are making a difference in their communities. We want to hear their stories, celebrate their successes and invest in their potential. We are delighted to be rewarding young entrepreneurs who could very well be the African business leaders of the future” says Chi Achebe, Anzisha Prize programme manager.
The application deadline for the Prize is 1 April 2013 – available at The Anzisha Prize Website.
Written by: Musa Ndlangamandla – Transform SA Ad Sales/Editorial Executive.
Musa is a senior journalist from Swaziland and until January 2012 he was Chief Editor of The Swazi Observer Group of Newspapers. He is a former advisor and speech writer to King Mswati III. Musa studied Law and holds a number of certificates from leading schools of Journalism. He has travelled to over 35 countries on assignment. He also writes as a freelancer for various leading publications.