$100k up for grabs for Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs

Applications for the Anisha Prize, now in its sixth edition, have opened with total prize money now worth US$100 000.

The competition, which is a collaboration between the African Leadership Academy and the MasterCard Foundation, aims to identify 12 of Africa’s “most innovative social and business entrepreneurs under the age of 22”.

In addition to increased prize money, the two organisations have also promised an increase in the support available to selected entrepreneurs over the next five years. Each of the 12 finalists will now receive a US$7 500 fellowship package with the ALA’s Youth Entrepreneur Support Unit (YES-U) which includes the Anzisha Week boot camp, mentorship and consulting services, travel opportunities to network and business equipment.

In addition, a new US$25 000 prize category has been created to recognize Anzisha Fellows who have created further social and economic value through their ventures by effectively leveraging the opportunities provided by the fellowship with ALA.

The prize is open to any African national under the age of 22 with an active project, social venture or for-profit business based on the continent. Judging criteria for the prize have been refined for 2016 to better represent the entrepreneurial talent that the Anzisha Prize wants to uncover and support. These criteria can be found in all application materials.

“It is essential that we nurture young, African entrepreneurial talent if we want to see the economic gains we all hope for in the future,” says Koffi Assouan, Program Manager for the Anzisha Prize at The MasterCard Foundation. “Through the provision of leadership skills, access to finance and business networking opportunities, these young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and to improve their lives and the lives of others.”

Applications close on 15 April 2016, with the organising team asking for nominations from teachers, parents and community members to identify talented young people.

“The true impact of our work is only possible if we can find the top entrepreneurial potential wherever it may be,” comments Grace Kalisha, Manager of the Anzisha Program at African Leadership Academy, “If anyone out there has seen or heard of young people running amazing projects or businesses, we want to hear from you!”

Application forms and information are available in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic, and the Anzisha Prize Tour team will visit key hubs across the continent and engage local media in every region. Both paper and electronic applications are accepted.