Nigerian, Kenyan, others win Africa’s entrepreneurship award

Six African companies, including Nigerian, Kenyan and Ethiopian firms, have scaled the hurdle to win laurels in the innovative SMEs project competition, organized by the African Finance and Investment Forum.

The firms include First Atlantic semiconductors and microelectronic Nigeria; RnG Company Limited, Kenya; and Aybar Engineering, Ethiopia.

In recognition of their efforts, an award ceremony has been slated for the companies by the organizers.

According to a statement by APO, “The firms, which are in the Small Medium Enterprises category, have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation.”

The statement said that “Out of the 51 projects from around the continent, and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the Africa Finance and Investment Forum (AFIF) 2017, which will be held in Nairobi, from 13-16, February.

According to the statement, “The AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017 aims to provide African-based innovative SMEs with support to grow their businesses. The six finalists will receive a free accreditation to join the (conferences, training, B2B meetings and networking opportunities). The award winner will receive cash prize and one year of national and international media promotion”.

The statement said, “We are delighted to announce the finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017 after a really difficult selection process. The innovation and creativity of African-based SMEs make our job more difficult every year. We look forward to welcoming these and much more entrepreneurs at the AFIF 2017 in Nairobi.”

AFIF said,“I am now internationally known,” says Lazaro Mwakipesile (Raphael Group, Tanzania), winner of the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2015. He adds: “I have travelled abroad four times this year to present our company. I expect to travel to the United States soon for a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

The statement said that “The new edition of the Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) will be held for the first time in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by the Strathmore University. In line with growing international trends, the AFIF will focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and access to finance in key sectors, such as energy, water, ICT, health and agriculture.”