Rinchi
TechInAfrica – Anzisha Prize in partnership with the African Leadership Academy (ALA) and the Mastercard Foundation has named a 21-year-old Congolese, Yannick Kaminuka as the winner of the Anzisha Prize for 2019 edition. Yannick won the prize as he founded KIM’s School Complex last year. It is a nursery and primary school aiming at improving children’s academics and the implementation to their communities.
“I am so happy. I cannot believe this. Thank you to the Anzisha team and my fellow finalists. Tonight, I am not only filled with joy but I am filled with hope for the future of this continent. My fellow entrepreneurs have fuelled my passions and desires for a better continent,” said Yannick expressing his excitement winning the 1st prize.
The Anzisha Prize 2019 was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. By winning the first place, Yannick brought home $25,000 while the first runner up, a 19-year-old Congolese Osvaldo Rey Mokouma received $15,000.
Speaking on the unexpected award, Mokouma said, “I want to tell young entrepreneurs that Africa needs us and that we must work hard to see the change we want and apply for the Anzisha Prize.”
On the other hand, the second runner up went to a 22-year-old Kenyan entrepreneur who founded Eco Makaa, Cecil Chikezie. Eco Makaa is a company that recruits the local’s small-scale briquette producers and connects them to a client base. Chikezie was awarded a $12,500 of cash.
“It has been a life-changing experience and I am looking forward to realizing my dream of bettering the lives of my peers,” Chikezie said.
Speaking on their part, the Program Manager of Mastercard Foundation, Koffi Assouan said: “Every year, we are overwhelmed by the incredible businesses that the top 20 finalists are running. This year was no different. We are proud of the winners and are encouraged by their efforts to create more opportunities for other young people on the continent.”
Source: Africa.com
