2021 Anzisha Prize: 50 African Entrepreneurs Vie for 26 Spots

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A total of 50 young African entrepreneurs from nine countries are competing for a place in the 26 spots for the 2021 Anzisha Prize fellowship programme.

For the past 10 years, the scheme has supported young business owners between the ages of 15 and 22 through an initiative that builds business acumen skills and provides access to business coaching and offers cash prizes.

This year, the organisers are coming up with a four-episode vlogumentary special called The Quest and will allow the audiences, for the first time, to get a glimpse into the selection process.

At the programme, to be hosted by the Anzisha team members, Didi Onwu and Mfundo Mbanze, viewers will follow the pair as they travel across the continent meeting some of the 50 semi-finalists that have made it through the first round of the application process. The hosts will assess their businesses based on their business models, leadership potential, scalability and job creation capabilities.

“I’m thrilled that people will have an intimate look into the lives and stories of Africa’s youngest job creators.

“Their journeys are often overlooked because of their age, but we want viewers to experience how brilliant, resilient and inspirational they are,” Onwu, stated.

“I have been capturing stories of very young entrepreneurs for the past three years. And all I can say is that nobody should underestimate their grit and entrepreneurial mindset and skills. Their age is their greatest asset,” the second host, Mfundo Mbanze, added.

With a hybrid approach of vlogging and documentary style, The Quest will see the hosts delve deeper into the personalities behind the business and have debates on who and why an entrepreneur should make the top 26.

Expect humour, passionate conversations and boisterous African youth sharing why they deserve to be selected as part of the top 26 and have access to business coaching, cash stipends and a shared cash prize of $100,000 over two years, the organisers said.

After hundreds of applications, the 50 semi-finalists represent various countries and operate in sectors such as education, manufacturing, fashion, environment, and health.

The show will air weekly on Wednesdays at 19:00 pm (CAT) on The Anzisha Prize official YouTube channel, while viewers can register for a notification every time a new episode is released at https://anzishaprize.org/thequest.