The African Leadership Academy (ALA) and the MasterCard Foundation are now accepting applications for the 2016 Anzisha Prize for African entrepreneurs younger than 22.
Twelve finalists will be selected for the prize, with the grand prize winner earning $25,000, the first runner-up getting $15,000, the second runner-up receiving $12,500 and the others earning $2,500 each. In addition, each of the finalists will receive a $7,500 fellowship package with the ALA’s Youth Entrepreneur Support Unit. This package will feature an Anzisha Week boot camp, business materials, consulting services and travel for networking opportunities.
“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,” Koffi Assouan, program manager for the Anzisha Prize at the MasterCard Foundation, said. “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 are accepted until April 15 and are open to any African national younger than 22 that has a for-profit business, project or social venture on the African continent. Applications are available in several languages both in print and online.
“The true impact of our work is only possible if we can find the top entrepreneurial potential wherever it may be,” Grace Kalisha, manager of the Anzisha Program at African Leadership Academy, said. “If anyone out there has seen or heard of young people running amazing projects or businesses, we want to hear from you!”
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