Applications are open for the 2015 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which seeks to reward young social entrepreneurs with prizes worth US$75,000.
The prize is aimed at young people who have developed and implemented innovative solutions to social challenges or started successful businesses within their communities.
From the applicants, 12 finalists from across Africa will win an all-expenses paid trip to South Africa to take part in a week-long entrepreneurship workshop and conference at the African Leadership Academy campus on the outskirts of Johannesburg, with the winners sharing prizes worth US$75,000.
Last September Cameroonian Alain Nteff won the main US$25,000 cash prize for his Gifted Mom project, an online information platform for pregnant women in underserved areas.
“Africa needs strong, innovative entrepreneurial young leaders to create jobs, solve problems and drive our economies. Our continent’s future will be determined by entrepreneurial leaders across all sectors. We believe fundamentally in the power of youth-led change,” the Anzisha Prize said.
Anzisha Fellows are supported for life by the African Leadership Academy, with prize winners afterwards receiving mentorship and consulting to help grow their ventures.
The application deadline for the prize is April 1, with the finalists to be announced in July and the workshop and awards ceremony taking place in September.