Yannick Kimanuka, a 21-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been crowned winner of the 2019 Anzisha Prize for KIM’s School Complex, a school she founded in 2018.
Yannick Kimanuka’s KIM’s School is a nursery and primary school which aims to improve how children perform academically in her community.
“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 Kimanuka during her acceptance speech at the 2019 Anzisha Prize Forum held in Johannesburg.
Osvaldo Rey Mokouma, a 19-year-old from the Republic of Congo will receive $15 000 as he was announced as the first runner which was an unexpected delight.
The second runner up Cecil Chikezie, a 22-year-old Kenyan entrepreneur who founded Eco Makaa, a company that connects local fuel briquette producers to a client base by recruiting the community’s small-scale briquette producers will receive $12 500 in prize money.
“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,” said Koffi Assouan, Program Manager, Mastercard Foundation.
This year the Anzisha Prize Forum was a half day curated experience that included workshops on the Anzisha Scenario which gave stakeholders an opportunity to rethink their approach to youth entrepreneurship.
The 20 finalists were put through their paces participating in an 11-day boot camp at the ALA campus where they were coached by industry experts on how to run successful businesses. Each finalist will receive US$2,500 in prize money and join the prestigious Anzisha Fellowship.
For the past nine years, the Anzisha Prize program has continued to champion Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs. Applications for the next cycle of the Anzisha Prize will open on 15 February in 2020. You can nominate an entrepreneur here all year round.
