Business
FOYA Southern Africa celebrates entrepreneurial excellence in inaugural regional ceremony
Founders of the Year Awards (FOYA) Southern Africa, a pioneering initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the innovative contributions of entrepreneurs across the region, hosted its inaugural award ceremony on February 10th at The Venue, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
This milestone event highlights the remarkable achievements of young founders driving startup ventures, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of Southern Africa.
Established with a core mission to acknowledge and honour young entrepreneurs fostering the development of the African continent through entrepreneurship, FOYA has evolved into a prestigious pan-African platform spanning 12 countries.
From Kenya to South Africa, FOYA has consistently championed the spirit of innovation and resilience among emerging founders, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and initiatives.
Unlike conventional entrepreneurship awards, FOYA distinguishes itself by placing a spotlight on young founders running startups, recognising their potential to drive meaningful change and sustainable growth.
Serving as a catalyst within the youthful entrepreneurship ecosystem, FOYA facilitates vital connections between entrepreneurs, investors, not-for-profit leaders, and government officials, fostering collaboration and enabling access to critical resources.
Since its inception in November 2016, the FOYA awards ceremony has been instrumental in nurturing a culture of excellence and innovation among SMEs, inspiring others to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
The awards process for FOYA Southern Africa is inclusive and rigorous, involving open submissions, nominee selection panels, public voting, and executive voting panels.
This meticulous process culminates in the identification of category winners in each country and age group, followed by a second phase of voting to determine the overall Founder of the Year winner in each category.
FOYA Southern Africa 2024 stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of entrepreneurs across the region, reaffirming their collective commitment to driving positive change and economic prosperity in Southern Africa and beyond.
Full winners list:
Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Andre A Phiri – Zambia
Marcia Monareng – South Africa
Social Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Tshenolo Pearl Ncube – Botswana
Kudzai Mutiti – Zimbabwe
Techpreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Happy Mokhonoana – South Africa
Bongani Sibuyi – South Africa
Fashionpreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Tebo Bakwena-Kabisoso – Botswana
Sylvia Mwashunguti – Zambia
Most Promising Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Justice Mushwana – South Africa
Relebohile David Mokoena – South Africa
Agripreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Nosipho Ncongwane – South Africa
Jabulani Skosana – South Africa
Realtor of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Choolwe kaliki muchelemba – Zambia
Pricey Manaois – Zambia
Edupreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Lucky Mashaba – South Africa
Maserole Octavia Masipa – South Africa
Hospitality Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Tarisai Mulenga – Zambia
Asande Mpila – South Africa
Healthpreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Lebogang Sealetsa Sealetsa – South Africa
Racheal Mpokota – Zambia
Entertainment Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Bekezela Dube – South Africa
Derrick Lethabo Motsomi – Botswana
Mediapreneur of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Andre A Phiri – Zambia
Samuel Koji – Zambia
Manufacturing Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Daniel Kwizombe – Malawi
Solomon Lexson – Malawi
Retail Founder of The Year Over 30 and Under 30
Moffat Brian Chabinga – Zambia
Winlet Chihwai – Zimbabwe
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