The Anzisha Prize, one of Africa’s most prominent youth entrepreneurship programmes, has announced its Top 40 Fellows for 2025, spotlighting a new cohort of young innovators who are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s economic future.
The fellows, drawn from 19 countries, will take part in a two-year Anzisha venture-building fellowship, a platform designed to help them scale their businesses, acquire critical entrepreneurial skills, and build cross-border networks.
The announcement comes at a time when Africa’s creative industries and entrepreneurial ecosystem are attracting global recognition. The 2025 Anzisha cohort mirrors this trend, spanning fashion, agribusiness, EdTech, clean energy and healthcare.
East Africa: travel, tech and health innovation
- Zinzia Adhiambo (Kenya) – Travelvia Friends & Explorers: Turning a passion for travel into affordable, meaningful experiences.
- Sarah Nakibuule (Uganda) – SwiftSan Hygienic Solutions: Transforming waste management in informal settlements.
- Asaph Ankunda (Uganda) – Trust Agro Processors: Driving fairness and sustainability in agriculture.
- Grace Aigi (Uganda) – Aigi Yammy Snacks: Producing affordable snacks and beverages for local markets.
- Mackline Nakyeyune (Uganda) – Omusawowo: Healthcare innovation focused on community empowerment.
- Matt Magera (Kenya) – Jobzy: Recruitment platform improving talent discovery and verification.
- David Ojok (Tanzania) – Ojanna: A climate innovator with expertise in petroleum chemistry and business.
- Raphael John (Tanzania) – Zest Afrique: Agripreneurship focused on sustainable farming.
- Majak Michael Majak (South Sudan) – M3 Business Co. Ltd: Branding services for businesses and schools.
- Miraf Teklu (Ethiopia) – Mafi Caree: Eco-friendly hair and skincare brand promoting clean beauty.
Southern Africa: clean energy, food and creative industries
- Busisiwe Lindani (Malawi) – Meals Delight: Catering business driven by a passion for cooking.
- Adrian Machingura (Zimbabwe) – Vitromatic Technologies: Clean energy and STEM innovations.
- Kimunila Zhakata (Zimbabwe) – NhavaGx: Tech-driven social impact solutions.
- Roussel Célestin Andrimitasoa (Madagascar) – Kante Company: EdTech platform transforming digital access.
- Famenontsoa Ramerijaona (Madagascar) – Mes Potions MDG: Natural health innovations.
- Mathieu Razakamahefa (Madagascar) – Magic Squad Madagascar: Connecting communities through art and culture.
- Manuel Tomas (Angola) – English Plus: English language training turned entrepreneurial venture.
West Africa: agribusiness, design and cultural entrepreneurship
- Sophia Ikechukwu (Nigeria) – Etiyé: Fashion brand empowering clients through clothing and identity.
- Samira Bello (Nigeria) – Aadun: Afro-centric perfume oil brand.
- Chizom Wornu (Nigeria) – Ryder Energy: Sustainable agriculture and food innovation.
- Kabir Abiso Kabir (Nigeria) – Jiwe Integrated Concept Ltd: Advancing sustainable food production.
- Joy Danladi (Nigeria) – Jasda Stores: Producer of natural, cold-pressed coconut oil.
- Eunice Adewale (Nigeria) – Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions: Clean energy venture championing environmental justice.
- Azango Kemegni Michel Loic (Cameroon) – Lux Corporation: Diversified business group rooted in interior design.
- Ginett Perrine Donfack Ngouateu (Cameroon) – Gigi DK’s Nails: Creative beauty entrepreneurship.
- Makoubo Fongang (Cameroon) – CHICAD Academy: Training hub in architectural and civil design.
- M’pia Yahgo (Benin) – Tina’s Farm: Integrated poultry and crop production.
- Mardiyath Olayimika Amidou (Benin) – Ibukun Oluwa: Food entrepreneur preserving Benin’s cuisine.
- Gyebre Brice (Burkina Faso) – Digisup: Digital training institute equipping young women with IT skills.
Central Africa: fashion, recycling, and sustainability
- Sarah Mwiyande (DRC) – Kabala Style: Sustainable fashion through upcycling denim.
- Sarah Kulimushi (DRC) – Acienda Hote Gamme Couture (AHGC): Custom-made women’s wear with a social mission.
- Cikuru Matabaro (DRC) – Waste Track: Waste recycling and environmental solutions.
- Atosha Casinga (DRC) – The Floral Project: Fighting mosquito-borne diseases with local solutions.
- Immaculate Zawadi (DRC) – Viikali Group: Fashion, design, and youth empowerment.
- Giscard Katala (DRC) – Firme KTL: Maker of Mayo-Bio, the first locally produced Congolese mayonnaise.
North Africa: education and renewable energy
- Asaf Nady (Egypt) – ScholarX: Expanding educational access for underserved youth.
- Hazem Foudah (Egypt) – Ventus Academy: Renewable energy academy specialising in wind energy.
Building Africa’s entrepreneurial future
Together, these 40 fellows represent 19 African nations and sectors spanning agritech, fashion, education, health, sustainability and technology.
For many, the fellowship provides more than training: it offers access to mentorship, networks, and opportunities that can push their ventures beyond local markets. With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050 and nearly 60% of its people under 25, the fellows embody the continent’s so-called youth dividend a resource that, if harnessed, could shift global innovation.
The challenge, however, remains financing. Whether investors and policymakers will step in to support these ventures at scale will determine if programmes like Anzisha can transform youthful ambition into long-term economic growth.
Full profiles of the fellows are available at anzisha.org/fellows.
