Young African entrepreneurs, spearheading the continent's economic transformation

Africa is writing a new page in its economic history, driven by a generation of young entrepreneurs determined to turn challenges into opportunities. At the 2025 Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Summit , held at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, the Anzisha program reaffirmed its commitment to these pioneers, announcing the opening of applications for its 2026 edition as of October 7, 2025.

The summit brought together key stakeholders—educators, policymakers, investors, and business leaders—to discuss a central question: how can we train and support young entrepreneurs to become the drivers of African growth? Discussions highlighted critical issues, such as the gap between education and employment , leveraging the informal economy as a breeding ground for innovation, and access to financing for founders often overlooked by traditional channels.

Didi Onwu, editor-in-chief of Anzisha, made a strong statement with a compelling plea: “Youth entrepreneurship is not a Plan B; it’s a project for the future. For too long, it has been considered a last resort. Yet this summit proves that these young people don’t just submit to their destiny—they create it.”

The Anzisha Awards celebrated the boldness and impact of four young entrepreneurs, each recognized for their excellence in a key area:

• Cebolenkosi Gcabashe (22, South Africa): Business Growth Award for G Khula Trading , a real estate services business that started as a simple pressure washer.
• Bunmi Esther Olalude (Nigeria): Job Creation Award for her work empowering women and youth.
• Tafadzwa Manyanye (Zimbabwe): Delivery Systems Award for innovative agricultural solutions.
• Christianah Madu (Nigeria): Storytelling Award for highlighting her business through impactful communication.

Each winner received $10,000 to amplify their impact.

Since 2011, Anzisha has supported nearly 300 young entrepreneurs across the continent. The 2026 program, open to 15- to 22-year-olds running a business in Africa, promises:

• made financing and mentoring .
• Access to a pan-African network of innovators.
• A prize pool of $50,000 to be shared among the finalists.

Applications are already open since October 7, 2025. "We are not just looking for ideas, but young people capable of making them a reality and creating jobs in their communities ," emphasizes the Anzisha team.

Beyond funding, Anzisha relies on research , awareness raising and storytelling to inspire decision-makers. The YouTube series The Journey illustrates this approach, recounting the journeys of these entrepreneurs and their impact on the ground.

"Africa needs role models that prove that innovation can happen anywhere, even where resources are lacking ," summarizes one participant. With initiatives like Anzisha, the continent shows that it has no shortage of talent or solutions—only opportunities to seize.

The Emissary