By By Godfrey Olukya 9-1-2017
Six African Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation. Out of the 51 projects from around the continent and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) 2017, which will be held at the Strathmore University in Nairobi.
The communications manager of AFIF, Francis Aretha said enterprises in final include, Aybar engineering of Ethiopia, R and N company of Kenya, EuroFresh Exotics of Kenya, First Atlantic Semiconductors and Microelectronics of Nigeria, Kimolo Super rice Tanzania and Eco Act of Tanzania.
The AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017 aims to provide African-based innovative SMEs with support to grow their businesses. The six finalists will receive a free accreditation to join the AFIF 2017 full programme, conferences, training, B2B meetings and networking opportunities). The award winner will receive cash prize and one year of national and international media promotion.
The companies in final include, Aybar engineering of Ethiopia, RnG company of Kenya, EuroFresh Exotics of Kenya, First Atlantic Semiconductors and Microelectronics of Nigeria, Kimolo Super rice tanzania, Eco Act of Tanzania.
“We are delighted to announce the finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017 after a really difficult selection process. The innovation and creativity of African-based SMEs makes our job more difficult every year. We look forward to welcoming these and many more entrepreneurs at the AFIF 2017 in Nairobi” says Inês Bastos, EMRC Senior Project Manager.
“I am now internationally known,” says Lazaro Mwakipesile (Raphael Group, Tanzania), winner of the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2015. He adds: “I have traveled abroad four times this year to present our company. I expect to travel to the United States soon for a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”
The new edition of the Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) will be held for the first time in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by the Strathmore University. In line with growing international trends, the AFIF will focus on entrepreneurship, innovation and access to finance in key sectors such as energy, water, ICT, health and agriculture. Delegates including SMEs, managers, investors, entrepreneurs…) will come from across the world to participate in the AFIF 2017.
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