A Nigerian-based social enterprise, Kidpreneur Africa, recently hosted its maiden edition of the annual Africa Kidpreneur Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
The summit, with the theme: ‘Unleashing the potential of the next generation of Africa’s entrepreneurs and leaders’, aimed at inspiring African children between ages 7 – 18 and young adults to be self-starters so that they can proactively actualise their dreams by developing their business acumen and exploring innovative solutions to real-world problems.
The event witnessed the participation of young entrepreneurs, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across seven African countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, and Botswana — who motivated, mentored, and taught the children.
The Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, Juliet Vincent-Obi, said that the reason they hosted the summit in Kenya was because they wanted other African children to gain from the leadership and business opportunities they have been offering Nigerian children since the inception of the organisation in 2017.
Vincent-Obi stated the essence of the summit was to drive conversations about kidpreneurship through the development and implementation of innovative practices of teaching entrepreneurship in basic schools across Africa.
She added that these conversations can encourage innovation towards building an ecosystem for the launching, incubating, financing, and supporting of enterprises founded by children and young people in Africa.
“We are fostering an ecosystem that encourages creativity and entrepreneurial skills in young African children to enable them to contribute positively to society,” she said.
Kezy Mukiri, CEO of Ignite Trade Africa, said most successful entrepreneurs share certain personal attributes including creativity, dedication, determination, passion, leadership, flexibility, and self-confidence.
“The summit provided a platform to showcase a small fraction of a fearless generation of entrepreneurs and leaders who are stepping into destiny and assignment,” Mukiri added.
Adebisi Odeleye, CEO of Moore Organics, noted that these African young minds — referring to the children — are a testament to the vision outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“The journey to achieve these ideals requires the active involvement of our youth, who are the catalysts for Africa’s renaissance,” Odeleye added.
Dr Funmi Adeniyi, CEO of Luxe Dental, stated that the summit was a good platform for inspiring young minds to embrace life’s principles for business success, sharing insights on persistence and innovation, and turning inspirations into thriving ventures.
“The vibrant question and answer session showcased the passion and drive of these future leaders,” Adeniyi said.
Children and young people in business, fashion, entertainment, tech, music, and art were taught financial literacy, creative arts, sports, green business, ethics, and business pitching.
There were also pitching competitions, panel sessions, fashion shows, painting sessions, tours to the Nairobi National Museum, and a gala night where selected kidpreneurs were awarded Africa Kidpreneur Ambassadorship awards.
For the pitching competitions, Cameroon emerged as the winner for Manufacturing and Production, Ghana for Eco-friendly Product, and Botswana for Sport Business, Nigeria for Innovation and Technology, Kenya for Creativity, Uganda for Social Enterprise, Tanzania for Green Business.
The children who received the Africa Kidpreneur Ambassadorship awards were Omotoso Toluwanimi, 11 years, Nigeria; Sharon Ringo Mowo, 12 years, Tanzania; Rahim Ramadhan, 14 years, Tanzania; Namata Briana Bridget, 12 years, Uganda; Loago Moloi, 12 years, Botswana; Tyra Abok; 12 years, Uganda; Melisa Ashley Kusiima, 14 years, Uganda; and Bihnwi Iris Mangong, 13 years, Cameroon.
Others were Rabi Tracy, 12 years, Tanzania; Nyirah Khori Newton, 13 years, Ghana; Tasha Thuo, 10 years, Kenya; Temiloluwa Ogunlere 11 years, Nigeria; Oloniluyi Joshua, 12 years, Nigeria; Anyanwu Maxwell Munachimso, 12 years, Nigeria; Koni Cindy Favour, 10 years, Cameroon; and Enang Ebangha Janice Giftee, 11 years, Cameroon.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then