Honoring Innovation and Resilience
The Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA) Southern Africa is a prestigious event dedicated to recognizing and appreciating young founders who are driving positive change and creating sustainable jobs through entrepreneurship across the African continent. The 2024 FOYA Southern Africa Awards, held on the 10th of February at the iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa, showcased the remarkable achievements of young entrepreneurs from six countries: South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
Theme: Limitless Potential, Boundless Innovation
Under the theme "Limitless: Breaking Barriers, Igniting Innovation," the FOYA Southern Africa 2024 celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs who continue to thrive amidst challenges. This theme encapsulates the spirit of African entrepreneurship, characterized by relentless determination, innovative thinking, and limitless potential. It served as a call to action, inspiring young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to harness the power of innovation to overcome obstacles.
Glamour and Excitement: A Night to Remember
The event was a glamorous affair, with attendees donning elegant all-white attire to complement the atmosphere of prestige and sophistication. Nominees, investors, industry leaders, and esteemed guests gathered in full capacity to celebrate the remarkable success stories and groundbreaking innovations of young founders across Southern Africa.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
Among the highlights of the evening were the announcements of the top three finalists in each category. Here are the outstanding achievers who emerged as winners and runners-up in the prestigious FOYA Southern Africa Awards 2024 :
FOYA Southern Africa Awards 2024 Under 30 Finalists
Founder of The Year
- Marcia Monareng (South Africa) - Winner
- John Chidule (Malawi) - 1st Runner up
- Andrew Tsuro (Zimbabwe) - 2nd Runner up
Social Founder of The Year
- Kudzai Mutiti (Zimbabwe) - Winner
- Ayanda Khumalo (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Mark Davis Simulengula (Zambia) - 2nd Runner up
Techpreneur of The Year
- Bongani Sibuyi (South Africa) - Winner
- Edwin Mwanza (Zambia) - 1st Runner up
- Chisomo Daka (Malawi) - 2nd Runner up
Fashionpreneur of The Year
Sylvia Mwashunguti - Zambia Winner
Oscar Fakude - South Africa 1st Runner up
Philani Fortune Zulu - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Most Promising Founder of The Year
Relebohile David Mokoena - South Africa Winner
Leslie Bhebhe - Zimbabwe 1st Runner up
Robert Phiri - Zambia 2nd Runner up
Agripreneur of The Year
Jabulani Skosana - South Africa Winner
Tebatso Oitsile - Botswana 1st Runner up
Ayanda Khumalo - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Realtor of The Year
Pricey Manaois - Zambia Winner
Edupreneur of The Year
Maserole Octavia Masipa - South Africa Winner
Edwin Ramatsitsi - South Africa 1st Runner up
Agreement Masenya - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Hospitality Founder of The Year
Asande Mpila - South Africa Winner
Ruth Gondwe - Zambia 1st Runner up
Dennis Otukile - Botswana 2nd Runner up
Healthpreneur of The Year
Racheal Mpokota - Zambia Winner
Elipilious Chibwaya - Zambia 1st Runner up
Mumba Kunda - Zambia 2nd Runner up
Entertainment Founder of The Year
Derrick Lethabo Motsomi - Botswana Winner
Popan Damascus - Zambia 1st Runner up
Mpho Tau - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Mediapreneur of The Year
Samuel Koji - Zambia Winner
Luyanda Taboshe - South Africa 1st Runner up
Joseph Nongo - Zambia 2nd Runner up
Manufacturing Founder of The Year
Solomon Lexson - Malawi Winner
Shontelle Rabothata - South Africa 1st Runner up
Andrew Banda - Zambia 2nd Runner up
Retail Founder of The Year
Winlet Chihwai - Zimbabwe Winner
Tafara Siyavunda - Zimbabwe 1st Runner up
Tshisikhawe Nelwamondo - South Africa 2nd Runner up
A Night of Inspiration and Achievement
The Founder of the Year Awards Southern Africa 2024 was not just a celebration of individual success but also a testament to the collective potential and innovative spirit of African entrepreneurship. As winners and finalists alike continue to break barriers and push the boundaries of innovation, they serve as beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent.
