Introduction
The Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA) Southern Africa 2024, held on the 10th of February 2024 at the prestigious Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa, was a grand celebration of entrepreneurial excellence and innovation. With nominees hailing from six African countries - South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe - the event showcased the remarkable achievements and contributions of young founders in shaping the economic landscape of the continent.
Theme: Limitless: Breaking Barriers, Igniting Innovation
Under the theme "Limitless: Breaking Barriers, Igniting Innovation," FOYA Southern Africa 2024 celebrated the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs who continue to thrive amidst challenges. The theme underscored the boundless potential of African entrepreneurship, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of dreams and the power of innovation to overcome obstacles.
Glamour and Prestige
The event exuded glamour and prestige, with attendees adorned in elegant all-white attire. Nominees, industry leaders, and esteemed guests gathered in full capacity to honor the spirit of entrepreneurship and celebrate the success achieved.
Top Three Finalists Across Categories
Here are the top three finalists across various categories of the FOYA Southern Africa Awards 2024 (Over 30):
Founder of The Year
- Andre A Phiri (Zambia) - Winner
- Mutale Nachilima (Zambia) - Winner
- Nathaniel Mokwele (Botswana) - 1st Runner up
- Muyaka Kamamba (Zambia) - 2nd Runner up
Social Founder of The Year
- Tshenolo Pearl Ncube (Botswana) - Winner
- Rendani Mphephu (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Mary Raletooan (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Techpreneur of The Year
- Happy Mokhonoana (South Africa) - Winner
- Tshepho Nkoe (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Musekiwa Moyo (Zambia) - 2nd Runner up
Fashionpreneur of The Year
- Tebo Bakwena-Kabisoso (Botswana) - Winner
- Sandile Masina (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Felistas Mukano Kawana (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Most Promising Founder of The Year
- Justice Mushwana (South Africa) - Winner
- Bertha Gabriel (Zambia) - 1st Runner up
- Bright Sibanda (Zimbabwe) - 2nd Runner up
Agripreneur of The Year
- Nosipho Ncongwane (South Africa) - Winner
- Orapeleng Nareetsile (Botswana) - 1st Runner up
- Bayanda Maseko (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Realtor of The Year
- Choolwe Kaliki Muchelemba (Zambia) - Winner
Edupreneur of The Year
- Lucky Mashaba (South Africa) - Winner
- Aliziwe Agyeman (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Gaone Mabalane (Botswana) - 2nd Runner up
Hospitality Founder of The Year
- Tarisai Mulenga (Zambia) - Winner
- Lindiwe Masuku (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Nafeesah Dante (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Healthpreneur of The Year
- Lebogang Sealetsa Sealetsa (South Africa) - Winner
- Mampe Elisa Konyama (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Prince K. Gondwe (Malawi) - 2nd Runner up
Entertainment Founder of The Year
- Bekezela Dube (South Africa) - Winner
- Sive Ravuku (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Lwandle Ndlovu (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Mediapreneur of The Year
- Andre A Phiri (Zambia) - Winner
- Major Daughter (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Malekano Mwanza (Zambia) - 2nd Runner up
Manufacturing Founder of The Year
- Daniel Kwizombe (Malawi) - Winner
- Moffat Brian Chabinga (Zambia) - 1st Runner up
- Popy Skhosana (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
Retail Founder of The Year
- Moffat Brian Chabinga (Zambia) - Winner
- Ntombi Koloti (South Africa) - 1st Runner up
- Sandile Masina (South Africa) - 2nd Runner up
The FOYA Southern Africa 2024 Awards ceremony was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative drive of young founders across the region. As these trailblazers continue to break barriers and ignite innovation, they pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Africa.
