AfrInnovate Youth Challenge 2025: A Celebration of Innovation and Social Impact Across Africa
January 14, 2025
Join us this Thursday (January 16, 6–8:30amEST/12:00–14:30CET/7–9:30pmHKT) for the second annual AfrInnovate Youth Challenge, a virtual event that celebrates remarkable achievements of young African innovators. This competition serves as the pinnacle of the JA Social Equity Program (SEP), a groundbreaking initiative supported by the Z Zurich Foundation, in collaboration with JA Africa and JA Worldwide.
After opening remarks from Simi Nwogugu, CEO and President of JA Africa, and Grégory Renand, Head of Z Zurich Foundation, you’ll hear pitches from seven student teams from across sub-Saharan Africa. But the AfrInnovate Youth Challenge is more than a competition—it's a platform through which youth from across the continent showcase their innovative solutions to pressing community challenges. The event underscores the transformative power of social entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, which are helping address the critical issues of youth unemployment, social equity, and sustainable development.
About the JA Social Equity Program
Launched in 2022, the JA SEP is a collaborative effort between JA Africa, JA Worldwide, and Z Zurich Foundation to tackle the rising NEET (not in education, employment, or training) phenomenon and equip young people with the tools to thrive in the workforce. By delivering hands-on entrepreneurship training, SEP prepares participants to create their own opportunities and solve societal challenges through innovative ventures. The program aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on social equity, economic growth, and mental well-being.
In its first year, the program directly impacted more than 10,000 young people across Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, inspiring participants to build over 500 social equity projects. These efforts not only empower youth but also catalyze lasting change in their communities. With expansion into new countries in 2024—Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Togo—SEP aims to reach more than 27,000 additional beneficiaries.
The Power of Partnership
SEP’s success is rooted in a strong partnership working to address the complex challenges of youth unemployment, social inequities, and limited economic opportunities. “The collaboration between JA and Z Zurich Foundation is a testament to the transformative potential of public-private partnerships,” said Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation. “By empowering young talent with skills, confidence, and mentorship, we’re laying the groundwork for a brighter future across Africa.”
SEP doesn’t only skill individuals; it builds stronger communities. Through targeted training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and mental well-being, the program prepares youth to take on leadership roles in solving their communities’ most pressing challenges. As JA Worldwide COO Caroline Jenner explained, “Social entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business—it’s about fostering thriving communities and addressing the big problems that impact us all.”
Welcoming Back Last Year’s Winner: Odyek Haron
This year’s AfrInnovate Youth Challenge will also feature a special guest: Odyek Haron, the winner of last year’s inaugural competition. Odyek’s journey is an inspiring example of resilience and innovation. After dropping out of school at 16 due to financial hardship, Odyek found hope through an SEP bootcamp in Uganda. Alongside his teammates, he founded Bed Mot, a company that transforms plastic waste into interlocking bricks for construction and landscaping.
Bed Mot’s innovative solution earned the team the top prize at last year’s AfrInnovate Youth Challenge, along with $5,000 in seed funding to grow their business. Odyek will join us this Thursday to share insights from his journey and inspire the next wave of young entrepreneurs. His story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when young people are equipped with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies, Ghanaian serial entrepreneur, and leadership development expert, will be the keynote speaker. Read more about Fred and Sand Technologies.
The AfrInnovate Youth Challenge is not just an event—it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of youth empowerment, innovation, and the collective effort to create a better future. You’ll witness young changemakers across Africa, hear from inspiring leaders like Odyek Haron, and learn how programs like SEP are shaping the next generation of leaders.
The Winners
The AYC Impact Award recognizes the team that makes the most notable societal contributions. Winner: Smart Incubator from Tanzania
Smart Incubator is revolutionizing poultry farming with its smart egg incubators. By automating temperature, humidity, and egg turning, they significantly improve hatch rates while reducing labor for farmers. This innovation is empowering poultry farmers and improving livelihoods.
The AYC Innovation Award celebrates the team that highlights the importance of innovation in entrepreneurship. Winner: Gen5Tech from South Africa
Gen5Tech produces eco-friendly traffic lights from recycled polycarbonate and rubber, aiming to offer municipalities durable, low-maintenance solutions that reduce environmental impact and enhance urban mobility.
AYC Project of the Year, third place: TOLIA BIO from the Democratic Republic of Congo
TOLIA BIO has introduced NUTRIKER, a cereal-based porridge enriched with soy and caterpillars. Packed with plant and animal proteins, it combats malnutrition and offers hope to communities in need of improved nutrition.
AYC Project of the Year, second place: DEPANN’R from Burkina Faso
DEPANN’R has revolutionized roadside assistance with their mobile app, connecting users to reliable vehicle breakdown services with just a click. Their innovation is redefining how communities respond to vehicle emergencies.
AYC Project of the Year, grand prize: Safisha from Uganda
Safisha has developed an innovative, portable, solar-powered water purifier, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water in areas with unreliable infrastructure. Their impactful solution addresses one of Africa’s most pressing challenges, bringing hope to underserved communities.