JA Africa CEO Wins Africa Education Medal 2023
25-year JA Veteran Wins Prestigious Education Prize
We’re pleased to share the news that JA Africa CEO Simi Nwogugu has won the Africa Education Medal 2023—one of the most prestigious education honors on the continent—for her outstanding contribution to youth education and entrepreneurship in Africa. Founded by T4 Education and HP in collaboration with Microsoft, the Africa Education Medal honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education in Africa. The award celebrates their tireless efforts and shines a light on the stories of change that can inspire others to take action.
The Africa Education Medal website shares more about the award: “Education is critical to Africa's future. It empowers whole communities, gives students the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world, and helps reduce poverty and inequality. It also produces the scientists and leaders of tomorrow who will tackle Africa's greatest challenges. Despite the gains made in recent decades, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global education in unprecedented ways. To protect and build on these gains, it is crucial that everyone works together. For this reason, the spirit of the Africa Education Medal is to bring together leaders from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, NGOs, politicians, tech entrepreneurs, and individuals from both the public and private sectors, to have them join forces to create a future where every child in Africa has access to quality education.”
In May, Simi joined an esteemed list of ten finalists. This week, Founder and CEO of T4 Education Vikas Pota shared the news with Simi and shared a conversation with her (see below).
In making the announcement, Vikas praised the work of Simi and JA Africa: “Simi Nwogugu has dedicated her life’s work to skilling up Africa’s young people,” said “Equipping them with the tools to not only survive but thrive in the world they’re entering. Congratulations on winning the Africa Education Medal 2023. Your success will serve as a rallying cry for changemakers to come forward and help Africa unlock its potential.” Additional accolades poured in from around the world (scroll to bottom of the page).
Simi was first introduced to JA while working at Goldman Sachs in New York City, deciding her to quit her lucrative job at age 24 to bring JA to Nigeria, where it now reaches more than 100,000 young people each year. She was named CEO of JA Africa in 2020.
The vital importance of Simi’s work is highlighted by the fact that 60% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa and about 37% of its workforce are under the age of 25. For a quarter-century, Simi has been leading JA’s efforts to help young people to generate and effectively manage wealth, create jobs for their communities, as well as apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace and skills that will secure their financial future. Her passion for strategy and innovation led to the development of many impactful programs that are ensuring young Africans have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
On a continent predicted to be home to 25% of the world’s youth population by 2025, educating young Africans in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health is key. JA Africa delivers immersive, youth-centered learning in all three areas, empowering young people to secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. In congratulating Simi on her prestigious win, JA Africa Board Chair Charles Olumuyiwa Moyela recognized the magnitude of this award: “This well-deserved recognition highlights Simi's exceptional leadership and tireless commitment to empowering African youth through education. Under her guidance, JA Africa continues to make a significant impact, shaping the future of countless young individuals across the continent.”
“Congratulations to Simi Nwogugu on winning the Africa Education Medal 2023,” said Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa at HP. “Her work is empowering the next generation of the African continent and there are so many who will be inspired by her.
“HP has a bold goal to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people globally by 2030. Only by joining forces and aligning with NGOs, government, educators and businesses can we truly improve the education environment. The Africa Education Medal brings together all those who are changing the face of African education, whose vital work deserves to be celebrated.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simi led efforts to build and deliver digital JA programs to out-of-school and underserved youth across the region. Simi is also a passionate advocate for girls’ education. Under her leadership, JA Africa launched the Leadership, Empowerment Achievement and Development (LEAD) camp for girls. To date, LEAD has inspired and empowered 1,200 young girls to become high-achieving leaders. She has also championed the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP), which introduces young people to the facets of business management, making crucial business decisions, and developing general management and social responsibility skills.
JA Africa is one of JA Worldwide’s six regional operating centers, serving youth in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2011, JA Africa teaches tangible, marketable, and sustainable skills to the rapidly increasing cohort of out-of-school, idle, unemployed, and underemployed youth in Africa. JA Worldwide CEO Asheesh Advani reflected on Simi’s recognition of the award: “Simi Nwogugu is a role model for changemakers. From leading JA Nigeria to leading JA Africa and serving on the senior leadership team of JA Worldwide, she has been a passionate advocate for Africa’s youth throughout her life and career. On behalf of the JA network, I congratulate Simi on winning the Africa Education Medal 2023.”
JA Worldwide Board Chair and ManpowerGroup CEO Jonas Prising shared a video congratulating Simi (below).
Please join us in congratulating Simi on this inspiring achievement.