WeForGood International has emphasised the need to invest in the continent’s young entrepreneurs. Chief Executive Officer, WeForGood International, Temitayo Ade-Peters, said investing in entrepreneurs would foster sustainable growth, social progress and leave a legacy of prosperity for generations.

She stated this at the Sustainable Solutions Africa Project 4.0 Fellows Grand Pitch (SSAFRICA 2022 Fellowship) organised by WeForGood in partnership with IHS Towers in Lagos.

The project gave N18 million grants to viable, eco-friendly and sustainable enterprises owned by young African entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 years. The six entrepreneurs, who went home with N3 million each, have run their organisations up to three years.

She explained that the project creates avenue for youths to acquire skills and opportunities that will solve African problems in sustainable ways.

“In a world where the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation is becoming increasingly evident, the urgency for sustainable solutions has never been greater.

“Together let’s build a future where ecological consciousness and economic prosperity go hand in hand, lets embrace the transformative power of sustainable entrepreneurship,” she said. She explained that the cohort started with 50 people, but the top 10 were selected for a pitch.

According to her, each cohort starts on World Youth Skills Day, July 15, and launch a call for entry. Entrepreneurs, especially with business between 0 to three years, who meet the criteria would be selected and trained.

Through their companies, the winners are addressing issues around fashion pollution, health insurance, climate irrigation, cattle hygiene, plastic waste and unemployment.

They include Co-Founder and Operations Manager, Clozetsales, Chikere Onyinyechi; Co-Founder of Queen Amina Medical Integration (Trash 4 Health Innovation), Muhammad Abdullahi; Managing Director, Green Growth Plus Investment, Olanya Richard; Founder, Amnah Agro-Allied Farms, Zainab Ishaq; Chief Executive Officer (CEO), De-Rabacon Plastics, Yolo Smith and Founder, Engee Collection, Grace George.

The judges were Director, Government Relations, IHS Nigeria, Gimba Mohammed; Chartered Accountant and Strategy Consultant, Ikeolumba Obinna and CEO, ABCHealth, Mories Atoki.