A Nigerian social enterprise, Kidpreneur Africa, has urged African schools to build a sustainable ecosystem that encourages creativity and entrepreneurial skills in young children to enable them to contribute positively to society.
Members and resource persons of the organisation made this charge in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, during the maiden edition of the annual Africa Kidpreneur Summit with the theme: Unleashing the potential of the next generation of Africas entrepreneurs and leaders.
The Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, Juliet Vincent-Obi, said that they decided to hold the event in Kenya because they wanted other African children, especially those in East Africa, to benefit from the entrepreneurship exposure they have given to Nigerian children in the last six years.
Vincent-Obi further said that the summit aims to drive meaningful and catalytic conversations about kidpreneurship in Africa.
She added that it also aims to inspire African children between ages 7 – 18 and young adults to be self-starters so that they can proactively actualise their dreams by developing their business acumen and exploring innovative solutions to real-world problems.
We aim to motivate the development and implementation of innovative practices of teaching entrepreneurship in primary and secondary schools across Africa and encourage innovation towards building an ecosystem for the launching, incubating, financing, and supporting of enterprises founded by children and young people in Africa,” she said.
Adebisi Odeleye, CEO of Moore Organics, noted that these African young minds – referring to the children − are a testament to the vision outlined in the African Unions Agenda 2063.
The journey to achieve these ideals requires the active involvement of our youth, who are the catalysts for Africas renaissance, Odeleye added.
Dr Funmi Adeniyi, CEO of Luxe Dental, stated that the summit was a good platform for inspiring young minds to embrace lifes principles for business success, sharing insights on persistence and innovation, and turning inspirations into thriving ventures.
The vibrant Question and Answer session showcased the passion and drive of these future leaders, Adeniyi said.
Kezy Mukiri, CEO of Ignite Trade Africa, said most successful entrepreneurs share certain personal attributes including creativity, dedication, determination, passion, leadership, flexibility, and self-confidence.
The summit provided a platform to showcase a small fraction of a fearless generation of entrepreneurs and leaders who are stepping into destiny and assignment, Mukiri added.
At the event, young entrepreneurs, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across seven African countries − Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, and Botswana − gathered to celebrate and promote entrepreneurial spirit in children.
Children and young people in business, fashion, entertainment, tech, music, and art were taught financial literacy, creative arts, sports, green business, ethics, and business pitching.
There were also panel sessions, fashion shows, painting sessions, a tour to the Nairobi National Museum, and a gala night where selected kidpreneurs were awarded Africa Kidpreneur Ambassadorship awards.
The following children received the Africa Kidpreneur Ambassadorship awards: Rabi Tracy, 12 years, Tanzania; Nyirah Khori Newton, 13 years, Ghana; Tasha Thuo, 10 years, Kenya; Temiloluwa Ogunlere 11 years, Nigeria; Oloniluyi Joshua, 12 years, Nigeria; Anyanwu Maxwell Munachimso, 12 years, Nigeria; Koni Cindy Favour, 10 years, Cameroon; and Enang Ebangha Janice Giftee, 11 years, Cameroon.
Others included Omotoso Toluwanimi, 11 years, Nigeria; Sharon Ringo Mowo, 12 years, Tanzania; Rahim Ramadhan, 14 years, Tanzania; Namata Briana Bridget, 12 years, Uganda; Loago Moloi, 12 years, Botswana; Tyra Abok; 12 years, Uganda; Melisa Ashley Kusiima, 14 years, Uganda; and Bihnwi Iris Mangong, 13 years, Cameroon.
At the end of the pitching competitions, Nigeria emerged as the winner for Innovation and Technology, Kenya for Creativity, Uganda for Social Enterprise, Tanzania for Green Business, Cameroon for Manufacturing and Production, Ghana for Eco-friendly Product, and Botswana for Sport Business.
