 |
Press Releases
Burundi wins 大象传媒 Swahili young entrepreneur competition
|
Ashura Kisesa, aged 24 from Burundi, has won the live grand final of the 大象传媒 Swahili young entrepreneur competition Faidika na 大象传媒 (Prosper with the 大象传媒).
听
Uganda's Prime Minister Apolo Nsimbambi presented her with the winning trophy and US $5000 to help launch her business, which is to build commercial public toilets in the cities and towns of East and Central Africa.
听
Ashura, the only woman in the final, beat four other budding entrepreneurs by effectively demonstrating how she would use the prize money to help turn her idea into a successful business that would have a positive impact on her community.
听
The Uganda Prime Minister Apolo Nsimbambi said: "When the competition launched last year there were no female finalists, so my hearty congratulations to Ashura.
听
"I urge the 大象传媒 to adopt an affirmative action approach to encourage even more women to get into formal business.
听
"This is a fantastic initiative helping young people to develop innovative skills and become job creators rather than job seekers."
听
Ashura pitched her idea to a panel of expert judges in front of a live audience. The judges were impressed with Ashura's presentation and well thought-through business plan.
听
Ashura said: "I am very happy to win the top prize in this competition.
听
"The lack of public toilets throughout East and Central Africa is a major problem that needs to be addressed and I hope to make a difference with my business idea.
听
"My whole family wanted me to win and they really supported me, which makes me especially proud. I cannot wait to get started with my business."
听
Salim Kikeke, Faidika Na 大象传媒 Project Manager, said: "Ashura is a worthy winner. Her business idea is fantastic and will clearly benefit lots of people in East and Central Africa.
听
"I wish her all the best. I am confident that she has a brilliant future."
听
The four Faidika Na 大象传媒 runners up were: 22-year-old Witness Omoga from Kenya; 17-year-old Rangira Aime Frederick from Rwanda; 23-year-old Apolinary Joseph Laksh from Tanzania and 23-year-old Dereick Kajukano from Uganda.
听
They will all continue to receive support and advice from the 大象传媒 to help kick-start their business ideas.
听
The judges on the night were Baraza Sadi from Burundi; Madina Mutagoma from Rwanda; Arnold Kweka听from Tanzania; John Ndungu from Kenya; and Jasmine Nakayima听Adam from Uganda.
听
The evening was televised by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and the trophy designed and cast by Ugandan artist Peter Oloya.
听
The multi-award winning singer Maurice Kirya gave a special performance at the event held in Kampala, Uganda, last week; and audiences can hear the show again by visiting bbcswahili.com/faidika.
听
大象传媒 World Service Publicity
听
|
Printable version