Tanzania’s Bloomtech win Top Honors at the 14th Annual JA Africa Company of the Year Competition

The 2024 JA Africa Company of the Year Competition, held from December 4 to 6 in Port Louis, Mauritius, showcased the impressive entrepreneurial skills of Africa’s youth in promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental impacts.

This year’s competition, under the theme « Greenovation, » saw 36 student entrepreneurs from nine African countries— Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—present their innovative solutions in climate action, biodiversity, agriculture, and sustainable resource management as they competed for cash prizes and the title of Africa’s top young entrepreneurs.

The event, organized annually, is part of JA Africa’s acclaimed Company Program, which equips students with practical business skills by helping them start and run their own student-led companies. The grand prize was awarded to Tanzania’s Bloomtech, which earned top honors for its groundbreaking innovation, OptiGrow—an AI-powered app featuring a virtual advisor that supports farmers in maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact, even when offline and without smartphones. The team was awarded a trophy, a $1,000 cash prize, and the opportunity to compete globally at the JA Worldwide’s Ralph De la Vega Global Entrepreneurship competition, where they stand to win a $15,000 cash prize along with valuable educational opportunities.

The second-place accolade was claimed by Mauritius’ Aquaglow, who received an $800 cash prize. The third-place position was awarded to Eswatini’s Agritech Solutions, taking home $500.

Additional recognitions were distributed among other deserving teams thanks to the generous support of various sponsors including FedEx, Citi Foundation, PMIEF, Delta Air Lines, Boeing, MIPS, and ABC Bank.

Summary of Award Winners:
• FedEx Global Possibilities Award – Tenacity, South Africa
• Citi Foundation Client Focus Award – AgriTech Solutions, Eswatini
• PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award – Bloomtech, Tanzania

Branded Awards:
• Delta Air Lines Girls LEAD Award – 12 girls awarded: Unathi Nxumalo, Tiyandza Khumalo, Kezia Nhyira Ayensu, Asiedua Asiedu, Akua Anowa Donkor, Annabella Buadu Akrong, AUCKLOO Sadhika Devi, Achal Callychurn, Hauwa Abdullahi Sulaiman, Aisha Danjuma Bawa, Phumza Nyathi Kadzunge, Thandeka Princess Kumalo, Rabecca Kaira, Oluwadamilola Sarah Adegoke, Safi Chibwe, Racheal Mwangala Nyambe, Nyasha Hope Shekede, Jasmine Mudzonga
• Boeing Sustainable Innovation Award – Sunsip Irrigation Systems
• NASCON Entrepreneurial Excellence Award – Bloomtech, Tanzania
• MIPS Technology and Innovation Award – Bloomtech, Tanzania
• ABC Bank Rising Leader Award – Takunda Chamaona, Zimbabwe

Additional Awards:
• Public Choice Award – Aquaglow, Mauritius
• Best Facilitator Award – Baba Hadiza Nuhu Yusuf, Nigeria

JA Africa CEO, Simi Nwogugu, remarked,

“At JA Africa, we believe in the power of youth to shape Africa’s future. Through entrepreneurship education, we’re equipping young people with the tools and resilience they need to lead sustainable development across the continent. The students showcased at this year’s COY competition are testament to Africa’s potential, blending innovation with a deep commitment to protecting our planet. I couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and am excited to see their contributions on a global stage.”

With Africa’s population on the rise, fostering entrepreneurial skills among its youth is essential—not only to empower the next generation of leaders but also to drive economic resilience and address youth unemployment, a pressing challenge. By supporting young entrepreneurs, JA Africa and its partners are making a strategic investment in a future where youth-led enterprises significantly contribute to a sustainable and thriving Africa.