During the FINCA Ventures Prize Competition, twelve African entrepreneurs each received a share of US$400,000 in grant funds designed to support the organization’s comprehensive strategy to eradicate poverty. The competition was funded by donors and acted as a platform to reward innovators focused on making a difference in Sub-Saharan Africa.
FINCA International, a leading fighter against global poverty for four decades, orchestrated this competition. FINCA Ventures serves as the investment arm of the organization, specifically supporting budding companies operating in sectors such as health, education, financial inclusion, and agriculture within Sub-Saharan Africa.
These inaugural awards sought to recognize those contributing to the region by enhancing local farmers’ value, filling gaps in the healthcare market, battling the sexual exploitation of female fish traders, among other essential initiatives.
The winners, each granted US$70,000 for their respective organizations, are; Angela Odero (Rio Fish), Ashley Speyer (US partner of Kazi Yetu), Naom Monari (Bena Care), and Sona Shah (Co-founder of Neopenda).
In the second-place category, each awarded US$20,000, Baobaby, CheckUps, Sprout, and Technovera/Pelebox emerged winners. Third-place winners including Emergency Response Africa, Koolbox, OneHealth, and Sommalife secured US$10,000 each.
