Tag Archives: Empowering women

AMA, Business

SA young entrepreneur honoured as Anzisha opens 2026 fellowship

MaraviPost

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 13 October 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Young entrepreneurs are the key to transforming economies on the African continent. Where some only see challenges, they view an untapped canvas for innovation and, should they be equipped with the right knowledge, network and skills, they can reshape our communities for the better. 

With the 2025 Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Summit now concluded, Anzisha announced that applications for its 2026 Fellowship will open on 7 October. The Fellowship backs Africa’s youngest founders with venture-building support, coaching and a continent-wide peer community to help them build their leadership skills, scale their businesses and create jobs.

The summit, hosted at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, brought together educators, policymakers, investors and business leaders to reflect on best practices in entrepreneurship education. The day closed with the Anzisha Awards Gala, where four outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 25 were recognised for their achievements and each awarded $10,000.

Cebolenkosi Gcabashe (22), founder of G Khula Trading in KwaZulu-Natal, won the Revenue Growth Award after building a profitable property services company from a single high-pressure cleaner. The gala also honoured Nigeria’s Bunmi Esther Olalude with the Job Creation Award for empowering women and youth; Zimbabwe’s Tafadzwa Manyanye with the Systems of Delivery Award for building efficient agricultural services; and Nigeria’s Christianah Madu, who received the Storytelling Award for raising the visibility of her venture through communication.

A blueprint for Africa’s future of work

Throughout the day, panel discussions and breakout sessions explored how very young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of work. Topics included repairing the broken link between education and jobs, recognising informality as innovation rather than failure, and finding financing solutions for founders often overlooked by investors.

In her closing address, Anzisha Managing Editor Didi Onwu urged stakeholders to rethink how they approach entrepreneurship: “Youth entrepreneurship isn’t the backup plan, it’s the blueprint. For too long, we have treated entrepreneurship as plan B, the path we take when ‘the real’ systems fail you. But this summit is a reminder that youth-led enterprise isn’t what happens when things go wrong, it’s what happens when young people take control of their futures.” 

Fellowship applications open 7 October

Since its launch in 2011, Anzisha has supported nearly 300 very young entrepreneurs across the continent. 

The multi-year programme combines funding, mentorship and peer-to-peer learning to help ventures grow sustainably while creating jobs in their communities.

The 2026 Anzisha Prize Fellowship is open to applicants between the ages of 15 to 22 who are running ventures in Africa.

Successful applicants will join a growing network of innovators and compete for a shared prize pool of $50,000.

Anzisha’s work is underpinned by research, advocacy and storytelling that highlights the impact of young entrepreneurs and challenges policymakers, educators and investors to build an enabling environment.

Anzisha’s YouTube series, The Journey, documents the realities of very young entrepreneurs and the communities they are transforming.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Anzisha.

About Anzisha

Anzisha is a multi-year fellowship for very young African entrepreneurs (ages 15–22). Since 2011, Anzisha has been dedicated to transforming African economies by creating youth-led, job-generating businesses. The organisation’s vision is to make entrepreneurship a first-choice career path for Africa’s youth. Through strategic partnerships and storytelling, Anzisha influences key stakeholders – including parents, educators, investors, and policymakers – to support youth entrepreneurship.

Facebook: @The Anzisha Prize | Twitter: @Anzisha Prize | Instagram: @Anzisha Prize | LinkedIn: @The Anzisha Prize I TikTok: @The Anzisha Prize I YouTube: @The Anzisha Prize

Follow the journey on YouTube (The Anzisha Prize)

Media Contact

Gaopalelwe Laka

gaopalelwe@weareirvinepartners.com

The post SA young entrepreneur honoured as Anzisha opens 2026 fellowship appeared first on African Media Agency.

Development

Malawi Government committed to empower women assures Minister Jean Sendeza

Chisomo Phiri

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women and achieving gender equality in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing dubbed “Boma Likutinji” at the Bingu International Convention Centre(BICC ) in Lilongwe, Sendeza highlighted the significant strides made in promoting gender equality.

The minister said the government has strengthened policies like the National Plan of Action, which aims to enhance women’s economic and political participation.

She also pointed out that women’s representation in politics and decision-making positions within the public service has increased, demonstrating progress in political inclusion.

Sendeza added that the government has been implementing the Women Economic Empowerment Programme and established the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to expand women’s access to financial resources.

She said these initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to bridging the gender gap and fostering a more equitable society.

Travel & Tourism

Matabeleland North Cookout Competitions 2025

Maravi Post Reporter

Matabeleland North Cookout Competitions 2025

April 10, 2025
Today, the vibrant spirit of community filled the air in Bubi District, Matabeleland North province, as locals gathered to celebrate Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competition. The event, marked by joy and festivity, brought together 36 contestants, including individuals with disabilities, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Zimbabwe. Hon. Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, graced the occasion as the guest of honor. In his uplifting keynote address, he emphasized the significant role of gastronomy tourism in fostering socio-economic development and empowering women within the community. He commended the visionary initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, which has garnered international acclaim for its contributions to preserving Zimbabwean culture and promoting healthy eating habits.

Hon. Mnangagwa reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to equitable distribution of tourism resources, aligning with the national vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.” He highlighted that gastronomy tourism is not just an economic driver but a means to foster inclusivity, engaging communities across the entire tourism value chain. This approach is essential for propelling Zimbabwe towards its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Participants hailed from seven districts within the province—Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho, and Umguza—demonstrating strong provincial representation and the collective pride in their culinary traditions. The event not only celebrated the rich flavors of Zimbabwe but also reinforced the bonds of community, culture, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.

#ExperienceZimbabwe
#ZimBho
#GastronomyTourism
#MatNorth

Development

Empowering women, boosting economy: SMEDI stresses financial support

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) is championing the cause of women’s economic empowerment, emphasizing the need for adequate financial support to drive economic development and social progress.

This comes as SMEDI recognizes the critical role women play in transforming the country’s economy.

At a recent networking workshop for business women from various sectors, SMEDI Director of Enterprise Development Services Lydia Kadzongwe underscored the importance of financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs.

“Providing women with access to financial resources is crucial for unlocking their potential and contributing to the country’s economic growth,” Kadzongwe stated.

Moreover, the workshop served as a platform for sharing ideas on entrepreneurship and promoting gender equality.

Kadzongwe noted that the meeting had successfully facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices among participants.

Consequently, this has fostered a sense of community and cooperation among women entrepreneurs.

Similarly, Norah Msanja, Head of Legal and Governance at Standard Bank Plc, echoed Kadzongwe’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of empowering women in leadership positions.

“Women’s leadership is critical in transforming the country’s economy,” Msanja emphasized.

Furthermore, she noted that supporting women entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities for growth and development.

Research has consistently shown that investing in women’s economic empowerment yields significant benefits for individuals, families, and communities.

For instance, when women have access to financial resources, education, and training, they are more likely to increase productivity, improve family well-being, and enhance community development.

In Malawi, where women face significant barriers to economic participation, initiatives like SMEDI’s networking workshop are crucial in promoting gender equality and economic growth.

Therefore, empowering women is not only a moral imperative but an economic necessity.

Meanwhile, organizations like the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) have recognized the importance of women’s economic empowerment, investing in initiatives that promote women’s education, health, and access to digital technology.

As Malawi continues to work towards achieving gender equality and economic growth, the role of organizations like SMEDI and initiatives like the networking workshop will be critical in driving progress.

Ultimately, by supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting financial inclusion, Malawi can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.