This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
University of Nairobi student Cecil Chikeze has made it to the top 20 list of the Anzisha Prize, a prestigious award for young African entrepreneurs. The 21-year-old founder of Eco Makaa is the only Kenyan in the list and is competing for a Ksh2.5 million grand prize.
The Anzisha Prize is an African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation partnership that identifies, supports, and celebrates young African entrepreneurs between the ages of 15-22. The prize seeks startup founders on the continent whose ideas, ventures, and businesses harness the power to redefine and reimagine Africa's growth trajectory.
Chikeze's company, Eco Makaa, was formed in 2018 after he discovered a need for a sustainable and cheaper fuel alternative. The company aggregates community members who own machines to produce eco-friendly briquettes made from carbonized agricultural waste. Approximately 9 tonnes of eco-friendly briquettes have been sold through e-commerce.
The Anzisha Prize Forum, where the winner will be announced, will take place on October 22 at Johannesburg, South Africa. The event is in its ninth year and is a testament to the passion and creativity of young people in Africa.
Other finalists in the running for the Anzisha Prize include Asia Saeed from Somalia, Godiragetse Fareed Mogajane from South Africa, and 16 other young entrepreneurs from across Africa.
