L-R: Author/ Founder, Ready to Learn Foundation, Uganda, Mago Hasfa ; Founder, Power Wheels Electricals, Uganda, Asiimire Justine; Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni; Head of Media & Publicity, Natal Care, Nigeria, Akomolafe Ayomide, and Co- founder/ Chief Operating Officer, Farmspeak Technology Limited, Nigeria, Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula, at the 11th Edition of the Social Innovators Programme in collaboration with West Africa deal Summit Awards Ceremony held in Lagos.
LEAP Africa successfully hosted the 11th edition of its Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA) at the prestigious West Africa Deal Summit, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s event, themed “Actions to Deepen Catalytic Capital in West Africa,” attracted thought leaders, impact investors, and social innovators from across the region, all focused on advancing catalytic solutions to critical social challenges in West Africa.
The Social Innovators Programme, a LEAP Africa initiative celebrates young changemakers by equipping them with essential skills and resources to establish sustainable social enterprises. 20 social innovators from across Africa were welcomed into the programme, marking another milestone in LEAP Africa’s commitment to fostering impactful, long-term social change. This transformative journey culminates in an annual conference and awards ceremony that honours participants’ achievements. A pivotal point at the conference this year was the breakfast meeting with Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, where she addressed participants’ questions emphasising the critical importance of embedding social equity and local insights into their enterprises. “To create lasting impact, the best business model must directly solve a real problem and offer an economically viable solution,” she shared, emphasising that meaningful change emerges when ventures are not only profitable but deeply relevant to the communities they serve. She further encouraged participants to advocate strategically, saying, “In advocating, fight intelligently and with purpose. Be clear about the change you seek and approach it with both insight and resolve.”
Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Board Chair of LEAP Africa, highlighted the importance of showcasing Africa’s pioneering social innovators, who are making transformative impact across the continent. “We are incredibly proud to showcase Africa’s trailblazing social innovators who are transforming communities across the continent. By empowering these leaders and strengthening connections with impact driven investors, we are catalysing a future of sustainable, inclusive growth for Africa,” she shared.
The sessions offered deep insights into effective funding strategies, opportunities for scaling social ventures, and the vital role of collaborative action in addressing pressing issues. Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa, commended the forward looking partnership between LEAP Africa and the Impact Investors Foundation, which enhanced SIPA’s impact this year, saying, “Our partnership with the Impact Investors Foundation has amplified the impact of SIPA 2024, spotlighting the strength of collaborative efforts in advancing social innovation. Together, we are not only celebrating the achievements of Africa’s young social innovators but also channelling resources and networks that drive sustainable, large scale impact. This collaboration attests to the transformative potential of organisations uniting for a common cause.”
The event included an award ceremony celebrating the achievements of outstanding social innovators and showcased diverse approaches to leveraging capital for social good. Outstanding Fellow Awards were given to Asiimire Justine, and Adaeze Akpagbula for their commendable solutions to localised challenges. The Innocent Chukwuma Award for Youth and Gender Empowerment in South East Nigeria was received by Uche Udekwe for his work through Natal Care and The Seyi Bickersteth Award for Financial Accountability was awarded to Mago Hasfa for upholding financial accountability, transparency and sustainability in her social enterprise.
One of the award winners, Magos Hasfa expressed her gratitude to LEAP Africa for the invaluable platform provided through the Social Innovators Programme. “I am immensely grateful to LEAP Africa for giving us this incredible opportunity to pursue our dreams and amplify our impact,” she shared. “This platform has not only equipped us with essential skills but has connected us with like minded individuals and mentors who are committed to transforming communities. LEAP Africa has empowered us to turn our visions into tangible, lasting change.” LEAP Africa remains committed to nurturing and supporting social entrepreneurship across Africa, fostering impactful partnerships that drive sustainable change.
About LEAP Africa
LEAP Africa is a youth-focused leadership development organisation committed to raising leaders who will transform Africa; through interventions for young people, that bridges the gap in five areas: Education, Entrepreneurship, Employability, Active Citizenship and Health and Wellbeing (3Es+AH). As a mission driven organisation, we recognize that youth leadership and inclusion is critical to nation building and wealth creation.
Our cutting-edge programmatic thrusts inspire and empower young people, changing their mindset, to lead ethically and motivating them to deliver positive change in their communities; while also supporting social entrepreneurs to build systems and structures that are crucial for business sustainability, thereby contributing to individual, social and national development.
Through these areas we drive upward social mobility. Our core and special programmes aim to tackle problems across these five programmatic focus areas; each programme aims to solve one or more of these challenges at a time. LEAP Africa actively contributes to the body of knowledge leveraging our strategic direction of ecosystem building, thought leadership and advocacy.
