74 Ugandans Named Among Africa’s 1,000 Upcoming Entrepreneurs

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced 1,000 African upcoming entrepreneurs who are set to receive seed capital worth US$10,000 (about Shs35m) each. These entrepreneurs are the 3rd cohort of the 10-year, $100 million TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

In a March 22, 2017 statement sent to Business Focus, 74 Ugandan entrepreneurs and innovators from various fields have been selected to be part of Africa’s 1000 entrepreneurs set to benefit from the programme.

Below are the 74 selected Ugandans in their respective categories:

Agribusiness

Andrew Andinda Muhandiki, Carol Pauline Nakanwagi, Cleus Bamutura, Doreen Kesande, Doreen Nyangoma, Edrine Sempa Kimera, Evelyn Nyaketcho, Francis John Oluma, Grace Nakasinde, Grace Bwogi Namukasa, Grace Achieng Oburu, Irene Natuhwera, Janet Mbambu, Joanitah Asibazu, John Byenkya, Joseph Ogwal, Julius Mabuya, Julius Odongo, Kenneth Kisinziggo, Linnet Nkunda Akol, Lydia Nakat, Maria Nsubuga, Mary Nansubuga Nakibuuka, Moses Angel Kuteesa, Muggaga Linda Zawedde, Noah Ssettuba, Patrick Kibuuka, Prosper Katungye Oshaba, Rhodah Irakiza, Samuel Ahumuza, Samuel Kagamba, Susan Achan and Vianny Kigere Kamara.

Education and Training

Benjamin Rukwengye, Caroline Lilly Ocanda, Jennifer Magambo Namutebi, Joshua Musasizi, Moses Mwebaze Mukasa, Proof Julius Ndyanabo, Ronald Mwesigwa, Ronald Kwilingira Sebuhinja and William John Nyakatura.

Manufacturing

Walter Omara, David Karamagi, Doreen Rukundo, Nasser Nassib Ssenyondo, Precious Colette Kemigisha, Ronald Bahangondi and Teddy Babirye.

Healthcare

Winnie Tushabe, Anacret Byamukama, Jackline Nakitende, Nalubega Joan Nalubega and Turyabagye Brian.

Energy/Power Generation

Betty Zizinga Kaddu, Isaac Anguyo Ogeno, Lawrence Balikuddembe, Pauline Namutebi, Richard Sseruwagi and Ronald Isabirye.

Waste Management

Edith Nabulya

Consulting       

Martha Cindy Nansamba, Peter Egesa and Drake Namanya

ICT

Michael Mpwerize Kazoora and Ishak Hazz Kanonya.

Fashion

Mildred Agola and Dorcas Matseketse.

Construction

Nelson Bamwine

Media and Entertainment

Phina Nyamera

 Professional Services

Rachel Precious Lwantale

Commercial/ Retail

Roxanne Daphne Nakiryowa and Julius Muwonge.

Financial Services

Anne Hope Anguyo

Over 93,000 entrepreneurs, from 55 countries and territories in Africa, applied – more than twice 2016 applications and nearly four times 2015.

Over the next nine months, the 2017 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs will be trained and mentored, and will use the skills acquired to develop a business plan. Following which, they will  be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in seed capital to implement.

Tony O. Elumelu, CON, commented: “For the third year, I am humbled by the quality and depth of the candidates, their determination and vision. I am so pleased that we can contribute in a meaningful way to the success of the next generation. Selection is getting more and more difficult, with the outstanding strength of all 93,000 applications and we are working on initiatives to help harness this extraordinary demonstration of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent.”

In terms of sectors, agriculture drew most applications, with 29% of applicants, followed by ICT (11%) and manufacturing (9%). Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon produced the most candidates. Women represent 39% of the applicant pool, up from 36%. Mr. Elumelu stated “We are extremely happy that our attempts to attract applicants from across the whole continent have been successful and the figures illustrate the real diversity of opportunity.”

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is the flagship entrepreneurship programme of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, founded by the entrepreneur, respected investor and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu.