On the 19th of September, a select group of nine young entrepreneurs took the spotlight during Africa 2100’s Foundation Readiness Program (FRP) demo day, held at No.19 Restaurant. Under the theme “Providing Enterprise Support to Start-ups and Entrepreneurs in Africa,” these talented individuals presented their business ideas, the result of an intensive 12-week training program designed to equip them with the skills needed to tackle Africa’s most pressing business challenges. The event highlighted Africa 2100’s mission to improve lives across communities on the continent by giving agency to our youth through entrepreneurship and providing essential resources such as mentorship, and hands-on business development training to realize their venture.
Africa 2100, an initiative founded by Mr. Chudi Obiaya, emerged from his belief that Africa’s economic success hinges on empowering its youth to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurship. After spending over 30 years in the diaspora, Mr. Obiaya returned with a vision to address the lack of support for aspiring entrepreneurs in African communities. His vision materialized into Africa 2100, a platform that connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and business experts through a combination of in-person and virtual support (Africa 2100)(Africa 2100).
The FRP demo day was the pinnacle of the participants’ journey, giving them an opportunity to present their refined business models to a distinguished panel of investors, mentors, and industry experts. Companies like Green Africa, Alex Akande Farms, Semia Trade, and Ronix Health Gallery were among the standouts, showcasing innovations in sectors like sustainable transportation, agriculture, and health. These entrepreneurs were not just presenting ideas—they were offering practical solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing problems (Africa 2100)(Africa2100).
This year’s demo day was particularly competitive, with over 500 applicants vying for a place in the program. The diversity of business ideas reflected Africa’s entrepreneurial potential and demonstrated the determination of its youth to lead economic growth across the continent. The demo day wasn’t just about showcasing talent, but also a gathering of influential figures who are shaping the future of Africa’s economy.
In attendance were Sam Amanor, CEO of BlueSpace Africa, known for his work in fintech and digital transformation; Allen Quaye, Head of Retail at First Bank, and Rita Boakye, First Bank Branch Manager, both of whom emphasized the role of financial institutions in fostering entrepreneurship. William Ofori, a health practitioner, and Kwabena Obeng Darko, an entrepreneur and engineer, provided insights into the entrepreneurial ecosystem’s potential to drive innovation in health and engineering. Additionally, James Addison, an emotional intelligence coach, offered valuable lessons on leadership development, while Edmund Antwi Adjei, Vice President of Corporate Banking at JP Morgan, highlighted the importance of creating scalable and investable ventures (Africa2100).
PK Amoabeng, founder of the PK Amoabeng Scholar Program, also joined the event, contributing their expertise in shaping entrepreneurship and the significance of leadership initiatives in nurturing future leaders for Africa.
The event underscored the critical role that partnerships between sectors play in supporting entrepreneurship in Africa. These prominent attendees provided the young entrepreneurs with invaluable feedback and guidance, reinforcing Africa 2100’s broader mission of creating a launchpad for businesses capable of transforming the African economy.
Since its inception in January 2024, Africa 2100 has expanded rapidly, hosting workshops in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. The initiative’s 12-week intensive training program is designed to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, pitch to investors, and scale their ventures sustainably. With the success of this year’s demo day, Africa 2100 continues to fulfill its mission of empowering Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Partners for the event included The MoneyHub and Eagles Network, both of which have been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurship initiatives across the continent. FirstBank Ghana, Enterprise Trustees, and Tang Palace proudly sponsored the event.
As these young innovators move ahead, they carry with them the knowledge, tools, and connections gained through the Africa 2100 platform. The initiative demonstrates that by supporting individuals at the grassroots level, we can foster sustainable economic growth and build a brighter future for Africa. Africa’s potential for innovation and development is vast, and programs like Africa 2100 are critical to unlocking that potential (Africa 2100) (Africa 2100) (Africa2100).
