Action for Climate Transformation: Nigerian Startup Smartgenix Crowned JA Africa Company of the Year 2025

The competition featured rigorous judging across six critical innovation tracks, including AI, FinTech, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy & Sustainability, reflecting the diversified focus of Africa’s emerging startup landscape.

Spotlight on Key Signature Award Winners

The event saw substantial support from global partners, emphasizing the importance of corporate commitment to youth development.

• FedEx Global Possibilities Award: XeroLabs, Ghana

• PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award: Kwakhanya PlantIQ, Eswatini

• Delta Air Lines Girls LEAD! Award: Recognized 16 girls for leadership and enterprise, promoting gender inclusion.

• Boeing Sustainable Innovation Award: XeroLabs, Ghana

• Entrepreneurs’ Organization Rising Leader Award: Ameydee Chocken, CEO of Plantura, Mauritius.

The Mandate: Bridging Education to Enterprise

Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, reflected on the crucial role of the competition: “The creativity, courage, and solution-driven mindset we witnessed… remind us why Africa’s youth are our greatest asset.”

The COY competition, anchored in the JA Company Program (which targets youth aged 14–17), is a vital strategic intervention against crippling youth unemployment across the continent. It equips young people with hands-on experience in business creation, financial management, and leadership, enabling them to transition from job seekers to job creators and innovators in their communities.

The high-level JA Africa Stakeholder Convening, held concurrently, further galvanized policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to collaborate on “Radical Pathways for Inclusive Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Employment Systems” to unlock Africa’s youth dividend.