Concordia launches the 2024 AFRISE Challenge to support young African entrepreneurs
Concordia, in partnership with African-focused start-up accelerator Hindsight Ventures, has launched the second edition of the AFRISE Challenge, an initiative to support young entrepreneurs from Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya.
This competition offers a platform for African youth, aged 18 to 35, who have innovative ideas to solve challenges in critical sectors such as financial services, healthcare, the environment, education, energy and agriculture, among others. AFRISE enables young entrepreneurs to realize their full potential by providing mentorship opportunities and access to global networks through Concordia University
The AFRISE Challenge is part of the Concordia Africa Initiative, which seeks to establish relationships and learn from Africa through unique collaborations that focus on youth employability and entrepreneurship
Of all the world’s continents, Africa has the youngest population, with more than 60 per cent aged 25 or younger. By 2030, it is estimated that young Africans will constitute 42 per cent of global youth, figures that hold tremendous potential and challenges for the continent and the world’s economic growth and development.
In 2023, the first edition of the AFRISE Challenge attracted over 400 applications. Thirty young African entrepreneurs participated in a four-week mentorship and leadership development accelerator. The top five entrepreneurs then took part in the International Economic Summit of the Americas, in Montreal, in June 2023.
“Throughout the program, I had the privilege of accessing a well-designed platform and receiving professional coaching, which played a significant role in enhancing our entrepreneurial skills and refining our business model and strategy,” says Sokayna Bellam, co-founder of agriculture start-up Jodoor in Morocco.
“What made this experience even more inspiring was the opportunity to connect with numerous impact-driven and like-minded entrepreneurs who share our vision of building a better future for Africa.”
Applications for the 2024 AFRISE Challenge are now open until March 31, 2024.
For questions about the AFRISE Challenge, please contact Hawa Keita, Lead of the Concordia Africa Initiative, at hawa.keita@concordia.ca.