Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.

Ghanaian retail-tech startup, Tendo Technologies, has successfully acquired rivals, Shopa, in a deal it says is aimed at revolutionising supply chain infrastructure across Africa.

Tendo’s CEO and co-founder, Felix Manford, who made the announcement on Friday, said as part of the acquisition, Shopa would rebrand to Tendo Retail, a newly formed division of Tendo to be headed by Shopa CEO and co-founder, Frank Addae, and would focus on providing informal distributors in Africa with advanced technology to scale their businesses.

“We are excited to have Shopa, an integral provider of technology infrastructure for the informal supply chain in Africa, as part of Tendo Technologies,” Manford said.

“Our vision at Tendo is to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start and scale their businesses by making supply chains seamlessly accessible.

“Our partnership with Shopa will enable this, leveraging their advanced distribution technology and wide network of suppliers to deliver unprecedented value to our offline and online retailers. Together, we will revolutionise the retail space in Africa and empower entrepreneurs across the continent,” he added.

On his part, Addae said he was excited to join the Tendo team as the partnership will enable his company to “access Tendo’s resources and capabilities.”

“This partnership will also strengthen our value proposition to suppliers and manufacturers in Africa. Our expanded offerings will include greater opportunities for suppliers to unlock new retail channels and access diverse online and offline markets to scale their businesses.Together, with our shared vision and values, Tendo and Shopa will take the informal retail space in Africa to new heights,” he said.

Tendo which was founded in 2021 by Manford, Evans Boateng, Derrick Mungai, and Primerose Katena, enables tens of thousands of individuals to launch and grow their online businesses without initial capital by connecting them with suppliers.

It boasts a robust network of over 10,000 retail resellers in Ghana and Nigeria, where it launched in 2022, reaching more than 42,000 customers with a diverse range of products including fashion, beauty, electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Shopa was also founded in 2021 by Michael Hammond, Frank Addae and Ulrich Checkap, and optimises the distribution of FMCG through its technology platform that connects retailers directly with suppliers and manufacturers. It has a network of over 3,000 retailers in Ghana, and advanced operational systems.