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Application Now Open for 2023 Anzisha Prize fellowship for Young Entrepreneurs

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The Anzisha Prize is a leading venture-building program championing young African entrepreneurs between the ages 15 and 22. The initiative has officially opened applications for the 2023 cohort and can be accessed on anzishaprize.org/apply.

African changemakers who are under 22 years old and are running businesses and creating employment opportunities for their peers are encouraged to apply. Thirty fellows will then be selected for a three-year fellowship and receive business consulting support, over $5000 in cash stipends and coaching services from a team of experts.

“Application season is always an exciting time for the program because we get to see how Africa’s youth are thinking innovatively to solve some of our pressing issues. For the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in Agri-Tech and Fin-tech businesses that are reshaping how we do business on the continent,” says Selection Lead, Suzan Kibirige for The Anzisha Prize. “What I enjoy most about this work is seeing how tenacious young people are. They never take no for an answer and that is what we need.”

The Three-Year Fellowship at a glance

The fellowship supports the growth of young entrepreneurs and recognises and incentivises their achievements – big and small. Through an individual and collective entrepreneurial development journey, the fellowship focuses on key areas of support: Business Development and Personal Leadership. During the fellowship, entrepreneurs will have access to a plethora of tools, resources, and experiences, and access to a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Every six months, entrepreneurs will unlock key features such as cash stipends or experiential learning workshops and courses based on predetermined milestones they have achieved. At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their improved business and plans for a chance to win their share of grand cash prizes valued at over $50 000.

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Since 2011, Anzisha Prize, a partnership between Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership Academy, has supported and celebrated the entrepreneurial endeavours of very young people. The program alumni network includes 202 entrepreneurs who have gone on to create businesses that have transformed their communities. To date, just 130 of these fellows have created 8708 employment opportunities and have raised over $6 million in investments.

The fellowship has been an integral program in ensuring that young African entrepreneurs are celebrated and nurtured on their path to creating sustainable futures for those around them. “We encourage young job creators to apply for this opportunity and we are looking forward to championing their efforts, as creating clear pathways for young people to succeed is a core goal for Mastercard Foundation,” says Mastercard Foundation and African Leadership Academy

Some of the entrepreneurs include alumni Joan Nalubega, a Ugandan entrepreneur who has proven that social entrepreneurship can be profitable. Having grown up as an orphan and battling Malaria-related illnesses as a young woman, Nalubega established Uganics – a company that produces anti-Malaria products to combat Malaria in the country.

Another notable entrepreneur is South African Karidas Tshintsholo. Tshintsholo’s business, Khula!, is one of the most admired African startups among investors. The startup’s business-to-business (B2B) marketplace helps small-scale farmers bring their products to formal markets, by offering them cost-effective logistics services. The company has signed up more than 3000 farmers, and over 100 suppliers now work with the company.

Those selected as Anzisha Prize fellows will become members of an active and dynamic community of changemakers across Africa who are exploring how to drive, scale, and make positive and lasting change in their communities through entrepreneurship.

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The Anzisha Prize program is open to young people who are running businesses operating in any sector on the continent. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date of 27 November 2022. Entrepreneurs are advised to download the application guide and apply for the prize at anzishaprize.org/apply.

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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Davido Shares Past Suicidal Thoughts, Drops Oriadé Album

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David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, has shared his past suicidal thoughts as he dropped Oriadé,  his sixth studio album yesterday.

Davido Shares Past Suicidal Thoughts, Drops Oriadé Album

Davido

Davido said he chose the date on purpose as it marks exactly 15 years since he began his professional music career.

Oriadé is a Yoruba word combining “Ori,” meaning destiny, and “Adé,” meaning crown.

It translates to “the crowned head.” The album has 13 tracks and features Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Leon Thomas, Mayorkun, and Llona.

It follows his 2025 project, 5ive, which reached number two on the Billboard World Albums chart.

Davido also announced an international tour to support the new record.

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In the days leading up to the release, Davido gave interviews that revealed personal details about his past and his current life.

Speaking to Vibe Magazine on Thursday, he described a 2014 incident in Ghana that left him feeling suicidal.

He said he invited a woman back to his hotel room after a show, and she later posted a photo of him sleeping online.

He said the fallout overwhelmed him.

“My daddy was calling me. My sisters were calling me. If I saw the balcony that day, I would have jumped,” he said.

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He said he was young at the time and did not fully understand the consequences of his actions.

He described the experience as a turning point that changed how he thinks about privacy and fame.

In the same interview, he explained why he often dresses down in public despite his wealth.

He recalled a trip to the South of France where he went out in shorts and slippers without his watch.

“I’ve been on jets, I’ve been flying, I’ve been in all these places since I was a baby. I’ve been seeing money since I was a baby. So all these things don’t really excite me,” he said.

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He added that he sometimes prefers to drive a Toyota to the supermarket in Atlanta instead of one of his luxury cars.

In a separate livestream with Davrel, Davido spoke about how his life has changed since marrying his wife, Chioma, and becoming a father.

He said his home no longer holds the large crowds it once did.

“I can no longer have 100 people in my house like before,” he said.

He said he speaks to Chioma every day regardless of his schedule.

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He also disclosed that he spends between $200,000 and $300,000 a month on himself, not including costs for his wife, children, jewelry and cars.

He said the amount is lower when he is in the United States, where he described his lifestyle as quieter.

 

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Africa Prudential Posts N1.59bn Profit in H1 2026, Reaffirms Digital Growth Strategy

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Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, revenue diversification and sustainable growth after reporting a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026.

Africa Prudential Posts N1.59bn Profit in H1 2026, Reaffirms Digital Growth Strategy

Dr Catherine Nwosu

The company made this known during its H1 2026 Investor Call, which brought together institutional investors, shareholders, investment analysts, regulators and other stakeholders to review its financial performance and strategic outlook.

Dr Catherine Nwosu, managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential, said the company’s performance reflected the resilience of its business model and the effectiveness of its long-term growth strategy despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

According to the company’s financial results, gross earnings rose by 27 per cent year-on-year to N4.28 billion, from N3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Profit before tax increased by 22 per cent to N2.41 billion, while profit after tax grew by 18 per cent to N1.59 billion.

The company also reported a 27 per cent rise in net operating income to N4.21 billion, while total assets increased by 13 per cent to N46.53 billion.

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Shareholders’ funds equally rose by 13 per cent to N12.52 billion, reflecting continued financial strength.

Management attributed the performance to sustained growth in its core registrar business, increased corporate action activities in the Nigerian capital market, improved treasury earnings and rising adoption of its technology-driven solutions.

The company said it was steadily transforming from a traditional share registrar into a broader technology and business solutions provider serving Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

During the interactive session, investors sought clarification on the sustainability of earnings, particularly as interest rates are expected to moderate.

Responding, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its recurring fee-based revenue streams to reduce dependence on treasury income.

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“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams.

“Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, Annual General Meeting (AGM) technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app.

“Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.

Nwosu noted that increasing capital market activities had created stronger demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved operational efficiency and enhanced compliance solutions.

She said the company would continue investing in technology-enabled products capable of delivering long-term value to shareholders while strengthening its competitive position.

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According to her, Africa Prudential has identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026.

The priorities include driving sustainable growth across its core registrar and emerging business lines, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and deepening corporate governance.

She said the investor engagement demonstrated the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and regular engagement with shareholders and the investment community.

Africa Prudential reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, operational excellence and sound financial management to sustain growth and strengthen its leadership position in Nigeria’s capital market.

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Glo Sponsored African Voices to Feature Netflix’s “The Polygamist” Stars

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Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali, the power couple in Netflix’s telenovela, The Polygamist, will be guest on this week’s edition of African Voices, which is sponsored by Globacom on Cable News Network (CNN).

The 22-episode sitcom focuses on the misadventures of an adulterous spouse who unknowingly entangles his family in the difficulties of polygamy.

The film depicts a series of intrigues, betrayals, and other events that shattered the harmony of a once-perfect marriage.

The fictional couple in Johannesburg are interviewed by the programme’s anchor, Larry Madowo, for a 30-minute show in which they discuss their personal experiences and the difficulties they have in the film industry, such as coping with popularity and typecasting and advocating for more actor protections.

Gumede, a 34-year-old South African who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles to study acting, portrayed Joyce Gomora in the telenovela.

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In addition to her part in The Polygamist, Gumede has portrayed Mamlambo, a prophetess on “Uzalo”, the most watched television program in South Africa, and Mandisa in “Generations”, one of the country’s most popular series.

Mtshali, a 43-year-old South African actor who portrayed Jonasi Gomora, gained notoriety in 2010 after competing in and winning the SABC1 reality program, “Class Act”. In the same year, he landed his first major part in the drama series “Intersexions” on SABC1.

Among other films, he has starred in “Inside Story” (2011), “Avenged” (2013), “iNumber Number: Jozi Gold” (2023), “Back of the Moon”, and “The Four of Us” (2025).

This special double-cast episode will feature on DSTV channel 401 on Saturday at 8a.m. It will be repeated same day at 11a.m., Sunday at 3.30a.m.,6p.m., Monday at 3a.m. and 5.45p.m. as well as on Tuesday,5.45p.m.

The repeats continue next week Saturday at 7.30a.m., 11a.m.;Sunday 3.30a.m., 6p.m.,and on Monday at 3a.m.

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