Enactus National Exposition 2024: Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Anglophone Africa
The Enactus National Exposition 2024 has wrapped up across Anglophone Africa, highlighting extraordinary student-led entrepreneurial projects. This year’s events, supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation, took place in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. The victorious universities will now represent their nations at the prestigious Enactus World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 2-4 October 2024.
Enactus National Exposition 2024: A Platform for Change
Enactus is a global NGO that empowers students to develop innovative solutions for pressing social and environmental issues. The National Expositions in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria showcased university teams presenting their groundbreaking projects to a panel of business leaders and experts.
South Africa: University of the Western Cape Triumphs
The Enactus South Africa National Exposition 2024, held on 9 July at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, featured a remarkable array of entrepreneurial talent. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) emerged as the national champion with two standout projects:
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Webmax: This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap for youth and empower SMEs. By offering training in web development, digital marketing, and graphic design, Webmax helps young individuals become skilled freelancers, boosting the digital presence of small businesses.
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LenoKids: An EdTech startup, LenoKids uses a gamified WhatsApp chatbot to enhance literacy for children aged five to thirteen. The adaptive learning tool makes education engaging and accessible.
Kenya: Kabarak University Leads the Way
Kabarak University clinched victory at the Enactus Kenya National Exposition 2024, held in Nairobi from 25-26 July. Their winning project, ThermoSoothe, addresses the pain management needs of sickle cell disease patients. The device combines thermal massage and air pressure technology to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.
Nigeria: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University’s ECORESIN
The Enactus Nigeria National Exposition 2024, held on 23 July in Lagos, showcased an impressive array of solutions. Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University took home the top prize with ECORESIN, a project focused on tackling plastic waste. The team developed biodegradable polymers from cassava and water hyacinth, used in various everyday products, including shopping bags and food packaging.
Schneider Electric Foundation’s Support
The Enactus Core Programme, supported by the Schneider Electric Foundation, plays a crucial role in nurturing these innovative projects. The programme is part of Schneider Electric’s New Skills for the Future and Innovation initiative, aiming to upskill youth for the energy transition sector. By 2030, 139 million new jobs in energy transition are expected, and this programme helps prepare the next generation for these opportunities.
Jeanne Laurence, Schneider Electric Global Program Manager, Youth Education and Entrepreneurship Programme, remarked, “The projects from Anglophone Africa were truly inspiring and groundbreaking. We look forward to the Enactus World Cup, where these bright young minds will showcase their solutions for a sustainable future.”
Enactus Core Programme: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
Launched in Anglophone Africa in February 2024, the Enactus Core Programme offers university teams training and mentorship through a structured framework. This initiative helps students identify social issues, develop entrepreneurial solutions, and create a positive impact. Schneider Electric employees also engage as judges and mentors, enhancing the competition’s quality and providing valuable insights.
Looking Ahead: Enactus World Cup 2024
The winners from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are now gearing up for the Enactus World Cup in Astana. This global event will see them compete for the title of Enactus World Champion, showcasing their innovative solutions on a world stage.
Carina van Zyl, Corporate Citizenship Leader for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, expressed, “Congratulations to the winning universities from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Schneider Electric is honoured to be part of this initiative that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship at the tertiary level. We thank Enactus for a wonderful and impactful partnership.”
Conclusion: Enactus National Exposition 2024 Highlights
The Enactus National Exposition 2024 has proven to be a significant platform for showcasing youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship. With the support of the Schneider Electric Foundation, these student projects are set to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally. As these teams head to the Enactus World Cup, we eagerly anticipate their continued success and the innovative solutions they will bring to the forefront.
