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2011.
The annual awards are organised by Legatum, a private international investment group, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm.
According to the organisers, the awards recognise and reward business leaders who serve as role models for Africa’s aspiring entrepreneurs who demonstrate business excellence, innovation and profitability.
Securico scooped the top prize for exemplifying the vital role played by entrepreneurs in creating economic growth, prosperity and realising opportunities in Africa.
Securico founder and managing director Ms Divine Ndhlukula said it was an honour for her and the organisation to be recognised by the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.
“I hope that my story of creating Securico, and those of my fellow finalists, will help to inspire other African entrepreneurs to seek opportunity, embrace risk, and above all, believe in themselves,” said Ms Ndhlukula.
Securico provides guardian services and electronic security solutions. It is the first security firm in Zimbabwe to be ISO-certified.
The company has a workforce of more than 3 400, of whom 900 are women, making it the largest employer of women in the private sector.
A record 3 300 companies from 48 African countries entered the contest for the grand prize of US$100 000, and six additional prizes of US$50 000 each, including the new Coca-Cola Award for an
Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur, granted to Victoria Seeds, an agribusiness based in Kampala, Uganda.
The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship recognises and rewards business leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and qualities required to succeed in business and who are the inspirational role models for the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
Five further finalists were recognised and each awarded a prize of US$50 000:
Legatum managing director Mr Philip Vassiliou said the organisation believes that entrepreneurship is the most effective mechanism for distributing scarce resources around an economy.
He said entrepreneurs have the ability to see an opportunity and build a business around it, and the profit these businesses generate is evidence that needs are being met in the optimal way.
“We are pleased to recognise all of our 2011 award finalists for the vital contributions they have made in promoting prosperity across the continent,” said Mr Vassiliou.
The 10 finalists underscore the diversity of entrepreneurs in the competition, representing Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The top 10, which includes three woman-owned businesses, work in a range of industries, from software, entertainment to agribusiness.
“The winners of the 2011 Africa Awards represent a diversity of backgrounds, industries and geographies,” said Mr Matt Bannick, managing partner of Omidyar Network.
“But they also share a common determination in building and scaling a successful company.
“We congratulate each of the winners, and welcome them to the awards’ growing network of business leaders who are fostering innovation, job creation and positive social impact from within Africa.”
Online Reporter