LEAP Africa Restates Commitment to Nurturing Social Innovators

James Emejo in Abuja

The Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering positive change in Nigeria and Africa at large. It said over 279 social innovators had so far been supported.

Board Chair, LEAP Africa, Clare Omatseye, said the organisation has stayed true to its mission to equip a new cadre of African leaders to positively impact society.

Speaking at the 10th-anniversary edition of its flagship initiative, the Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA) 2023, with the theme: “Maximising Africa’s Potential Through Disruptive Leadership and Innovation” in Abuja, she said LEAP Africa envisions another decade of groundbreaking ideas, collaboration, and social impact.

She said, “Today, as we gather here, we not only celebrate the milestone of our 10th-year anniversary but also the collective achievements of countless social innovators who have been part of this incredible journey.

“The Social Innovators Programme has become a platform that not only showcases the exceptional work of young entrepreneurs but also inspires and empowers future generations of change-makers in Africa, and we are not only celebrating the past but also looking forward to the future.”

Omatseye said the event was a testament to the incredible journey and dedication of its esteemed innovators, who have showcased an unwavering commitment and an uncanny mastery toward driving transformative and positive change in Africa.

According to her, over the last 10 years, the social innovators’ programme has witnessed growth and collaboration with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together with a shared purpose to pioneer innovative approaches for social change across the African continent.

She also commended the bedrock of support from all the individuals, mentors, facilitators, partners, and ecosystem who had been instrumental in making the programme a success

The board chair said, “I think about the great work of Lazarus Siwelwa of Virgin Green Renewable Energy Limited from Zambia, who is doing great work manufacturing charcoal briquettes from biomass to support rural and marginalized urban families in Zambia.

“And Dr. Adaora of Oncopadi, who is working to save the lives of cancer patients in Nigeria by connecting them to life-saving resources by strengthening health systems and providing holistic oncology services. These are just a few of the over 200 innovators this programme has equipped and supported over the past decade.”

Also, speaking at the occasion, Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasised the importance of ethical innovation and urged young African innovators to embrace disruption for societal improvement.

She said, “Despite challenges, the continent is teeming with opportunities, and young leaders are spearheading change.

“Through a plethora of innovative approaches, the Nigerian government, under the PEBEC’s systemic intervention, has successfully implemented 180 reforms since 2016 to enhance the MSME business environment, including many youth-owned businesses.”

Executive Director, LEAP Africa , Kehinde Ayeni, pointed out that the SIP remained its flagship programme that supports creative young Africans from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Cameroon, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania with ideas and initiatives to proffer practical solutions to identified challenges in local communities on the continent.

She added that the organization has supported over 279 social innovators with skills, mentorship, funding and network to scale their social enterprises.