Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) will host the 2025 Africa Company of the Year (ACOY) Competition in Abuja this December. The event, a flagship initiative of JA Africa, will bring together student entrepreneurs from across the continent to compete for the Africa Company of the Year title.
The competition provides young innovators with a platform to develop business ideas, present them to investors, and gain international exposure. It brings together industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to support student-led ventures. Participants will receive mentorship, network with business experts, and gain practical experience in navigating the business world.
Nigerian student entrepreneurs have a strong record at ACOY. In 2024, Smart Sprout from Darun Noor Intercontinental School in Kano presented a Smart Sprinkler for sustainable farming. In 2023, Sustainable Future Advocate Company from Kosofe Senior College in Lagos won the Public Choice Award and Delta Air Lines Social Impact Award in Kigali. In 2018, Inventive Explorers from Caro Favored College in Lagos won in Ghana with rechargeable handheld LED traffic lights. These achievements highlight the impact of JAN in preparing young Nigerians for global competition.
Hosting ACOY 2025 in Abuja positions Nigeria as a centre for youth entrepreneurship. The competition will attract investment and discussions on business growth, job creation, and economic development. Participants will pitch their ventures to investors and industry experts, receiving feedback to refine their ideas. The event will include mentorship sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating in awards recognising innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
JAN invites corporate partners, government institutions, business leaders, and philanthropists to support the event. Opportunities include sponsoring competition segments, mentoring students, judging presentations, or providing investment and internship opportunities.
The competition will provide student entrepreneurs with a platform to gain recognition and develop skills that will shape their careers. Through partnerships and support, ACOY 2025 aims to strengthen the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.
