Zimbabwean Cricket trainer Kudzai Mutiti feted at FOYA awards
Moranga Innocent, FOYA Chief Executive and Founder gives the keynote speech address at the award ceremony.
Photo credit: FILE
What you need to know:
The FOYA awards were established in Kenya in 2016 with a mission to recognise and appreciate those contributing to the development of the African continent through entrepreneurship.
The awards have evolved into a pan-African platform spanning 12 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Zimbabwean Kudzai Mutiti has expressed gratitude and pride upon being feted at the Founders of the Year Awards (FOYA)
The FOYA awards were established in Kenya in 2016 with a mission to recognise and appreciate young founders contributing to the development of the African continent through entrepreneurship.
Through his Hokima Cricket Academy, Mutiti has been mentoring youngsters to make a career in sports in Marondera, a small township in Zimbabwe.
This effort, aimed at offering the cricketers a chance at earning a living, has also taken kids off the streets and away from drugs.
He said: “When I embarked on the journey to establish The Cricket Academy for kids in Zimbabwe, my vision was simple yet profound, to provide a haven where children could find solace, purpose, and hope amidst the challenges of their environment.”
“I am proud to say that our academy has nurtured budding cricketers and transformed their lives. Every child who walks through our doors finds more than just cricket, they find family, mentors, and opportunities they never thought possible.”
Other winners are Daniel Kwizombe, a Malawian, who received the Manufacturing Founder of the Year over 20 award, and South African Marcia Monareng.
Kwizombe was feted for his move to improve sustainable energy access to rural communities in Malawi.
“This award is for Malawians. I’m an innovator and their support has led me here,” he remarked.
Over the years, the FOYA awards have evolved into a pan-African platform spanning 12 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa.
The latest FOYA Southern Africa 2024 edition marks a milestone as the inaugural regional award ceremony, highlighting the innovative spirit and impactful contributions of entrepreneurs across the region.
The awards ceremony aims to retain, reward, and recognize high-quality SMEs while inspiring others to start their businesses.
The award ceremony was held at The Venue, Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
