FAQs
GENERAL
Who is Legatum?
Legatum is a private investment group with a twenty-five year heritage of global investment, allocating proprietary capital in the global markets and to programmes that promote sustainable human development. Legatum is the creator, owner and sponsor of the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.
What is the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship?
The Africa Awards is a competition that seeks to recognise and reward the best small and medium sized enterprises across every country on the continent, and to promote entrepreneurship in Africa as a key driver of sustainable development.
Who are the other sponsors of the Africa Awards?
Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives. Established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, the organisation invests in and helps scale innovative organisations to catalyse economic and social change. Further information about Omidyar Network may be found at http://www.omidyar.com/.
Who can attend the Gala Awards Banquet?
The Gala Awards Banquet is by invitation only. For any questions regarding the ceremony please contact: info@africaawards.com
When will the Awards Banquet be held?
The Award ceremony will be held on December 8th in the grounds of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. Please check the website http://www.africaawards.com/ for further information.
How many countries are covered by the Awards this year?
For the first time in 2011, the Africa Awards is open to entries from every country in Africa. The programme started in 2007 with just five countries in East and Central Africa , expanded to ten countries in 2008 and then to fifteen in 2010. We believe that the size of the country is no barrier to world-class businesspeople who will serve as an inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
APPLICATIONS/JUDGING
Is there a fee to enter the Africa Awards?
No. Entry is free.
Can I apply several times?
No. You may submit only one application; a company that has multiple divisions in different countries may submit an application in each country provided each one meets the eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible to apply for the Africa Awards?
Small and medium sized, for-profit enterprises who are headquartered in Africa may apply. A local subsidiary of an African-headquartered company may apply provided it meets the eligibility criteria on its own. Please note the minimum qualifications of turnover between US$ 1 - 15 million; demonstrated profitability; and more than 10 employees.
My company doesn’t have internet access, can I submit my application by mail or fax?
Due to the high volume of applications we require all entries to be submitted online. We are unable to guarantee the processing of applications sent by mail or fax. If you have questions please send an email to info@africcaawards.com
What is the deadline for entry?
All applications must be received by midnight CAT on August 24th, 2011. No entries received after this date will be considered.
I have applied and have received a confirmation email for my application but haven’t heard back. Is there a way to check what happened?
No, we will contact the applicants selected as semi-finalists individually. Please check the website for any updates.
I made it to the semi-finals. What do I have to do?
We may require you to complete a more detailed survey about your company; you will be advised of the next steps shortly.
I don’t have all the information needed for the application. Can I still apply?
Applications must be complete and every question answered in order to compete. However, when you are filling in your answers, you may save and return to the questionnaire at any time. We suggest you download an application form worksheet from the website, which will help you in gathering the information needed in advance (you will still need to complete your entry online).
Is there a way to find out why I wasn't selected as a semi-finalist or finalist?
Unfortunately not; due to a high number of applications we cannot follow up individually with every company.
On what criteria will the winners be selected?
The winners will be selected based on how well they meet the Africa Awards criteria (please see the website for more information on these criteria).
I manage a holding company. Do I have to apply for the company or for a separate entity?
It is up to you. You can choose to apply as the holding company or as a single entity as long as the Africa Awards criteria are met. Please note that local subsidiaries of non-Africa-headquartered company are not eligible to compete.
Who are the judges?
The quarter-final and semi-final entries will be reviewed by an expert panel convened by Legatum and Omidyar Network. The shortlist of 15 semi-finalists will be visited in person and will also be reviewed by a professional accounting firm; thereafter, the final 10 companies will be invited to the gala event and make their final presentations to a world-class jury composed of a majority of African business leaders, investors and other luminaries.
I wasn’t selected as one of the finalists-can I apply next year?
Yes, you can apply again next year. Only finalists are not eligible to re-apply.
Where can I find more information about the 2011 Africa Awards?
This website is the main source of information for the 2011 Africa Awards; if you have further questions you may address them to info@africaawards.com.
Can I track my application and see what the status is?
Unfortunately not; although you will receive an email confirming your entry, only the 15 companies who made it to the semi-finals will be contacted personally. Please check the website for other updates on the competition.
What currency should I use in the application?
All entries should be quoted in US dollars at the prevailing rate.
My company was not selected. Is it possible to appeal the selection?
No, the decision of the judges is final.
Can not-for-profit entities apply?
No, only for-profit entities may apply.
CONVERGENCE: AFRICA
What is Convergence: Africa?
Convergence: Africa is a one-day conference on entrepreneurship to be held on December 8th, 2011, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The conference is designed to bring together investors, enterpreneurs, other business leaders and policy-makers with practical instruction in the topics that matter most to entrepreneurs.
Where can I get a ticket?
Tickets will be available after August 1st, 2011. Please check the websit for regular updates on tickets and speakers.
How much do the tickets cost?
Further details regarding tickets will be available over the coming months: please check the website for details
What is Investor Speed Dating?
This is the final session of the Convergerence:Africa conference in which 30 pre-selected companies will be able to make a series of rapid-fire pitches to fifteen venture capital and private equity firms.
Can I be one of the firms pitching?
We will announce further details of the process shortly: please check the website regulalry.
MISCELLANEOUS
What is an SME?
SME stands for Small and Medium sized Enterprises.
Can my company partner with the Africa Awards?
We welome discussion with companies and organisations that share our passion for entrepreneurship, and invite you to contact us at info@africaawards.com.
Is it possible for me to have a list of all the Africa Awards applicants?
No, all information about the candidates is strictly confidential.