The Nigerian Ministry of Youths and Sports Development announced on Friday the selection of three young entrepreneurs to represent the country at the 2023 Forbes Under 30 Africa Summit.
The event, organized by Forbes, aims to “harness the power of entrepreneurial capitalism amid a continent whose growth is ripe with opportunities for young entrepreneurs and rapidly becoming a hub for business and technological innovation.” The summit is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 26 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, will accompany the chosen entrepreneurs on the four-day trip. The selected individuals include Ashley Jiritmwa Dimka-Tapgun, 29, CEO of Ashley’s Strawberry Farms Limited; Ayodeji Atte, 28, a media entrepreneur; and Winnie Ojochenemi Adejo, 29, CEO and creative director of Kira Brand Limited.
Dare will also represent Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, following an invitation from Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. The summit is expected to attract numerous high-profile attendees, such as Ghazi Shami, founder & CEO of Empire Distribution; Denim Richards, actor & founder of Khumo Studios; Fireboy DML, award-winning Afrobeats artist; Uche Pedro, founder & CEO of Bella Naija; Adebola Williams, chairman of AW Network and founder of RED; and Noureddine Tayebi, founder & CEO of Yassir.
Dare emphasized the importance of the summit as an opportunity for Nigerians to showcase their investment potential. “I am proud to be leading this delegation to this event to showcase our youth and demonstrate their investment worthiness. We are a country blessed with immense and diverse talent, and it shows even in the number of speakers and VIPs for this event that are Nigerians,” he said.
Dare also highlighted the significance of Africa’s future development being contingent on the production of mid and high-value complex and non-complex items that the continent currently imports. He stated that this drive is behind the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Nigeria will, as usual, contribute impactfully as we continue to facilitate investment, aspiration, and networks for our youth,” he added.
