The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2024 came to a close with a virtual pitch event on April 19th, 2024. This year’s competition shone a spotlight on exceptional talent and creativity, particularly highlighting women entrepreneurs who have excelled in leadership roles. Designed to nurture young entrepreneurs with innovative and sustainable ideas, DAAYTA attracted over 750 applications. After a thorough evaluation process, seven businesses were chosen from the final top twelve, benefiting from DAAYTA’s preparatory workshops.

Here are the top seven finalists:

• Ecobarter Company: Led by Rita Idehai, clinched the top spot among the seven finalists. Ecobarter is a trailblazing Waste Management and Recycling enterprise, utilizing technology-driven platforms to collect and repurpose several types of waste into valuable resources for industrial and consumer applications.

• Goods and Services 360 Ltd (GAS360): Founded by Jane Ekeh, GAS360 operates at the forefront of Clean Technology and Energy, E-commerce, and Fintech sectors. They are dedicated to revolutionizing access to clean cooking fuels across Africa through innovative solutions.

• Smokeless Briquettes Ltd: Founded by Eunice Adewale, demonstrated its commitment to Clean Technology and Energy, with a focus on Renewable Energy solutions. Smokeless Briqs Energy Solutions is an eco-inclusive social enterprise leveraging clean energy technologies and agricultural waste to provide accessible and affordable energy solutions for cooking, charging, and lighting.

• 10MG Pharma: Founded by Odianosen Joy Peter, aims to revolutionize chronic pain care and management in Africa.

• 0J Technologies Ltd: Founded by Joseph Ojighoro, seeks to advance the African health sector through innovative technology aimed at enhancing medical practice and training.

• Zendit Technologies Ltd: Founded by Abiodun Falomo, offers an AI-powered app connecting MSMEs to reliable courier options for 24-hour nationwide delivery, reducing delivery costs by up to 60%.

• Sanwo Technologies Ltd: Founded by Ibrahim Oredola, is a trust tech company dedicated to enabling risk-free online transactions in Africa and empowering small businesses with enterprise management tools.

The dominance of women-led ventures among the top three positions underscores the pivotal role of women in driving transformative change and innovation in the entrepreneurial sphere. Winners of DAAYTA 2024 will receive funding and support to further the growth and impact of their ventures. The first-place recipient will be awarded.

₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira) over one year for various purposes, including business plan development, entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria, and acceleration support through a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, Nigeria.

The judging panel, composed of esteemed industry experts and investors including Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Kola Aina, Sadiq Mohammed, Folashade Olusanya, Victor Asemota, and Ina Alogwu, played a vital role in evaluating the contestants and ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process.

About DAAYTA:

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) is an annual competition aimed at identifying, supporting, and showcasing innovative young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, DAAYTA empowers emerging entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

About ARM:

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group, offering wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services. ARM is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth in Nigeria.

About TechnoVision:

TechnoVision, the brand name for TechnoVision Communications Limited, is a technology services company providing advisory services on technology-led transformation and early-stage entrepreneurship in Africa. Visit http://tvcng.com/ for more information.