Western Union and USAID announce winners of African Diaspora Marketplace II

17 US-Based entrepreneurs were awarded matching grants to fund innovative business plans and promote economic growth in seven countries in sub-Saharan and North Africa. The grant will be matched with ADM winners own funds to support the growth of their own businesses.

Over 500 business plans were submitted  for the ADM II competition from  entrepreneurs around the world. The competition is a result of a collaboration comprising USAID, Western Union Company and Western Union Foundation. It is also made possible by other partners such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ecobank, U.S department of State,  Irv Barr Management, African Capacity Building Foundation and the George Washington University Centre for International Business Education  and Research.

Winning proposals include a Kenyan agribusiness implementing sustainable “Zero Waste’ practices through commercial production of High Efficiency Organic Fertilizers. Another proposal talked about the first legal technology provider in Tunisia. Another was about utilizing agricultural waste in Liberia. There was a proposal about an online medical information delivery system in Nigeria. Each awardee is expected to receive up to $70,000 in investment funding.

The USAID, UN and other development leaders believe that the fight against poverty in Africa is largely a fight against unemployment and believe that establishing innovative, sustainable business initiatives and promoting entrepreneurship will generate jobs and capital.

The USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah stated that the African Diaspora marketplace will strengthen and help satisfy demand for locally-produced products and services.

A full list of this year’s winners can be found below:

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