The prestigious Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs) concluded its 3rd annual ceremony, recognizing the remarkable achievements of young African entrepreneurs. Held at The Capital on The Park in Sandton on June 22nd, the event celebrated exceptional brands redefining industries and demonstrating excellence.
Award Winners Reflect Innovation and Impact
From a competitive pool of 76 nominees across Africa, voted on by over 30,000 individuals, the winning brands showcased exceptional impact and innovation. The Top 16 YOBAs acknowledge not only entrepreneurial success but also the significant contributions of youth-led initiatives to the African business landscape.
Meet the Top 16 YOBAs Winners (2024):
- Top Agriculture: Optimum Poultry
- Top Apparel: Active Lifestyle
- Top Creative & Arts: Karabo Poppy
- Top East Africa: The Hills Collection
- Top Education & Literature: Sivuyile Mentorship Academy
- Top Food & Beverages: Ghemere
- Top Footwear & Accessories: Khonkhe Kuhamba Kahle
- Top Hair & Beauty: Young Barber
- Top Health & Wellness: Zuri Nutrition
- Top Homeware: Kimmy’s Creation
- Top Manufacturing: Grace Gras Empire
- Top Media: Millennial Mindset Media
- Top NPOs & Charities: Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation
- Top Personalities & Influencers: Robot Boii (Overall Top Brand)
- Top SADC: Batoka Africa
- Top Services: Mdu Cleaning Services
- Top Technology: Bothlale AI Solutions
- Top Travel & Tourism: Bee Travel
- Top West Africa: Kemz Mama
Robot Boii Takes Home Overall Top Brand Award
In addition to the category winners, Robot Boii received the coveted Overall Top Brand award, recognizing excellence as a personality and influencer. Robot Boii emphasized the importance of building a brand, stating, “The Overall Top Brand award is personal to me… you can change careers and not die when a career dies.”
Thebe Magugu Honored with Global Excellence Award
The Top 16 YOBAs, in collaboration with Brand SA, also presented the first Global Excellence Award to South African fashion icon Thebe Magugu. This award celebrates local youth-owned brands exceeding expectations and challenging the status quo.
YOBAs Celebrate the Future of African Entrepreneurship
Founder of the YOBAs, Pat Mahlangu, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2024 winners. “The winners are not just building brands; they are driving positive change across the continent,” Mahlangu remarked.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, recognizing their hard work and dedication in shaping the future of African entrepreneurship.
For more information on the YOBAs, please visit their website: www.top16yoba.africa