2010 Legatum Africa Awards for entrepreneurship call for entries on

DUBAI - Legatum, a privately owned international investment group, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm is now receiving entry for the 2010 Legatum Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, one of the continent’s most prestigious business awards. The Legatum Africa Awards programme recognises and rewards African business leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrate the qualities required to succeed in business - determination, a commitment to excellence, innovation and profitability. Leaders of small and medium sized enterprises (annual revenues between $2 - $25 million) have the opportunity to submit online entries at www.africaawards.com until 31st August 2010. Applicants will be evaluated across a unique set of criteria to determine the winner. “This is the third year that Legatum has offered an award for Entrepreneurship in Africa” said Alan McCormick, Managing Director of Legatum, “and over that time we have found many dynamic entrepreneurs across the continent, whose businesses are building prosperity for their communities”. McCormick continued, “The Legatum Africa Awards celebrates the very best businesses from across Africa and showcases their leadership, which through hard work, determination and a creative approach, are the foundation for their nation’s wealth and well-being. Our goal is to encourage the next generation of aspiring business people and pave the way for increased investment in Africa, a continent teeming with opportunity”. The 2010 Africa Awards programme builds upon similar competitions in 2007 and 2008, and is expected to attract 1,500 entries from fifteen countries. This year, submissions will be accepted from Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. A total of US$ 350,000 will be awarded to the winners, and the funds directed towards growth and strategic re-investment in their companies. Winners will be selected based on a rigorous and transparent selection process by an international panel of leading business experts. “Omidyar Network and Legatum share the conviction that entrepreneurs are vital to creating new opportunities in Africa”, said Matt Bannick, Managing Partner of Omidyar Network. “With the expanded reach of this year’s awards, we will identify and support the dynamic business leaders who are driving innovation, economic growth and terrific new opportunities across the continent.” The 2010 Legatum Africa Awards will conclude with a Gala Awards Banquet in early December 2010 in Accra, Ghana. Finalists and winners will be honoured in the presence of an international audience of leading businesspeople, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Ends

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2010 Legatum Africa Awards for entrepreneurship call for entries on