The third edition of the esteemed Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards took place at The Capital on The Park in Sandton on 22 June and Nalesa Media had the honor of being one of the media partners. The event honored the outstanding accomplishments of young African brand owners who have reshaped industries and showcased outstanding excellence in establishing their brands.
Out of 76 nominees from Africa who competed, with over 30,000 people voting, the winning brands have demonstrated remarkable impact and innovation in their fields. The Top 16 YOBAs not only celebrate entrepreneurial achievements but also highlight the significant contributions of youth-led initiatives to the African business sector.
Below are the winners for the 2024 YOBAs:
And the winners are:
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
Top SADC – Batoka Africa
Top Services – Mdu Cleaning Services
Top Technology – Bothlale AI Solutions
Top Travel & Tourism – Bee Travel
Top West Africa – Kemz Mama
Aside from the impressive winners mentioned, Robot Boii was recognized as the Overall Top Brand, symbolizing excellence as a personality and influencer in the industry. Robot Boii shared his appreciation, saying, "The Overall Top Brand award holds special meaning for me. In every interview, I emphasize the importance of building brands over careers; being a brand allows for versatility and the ability to pursue multiple endeavors simultaneously, ensuring continued success." With such profound words from the influencer, it's hard not to see why he was the perfect winner of this award.
Moreover, the inaugural Global Excellence Award was proudly presented to South African fashion icon Thebe Magugu at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, in partnership with Brand SA. This award recognizes and celebrates local youth-owned brands that are excelling in their respective industries and challenging the existing norms. Reflecting on his win, Thebe Magugu expressed, "Receiving this award holds a special significance. It's heartening to witness the applause and recognition from those around you. It's truly gratifying to have our journey in the fashion world acknowledged, providing a remarkable validation. My aim is to continue to bring pride to my community back home."
Pat Mahlangu, the creator of the YOBAs, shared his excitement regarding the winners of this year's awards. He emphasized the excellence and innovation demonstrated by young African brand owners in the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. According to him, the winners are not only establishing brands but also contributing to positive change throughout the continent, a development that he finds inspiring.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards wholeheartedly congratulate all the winners, acknowledging their tireless efforts, commitment, and creativity in influencing the trajectory of African entrepreneurship.
For more information on the YOBAs please visit, www.top16yoba.africa
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