Social enterprises founded and run by social innovators are proving to be a veritable route to societal and environmental wellbeing. The Leadership Effectiveness Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa is set to reward young stellar African entrepreneurs in this space for the 2020 edition.
For two days, 2 – 3 October, the non-profit organisation in partnership with Union Bank Plc would convene its 8th though virtual edition of the Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA), themed “Mobilising Collective Action for Systemic Change: Countdown to 2030.” This has been inspired by the 2030 target of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SIPA rewards outstanding social innovations and innovators. The value of social innovation is measured by its impact on society. This captures social solutions to challenges in local communities across West Africa. A vital achievement of SIPA the awareness it creates through mentoring young Africans and equipping them with skills and tools to build scalable and sustainable social enterprises.
The conference and awards event would have 33 speakers from across the globe. One of these is Pamela Nathenson, executive director, World Connect and Melanie Perkins, co-founder, Canva. Opportunities in different sectors of the economy will be highlighted.
“As an organisation, one of our two big focuses is ‘raising talents for the SDGs’ and we believe SIP and SIPA are vital to achieve this objective,” Femi Taiwo, executive director, LEAP Africa said. Over the years, we have enjoyed the partnership of Union bank in realising the objectives of SIPA not just in funding, expertise also.”
Winners would be presented and three outstanding fellows of 2019/2020 receive awards. New inductees for the 2020/2021 set would be received. They are drawn from a pool of applicants from Anglophone African countries.
“Union Bank is pleased to partner once again with LEAP Africa for the 2020/2021 Social Innovators Programme and Awards. We will continue to partner with programmes such as this one, which allow us to support the efforts of budding social innovators and entrepreneurs,” Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, head, Corporate Communications and Marketing at Union Bank said.
Since 2013, LEAP Africa, in collaboration with its partners, has supported over 130 talented young social innovators to build enterprises with their solutions covering diverse sectors and aspects of development such as agriculture, education, science & technology, gender, employment, health, energy and human rights.
For over 18 years, LEAP Africa has remained committed to its mission of equipping a new cadre of African leaders. Its the journey started with the realisation that LEAP can transform Africa, one community at a time by changing the mindset of the people, promoting ethical leadership across sectors and influencing governance.
The organisation has enjoyed success in its field as it has inspired and equipped about 1,000,000 youth, teachers, Civil Society Organisations, business owners and social entrepreneurs to lead ethically while implementing initiatives that transform their communities, organisations and contribute to national development since inception. LEAP achieves this through its training programmes, publications and most recently e-learning.
It has published 11 books ranging from topics such as ethics, governance, talent management, succession planning to corporate culture. These are action-oriented guides to creating positive and lasting change in individuals, organisations and communities.
