The 5th Edition of the Orange Corners Mozambique Youth Entrepreneurship Awards Gala took place recently at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, bringing together partners, stakeholders, and young innovators to celebrate excellence in youth-led entrepreneurship. The event highlighted the remarkable creativity, resilience, and impact of Mozambique's emerging business leaders.
As one of the five official partners, alongside Vodacom Foundation, Heineken, Ideallab, and a Dutch-based organisation, Grindrod reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Mozambique.
Orange Corners, an initiative of Ideallab in partnership with Orange Corners Netherlands, has been operating in Mozambique since 2017. In 2024, Grindrod joined the partnership, helping extend the programme's reach into the northern region of the country.
This year's edition marked a significant milestone with the inclusion of participants from Nampula and Cabo Delgado. The programme's geographic expansion further reflects its mission to empower young innovators across the nation, ensuring broader access to training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support.
A total of 34 young entrepreneurs competed across five thematic categories, showcasing projects with high potential for innovation, sustainability, and socio-economic impact. After a rigorous evaluation, five winners were selected for their outstanding contributions in:
• Sustainability
• Innovation and Technology
• Agricultural Development
• Health and Well-being
• Community Socio-economic Impact
Representing Grindrod at the event, Mr Ozi Honwana, General Manager of Operations for Grindrod's facilities in Northern Mozambique, was invited to present the Community Socio-economic Impact Award. His participation underscored Grindrod's dedication to initiatives that foster positive change, empower youth, and strengthen communities.
The 5th Awards Gala stood out as a testament to the determination and vision of young Mozambicans tackling local challenges with creative, sustainable solutions. The event also highlighted the strength of partnerships that are driving entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic growth.
Grindrod remains committed to contributing to programmes that uplift young entrepreneurs, create jobs, and generate lasting social and economic benefits.
Caption: Winners receiving their awards