The Mandela Rhodes Foundation has announced Dr. Sunday Ochai, Nigerian social entrepreneur, Mandela Rhodes Scholar, and founder of EduRise, as the main winner of the 2025 Äänit Prize. Raised amid conflict himself, Ochai is now restoring hope to children navigating similar struggles by ensuring access to schooling, menstrual health support, and peacebuilding programmes.
“This prize is not just for me but for every child who dares to dream. EduRise will be able to assist 300,000 conflict-affected children in Nigeria reclaim their right to education and a brighter future,” Ochai said. He takes home US$60,000 to grow the initiative, alongside an additional US$1,000 Audience Choice Award.
The independent panel of international judges also commended two other young leaders.
Dr. Kenechukwu Ikebuaku from Nigeria is the founder of Mozisha, an education programme bridging the gap between schooling and employment through company partnerships, mentorship, and real-world training. Ikebuaku received US$19,000 to expand the venture’s impact.
Ms. Fama Jallow from The Gambia is the founder of Hisia, a climate-tech platform that uses AI, satellite data and low-cost sensors to deliver real-time climate insights to farmers, NGOs, and governments. Her innovation improves food security in vulnerable regions and helps SMEs access carbon finance. Jallow also received US$19,000.
South Africa’s Ntsako Mgiba, founder of JONGA, was recognised for his cost-effective security system that helps township businesses protect their livelihoods. He received US$1,000 to continue growing the initiative.
Judy Sikuza, CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, praised the courage of young African entrepreneurs.
“Social initiatives such as the Äänit Prize are vital in enabling ventures with the potential for significant impact, scalability, and replicability. What excites me is that young African leaders are acting where the need is greatest – their creativity is deeply inspiring.”
The Äänit Prize, complementary to the Foundation’s flagship Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, celebrates alumni of both the Mandela Rhodes and Rhodes Scholarships. By spotlighting initiatives like EduRise, Mozisha, Hisia, and JONGA, the Prize reaffirms Africa’s capacity to create homegrown solutions to pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
