Comfort Asemota
Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has announced that Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited, representing Nigeria through Darul Noor by Intercontinental Schools, has been crowned 2025 Africa Company of the Year (ACOY). The team also received a $3,000 cash prize and the Public Choice Award, reflecting overwhelming support from Nigerians both locally and internationally.
The annual JA Africa Company of the Year competition brings together Africa’s most talented young entrepreneurs who have excelled in national competitions. This year’s theme, ACT: Action for Climate Transformation, challenged participants to develop innovative solutions addressing environmental, social, and economic issues in their communities.
Smartgenix Aeromonitor Ltd impressed judges with its drone technology for precision agriculture, designed to reduce operational costs, save time, minimize labor, and promote sustainable climate action across African farmlands.
The winning team—Ruqaiya Abdulfatai Alubankudi, Khadija Muhammad Musa, Rukaiya Makki Abubakar, and Zainab Idris Gaya—are secondary school students pioneering youth-led innovation in Africa.
As continental champions, the team will now advance to the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award, JA Worldwide’s prestigious global competition that unites first-place winners from all six JA regions. The global award offers international recognition, educational opportunities, and a $15,000 prize.
Dave Uduanu, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Junior Achievement Nigeria, said:
“Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited demonstrates the creativity, resilience, and leadership potential of Nigerian youth. With the right mentorship and opportunity, young innovators can lead on the global stage.”
Through initiatives such as Company Programme, SET4LYF, and others, Junior Achievement Nigeria continues to empower young people aged 5 to 35 with financial literacy, entrepreneurship, work readiness, and digital skills, bridging the gap between education and practical, real-world impact.
