14 May 2014 The Future Africa Awards has announced the commencement of voting for its 9th season. This was done at the closing gala for SHAPE Africa 2014, an annual meeting of Global Shapers from Africa.
Adebola Williams, co-founder of the awards, is quoted by Ventures Africa as saying “As the world focuses on Africa, with global leaders weighing in on our most pressing solutions; we are excited to launch yet another season of the premier event for Africa’s young leaders,”
The organizers have also announced a 2 day summit called Ideas fest to the awards, in order to enhance the scope of the awards. With this new addition, The Future Africa Awards & Summit is touted as one that will involve the continent’s most influential leaders and institutions that have portfolios on youth. They will be discussing actions to be immediately taken in order to increase jobs and opportunities, as well as citizen engagement and good governance.
The awards are supported by Microsoft, the US Consulate and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. It is open to youth of African origin aged 18 – 31 and voting will end on the 12th of June.