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Press Releases
Burundi wins Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili young entrepreneur competition
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Ashura Kisesa, aged 24 from Burundi, has won the live grand final of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Swahili young entrepreneur competition Faidika na Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ (Prosper with the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ).
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Uganda's Prime Minister Apolo Nsimbambi presented her with the winning trophy and US $5000 to help launch her business, which is to build commercial public toilets in the cities and towns of East and Central Africa.
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Ashura, the only woman in the final, beat four other budding entrepreneurs by effectively demonstrating how she would use the prize money to help turn her idea into a successful business that would have a positive impact on her community.
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The Uganda Prime Minister Apolo Nsimbambi said: "When the competition launched last year there were no female finalists, so my hearty congratulations to Ashura.
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"I urge the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to adopt an affirmative action approach to encourage even more women to get into formal business.
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"This is a fantastic initiative helping young people to develop innovative skills and become job creators rather than job seekers."
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Ashura pitched her idea to a panel of expert judges in front of a live audience. The judges were impressed with Ashura's presentation and well thought-through business plan.
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Ashura said: "I am very happy to win the top prize in this competition.
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"The lack of public toilets throughout East and Central Africa is a major problem that needs to be addressed and I hope to make a difference with my business idea.
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"My whole family wanted me to win and they really supported me, which makes me especially proud. I cannot wait to get started with my business."
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Salim Kikeke, Faidika Na Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Project Manager, said: "Ashura is a worthy winner. Her business idea is fantastic and will clearly benefit lots of people in East and Central Africa.
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"I wish her all the best. I am confident that she has a brilliant future."
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The four Faidika Na Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ runners up were: 22-year-old Witness Omoga from Kenya; 17-year-old Rangira Aime Frederick from Rwanda; 23-year-old Apolinary Joseph Laksh from Tanzania and 23-year-old Dereick Kajukano from Uganda.
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They will all continue to receive support and advice from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ to help kick-start their business ideas.
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The judges on the night were Baraza Sadi from Burundi; Madina Mutagoma from Rwanda; Arnold KwekaΜύfrom Tanzania; John Ndungu from Kenya; and Jasmine NakayimaΜύAdam from Uganda.
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The evening was televised by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and the trophy designed and cast by Ugandan artist Peter Oloya.
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The multi-award winning singer Maurice Kirya gave a special performance at the event held in Kampala, Uganda, last week; and audiences can hear the show again by visiting bbcswahili.com/faidika.
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Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Publicity
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