Young African Innovators Honoured At Rolex Awards For Enterprise

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise were recently held. Cameroonian engineer Arthur Zang and Rwanda's Olivier Nsengimana were the young African innovators among the Rolex Laureates honoured for their contribution in uplifting their countries using their expertise.

The Rolex Awards celebrate enterprising individuals who take on major challenges to improve lives or protect the planet. The wards acknowledge young visionaries from all over the world under the age of 30.

Arthur Zang, 26



The Cameroonian innovator invented what is believed to be Africa’s first medical tablet, which will allow health-care workers in rural areas to send the results of cardiac tests to heart specialists via a mobile-phone connection.


Olivier Nsengimana, 30 

The Rwandan national is promoting breeding programmes and the release of Rwanda’s captive, endangered grey crowned-cranes. The iconic bird, a symbol of wealth and longevity in Rwanda, is a victim of its own beauty, and is often kept as a pet.

Rebecca Irvin, Head of Philanthropy at Rolex said, "After a record number of young applicants this year, we are proud to announce the winners and to support these individuals in developing their inspiring work." “The five Young Laureates and their projects clearly demonstrate a strong spirit of enterprise and leadership. This year’s Jury was particularly impressed with the practical approach each is taking to solve real-world problems. They are certainly role models whose stories Rolex is pleased to bring to the world.”

Other young  Laureates include: Hosam Zowawi, 29, Saudi Arabia, Neeti Kailas, 29, India , Hosam Zowawi, 29, Saudi Arabia and Francesco Sauro, 29, Italy.

The five Young Laureates

I love it when unsung heroes are acknowledged.

Congratulations to the young innovators!