The ENNOVA platform, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs within the African Development Bank Group, has received a nomination for a "Salute to Excellence Award" from The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
The Bank designed ENNOVA To encourage an entrepreneurial mindset among young people in Africa. The AI-driven online platform provides resources, training programs, and connections to enhance youth business ventures, improve digital competencies, and link African entrepreneurs with employment and financial support possibilities.
The leading organization for journalists and media professionals from ethnic backgrounds in America presents these awards to honor outstanding reporting and communication efforts that effectively highlight the experiences and topics related to the African and African American diaspora.
The Bank’s ENNOVA initiative and promotional campaign has been shortlisted for the Salute to Excellence Awards in the "PR and Marketing Campaigns: Cause-Related Business" category. The Bank collaborated with five organizations focused on development to introduce ENNOVA, and the communication efforts led to a 58.8% rise in service platform users within less than ten months.
Managed by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab within the Bank’s Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department, ENNOVA launched its initiative in February 2025 during a keynote gathering at the Sankalp Africa Summit, which is considered one of Africa's most significant events focused on entrepreneurship and sustainability. The discussion along with the Bank-sponsored exhibition stand highlighted how ENNOVA links entrepreneurs, universities, financiers, and business assistance organizations—groups committed to supporting new ventures, small businesses, and expanding enterprises to grow effectively.
The Bank's Recognition of Outstanding Achievement Awards mention a collection of Bank communications launched during the ENNOVA event and shared until the end of December 2025, including an ENNOVA explanation. videos and launch event summary video , press release exhibition stand promotion, media interaction, social media content highlighting ENNOVA offerings, a youth beneficiary blog and the ENNOVA platform itself .
View here to watch and discover additional information regarding the ENNOVA initiative aimed at young business owners.
"Being nominated for this Salute to Excellence Awards recognizes ENNOVA's role in supporting the African Development Bank Group's mission of improving skill development and employment prospects for young people and women across Africa, and turning these groups into an economic advantage," stated Dr. Martha Phiri, the Bank’s Director for Human Capital, Youth, and Skills Development.
After the event at the Sankalp Africa Summit, over a third of the approximately 1,500 participants signed up for ENNOVA.
"I learned about ENNOVA and believe it's an excellent platform since it facilitates knowledge exchange, allowing investors and entrepreneurs like me to access information all in one place," stated Nelly Ngongoro, a young entrepreneur signing up for ENNOVA.
The advancement of ENNOVA has been facilitated by supportive development partners who align with its mission to promote young entrepreneurial ventures, creativity, and employment opportunities throughout Africa. These include: the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance; the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States; Korea-Africa Economic Partnership; the European Commission; and the Swiss government.
The recipients of the Salute to Excellence Awards will be revealed at the National Association of Black Journalists Conference & Career Fair taking place in August in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
For further information regarding ENNOVA's capabilities, click here to view the program's information leaflet.
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Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Africa, International Organizations and Africa, Children and Youth, External Relations
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