Raised amid conflict, Ochai understands the challenges of trying to get an education while living in fear and dangerous situations. His venture, EduRise, supports other conflict-affected Nigerian children by restoring access to schooling and providing menstrual health and peacebuilding initiatives. In a country where millions of children are not in school and 43% are engaged in child labour, the venture restores dignity, builds resilience and demonstrates that education is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and displacement.  

‘This prize is not just for me but for every child who dares to dream. With this support, EduRise will be able to assist 300 000 conflict-affected children living in Nigeria to reclaim their right to education and a brighter future. I was one of them. It is also a shout out to the millions of children, not in school, to say your hope is renewed because we are just starting,’ says Ochai.

He takes home US$60 000 to invest in EduRise to continue laying the groundwork for a future generation of workers and business leaders who can help rebuild their communities. He was also the recipient of the US$1 000 Audience Choice Award.

The panel of international judges commended two other finalists: Dr Kenechukwu Ikebuaku, from Nigeria and Ms Fama Jallow from The Gambia. Each receives US$19,000 to grow and expand their respective ventures: Mozisha and Hisia.

Mozisha, founded by Ikebuaku, is an education programme that bridges the gap between schooling and employment. It partners with companies and organisations to provide young Africans with training and mentorship, equipping them with real-world experience and skills.

Ikebuaku says that ‘Young Africans need more than class rooms, they need pathways to global employment opportunities. Mozisha bridges that gap and, with this prize, we can expand our partnerships and mentor the leaders of tomorrow – preparing them for a fast-changing global economy. To every young African: Know this truth - your dreams are valid. Your purpose is divinely orchestrated and your destiny will be realised. Just don’t give up.’

Hisia, founded by Jallow, tackles climate change using AI, satellite data and low-cost environmental sensors. By delivering real-time insights to farmers, NGOs and governments - via SMS, USSD and LoRa networks - Hisia’s platform, Akili, improves food security, builds resilience against climate risks and makes localised climate data accessible even in low-connectivity regions.

‘Climate change is not a distant challenge – it is here and I have lived through it,’ says Jallow. ‘With Hisia we are proving that African-born innovations can tackle Africa’s greatest climate challenges. We are committed to putting life-saving data into the hands of small-scale farmers, many of whom are women, to strengthen food security. This award will help us with that mission, as we prepare to expand into more regions and form new partnerships. Hisia is also assisting SMEs get access to carbon finance to help farmers adapt to climate shocks, stabilise their earnings and secure agricultural jobs’.

The fourth finalist, Mr Ntsako Mgiba of South Africa, was recognised for his venture JONGA, which helps township-based small business owners protect their livelihoods. JONGA’s community-driven alarm system features a compact, wireless, camera-equipped device with a three-month battery life. He received US$1 000.

‘Far too many people running businesses in townships experience crime and, as a result lose stock. When they are forced to close early or cannot afford insurance, it directly reduces their trading hours and income’, says Mgiba. ‘Our solution is not only cost effective but guarantees a quick response by connecting directly to local security and emergency services, helping entrepreneurs safeguard their livelihoods. Case studies are proving its effectiveness.’

Judy Sikuza, CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, highlighted the importance of supporting Africa’s young entrepreneurs, ‘social initiatives such as the Äänit Prize are vital in enabling ventures with potential for significant impact, scability and replicability’.

‘What excites me is not just the brilliance of the 29 applications we received for the Prize but that young African leaders have the courage to act where the need is greatest,’ says Sikuza. ‘Their creativity is deeply inspiring and we are proud to be part of an initiative that opens new possibilities and the potential to transforms lives’.

The Äänit Prize not only showcases impactful projects across Africa but reaffirms the efforts of the continent’s changemakers. The Prize is accompanied by a significant monetary award in US dollars. The Äänit Prize is a complementary offering to the Foundation's flagship programme, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and is available to alumni of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship.

Picture Caption from left to right: Äänit judge, Dr Shehnaaz Suliman, Äänit Chair Dr Sangu Delle, MRF CEO, Judy Sikuza, Dr Sunday Ochai - overall winner of the 2025 Äänit Prize with Fama Jallow (on screen), Ntsako Mgiba and Dr Kenechukwu Ikebuaku.

Dr Sunday Ochai, founder of EduRise, was named the main winner of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation's 2025 Äänit Prize.