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A STUDENT from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Franc Mussa, has emerged a top student entrepreneur in the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
He emerged the winner of the Tanzania 2023/24 GSEA competition, securing the top position in the Tanzanian leg of the event, where he is expected to represent Tanzania in the Global Semi Finals to be held in Oman in February 2024.
Organised by the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO), the GSEA has recognised him for taking a lead in innovation among students. Mussa has been recognised after founding Afya Lead, a groundbreaking health insurance scheme innovation that is facilitating healthcare insurance accessibility in Tanzania.
In 2022, GSEA received over 1,000 applications worldwide, hosting over 100 competitions in 40 countries to determine the international finalists. As the champion in Tanzania, the 24-year-old won a cash prize of 4.5m/- and mentorship and business coaching from established business founders in EO Tanzania.
Mussa’s business vision is to make quality healthcare insurance more accessible, ensuring that individuals and families across Tanzania can access essential medical services without financial barriers.
“We all did our best, and it’s a great opportunity for us to continue cooperating in our entrepreneurial endeavour,” he said after receiving the award. Lina Ratansi, EO Tanzania Chapter President said the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards serves as a remarkable platform for student entrepreneurs, offering them the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and businesses.
She said through mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, it empowers youths to stride confidently towards success, embodying the values essential for their entrepreneurial journey. Judges selected winners based on their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and potential for positive impact on their communities.
The judges for the Tanzania 2023/24 GSEA competition were Lina Ratansi, Owner of RSM Eastern Africa and EO Tanzania Chapter President, Shehzada Walli, founder and Partner at Stallion Attorneys, Chairman at Utu Kwanza and EO member and Zuweina Farah Director of Corporate Affairs and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation.
Others were Dr Winnie Nguni, Coordinator of Entrepreneurship Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurs and Joyce Ndyatebura, Head of Commercial Banking at Ecobank. The GSEA is a platform that connects experienced entrepreneurs with students engaged in entrepreneurship.
EO, a global network supporting established entrepreneurs through learning and networking, focuses on recognising and assisting student entrepreneurs through GSEA.
The second winner in Tanzania are Elibariki Laizer, a student at St John University of Tanzania, pursuing a Masters in Science in Public Health Management. He secured the place with his work which focuses on providing accessible and affordable loans to university students in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam regions.
The third place went to Janeth Kitsovi, a student at the University of Dar es Salaam, pursuing a Masters in Environmental Engineering with her business, PlateAI, which is centered on revolutionizing how individuals approach healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
The winners are set to inspire the next generation of student entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of innovation and impact.
Source: Daily News
