Yoruba Afrique: Malawi

It can't be easy to start a business, ensure it's self-sustainable, profitable and endures through turbulent economic climates.

As 2013 starts to slip away and 2014 slowly approaches with hopes, dreams and aging :-) I have mixed emotions. I'm a 'born in 1984' creature so next year on the 4th of July I'll be 30.

When I saw '30 under 30 - Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs' on Forbes Africa mag (Aug. 2013) I wanted the janitor at the airport to sweep me under the carpet as she went on with her business. Alright...maybe not, however I was most certainly inspired. This means I have exactly 10 months to...well...be one of Africa's best entrepreneurs.

Here's 30 Africans under 30 who make Africa's Best Young Entrepreneurs as per FA magazine. I don't believe that with this list Forbes Africa implies that it's a definitive list however, extensive research has been undertaken to compile it. Click on the company links - you too will be inspired.

In no particular order:-

Jonathan Liebmann
Age: 28
Company: Propertuity
Country: South Africa

Patrick Ngowi
Age: 28
Company: Helvetic Solar Contractors
Country: Tanzania

Lorna Rutto
Age: 28
Company: EcoPost
Country: Kenya

Lorna Rutto

Justin Stanford
Age: 28
Company: 4Di Group
Country: South Africa

Rapelang Rabana
Age: 28
Company: Yeigo Communications
Country: South Africa

Kimiti Wanjaria and Ian Kahara
Age: late 20's
Company: Serene Valley Properties
Country: Kenya

Evans Wadongo
Age: 26
Company: Sustainable Development For All
Country: Kenya

Evans Wadongo

Cosmas Ochieng
Age: 26
Company: Ecofuels Kenya
Country: Kenya

Eric Muthomi
Age: 26
Company: Stawi Foods and Fruits
Country: Kenya

Joel Mwale
Age: 20
Company: Skydrop Enterprises
Country: Kenya

Verone Mankou
Age: 26
Company: VMK
Country: Congo

Verone Mankou

Oluwaseun Osewa
Age: not indicated
Company: Nairaland
Country: Nigeria

Sandra Appiah and Issac Boateng
Age: 23 and 28
Company: Face2Face
Country: Ghana

Ashley Uys
Age: not indicated
Company: Real World Diagnostics and Medical Diagnostech
Country: South Africa

Ashley Uys

Thula Sindi
Age: 28
Company: Thula Sindi
Country: South Africa

Ola Orekunrin
Age: 25
Company: Flying Doctors
Country: Nigeria

Ola Orekunrin

Andrew Mupuya
Age: not indicated
Company: Youth Entrepreneurial Link Investments
Country: Uganda

Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude and Ayodeji Adewunmi
Age: not indicated
Company: Jobberman
Country: Nigeria

Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude & Ayodeji Adewunmi

Ludwick Marishane
Age: 23
Company: Headboy Industries
Country: South Africa

Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams
Age: not indicated
Company: Red Media/The Future Project
Country: Nigeria

Sizwe Nzima
Age: 21
Company: Iyeza Express
Country: South Africa

Sizwe Nzima

Mark Kaigwa
Age: 25
Company: Afrinnovator
Country: Kenya

Arthur Zang
Age: 25
Inventor: Cardiopad
Country: Cameroon

Farai Gundan
Age: not indicated
Company: Farai Media
Country: Zimbabwe

Farai Gundan

William Kamkwamba
Age: 25
Invention: Electricity-producing windmill
Country: Malawi

"They are solving problems such as healthcare and electricity shortages; proffering innovative solutions to waste management; building virtual and physical communities and creating many jobs. A few of them manufacture the foods we love; design exquisite clothing for our women and develop cool apps for mobile phones across Africa." (Forbes Africa, Aug. 2013, pg.18)

These entrepreneurs and businesses are so diverse - a testimony that there are plenty of opportunities.

To all of them - Thank you for the inspiration!

Formed as the Organisation for African Unity on the 25^th of May 1963, the OAU later became AU (African Union) in 2002. It initially encompassed 32 independent African countries and today it represents 54 countries across the African continent. The only country that is not part of the AU is Morrocco in its attempt to protest the admission of Western Sahara in 1982.

The organisation was designed to unite the continent and bring independence to the remaining states still under colonialism and apartheid in South Africa's circumstance.

There have been numerous challenges that have faced the organisation and these trials could have resulted in an immediate collapse of the organisation. Its survival is a true testimonial of Africa’s endurance and potential. A high degree of credit is due to Abdelaziz Bouteflika (President of Algeria – 1999 to 2011), Olusegun Obasanjo (President of Nigeria – 1999 to 2007) and Thabo Mbeki (President of South Africa – 1999 to 2008).