Innovation and youth-led enterprise took center stage as a team of Nigerian secondary school students emerged as Africa’s leading young entrepreneurs at the 2025 Junior Achievement Africa Company of the Year Competition. Representing Darul Noor by Intercontinental Schools, the students’ company, Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited, was named Africa Company of the Year, outperforming peers from across the continent.

The achievement was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Marketing and Communications Manager of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Tobiloba Olaosun. The recognition places the Nigerian team at the pinnacle of one of Africa’s most competitive youth entrepreneurship platforms.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Dave Uduanu, described the win as a testament to the depth of talent among Nigerian youths. He noted that Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited reflects the leadership potential and innovative capacity of young Nigerians when given access to mentorship and the right opportunities.

Beyond clinching the overall title, the students also won the Public Choice Award, drawing strong support from voters both within Nigeria and internationally. The dual recognition underscored the broad appeal and relevance of their solution.

As part of the award, the team received a $3,000 cash prize and earned the opportunity to represent Africa at the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award. That global contest brings together winners from Junior Achievement’s six regional competitions worldwide and offers a grand prize of $15,000, alongside international exposure and educational opportunities.

This year’s competition was built around the theme “ACT: Action for Climate Transformation,” challenging participants to create sustainable responses to pressing environmental, social, and economic issues. Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited stood out with its use of drone technology for precision agriculture, a solution designed to cut costs, save time, reduce labour demands, and promote environmentally responsible farming practices.

The winning team comprises Ruqaiya Abdulfatai Alubankudi, Khadija Muhammad Musa, Rukaiya Makki Abubakar, and Zainab Idris Gaya. Their success highlights the growing impact of youth-driven innovation in addressing global challenges through practical, technology-based solutions.

Junior Achievement Nigeria continues to support young people between the ages of five and 35 through programmes such as the Company Programme and SET4LYF, equipping participants with skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, work readiness, and digital competence.

The success of Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited not only marks a milestone for the students involved but also reinforces Nigeria’s rising profile in innovation, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship, pointing to a promising future for Africa’s next generation of leaders.