In March, the fifth annual Africa Business Concept Challenge (ABCC) began with 84 student teams representing 46 schools across 19 countries registered for this year. Among these institutions, 11 are GBSN member schools. The competition challenges student teams to develop a viable business concept that addresses a locally relevant challenge or problem related to Agenda 2063. The virtual business concept competition for African undergraduate and graduate students is sponsored by Stanford Seed and UConn School of Business.
This year’s Top 5 ABCC projects reflect a passion to improve communities’ economies, sustainability, and well-being through creative and viable business concepts. The following teams will move on to the final stage of the competition and present their business concepts to our panel of international judges, competing for a chance to win the $5,000 USD scholarship prize!
Top Five Teams
Ashesi University, Ghana
Team: Golden Glow
Team Members: Christine Adwol Emmanuel*, Martha Chaitezvi
Faculty Mentor: Albert Bensusan
Golden Glow: Science-Backed African Skincare
Golden Glow transforms underutilized African botanicals like palm kernel oil into clinically tested skincare products specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin. Addressing the paradox where Africa produces 65% of the world’s shea butter yet imports harmful skincare products, Golden Glow offers affordable solutions ($7-12) for hyperpigmentation, acne, and extreme dryness—problems affecting up to 80% of African women. Each product undergoes rigorous scientific testing while maintaining ethical sourcing through women’s cooperatives. The brand bridges the gap between ineffective raw botanicals and expensive imported products, providing transparent sourcing information and culturally relevant packaging that tells Africa’s story through indigenous Adinkra symbols.
*Team captain
The American University in Cairo, Egypt
Team: sanay3eya صنايعية
Team Members: Nayera Ahmed Fathy Badawy*, Marwan Sayed Fekry Abdelwahab, Nancy Mohamed Shaker El Assaar
Faculty Mentor: Dina El Bassiouny
sanay3eya: Formalizing Egypt’s Craftsmen Sector
sanay3eya (“The Craftsmen”) addresses the challenge that two-thirds of Egypt’s working population operates in the informal sector, including an estimated 2 million craftsmen. The business creates a syndicate-like platform that brings these skilled workers into the formal economy while providing them with medical insurance, pensions, and professional licensing. Through a user-friendly mobile application, customers can easily find and hire verified craftsmen, while craftsmen gain access to training, insurance benefits, and larger government projects. The platform initially targets high-demand areas like Nasr City, Heliopolis, and New Cairo, with plans to expand nationwide. By formalizing this sector, sanay3eya supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, decent work, and economic growth, while generating revenue through membership fees, training certifications, corporate partnerships, and supplier relationships.
Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria
Team: Ubuntu
Team Members: Aaron Ayanfe Afelumo*, Adebare Adesokan Ayomide, Chizim Awele Gabriela
Faculty Mentor: Mr. Afam Okonkwo
Integrated Circular Farming & Packaging System: A Sustainable Solution for Nigeria
The Integrated Circular Farming & Packaging (ICF&P) System offers a closed-loop agricultural model that tackles food insecurity, plastic pollution, and urban sustainability in Nigeria. The system combines IoT-enabled vertical farming with biodegradable packaging production, repurposing agricultural waste into eco-friendly packaging. By optimizing crop growth and utilizing waste, the ICF&P system aims to boost yields, reduce reliance on plastic, and support smallholder farmers, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
University of Buea, Cameroon
Team: NeuroCare/Stemgirlz
Team Members: Ebua Cindy Sangha*, Ngong Odilo Bertila, Amber Yabuah Fuambu, Tifuh Percilia Nji
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kolle George Nkume
NeuroCare: Digital Support for Neurodivergent Communities in Cameroon
NeuroCare is a mobile app addressing the significant barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals in Cameroon, where specialized services are scarce and prohibitively expensive. The app provides early screening tools, AI-powered learning resources, peer support forums, and direct access to therapists in multiple languages (English, French, and Pidgin). By offering a digital-first, culturally adapted solution, NeuroCare makes essential services accessible to the estimated 5 million neurodivergent Cameroonians and their families. The platform employs a hybrid tech-human approach, combining AI with real specialist support, and offers a freemium model ensuring core features remain free while generating revenue through specialist referrals, sponsored content, and premium features.
University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Team: EMONJOY
Team Members: Enoch Mbawin Alale*, Agnes Joy Aryee, Simon Etornam Feliste
Faculty Mentor: Samuel Kofi Tulashie
EMONJOY: Organic Pesticide Solution for African Farmers
EMONJOY offers a 100% plant-based, biodegradable pesticide formulated from neem and local plant extracts to address West African farmers’ challenges with crop pests. The solution helps farmers reduce the 60% annual crop loss while avoiding the health and environmental hazards of synthetic pesticides. By providing an affordable, effective alternative that meets international export standards, EMONJOY enables smallholder farmers to increase yields, access premium markets, and improve soil health. The company plans a phased rollout starting with pilot testing in Ghana before expanding across West Africa, directly supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, clean water, responsible production, and environmental protection.