Legatum, investment firm reward winner in entrepreneurship awards

Legatum, a private international investment group and Omidyar Network, an investment firm, have announced a Zimbabwean firm, Securico as the winner of the grand prize of the 2011 Africa Awards for entrepreneurship.A statement by Legatum said Securico, which was the first company to be ISO certified won $100,000.Securico, according to the statement, has more than 3,400 employees, provides guarding services and security solutions.The Managing Director of Legatum, Mr. Philip Vassiliou, said, "Legatum firmly believes that entrepreneurship is the most effective mechanism for distributing scarce resources around an economy. Entrepreneurs have the ability to see an opportunity and build a business around it, and the profit these businesses generate is evidence that needs are being met in the optimal way."The ten finalists underscore the diversity of entrepreneurs in the competition, representing eight countries including Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The top ten, which includes three woman-owned businesses, work in a range of industries, from software to entertainment to agribusiness."Founder and Managing Director, Securico, Ms. Divine Ndhlukula, said, "It is such an honor for me to be recognised by the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship and included in such a talented, dynamic group of entrepreneurs. "I hope that my story of creating Securico, and those of my fellow finalists, will help to inspire other African entrepreneurs to seek opportunity, embrace risk, and above all, believe in themselves."The statement added that a record 3,300 companies from 48 African countries submitted entries to compete for the grand prize of $100,000, and six additional prizes of $50,000 each.It said, "The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship recognises and rewards business leaders who embody the entrepreneurial spirit and qualities required to succeed in business and who are the inspirational role models for the next generation of African entrepreneurs."
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