The prestigious Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards concluded its 3rd annual ceremony at The Capital on The Park in Sandton, on 22 June – celebrating the remarkable achievements of young African brand owners who have redefined industries and demonstrated exceptional excellence in building their own brands.
From a competitive pool of 76 nominees across Africa, voted by over 30 000 individuals, the winning brands have showcased exceptional impact and innovation in their respective fields. The Top 16 YOBAs recognize not only entrepreneurial success but also the profound contributions of youth-led initiatives to the African business landscape.
The Winners Are…
- Top Agriculture – Optimum Poultry
- Top Apparel – Active Lifestyle
- Top Creative & Arts – Karabo Poppy
- Top East Africa – The Hills Collection
- Top Education & Literature – Sivuyile Mentorship Academy
- Top Food & Beverages – Ghemere
- Top Footwear & Accessories – Khonkhe Kuhamba Kahle
- Top Hair & Beauty – Young Barber
- Top Health & Wellness – Zuri Nutrition
- Top Homeware – Kimmy’s Creation
- Top Manufacturing – Grace Gras Empire
- Top Media – Millennial Mindset Media
- Top NPOs & Charities – Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation
- Top Personalities & Influencers – Robot Boii
- Top SADC – Batoka Africa
- Top Services – Mdu Cleaning Services
- Top Technology – Bothlale AI Solutions
- Top Travel & Tourism – Bee Travel
- Top West Africa – Kemz Mama
In addition to these remarkable winners, Robot Boii was also honoured as the Overall Top Brand, embodying excellence as a personality and influencer within the industry. Robot Boii expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Overall Top Brand award is personal to me. In all my interviews I always tell my people to not build careers, but brands; because when you are a brand you can change careers and not die when a career dies – you can do multiple things at the same time, understanding that it is all possible”.
Furthermore, the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, in collaboration with Brand SA, proudly presented the first Global Excellence Award to South African fashion icon Thebe Magugu. The award celebrates and honour local youth-owned brands that are excelling in their fields and challenging status-quo. Reflecting on his achievement, Thebe Magugu remarked, “Winning this award is special. It’s always nice to see clapping around you. It’s nice to see people who can acknowledge the difficult path we’ve taken in fashion, and it’s such an incredible validation for me. I want to continue making my people from home proud.”
Founder of the YOBAs, Pat Mahlangu, expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s winners, “The 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards have showcased excellence and innovation of young African brand owners. The winners are not just building brands; they are driving positive change across the continent and we are here to witness it”.
The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and ingenuity in shaping the future of African entrepreneurship.
For more information on the YOBAs please visit, www.top16yoba.africa
