Augustine Geedeh, the general manager of Soku Laundry Soap Enterprise in Liberia, views success through a broader lens than just the products his company makes. He aims to expand his business into new markets, generate jobs, and empower the younger generation. His recent victory at the inaugural Brigham Young University (BYU) Management Society Africa Business Plan Competition during the BUILD Conference has propelled him closer to achieving these ambitions.
“Winning this competition means a lot to us,” Geedeh said, expressing joy and a commitment to furthering his business’s growth.
The BUILD Conference, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, drew over 600 entrepreneurs, students, and business professionals from 24 African countries. Co-hosted by BYU Management Society and BYU-Pathway Worldwide, it provided mentorship, workshops, and two separate entrepreneurship competitions, distributing over $100,000 in awards.
Michael Roberts, managing director of BYU Alumni & External Relations, emphasized the partnership’s dedication to fostering self-reliance through education and entrepreneurship. “We conduct competitions that empower students to develop skills and create opportunities for their communities,” he noted.
Business professionals from both Africa and the U.S. volunteered their time as mentors, guiding budding entrepreneurs through individualized feedback, helping refine their business ideas and strategies.
The conference included two key competition formats: the Africa Business Plan Competition for established businesses ready to scale and the Johannesburg Great Idea Competition for emerging entrepreneurs with early-stage concepts. Lilian Shongwe, who won the Great Idea Competition, described how the experience bolstered her self-confidence.
“Talking to so many people here inspired me,” she said about her small-scale poultry farm, The Wild Farmstead, located in Johannesburg.
Kamohelo and Matjama Mejaele, owners of a tailoring business in South Africa, reflected on how the competition opened their eyes to new growth possibilities. Presenting their business helped Matjama become more confident in her abilities.
“In learning about the market and ourselves, we see how much we can grow,” Kamohelo added.
The Africa Business Plan Competition rewarded established businesses like Ann Agbiji Nsign’s Sujan Farm, which cultivates various crops. Nsign highlighted that beyond financial support, the award provided encouragement and motivation to persevere.
Participants noted that the mentorship and relationships formed at the conference were as valuable as the monetary awards. Roberts emphasized that the impact reached far beyond the competition, transforming the lives of students and enriching the experiences of mentors.
For those interested in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, the BYU Management Society is actively seeking business professionals and alumni for future competitions. Interested individuals can sign up here.
