The search is on again for the world’s greatest entrepreneurs. These are individuals who have the courage to build something truly remarkable; inspire innovation without limitations; cut through the noise of this transformative age; and fuel growth by being unstoppable. Driven by their desire to better the world around them, they stop at nothing to achieve their greatest ambitions.

Marking its 22nd year, the EY World Entrepreneur Award™ (www.EY.com/za/wea) is adjudicated by an esteemed panel of judges, who bring their passion and energy to the process of deciding the award winners in the following categories:

• Master – Turnover US$100m
• Exceptional - Turnover US$15m
• Emerging - Turnover US$5

In the Southern Africa Chapter in 2018, Ridhwan Khan, 38-year-old founder and CEO of Mobicel Communications, took the honours in the Master Category. He will now compete with entrepreneurs from over 50 countries around the world, for the prestigious title of World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in June 2020, in Monte Carlo.

Alongside him were fellow winners: Davison Norupiri of Davipel Trading (Pvt) Limited who received the Exceptional category award; and Deborah Merdjan, CEO of Camelot Group, who won the Emerging Category award.

The benefits of the EY World Entrepreneur Awards programme include the opening up of new markets through access to business leaders and their businesses locally and globally; and joining a community of peers with shared experiences and common entrepreneurial goals. Moreover, it is an opportunity to compete on the global stage with other successful entrepreneurs, where the ultimate winner will be announced in June 2020. Value derived from the programme is evident in the number of past winners and other alumni who still travel to Monaco for the annual announcement of the winners.  

Eligibility

Entrepreneurs eligible for consideration include:

• Company founders;
• Leaders of multi-generation family businesses;
• Transformational public and private company CEOs who have an equity stake in the current business; and
• Previous nominees and finalists.

The entrant should have a personal financial stake in the business, either directly or via share options; have built or helped build the business and have been primarily responsible for the company’s success; and has been in the post for a minimum of three years as at 1 January 2019.

For nominations and submissions visit: https://geoy.EY.com/

For further information of the awards and to see our alumni programme, visit: www.EY.com/za/wea

Entries close in June 2019.