Three youth-led ventures from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda are headed to Ljubljana, Slovenia, this November for the Social Impact Award (SIA) Global Summit 2025. The finalists earned this recognition after months of dedication, collaboration and innovation during the SIA East Africa program, which culminated in a vibrant regional summit held in Kampala.
Co-hosted by SINA, Cosmo Foundation (Kampala) and SENTA – Social Entrepreneurship Academy (Bukavu), the East Africa edition brought together 15 youth-led ventures from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, DRC, Burundi and Rwanda, who are tackling some of the region’s most pressing social and economic challenges. Over the course of eight weeks, they participated in an intensive incubation program designed to help them refine their ideas, build sustainable business models and measure their social impact.
The program concluded with a powerful pitch event in Kampala, where the energy in the room reflected the commitment and creativity of East Africa’s youth. Each team presented practical, community-driven ideas aimed at solving real problems. From accessible education tools to smart farming technologies and health-focused food innovations, the range of ideas showcased the diverse potential of young entrepreneurs in the region.
Three outstanding ventures emerged as the 2025 winners and will represent East Africa at the SIA Global Summit in Ljubljana from November 18 to 21, 2025. The Community Vote Award went to Candela Habitus (Uganda) for their work in developing outdoor and sensory tools that help children with autism gain independence and social connection. The Jury Awards went to Natural Uhai Food (DRC) for creating locally sourced and nutritious food products that prevent and stabilize diabetes, and to Nest Guard Ltd (Rwanda) for producing solar and electric-powered smart incubators and fertilized eggs to support rural poultry farmers.
These ventures stood out not only for their innovation but also for their measurable impact and potential for scale. Their success reflects a broader movement of young entrepreneurs who are proving that local ideas can drive meaningful change when supported by the right ecosystem.
The summit’s judging panel, comprising Nantongo Barbra Jane (SIA alumna 2022), Aisha Ali and Marcus Warry, commended the finalists for their strong understanding of customer needs, realistic financial plans and clear commitment to social value. Their feedback emphasized the importance of balancing purpose with sustainability, a principle that lies at the heart of social entrepreneurship.
Beyond the competition, the summit served as an important space for networking, learning and collaboration. Participants engaged in discussions about alumni engagement, mentorship and community partnerships. The event highlighted the power of cross-border cooperation among young innovators who share a common goal of improving lives through entrepreneurship.
The Social Impact Award (SIA) has become one of the leading programs for supporting young social entrepreneurs around the world. Operating in more than 15 countries across Europe, Central Asia and Africa, SIA empowers youth to turn their ideas into real ventures that address social and environmental challenges. Its approach combines local events, educational workshops and incubation programs that help participants prototype their solutions and strengthen their business models.
By nurturing a global network of changemakers, SIA ensures that young people are not only inspired to act but also equipped with the tools, mentorship and confidence they need to succeed. This year’s East Africa edition demonstrated the growing potential of the region’s youth to lead innovation in health, agriculture, education and technology.
As the winning ventures prepare to travel to Ljubljana, the sense of pride and possibility across East Africa continues to grow. The Social Impact Award 2025 has proven once again that when young people are empowered and supported, they can become the driving force behind a more inclusive and sustainable future for their communities and beyond.
