Junior Achievement (JA) Africa and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have partnered to provide entrepreneurship education to 1,500 high school students in Uganda this year through the flagship JA Company Program®. It is the first time that the competition includes learning opportunities that promote environmental stewardship and resource conservation as part of the program.
A total of 11 companies from students from nine schools presented their sustainable business solutions at the JA Uganda Company of the Year national competition in Kampala, which was strategically timed to celebrate the World’s Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, on June 27.
The grand prize was awarded to Eco Dynamics JA Company from Sacred Hearts Secondary School, Kiterede in the Masaka region of Uganda. They will represent Uganda at the JA Africa Regional Company of the Year competition in Mauritius from December 4-6, 2024. This company generates renewable electricity that reduces carbon emissions and radiation, fostering a sustainable future for all. Specializing in the development and implementation of innovative eco-friendly products and services, this company aims to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing president in the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said: “We are delighted to extend our existing partnership with Junior Achievement Africa to Uganda. By nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset early on, we empower students to become proactive contributors to the economy and society, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The environmental and social aspect of the program helps the youth with integrating sustainable practices from the get-go.”
With Uganda facing a high youth unemployment rate, this program plays a vital role in creating opportunities for young people, while empowering them to tackle climate-related challenges head-on.
JA Company Program® has been a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Uganda since 2008, with 70% of participants establishing their own ventures. Notable alumni include Solomon Odongo, Founder of 1MillionYouth Uganda; Belinda Esaete, Founder at Beldeluxe Sleepwear; Boris Mugisha Nahabwe, Founder at Tubaayo Market Place; Don Bujjingo, Managing Director at Aloesha Organics; and Andrew Mupuya, Founder of Youth Entrepreneurial Link Investments (YELI).
IMPACT STORY: Andrew Mupuya
Andrew was born in the rural area of Mbale, Uganda. He moved to Kampala on a half bursary to study at an advanced level. It later became a hurdle to cater for his needs while at school after his parents became unemployed. In 2008, at the age of 16, Andrew saw a market opportunity in creating paper bags. As the Ugandan government leaned towards a ban on use of polythene plastic bags, Andrew decided to venture into an environmentally friendly project of paper bag production.
In 2012, Andrew was selected as an Anzisha Prize Fellow and has been featured on VenturesAfrica, CNN and has been recognised by Tony Elemelu for the Tony Elemelu Prize in Business Award.
JA Africa and Boeing have been partners since 2021, delivering hands-on, immersive community programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, and now Uganda.
Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, said: “Our joint initiative with Boeing ‘Our Future – Tomorrow’s Innovators’ propels our mission forward, enhancing youth capacity in entrepreneurship, STEM, and sustainability. This collaboration has inspired over 5,000 young Africans over the last four years to harness their potential and innovate for a sustainable future. We are confident that the program in Uganda will empower a new generation of innovative, sustainability-minded entrepreneurs.”
About Junior Achievement (JA) Africa
JA Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs on the continent. With a mission to prepare African youth for future jobs, JA Africa empowers young people through hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. By nurturing entrepreneurial ideas, honing work skills, and promoting financial management, JA Africa helps youth secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Operating in 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, JA Africa collectively reaches over 900,000 youth annually.
Learn more at www.ja-africa.org
About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity.
Boeing’s heritage in Africa dates back 75 years. With more than 60 airline customers operating about 500 Boeing airplanes in Africa, Boeing represents 70% of the airplane market currently in service across the continent. Boeing has partnered with over 40 organizations and invested more than $22 million since 2008 to drive systemic improvements in education and economic transformation in Africa.
Learn more at www.boeing.com
