The African Awards for Entrepreneurs 2011 sets out to reward African business leaders for their entrepreneurial skills in driving businesses. The awards for are organized by Legatum, a private international investment group and Omidyar Network an investment firm.

Since the inception of the awards in 2007, ICT has stood out as the second most represented industry sector with 12.2% after AgriBusiness/processing sector which had 20.6% of the total sector categories. Craft Silicon won the 2010 best entrepreneur award for its innovative solutions in core banking, electronic and mobile payments in four continents.

Most businesses in Kenya have prevalence of ICT. This is because technology is becoming one of the main drivers of a country’s economy. “Entrepreneurs playing in the cutting age of technology will drive their businesses,” says Hamish Banks, Head of Corporate Communications, Legatum. He later added, compared to other countries, Kenya had more applicants for the 2010 awards in various sectors.

Applications for this event are open and evaluation will be based on profitability of the business, return on investment and growth, innovation to address market needs and contribution to the community.