Last week, a vibrant gathering of innovators, visionaries, and change-makers came together for a truly inspiring event hosted by Ashoka, a global leader in social entrepreneurship. For over 40 years, Ashoka has been at the forefront of empowering individuals to drive meaningful change in their communities. Bill Drayton founded Ashoka. He made the term “social entrepreneur.” Ashoka is grounded in the belief that everyone has the potential to create a long-lasting positive impact.

At the opening word of the event, Ashoka’s Director, Dadisai Taderera, shared the core vision of the organization: the power of both empathy and innovation. One of the key themes of the event was youth empowerment. Taderera highlighted the importance of preparing young people to shape their own futures. This is especially crucial in the face of global challenges like climate change. “We see young African climate change-makers who embody the spirit of contributing to the change they want to see,” she said. This reflects Ashoka’s rallying call: everyone has the potential to be a change-maker. Whether through innovative solutions or the start of activism, Ashoka is committed to equipping young people with the tools and support they need to turn their ideas into action.

The event was filled with compelling discussions, powerful interviews, and inspiring stories of individuals who have used their creativity and resilience to transform their communities. It was a reminder that sustainable change often begins when individuals take ownership of their challenges, think outside the box, and collaborate to create solutions.

Recognizing The Powerful Impact

For the entrepreneurs at the event, the recognition they received wasn’t just a moment of celebration—it was a validation of their efforts and an encouragement for future progress. We had the opportunity to chat with some of the award winners such as Lucy Kloppers, founder of Diapo a project focused on manufacturing biodegradable diapers from locally sourced materials, spoke about the impact of the recognition on her journey. “Resilience pays off,” she said, reflecting on how the acknowledgment has strengthened her commitment to pushing her project forward. “It has confirmed that my efforts are worth pursuing, and it has inspired me to keep going.”

Similarly, Chighubhu Lantern, a project that provides sustainable, circular lighting solutions by repurposing waste, Aluwaine Tanaka Manyonga, the project’s founder, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It’s a privilege that my project can now make a

wider impact across Africa, and not just Zimbabwe” he said. The recognition, along with the prize money, will allow him to reinvest in his initiative, particularly in advancing educational opportunities for children in need. What was most interesting is that we even got the opportunity to experience the lantern live and it was so great to see the actual product in use.

We also had the opportunity to speak with Praise Sibanda, the founder of Eco-Hunt, a mobile app designed to gamify the fight against climate change. For him, the recognition was deeply personal. Reflecting on the transformation it brought to his perspective, Praise shared how many people had previously doubted his project, telling him it would never amount to anything. “It feels great,” he said. “The people who once doubted my project can now see that it’s worth something, that it has the potential to take me places, and that it deserves recognition.” This award, he explained, has not only reaffirmed that his vision is valid, but also shown him that it is making a tangible impact.

As the evening drew to a close I had the oppoutunity to chat personally with Dadisai Taderera where she shared her reflections on the event and Ashoka’s vision for the future. “I feel good that it was such a success,” she said, “but more importantly, it’s about inspiring everyone and making them realize that the change they want is inside each and every one of us.” Looking ahead, Taderera emphasized that Ashoka’s focus will be on supporting young people and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. “We want to share the stories of change-makers in a way that inspires and makes as much noise as possible to open opportunities for the younger generation. We want them to believe that their ideas are valid and that they have the power to shape the world.”

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of youth leadership, creativity, and resilience in driving social change. Ashoka’s work continues to inspire individuals across the globe, showing that, with the right tools and support, anyone can be a force for good. The recognition of these incredible projects serves as both a celebration and a call to action for all of us: we all have the potential to make a difference. It’s not just about waiting for change—it’s about creating it.

As Ashoka looks to the future, the message is clear: everyone can be a change-maker. By sharing stories of innovation, collaboration, and resilience, Ashoka is ensuring that the next generation of leaders is empowered to create the world they want to see. And as Taderera powerfully stated, the change we seek is already inside us—it’s just waiting to be unlocked.