Methodology - INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON INVESTMENT AND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT IN AfCFTA

Simba Awards

Opening date for applications: July 1, 2024
Closing date for applications: August 25, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. GMT
Awards Ceremony: October 2, 2024 in Mauritius Republic

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers African and foreign business communities unique business and investment opportunities in Africa. On the occasion of the International Forum on investment and dispute resolution within the AfCFTA organized jointly by the African Academy for the Practice of International Law (AAPDI) and the African Professional Union AfCFTA (UAP-ZLECAf) the October 1 and 2, 2024 in the Republic of Mauritius, “SIMBA” AfCFTA Best Entrepreneur Award is also launched for the attention of African entrepreneurs.

This initiative aims to celebrate and recognize entrepreneurial excellence within the AfCFTA, highlighting the economic dynamism and diversity of talent across the African continent. The “SIMBA” competition was designed to honor exceptional entrepreneurs who meet these criteria, thereby contributing significantly to economic development within the AfCFTA.

Why is this prize named “Simba”?
The selection of the name « SIMBA » for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Best Entrepreneur Award is based on the desire to merge African cultural values with the economic aspirations of the AfCFTA, and is a choice steeped in symbolism deep aiming to create a strong, meaningful and distinctive identity.
“SIMBA,” translation of “Lion” in the Swahili language, evokes a powerful cultural symbol, highlighting the power, leadership and nobility associated with “SIMBA”. The choice of Swahili, the most spoken language in Africa, underlines the desire to anchor the prize in the cultural diversity of the continent.

July 1 - August 25, 2024

Step 1: Application process

Entrepreneurs compete in their field of activity or category by completing an online form on the website www.ifidsa.org

August 2024

Step 2: Oral presentation of the candidates

A multidisciplinary jury studies the candidates’ files. Candidates pre-selected on the basis of criteria previously communicated to applicants are invited to make a short oral presentation on recorded media of their vision for the AfCFTA and their achievements.

August 26 – September 2, 2024

Step 3: Deliberation by the jury

Based on the oral presentations of the candidates as well as the efficiency of the other criteria sought, the members of the jury deliberate and designate the winner in each category.
Deliberations are carried out in complete transparency according to previously defined criteria.

October 02, 2024

Step 4: Award ceremony

Winning candidates are notified one month before the event. They are invited to be present or to send one of their colleagues when the prize is awarded.
During the awards session which will take place during the Forum gala evening on October 2, 2024 in the Republic of Mauritius, they will have a five-minute moment where they will be able to express themselves on their commitments to the development of Africa.