Nigerian Students Crowned Africa’s Best for Drone Innovation

Smartgenix Aeromonitor Ltd wins 2025 Junior Achievement Africa Company of the Year

A team of Nigerian students has been named Africa’s top young entrepreneurs after their company, Smartgenix Aeromonitor Limited, representing Darul Noor by Intercontinental Schools, won the 2025 Africa Company of the Year at the Junior Achievement Africa Company of the Year Competition.

The achievement was confirmed by Tobiloba Olaosun, Marketing and Communications Manager at Junior Achievement Nigeria, on Friday.

In a statement, Dave Uduanu, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Junior Achievement Nigeria, praised the young innovators:
“Smartgenix Aeromonitor Ltd symbolizes the incredible talent and leadership that Nigerian youth possess. Their success shows that with the right mentorship and opportunities, young innovators can truly lead on the global stage.”

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The winning team also won the public choice award, reflecting wide support both in Nigeria and internationally. Their innovation, drone technology for precision agriculture, helps farmers reduce costs, save time, cut down labour, and promote sustainable farming practices.

The team, composed of Ruqaiya Abdulfatai Alubankudi, Khadija Muhammad Musa, Rukaiya Makki Abubakar, and Zainab Idris Gaya, will receive $3,000 and qualify to compete for the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award, where first-place winners from six regional competitions will vie for a grand prize of $15,000, international recognition, and educational opportunities.

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This year’s competition focused on the theme “ACT: Action for Climate Transformation”, challenging participants to develop sustainable solutions to environmental, social, and economic issues.

Junior Achievement Nigeria continues to empower young people aged five to 35 through programs such as the Company Programme and SET4LYF, teaching skills in financial literacy, work readiness, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.

The triumph of Smartgenix Aeromonitor Ltd highlights the growing role of Nigerian youth in innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, signaling a bright future for Africa’s next generation of leaders.