The Awards bring together top African businesses, investors, policy makers and the press to recognise some of the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs on the continent.

The Pioneers of Prosperity programme was set up by Michael Fairbanks, the co-founder of the S.E.VEN fund which aims to help end global poverty through entrepreneurship.

It is hoped the African awards, which saw 10 companies competing including four lead by female entrepreneurs, will highlight successes and inspire a new generation of business people.

And as Alan McCormick one of the judging panel says, echoing Barrack Obama:

They are an inspiration to anyone in Africa who may be wondering if they can succeed in business. The answer is: yes, you can.