A security company in Zimbabwe, Securico founded by a female entrepreneur, Divine Dhlukula (Managing Director), has won the Africa awards for entrepreneurship $100 000 grand prize in the 2011 contest
Based in Harare, Zimbabwe, Securico provides guarding services and electronic security solutions and is the first security company in Zimbabwe to be ISO certified.
Securico has more than 3 400 employees, 900 of which are women, making it the largest employer of women in the private sector. The award was presented by Legatum, a private international investment group and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm. "Securico exemplifies the vital role played by entrepreneurs in creating economic growth,prosperity and realising opportunity in Africa," according to the award presenters.
The presenters say that the ten finalists underscore the diversity of entrepreneurs in the competition, representing eight countries which include Ethiopia,Gambia,Kenya,Mauritius,Nigeria,Senegal,Uganda and Zimbabwe. The top ten, which includes three women-owned businesses, work in a range of industries, from software to entertainment to agribusiness.
"It is such an honour for me to be recognized by the Africa Awards for Entrepreurship and included in such a talented,dynamic group of entrepreneurs. l hope that my story of creating Securico and those of my fellow finalists, will help to inspire other African entrepreneurs to seek opportunity,embrace risk and believe in themselves," says Ndhlukula accepting the award.
Wallace Mawire
