By Hilda Oghuma
Idea Works Design Limited India is partnering with Lagos Business School (LBS) and AIESEC Nigeria on a three year initiative to foster the growth of Nigeria and India.
The initiative, called INDIAFRICA – A shared Future, was publicly unveiled at a press campaign on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at the conference hall of Adna Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to Uditas Das of Idea Works, ‘This initiative was born out of recognition of shared sensibilities, history and intertwined cultures between both countries. Also it is to create unique platform and opportunities for young entrepreneurs to explore, compete and learn from one another‘.
The programme is in two categories, The Online Contests and the Young Visionaries, and is open to all age groups. The online contest series will be in the areas of Business Plans, Essay Writing, Photography and Poster Design, and is intended to help create a platform for talented young Indians and Africans to exchange ideas about emergent realities, successes and challenges, and explore future collaborations in business, design and culture.
Meanwhile, the Young Visionaries Fellowship programme, for people from 15-35, will identify promising young entrepreneurs in India & Africa, and offer them opportunities for growth and collaboration. The driving vision is to encourage cross-fertilization of ideas, increase future trade, and a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the two areas.
For each contest category, cash prizes of $1,000 (N160,000) will be awarded to three winners from Eastern, Western, Central, Southern and Northern Africa. Each winning ‘Young Visionary’ will be awarded a five-day tour of India or Africa (depending on country of origin) that will comprise relevant meetings, seminars and trade shows, as well as platforms to interact with potential contacts for commercial or collaborative purposes.
The final short listed participants will be eligible to compete for a financial grant of US$10,000 (160,0000) to develop a collaborative project with India/Africa.
Organisers say 14 Nigerian Universities will be part of the programme. The organizers will go to the University of Lagos on Thursday, May 24,2012, to educate students on the objectives and aims of the joint initiative.
The programme is supported by the Indian High Commission, and others.
Application forms for the contest can be downloaded online at www.indiafrica.in or www.facebook.com/INDIAFRICAasharedFUTURE
