AVIS SUPPORTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE PARTNERS A.Y.E

AVIS NIGERIA PARTNERS A.Y.E (AFRICA’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS) TO BUILD NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEURS

Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.) is a non-profit organization based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It empowers, develops, funds and facilitates intra-trade among African entrepreneurs in 19 countries. It is the largest Economic group in Africa with more than 12 million pan African members.

A.Y.E was founded by Summy Smart Francis, a Nigerian Entrepreneur, in 2010. After two years in research and study of the African economy, the group commenced operations in 2012. A.Y.E. activuties include organising business conferences, economic empowerment programs and mobilizing funds for startups. The organization’s research department has provided insightful solutions towards the improvement of Africa’s economy.

This year, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs Empowerment Nigeria (AYEEN), in its efforts to enhance its activities, has leveraged on the support of several sponsors and partners. AVIS Nigeria has now come on board to partner with A.Y.E. in building the next generation of African economic forces.

AVIS Nigeria is a trusted and award-winning brand with a long history of innovation in the car rental industry, and one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty, with a commitment to true convenience and exceptional service. AVIS Nigeria, being a strong believer and passionate about entrepreneur development has joined forces with A.Y.E. to develop entrepreneurship growth.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of AVIS Nigeria, Mr. Kolawole Ogunbajo; speaking on his experience in entrepreneurial journey recently, said that his passion and acquisition of useful skills made him a successful entrepreneur.

Africas’ Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E) Nigeria recently met with AVIS Nigeria team. Present at the meeting were representatives of AVIS comprsing of KOLAWOLE ADEYEMI the General Manager (Rent-A-Car) and BLESSING ALOBO OKATA Business Development Manager, The A.Y.E was represented by its West African Regional Manager Joy Michael and A.Y.E Projects Director Garth Deacon. The AVIS team acknowledged the role of A.Y.E in the development of young Nigerians and commended the organization for its growth and impact on entrepreneurship in Nigeria and Africa, stressing that the partnership will further reposition AVIS Nigeria.

Blessing Okata (AVIS BDM) expressed the commitment of AVIS to the partnership and encourages the organization to continue with the great works on entrepreneurship development. Mr Garth Deacon (A.Y.E Projects Director) in his response, appreciates the AVIS for its support, expressing belief that the Nigerian economy would be better if other corporate bodies emulate AVIS in entrepreneurship development.


The Johannesburg based organization through its AYEEN entrepreneur programme and reality TV show supports thousands of young entrepreneurs with grant ,equipment and business loan.

The AYEEN programme this year dubbed AYEEN 2017,which also has a reality TV show attracted several other sponsors and partners which include GLOBAL ENTERPRENEURSHIP INSTUTUTE (GIE), AEES, SSF INVESTMENTS, FIRS, AIROPAY, LAGOS ORIENTAL HOTEL, DANA AIRLINE, LASAA, THE NATION NEWS PAPER, MEGAMINDS, G.A PRODUCTION, EXP AGENCY, COOL FM, WAZOBIA MAX and RADIO CONTINENTAL, amongst others.

A.Y.E Nigeria has proudly produced a lot of young intellectuals and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Femi Rufus Shodeinde
Reporter