Junior Achievement (JA) Africa, one of the continent’s leading youth economic empowerment organisations, has revealed that every dollar invested in its programmes yields more than $20 in long-term economic return.

The disclosure came during the 15th JA Africa Company of the Year (COY) Competition, taking place in Abuja from December 3–5, 2025. The annual competition brings together secondary-school student entrepreneurs from eight African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Eswatini, and South Africa, under the theme “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.”

JA Africa currently reaches 1.5 million young people annually across 23 African nations, equipping them with entrepreneurial, financial literacy, and work-readiness skills. In Nigeria alone, more than 200,000 secondary school students have participated in its intensive Company Programmes.

Cost of Empowerment

Speaking on the organisation’s financial model, Mrs. Simi Nwogugu, President & CEO of JA Africa, said the cost per participant ranges between $20 and $25, depending on programme duration and intensity.

“Longer programmes like the year-long Company Programme cost more than short one-day innovation camps,” she noted, while acknowledging sponsors such as FedEx for their role in sustaining the initiatives.

Return on Investment

JA Worldwide President & CEO, Asheesh Advani, highlighted global research showing that JA programmes deliver exceptional economic value.

“The ROI for every dollar invested is over $20 back. It’s a very high return for communities and society,” Advani said.

Commitment to Inclusion

JA Africa is also expanding its focus on disability inclusion. According to Nwogugu, the organisation requires that 5–10% of programme participants be young persons with disabilities.

To support this commitment, JA Africa partners with specialist organisations to provide materials in braille, sign-language support, and other accommodations for both visible and invisible disabilities.

Youth Innovation Driving Climate Action

This year’s COY competition emphasises climate-conscious entrepreneurship. Nwogugu described Africa’s youth as the continent’s “greatest resource,” stressing that climate action is central to sustainable development.

“COY gives young people a platform to transform ideas into action. Africa’s youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today,” she said.

Participants are competing across six innovation-driven categories:

• Innovation & Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• FinTech
• Digital Media & Creation
• Renewable Energy
• Circular Economy & Sustainability

The winning student company will represent Africa at the Ralph de la Vega Global Entrepreneurship Competition.