At ALA, we’re on a mission to transform the continent by developing a powerful network of young leaders, equipped to take on Africa’s most pressing challenges. At the heart of this mission lies our flagship Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) program.
In their first year, students dive into a transformative curriculum that introduces them to frameworks that challenge conventional thinking, build essential leadership and entrepreneurial skills, reinforce values, and foster personal growth. With the support of leadership coaching, they begin shaping their worldview—and their role in shaping Africa’s future.
This journey culminates in the Original Idea for Development (OID) Incubator, where students form teams and spend six weeks using human-centered design to develop solutions to pan-African grand challenges. Their task? Bring an original, scalable idea to life—one rooted in their passions and skills, and designed to create meaningful change.
The best of these ideas take center stage at E-Fest, ALA’s annual celebration of entrepreneurial innovation. After a rigorous selection process, the top five teams present their ideas to the ALA community and a panel of external judges, who crown one team as the E-Fest winner.
This year’s event was a showcase of creativity, bold thinking, and homegrown solutions—and we’re excited to introduce the Top 5 teams!
Estrella
Hands-on learning for Africa’s next generation
E-Fest 2025 Winner
Millions of African students between ages 10 and 18 lack access to hands-on learning in STEM, arts, and entrepreneurship—leaving critical thinking and technical skills underdeveloped.
Estrella is changing that with monthly DIY Build Boxes that spark creativity and innovation. These boxes blend STEM, arts, and humanities with entrepreneurial challenges, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional enrichment programs. By turning homes into mini-innovation hubs, Estrella bridges the gap in formal education while inspiring the next generation of African thinkers and builders.
Cryo Care
Sustainable, affordable, data-driven cold chain management
Every year, $14B is lost globally due to spoiled vaccines and blood products—often because of unreliable refrigeration. Cryo Care is taking on this challenge, starting in Africa’s off-grid primary health centers.
Using solar-powered absorption refrigeration, Cryo Care keeps temperature-sensitive materials within the critical 2–8°C range. Their system, built with local materials and enhanced by smart sensors, ensures resilience, efficiency, and data-driven maintenance—so that every life-saving dose stays protected.
Joto
Heated period underwear that brings comfort and confidence
For 70% of menstruating individuals who experience cramps—and the 20% whose lives are significantly disrupted by them—Joto offers a game-changing solution.
This stylish, reusable heated underwear delivers targeted relief through built-in warmth, combining comfort, sustainability, and dignity. Designed to be worn discreetly and washed easily, Joto empowers users to move through their cycle with ease—no compromises needed.
IMPILE
Better farming, brighter future
Despite its fertile land, South Africa faces growing food insecurity. Rising prices and lack of access to farming knowledge keep many families from growing their own food.
IMPILE is making sustainable food production practical and accessible through an all-in-one platform offering online courses and customizable starter kits. From backyard gardens to community plots, IMPILE equips users with the tools and knowledge to become self-sufficient, cut costs, and fight hunger.
Iya’s Pot
Reviving heritage through healthy eating
Diet-related diseases are on the rise in African Indigenous communities, where access to culturally relevant health solutions is limited. Iya’s Pot is changing that—one traditional recipe at a time.
Their culturally tailored cookbook and SMS-based meal plans help households rediscover ancestral food wisdom while adopting healthier habits. With community-approved, seasonal recipes, Iya’s Pot blends nutrition, culture, and accessibility—making wellness both familiar and achievable.
Congratulations to Estrella, the Winners of E-Fest 2025.
Catch all the best moments from E-Fest 2025 below!
