FedEx Express, a global express transportation company, recently recognized outstanding teams of young entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Africa at an event in Oman.

For more than 30 years, FedEx has supported Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) global competitions Company of the Year (COY) programmes to empower tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and inspire young people to succeed by growing their businesses globally. This programme helps students understand the importance of building global connections to create jobs, grow businesses and reach the world’s possibilities.

“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are key for the region’s economic growth and job creation”, says David J Ross, regional president, FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. “FedEx Express is committed to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit amongst regional youth, for whom unemployment is a major issue. Through our association with Junior Achievement Worldwide, we have created a platform to encourage entrepreneurs to explore viable business paths.”

In the Middle East, INJAZ Al-Arab, a member of JAW, recently hosted its 9th annual INJAZ Al-Arab Young Arab Entrepreneurs COY competition in Oman. FedEx team members attended the event to provide more insights to the students on how to gain ‘Access’ to global markets, in-line with the FedEx Access concepts.

Students participating in the JA COY program had the opportunity to compete for the FedEx Access Award, which recognizes student-run businesses who best exhibit the principles of global connectivity.

The 2015 FedEx Access Award was presented to Tunisia-based Pinnacle Inc., who demonstrated the best business plan using global logistics and communications networks to foster innovation and connect markets. Pinnacle Inc. is a web development company that aims to optimize the use of soon out-of-date food related goods by redistributing them efficiently and effectively through its online platform, which tackles the issue of wasted food on the wholesale level.

In Africa, the Junior Achievement Worldwide COY competition was held in Gabon, during which the 2015 FedEx Access Award was received by Green Biz, from Mauritius. This company produces innovative and fun recycled bamboo products that are environmentally sustainable and practical.

Students competing in the 2014 JA COY program also received recognition for their accomplishments. The 2014 FedEx Access Award was presented to The Dynamites from Nigeria. The company produced purses, shopping bags and school bags made of twine. – TradeArabia News Service