THE BOMA PRIZE FOR AFRICA
Our goal is to empower underserved and vulnerable Africans across the continent and in the diaspora with workforce training, mental health support, and economic opportunities.
Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Individuals access adequate funding, business resources, and networks.
The Boma Prize for Africa (BPFA)is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, registered in the state of Maryland U.S.A.
With projects in the DMV area and across the African Continent, we provide holistic community driven support that combines workforce development and economic empowerment, mental health and psychological support services, Education and youth development, and startup incubation capped with the BomaPrize for Africa Awards to empower underserved Africans to build sustainable livelihood and drive locally led solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
Why Africa?
Africa is one of the worlds richest regions in natural resources, with vast reserves of minerals
and fertile land. Yet millions of Africans, particularly underserved and vulnerable communities continue to face barriers to quality education, decent work, mental well-being and economic opportunity.
While we cannot influence government policy, we believe lasting change begins by investing
in people. Through workforce training, mental health support, education and entrepreneurship
opportunities, we empower individuals across Africa and the diaspora to build sustainable
livelihoods, improve their well-being and create stronger communities.
We invite individuals, organizations, and partners who have benefited from Africas potential
to join us in advancing initiatives that create lasting impact and contribute to the achievement
of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2031.
The Problem
Across Africa, individuals and small businesses face interconnected barriers that limit
economic opportunity and sustainable development. SMEs continue to struggle in the post-
COVID-19 economy, these include rising cost of doing business by 63%, rising cost of goods
and services by 75%, reduction in staff retention by 42%. Many also have limited access to
finance, workforce training, and digital technologies (Mastercard, 2023)
These socioeconomic challenges are further compounded by a growing mental health crisis.
Mental health remains one of the most pressing yet underserved public health issues globally.
Nearly 150 million people in Africa struggle with conditions such as depression and anxiety,
driven by trauma, economic hardship and a severe lack of support systems (WHO, 2025).
Our Solution
Our programs are designed to address the barriers limiting opportunity and sustainable
growth for underserved and vulnerable Africans across the continent and the diaspora.
Through four key focus areas; workforce development and economic empowerment, mental
health and psychological support services, education and youth development and startup
incubation, we equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, well-being support and
opportunities they need to succeed, while contributing to the achievement of the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Strategy
To achieve our mission, and foster sustainable development across the African continent, Boma Prize for Africa implements programs and initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, Particularly SDG 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health and wellbeing), 4 (Quality education), 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and 13 (Climate action).