In a remarkable recognition of young innovators in Uganda, Odyek Haron, CEO of Bedmot Company and an Alum of the JA Uganda Social Equity Program, has been nominated for the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 2024 Enterprise Awards. His journey from a challenging beginning to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur reflects the transformational impact of local youth empowerment initiatives.
About the Enterprise Awards
Organized by Astute Strategists, a leading consultancy firm in Uganda, the Enterprise Awards were launched to celebrate the accomplishments of Uganda’s social enterprises and NGOs, providing well-deserved recognition to those making a tangible difference. Although social enterprises across Africa have created over a million jobs and impacted millions of lives, recognition has historically been limited. Studies show that only 20% of African NGOs receive international acknowledgment for their efforts, resulting in a gap that limits access to critical resources and partnerships for many organizations.
By establishing the Enterprise Awards, Astute Strategists aim to bridge this gap, empowering Ugandan enterprises and individuals like Haron Odyek to expand their influence and increase their impact.
Who is Odyek Haron?
Odyek Haron’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision. Forced to leave school at age 16 due to financial hardship, Haron joined the ranks of Uganda’s NEET population—youth not in education, employment, or vocational training—along with an estimated 41% of his peers aged 18-29.
In search of a way to support himself and his family, Haron began learning brickmaking from a friend. This skill set eventually became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey.
Through a pivotal opportunity with the JA-Z Zurich Foundation Social Equity Program (SEP), Haron was introduced to entrepreneurship. The SEP program aims to address the NEET phenomenon by providing young Africans with the skills to achieve financial independence and equal economic participation.
With his teammates, Haron co-founded Bedmot, a company dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. They identified the issue of plastic waste in their community and, inspired by Haron’s knowledge of brickmaking, devised a solution to transform plastic waste into durable, interlocking bricks for construction and landscaping.
By collecting and melting plastic waste to create moldable materials, Bedmot Company has contributed to sustainable solutions for plastic waste while also creating economic opportunities.
During the recent visit to Lira City, where Haron and his team are, the City Mayor, testified the positive impact Haron and the team at Bedmot are contributing to the society.
Looking Forward
Haron Odyek’s nomination for Young Entrepreneur of the Year is a proud moment for Uganda’s social enterprise sector, showcasing the powerful combination of innovation and determination.
As Haron’s story continues to inspire young entrepreneurs across Africa, his nomination underscores the importance of providing platforms for young leaders to gain visibility and connect with resources that will drive their ventures to new heights.
To vote for Haron, kindly click on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczon0HUcZC9WhFOflX9-3F-0cmdYwNtpuFbu8ygDLx0ErCXA/viewform?usp=sf_link
