Founder of Omo Alata – a Nigerian food packaging start-up, Kashope Ladipo-Ajayi has beaten five other finalists to clinch the most coveted first prize at the She Leads Africa 2015 Pitch Competition. Kashope impressed the judges with her existing track record and the significant potential of her pepper mix, which targets Nigeria’s growing middle class.

All the chips were down at the event venue – Oriental Hotel Lagos; and six young African women entrepreneurs below the age of 35 pitched their hearts out to a formidable line up of accomplished, pan-African entrepreneurs on the panel of judges. On there were – renowned billionaire Tunde Folawiyo, CEO of EbonyLife TV Mo Abudu, Nigerian former ICT minister Dr. Omobola Johnson, IFC country chief Eem Essien, sub-Saharan MD of Carlyle Group Genevieve Sangudi, Lebanese CEO of IHS Towers Issam Darwish and lead sponsor GTBank representative Femi Nedd.

According to Ms. Sangudi, “Innovations in the food industry in Nigeria are always exciting, given the country’s large and growing population.”

Ms. Ladipo-Ajayi’s Omo Alata is Nigeria’s first NAFDAC approved 100% organic packaged blended pepper mix. Launched in 2012 by IT professional turned entrepreneur, the brand’s focus is on being the leading producers of hygienically processed and packaged local Nigerian soups, spices and peppers.

As first place winner, Kashope Ladipo-Ajayi won the $10,000 cash prize, as well as a 3-month support from Ziggy Logistics, mobile devices from Etisalat, and ace mentorship openings to grow her business enterprise.

Co-finalist Kambili Ngozi Ofili-Okonkwo of Kamokini, a Nigerian swimwear brand, came in at second place and received a $5,000 cash prize, while Ngozi Opara with her Heat Free Hair Movement came in at third place to win $1,000 in cash.

All of the finalists are recipients of transportation credits from Uber, logistics credit from Zippy Logistics, branding support from Ellae Creative and 3 months marketing support from EbonyLife TV.

The other three finalist that pitched for the keenly contested prizes are Imoteda Aladekemo of Heels in the Kitchen, Brenda Katwesigye of Instahealth and Louisa Kinoshi of BeautyRev NG. All three entrepreneurs are doubtlessly ones to keep an eye on as they continue to map a strong course for themselves.

She Leads Africa is an initiative that is committed to uncover and empower Africa’s extremely talented female entrepreneurs between ages 18 to 35 years, employing the platform of this annual entrepreneur showcase and pitch competition. Events leading up to the pitch competition included a week-long, co-working space for women entrepreneurs tagged ‘She Hive’. Watch this spot for information on the 2016 competition announcement.