Zoona CEO awarded for social development
Zoona group chief executive officer Mike Quinn has been named as one of Schwab Foundation’s Social Entrepreneurs of the Year 2018 awardees for his role in addressing social problems in ways that benefit the marginalized.
The prestigious honour was awarded to Quinn and 11 other social entrepreneurs from around the world who through their work and organisations address social problems in ways that benefit the marginalised and have achieved meaningful impact.
Chairperson and co-founder for the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship Hilde Schwab said in a press statement social entrepreneurs leverage the power of market forces and business principles to solve social problems in ways that benefit the marginalised and the poor.
“Their work is often carried out in areas where government and the private sector are unable to achieve meaningful outcomes and involves considerable creativity coupled with pragmatism,” she said.
In accepting the award, Quinn said the award gives the company renewed energy that their work can be recognised on such a prestigious platform saying it is a privilege to be part of the exclusive network for global change-makers.
“This award is a great recognition for what Zoona has achieved in Africa and I am honoured to receive it on behalf of the team. At Zoona we combine entrepreneurship and technology to deliver essential financial services to those who need them most,” he said.
Zoona is a digital financial services company founded in 2009 operating in African markets including Malawi. Since inception the company has served over 2 million customers, processed over $2bn in transactions over its platform and created over 3 500 jobs.
Hilda and Klaus Schwab, started the Shwapp foundation in 1998, after engaging with leaders from of civil society organizations. The foundation’s vision was to develop a social entrepreneurship model that encompassed dedication, empathy and a mission to provide technologies and business skills to developing/underdeveloped societies.
