Bidco in the run for transformational Africa Awards for entrepreneurship

Bidco Oil is among the top 12 finalists named by the African Leadership Network (ALN) for the 2014 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship (AAE). The winners will be announced at Kigali, Rwanda on  November 7^th, 2014.

According to a statement released by the African readership Network, ALN’s CEO, Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Jr., said, ‘’These finalists represent the strong emerging entrepreneurial class that our continent needs. They are not only business owners: they are Africa's new innovators, investors, and drivers of social change. This year's finalists represent the future of the African continent.’’

Bidco is a finalist under the Transformational Business award category for its inclusive growth and sustainability program. As a strong supporter of communities within its operating environments along the value streams, Bidco has managed to register over 30,000 farmers registered on its rolls of whom 10, 000 farmers sell their oil seeds to the company. These farmers are given training and assistance to enhance their productivity and lifestyles.

At the other end of the value chain, the company promotes entrepreneurship and growth among small and large retailers, traders, suppliers and distributors with cashless trading facility and supply management that ensures quick deliveries.

Commenting on the award Bidco Group, Chief Executive Officer, Vimal Shah, said, “We are honoured and humbled at the same time. Awards such as these only reiterate our commitment to excellence and pushes us towards higher goals. Bidco has set a benchmark in its quality adherence and in abiding by the “Inclusive business’ model. Awards such as these will help others across the continent understand and follow sustainability models which will not just help the business grow but every stakeholder – from the regions’ economy to local community, consumers, environment, etc.    It bodes well for truly African companies that we are reaching world class standards.”

In addition, the group is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. In line with its slogan of “happy healthy living,” Bidco is firmly committed to the provision of a healthy and safe working environment for its staff. In its commitment to equal rights, Bidco aims to ensure that no job applicant shall receive less favorable treatment on the ground of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, color, religion or belief, nationality or ethnic or national origin.

The finalists are drawn from 9 African countries representing many different industries including retail, manufacturing, consumer services, e-commerce, agriculture, ICT, transportation & logistics, education, health, and sanitation. Each year, it awards over USD $200,000 in prize money to outstanding African entrepreneurs who demonstrate business excellence and social impact.