Seka Jean Blaise (AKA DeWise) Wins Raise Africa's Young Talent of the Year Award in Milan, Italy

In the heart of Milan, a city synonymous with design and innovation, a different kind of African dream was realized. The air was thick with anticipation, but only one name could echo with victory: Seka Jean Blaise, the visionary behind WiseCool at DeWise Foundation and our dedicated General Affairs Lead at Open Dreams. Seka Jean Blaise has been officially named the winner of the prestigious Raise Africa Young Talent of the Year Award, organized by the RES4Africa Foundation at Radisson Blu Hotel in Milan, Italy.

The road to Milan was not paved with ease, from initially receiving a visa rejection before appealing and getting the visa approved to getting into a stiff pitching competition against seven other phenomenal entrepreneurs and innovators from across Africa. These changemakers, from Ghana, DRC Congo, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, represented the brightest minds dedicated to sustainable solutions. Each presentation was a reflection of Africa's potential, but it was the profound impact and ingenuity of Seka’s WiseCool project that ultimately shone brightest.

WiseCool, a project bridging the healthcare gap in Cameroon through AI and Solar Technology, is extending the shelf life of temperature-sensitive drugs from a single day to over 365 days, ensuring continuous access to vital medications for off-grid communities. His work is a living, breathing answer to a critical question: how can young African leaders not just adapt to the energy crisis, but master it?

The RES4Africa Young Talent of the Year Award is not just a trophy - it is a catalyst for change. The accolade is specifically designed to recognize innovative young African entrepreneurs developing sustainable, renewable energy solutions to tackle critical community challenges. The award provides not only vital financial support but also expert mentoring and invaluable visibility at major global platforms, including key climate events like COP.

This is a powerful endorsement of the pivotal role that youth innovation and leadership play in driving Africa's energy transition. The award's stature is amplified by its formidable backing: the RES4Africa Foundation itself, industry giant Enel Green Power, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Their support underscores a collective belief that the future of Africa’s energy landscape rests in the hands of its young innovators like Seka Jean Blaise.

While in Italy, Seka Jean-Blaise shared a special moment with Open Dreams Scholar Emmanuel Kum and others studying at the graduate level in Italy

The victory in Milan is a profound narrative stroke in Seka's journey. He now stands among the elite, proving that an African dream, meticulously nurtured and powerfully executed, can transcend borders and transform communities. The world now waits with anticipation to witness the next chapter of the WiseCool project and the lasting impact of this exceptional young African talent.