Ghanaian-born Nana Kwadwo Duah was named the 2009 International Young Communications Entrepreneur by the British Council, in collaboration with Creative Economy, at an event in London in March.

Duah is a 29-year-old creative director and deputy CEO of Oxygen, an Advertising, Design and Strategic Branding Company in Ghana.

According to its website, the International Young Communications Entrepreneur (IYCE) award seeks to celebrate the achievements and develop the potential of young creative entrepreneurs in emerging markets across the world.

‘The award is open to participants aged between 25 and 35 who have a minimum of three years’ professional experience in the communications sector.’

Duah was among nine other finalists who had entered the competition.

According to the citation from the judges, Duah provided them with a clear sense of both the Ghanaian market and the visual identity of his country.

‘Through a highly stimulating and informative presentation he delivered a strong, creative and compelling narrative around the development of his business Oxygen and the steps that he has taken to secure its viability.

‘He clearly linked what he does to the future of the communications sector in his country and the judges believe that he will play a central role in its ongoing development.’

The citation goes on to say that Duah showed his deep commitment to Ghana’s future, present and past.

‘He balanced the preservation of its cultural identity and the need to be open to global opportunities.’

In the press release marking the event, Duah expressed gratitude to the British Council for the opportunity to win such a prestigious award.

‘This competition gives young entrepreneurs a platform to express themselves through the medium of communications.’

Creative economy is the British Council’s arts sector whose aim is to run this area as a business which can both sustain artists and lead to the creation of wealth in the respective countries.

If you want to find out more about the IYCE award and when the applications open for next year, visit this page. To read more about British Council events and programmes please visit this page. Read our latest news here: News in Africa section