Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, announced the winners of the FedEx Global Possibilities award at this year’s Junior Achievement (JA) Africa ‘Company of the Year’ (COY) competition in Abuja, Nigeria. This year’s award was presented to Xero Labs from Ghana.
As the premier business pitch competition for the continent’s youth, high school students from eight countries competed for the ‘FedEx Global Possibilities’ award. This award, adjudicated by senior FedEx team members, recognizes the student-run businesses that best exhibit the principles of global connectivity under the four pillars of innovation, accessing new markets, sustainability, and community development. This year’s competition was guided by the theme: “ACT! Action for Climate Transformation.” The theme emphasizes the urgent need to leverage sustainable innovations in tackling the continent’s most pressing climate and development challenges.
Xero Labs is a climate-tech company dedicated to tackling urban air pollution by converting harmful vehicle emissions into sustainable, high-value products. Their core innovation is a compact device installed in car exhaust pipes that captures carbon soot before it escapes into the atmosphere. This collected soot is refined and repurposed into high-quality inks for art, printing, pens, and markers, transforming pollution into purpose.
By combining environmental responsibility with industrial creativity, Xero Labs not only reduces the carbon footprint of everyday transportation but also contributes to a circular economy. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to clean the air, create value, and inspire change; one vehicle and one drop of ink at a time.
“Supporting the next generation of African innovators is central to how we see the future of trade and economic growth on the continent”, said Nelson Teixeira, managing director of operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “This award recognises young entrepreneurs who think boldly and build solutions that can compete and connect on a global stage. This year’s winners demonstrated a clear passion and understanding of how to creatively use the four pillars to drive real change.”
“At JA Africa, we believe Africa’s greatest resource is the brilliance and creativity of its young people. Climate action is not just an environmental issue; it’s a development imperative. Across Africa, rising temperatures, food insecurity, and extreme weather threaten livelihoods and economies, but they also present opportunities for innovation and resilience. COY gives young people a platform to transform ideas into action,” said Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO, JA Africa.
FedEx has worked with Junior Achievement Worldwide for more than 45 years to ensure students are equipped with the right skill sets and provided the necessary guidance to build a successful future for themselves.
