Pioneers of Prosperity

Global prosperity relies on innovative and vibrant private enterprises in all countries and regions. This is a particular challenge in some emerging markets, where many countries are facing an unprecedented crisis in their ability to generate prosperity for the average citizen. In order to drive the type of social and economic transformation that is needed around the world, these regions must launch and scale companies that compete by serving all of their key stakeholders in sustainable ways and can show others the way forward.

First, countries need companies that know how to identify, investigate, and serve the right customers: segments of local, regional and international buyers who are willing and able to pay high prices for valuable local products and services. Second, they need companies that consistently generate profit for their owners that are commensurate with the risks taken by investing in them. Third, they need companies that provide sustainable employment, training, and growth opportunities to local workers.  And fourth, they need companies that operate in ways that do not compromise the living environment of future generations.

The OTF Group has worked with companies in more 35 countries and 20 industrial sectors, across several continents, for the last fifteen years. Based on that experience, we believe that model companies -- companies that deliver value to customers, owners, workers, and future generations -- are the ultimate agents of economic change in the developing world. The Pioneers of Prosperity Award Program is designed to be the first of its kind, a high-impact initiative that identifies, rewards, and promotes torch-bearing companies of the developing world. Our mission is to turn these companies into powerful role models who can inspire and influence emerging business leaders from around the world.

Africa:
In this second year, the contest is focusing on:
Eastern Africa: Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
Western Africa: Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria
Southern Africa: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa
For more information about our African contest, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Caribbean
In this pilot year, the contest is currently focusing on The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
For more information about our Caribbean contest, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Central America
In this pilot year, the contest is focusing on Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. The program will be expanded to more countries in future years. Additional contest details, including application deadlines and logistics, are now being determined.

Application deadlines are as follows:

Africa

The application deadline for this year's African competition is September 10th, 2008.
Only applications completed by this date will be regarded as entries into the competition.

Central America

The application deadline for this year's Central American competition has not yet been determined.

Caribbean

The application deadline for this year's Caribbean competition has not yet been determined.

All decisions about nominations are at the discretion of the panel, the panel's decision is final.

The panel's procedures and deliberations are confidential and will not be disclosed.

The panel's goal is to select six companies from the list of finalists but is under no obligation to make any selections at all if it so chooses.

The finalists or a representative of each of the shortlisted companies will be brought to the final awards ceremony (receiving one fully paid economy class return flight, accommodation for the duration of the ceremony, and transport transfers to and from the event).

If the project represents the efforts of several individuals, one person must be nominated by the group to represent it and to accept the grant on behalf of the project.

Only one application allowed per company.

The traveling prize winner is responsible for all ancillary costs not listed in these rules, including but not limited to: visa costs, any necessary vaccinations, insurance and unlisted transfers and must possess a valid passport.