Kampala — SAFI Cleaning Services and Africa Polysac have been named among the 10 finalists in the 2008 Legatum Pioneers of Prosperity Africa Awards scheduled for November 19 in Kigali, Rwanda.

A total of $350,000 (sh630m) will be awarded to six winners with the funds expected to finance growth and strategic re-investments.

The awards, which will be presided over by president Paul Kagame of Rwanda, are organised by Legatum, a private investment group, OTF Group and the Social Equity Venture Fund.

Alan McCormack, the managing director of Legatum, said the award programme, which named the 10 finalists on November 3, had received 1,400 submissions.

"We have identified some of the most talented entrepreneurs in Africa. They represent a new generation of business owners who have demonstrated ingenuity, a commitment to business excellence, innovation and profitability," McCormack said in a statement on November 3.

Eric Kacou, the managing director of OTF, said the finalists included four women entrepreneurs.

Some of the finalists are Athena Foods Ghana, AAR Health Kenya, Regional Reach Kenya, United Africa Group Namibia, Superflux International Nigeria, Gahaya Links Rwanda, Amazing Workshop South Africa and Integr8IT South Africa.