Ghana’s Paul-Miki Akpablie has been awarded by Queen Elizabeth as part of the Queens Young Leaders programme.

The aim of the initiative is to identify, reward and support people (between 18 and 29 years) doing exceptional work within their communities. According to the programme, awardees receive “a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they will collect their Award from Her Majesty The Queen.”

At the awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Prince Harry and football icon David Beckham describe the awardees as inspirational and called on them to achieve higher. Prince Harry said; “You have already been an inspiration to so many, but I hope this award will inspire you to go out and achieve even greater things in the future."

In 2013, Akpablie founded the renewable energy startup; Kadi Energy. He developed a solar powered charger that works for phones, laptops and lamps. In a country and continent where electricity remains a privilege and the sun in abundance; this product comes handy. The Kadi Mobile charger can keep mobile devices on for up to a week; helping to reduce costs and is a great product for young entrepreneurs to trade in.

The runner ups from Ghana for this year’s award include Abigail Agbosu; Banasco Seidu Nuhu; Dennis Kofi Padi Borti; Kwadwo Sarpong; Portia Dery and Sweetie Anang.

Applications for next year’s awards are open; head over to www.queensyoungleaders.com