Team 54 Project members illuminated the stage at the 2024 Sustainability World Cup, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and resilience. Representing Africa under the banner of Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo (THAMAU), they emerged victorious in this prestigious competition, announced during the Digital Enterprise Show in Malaga, Spain, from June 11 to June 14, 2024. Led by the Founder and President of the organization, Chief Dr. Gbujie Chidubem Daniel from Nigeria, who received the esteemed Best Sustainability Leader Award, they exemplified excellence as the 2024 Sustainability World Cup Most Valuable Player. Joining him were four outstanding teammates all members of Team 54 Project International : Silas Kimara Ochaka (Uganda), Prince Chinazaekpere Uchegbu (Nigeria), Leonard Tabengwa (South Africa/Zimbabwe) and Delight Chimdiuto Gbujie (Nigeria).
The 2024 inaugural Sustainability World Cup, a digital simulation competition, immersed participants in the realm of corporate sustainability. Bringing together talents from various sectors including industry and academia, the event was designed to explore the profound impact of sustainability on business growth. Over nearly eight weeks, 50 participants organized into ten global teams engaged in transforming virtual organizations into sustainable enterprises. Rising from the seventh position in the third week to clinch the championship by the ninth week, our team’s victory underscores the diverse potential within our organization as we strive towards a sustainable future. Reflecting on their success, Chief Dr. Gbujie highlighted the legacy of resilience among great Africans and emphasized the leadership role of today’s youth in shaping a sustainable development vision for the continent. Young Africans are indeed taking leadership in sustainable development by showcasing their digital literacy and its application to solve pressing socio-economic challenges. However, he stressed in an interview with Africa’s News Central Television that government and community leaders need to be inclusive.
The Team express deep gratitude to their esteemed supporters and mentors who have been supporting them throughout this journey. Special thanks go to Mary Apollo from South Sudan & CEO Four Directions, H.E. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, African Union Special Envoy on Youth, and Dr. Felipe Paullie the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs for their encouragement and congratulatory message afterwards. We also extend our appreciation to our elders within and outside the continent, including Ramatu Ahmed and Prof. Nelson Aluya, as well as head of state Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio. His well-wishes were conveyed through Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai and Ambassador Yulisa Ahmadu during the Sierra Leone Youth Diaspora Summit in Washington DC, held on May 25th, 2024, where the Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo received a recognition award for reaching the final stage of the Sustainability World Cup.
Our founder accepted the award on behalf of the team. He stated that the diplomatic-sponsored event recognition will significantly boost the team and propel us to the final. We are hopeful for a win on June 10th, 2024, the date when the results of the finals of the 2024 Sustainability World Cup will be announced.
Kimara expressed deep gratitude to co-founders Edmund Bradford and Prof. Leila Lunguleac-Bardasuc, and to the panel of sustainability judges that includes Stuart Webb, Dr. Alexandra von Westernhagen, Anu Honkalinna, Jose Manuel del Pino, Kurt Uhlir, Nishan Chelvachandran FRSA, Manuel Vexler, Ignacio (Nacho) Villoch, and Sandra Infante Grillon. Their expertise and contributions were invaluable in hosting our awards ceremony and ensuring its success. Their expertise was crucial in creating a transformative experience that combined education, practical application of corporate principles, and advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within a positive and engaging environment.
We also acknowledge with gratitude the generous sponsors whose support made this journey possible: TeamLabs, Industry 4.0 Club, Iron Lakes, Aalto University, Dexterisys Consulting Ltd, AI for Sustainability, Ibai Martínez Andreu, and Mike Yost. A special mention goes to Ms. Rhiannon Gallagher, whose sponsorship played a pivotal role in covering significant registration costs.
The awards ceremony at the Digital Enterprise Show not only celebrated Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo Africa’s remarkable achievements—winning Best Business for Prosperity, Best Environmental Performance, and Best Social Performance—but also underscored their preparation, perseverance, commitment, and indomitable spirit. Together, your support and guidance have made a lasting impact, inspiring us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond.
The awards ceremony announced at the Digital Enterprise Show not only celebrated Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo Africa’s remarkable achievements—winning Best Business for Prosperity, Best Environmental Performance, and Best Social Performance—but also underscored their preparation, perseverance, commitment, and indomitable spirit. Together, your support and guidance have made a lasting impact, inspiring us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to our communities and beyond.
See list of all the Awards and Winners:
1.Sustainability World Champions: Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo also
called AmbassaT within the game (Gbujie Chidubem Daniel, Silas Kimara, Delight Chimdiuto Gbujie, Leonard Tabengwa, Chinazaekpere Uchegbu)
2.Best Sustainability Leader: Gbujie Chidubem Daniel, Team Leader, Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo also called AmbassaT within the game
3.Best Sustainable Growth: Kuipers Team (Emanuela Mitrea, Georgiana Monea, Andrei Popescu, Daniel Șfița)
4.Most Purposeful Business: Kuipers Team (Emanuela Mitrea, Georgiana Monea, Andrei Popescu, Daniel Șfița)
5.Best Sustainable Profits: Curupira Team (Jaqueline Belolli, Pires Mundel, Rachael Ramos, Keeley Witts)
6.Lowest Carbon Footprint: Bamboo Brands (Juana Esquitino, Juan Carlos Recio, Andrés Rodríguez)
7.Best Business for Prosperity: Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo also called AmbassaT within the game (Chidubem Daniel Gbujie, Silas Kimara Ochaka, Leonard Tabengwa, Delight Chimdiuto Gbujie, & Chinazaekpere Uchegbu)
8.Best Environmental Performance: Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo also called AmbassaT within the game(Chidubem Daniel Gbujie, Silas Kimara Ochaka, Delight Chimdiuto Gbujie, Leonard Tabengwa, Chinazaekpere Uchegbu)
9.Best Social Performance: Team Hakuna Matata Akabor Umuedo also called AmbassaT within the game (Chidubem Daniel Gbujie, Delight Chimdiuto Gbujie, Silas Kimara Ochaka, Leonard Tabengwa, Chinazaekpere Uchegbu)
10.Best Governance Performance: Kuipers Team (Emanuela Mitrea, Georgiana Monea, Andrei Popescu, Daniel Șfița)
Dr. Gbujie expressed his profound gratitude, giving all glory to the Almighty for divine guidance. He emphasized that the 2024 Sustainability World Cup was not just a competition but a platform to showcase innovation and resilience in sustainable
practices. Co-founder Edmund Bradford congratulated the team, affirming ongoing support for their initiatives and hinting that the registration for the 2025 Sustainability World Cup would soon begin, with Team54project likely playing a significant role at the appropriate time.
Congratulations!! to Team54project International for standing as a beacon, inspiring a brighter and more sustainable future for Africa and beyond.
