The 2025 Harvesters Entrepreneurship Forum (HEF), held on 26 November 2025, has made a powerful call for African entrepreneurs to prioritize ethical and sustainable growth for their businesses. The event, hosted by the Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), positioned itself as a direct answer to the growing need for business leadership founded on integrity and creating long-term value.
Strategy, Spirit, and Structure: The Blueprint for Growth
Under the theme “Scaling Business with Strategy, Spirit, and Structure,” the forum brought together a vibrant mix of founders, professionals, and business leaders. A central focus was on demonstrating how spiritual conviction and enterprise are not conflicting ideas but can instead work together as mutually reinforcing pillars for success.
Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Founder and CEO of HICC, challenged all participants to view their companies as more than just profit-making machines. He urged them to see their ventures as vehicles for creating lasting impact. “We believe that God has called us not just to build businesses, but to build legacies rooted in Kingdom purpose,” he stated. “Strategy without spirit is blind; spirit without structure is unstable. At HEF, we are raising Kingdom financiers who see their enterprise as an altar for transformation.”
From Inspiration to Action: Pitch Competitions and Mentorship
Discussions throughout the forum consistently highlighted the idea that entrepreneurship carries a responsibility that goes beyond mere economic activity. Speakers pressed attendees to uphold ethics, integrity, and a clear vision as the core drivers of their business operations.
A key practical feature of this year's forum was the Business Pitch Competition. Here, young entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a panel of investors and ministry leaders. The top contestant walked away with funding to expand their venture, a clear demonstration of the forum's commitment to providing actionable support, not just motivation.
Further enriching the experience were dedicated mentorship circles, networking sessions, and practical workshops. These were all designed to sharpen the strategic thinking and operational execution of every attendee.
Building a Legacy of Impact Beyond Business
In his address, Dr. David Onabanjo, the CEO of Harvesters, reinforced the critical need for solid structure when scaling innovation. “Innovation requires not just a brilliant idea, but the right structure and strategic guidance to achieve generational impact,” he noted. He added that the organization is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build businesses that strengthen both society and the economy.
The event also showcased the humanitarian work of the Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF), the charitable arm of HICC. Their programs, which include education, entrepreneurship support, feeding schemes, and aid for vulnerable groups across Africa, were highlighted as an extension of the forum's core values.
With plans for the 2026 edition already in motion, organizers aim to reach an even greater number of entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora. The goal remains steadfast: to equip them to lead with purpose, discipline, and a principled influence in the marketplace.
