Introduction

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has unveiled the winners for its 2024 edition. Selected from nearly 2,000 applicants across Africa, the Top 12 finalists exemplify exceptional innovation and a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture. These young agrifood leaders will converge in Kigali, Rwanda, in early September to present their ventures live at the GoGettaz Africa finals during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum).

A Platform for Exposure and Networking

The AFS Forum offers these finalists invaluable exposure and networking opportunities with global industry leaders, potential investors, and influential policymakers in the agriculture and food sector. In addition to vying for two grand prizes of $50,000 each, the finalists are eligible for the GoGettaz Impact Awards, which offer an additional $60,000 in total. This week-long event presents a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs, aged 18-35, to build strategic partnerships and elevate their agribusinesses to new heights.

Innovative Solutions and Impact

The entrepreneurial ventures competing this year showcase new approaches to improving rural livelihoods, promoting responsible water usage, minimizing post-harvest loss, and tackling agricultural waste sustainably and creatively. These ventures are recognized not only for their profitability but also for their positive impact on communities and the environment. By supporting Africa’s young leaders, GoGettaz is investing in the next generation of agrifood innovators with the potential to shape a more prosperous, productive, and environmentally friendly future for African agriculture.

Visionary Leadership

Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and GoGettaz co-founder, praised the passion and innovations demonstrated by the young entrepreneurs: “Africa needs impact-leaders in the food system. Of the twenty countries most at risk of the effects of climate change, seventeen are in Africa. Many of our young GoGettaz agripreneurs are heavily affected by extreme and unpredictable weather, especially in areas where water scarcity is already an issue. It is heartening to see that young food systems leaders, like our twelve GoGettaz finalists, are operating climate-resilient and innovative ventures. We are very excited to see them in action at the GoGettaz finals.”

The Future of Africa's Agripreneurs

Strive Masiyiwa, founder and chairman of Econet Group and GoGettaz co-founder, highlighted the bright future for African entrepreneurship: “This is what Africa’s future looks like, and it is a bright future. Africa is a continent of talented entrepreneurs. The innovative products, business models, and ground-breaking technologies being developed today by our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are amazing. Not only are our young business leaders working to launch and grow profitable ventures that create good jobs and grow prosperity across Africa’s agrifood sector; many are also tackling climate and development quandaries that have been perplexing global experts for years. To us, GoGettaz means having a solution-seeking, action-focused entrepreneurial mindset! We salute them all.”

The Top 12 Finalists

Women Agripreneurs

Salimata Toh – Agribanana, Côte d’Ivoire

  • Transforms banana plant waste into eco-friendly products like natural fibers, paper pulp, and biodegradable packaging, promoting sustainable consumption and reducing environmental impact.

Deborah Nzarubara – Grecom, DR Congo

  • Specializes in the production, sale, and transformation of beekeeping products using the Nyuki Tech platform, enabling apiculturists to track and manage their hives remotely while connecting small producers to market information and customers.

Fatima El Khou – Jafife, Morocco

  • Uses digitalized solar dryers to transform crops and seafood into long-lasting dried food products and natural dyes, supporting sustainable supply chains in the agri-food industry.

Tisya Mukuna – La Boite, DR Congo

  • Produces La Kinoise coffee, cultivated and transformed entirely in Kinshasa, reviving abandoned coffee plantations and supporting local cooperatives to create economic opportunities.

Riantsoa Mialinarindra – Sakafo Madagascar, Madagascar

  • Processes fruits and vegetables grown by small-scale farmers into traceable, nutritious food products, supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing post-harvest loss.

Arristine Mendes – Shaddaï Aquaculture, Senegal

  • Produces fish feed without fish meal, using alternative protein sources and lysis technology, reducing overfishing and supporting sustainable aquaculture.

Men Agripreneurs

Mogale Maleka – Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms), South Africa

  • Operates a patented hydroponic system using 90% less water and 10 times less land than traditional farming, enabling farmers to produce nutritious crops in urban areas and degraded lands.

Amir Redwan Ahmed – ChipChip, Ethiopia

  • Uses an innovative “group buying” model to provide affordable, quality food to urban families while empowering farmers, reducing logistics costs and offering consumers wholesale prices.

Habib Mestiri – Hayat Technology, Tunisia

  • Uses AI-driven sensors and real-time data analysis to optimize water usage and enhance crop management, improving productivity and sustainability.

Iddi Mohammed Faried – Kodu Technology, Ghana

  • Creates eco-friendly sanitary pads from banana and plantain fibers, addressing health and hygiene challenges while supporting local agriculture.

Mostafa Hassanen – Plug’n’Grow, Egypt

  • Specializes in hydroponic and aquaculture solutions, enabling growers to produce premium quality crops with minimal resources, reducing costs and optimizing efficiency.

Charles Oyamo – Rethread Africa, Kenya

  • Converts agricultural waste into sustainable bioplastics, providing eco-friendly materials for various industries and increasing farmers’ income.

Preparing for the Finals

In preparation for their live, on-stage business pitches, the finalists will receive personalized pitch training. Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, expressed excitement for the event: “The GoGettaz Finals at the AFS Forum draws huge crowds every year. People want to see what Africa’s most exciting young agrifood leaders are bringing to the table, and they never disappoint. The contestants who are in the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Finals are exceptional. They are addressing the multifaceted challenges facing our agrifood sector. I do not doubt that the delegates attending this year’s summit will be very impressed.”