Introduction
At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali, two outstanding young entrepreneurs were honored with the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition Grand Prizes. This prestigious award, given during the much-anticipated Youth Town Hall event, recognized the innovative contributions of Fatima El Khou, Founder and CEO of Jafife (Morocco), and Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried, Co-founder and CEO of Kodu Technology (Ghana). Both winners were awarded $50,000 for their groundbreaking solutions in the agricultural sector.
Jafife: Revolutionizing Morocco’s Agrifood Supply Chain
Fatima El Khou’s company, Jafife is at the forefront of transforming Morocco’s agrifood supply chain. By utilizing digitalized solar-powered technology, Jafife turns crops and seafood into durable dried food products while maintaining their nutritional value and quality. This innovative approach not only provides long-lasting food products but also empowers local producers and supports eco-conscious practices across various industries. Jafife’s natural dyes and food products are a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Kodu Technology: Addressing Period Poverty with Eco-Friendly Solutions
In Ghana, Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried’s company, Kodu Technology, is making significant strides in addressing health and hygiene challenges. Kodu Technology has developed a scientific innovation that transforms banana and plantain fibers into eco-friendly sanitary pads. These sustainable and affordable alternatives to traditional menstrual products aim to eradicate “period poverty,” particularly in rural communities. Kodu Technology’s mission extends beyond providing hygienic solutions; it supports local agriculture and contributes to the circular economy by repurposing agricultural waste into valuable products.
Recognizing Africa’s Innovative Agripreneurs
The impact of these young entrepreneurs did not go unnoticed. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, lauded their efforts, stating, “These young agripreneurs have shown that Africa’s solutions to food systems transformation are already being implemented. Their drive, creativity, and commitment to building sustainable agribusinesses are exactly what we need to achieve lasting change across the continent. It’s inspiring to see such transformative ideas come to life.”
Impact Awards: Honoring Transformative Contributions Across Africa
In addition to the grand prizes, four young entrepreneurs were each awarded a $15,000 Impact Award. These awards recognized their transformative contributions in areas such as rural livelihoods, technology, job creation, natural resource use, climate resilience, nutrition, and the empowerment of youth and women. The 2024 GoGettaz Impact Award winners are:
Charles Oyamo, Rethread Africa (Kenya): Rethread Africa converts agricultural waste from smallholder farmers into sustainable bioplastics, providing eco-friendly materials for various industries. This innovation reduces reliance on synthetic materials and increases farmers’ income without additional labor, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Tisya Mukuna, La BOITE (DR Congo): La BOITE produces La Kinoise coffee, cultivated and processed entirely in Kinshasa. By managing the entire value chain from plantation to processing, La BOITE revives abandoned coffee plantations, supports local cooperatives, and creates economic opportunities through its “One Cart, One Job” program.
Salimata Toh, AGRIBANANA (Côte d'Ivoire): AGRIBANANA transforms banana plant waste into eco-friendly products like natural fibers, paper pulp, and biodegradable packaging. This innovative process adds value to agricultural waste, promoting sustainable consumption and reducing environmental impact.
Riantsoa Mialinarindra, Sakafo Madagascar (Madagascar): Sakafo Madagascar processes fruits and vegetables grown by small-scale farmers into nutritious, traceable food products. The company supports sustainable farming practices, reduces post-harvest loss, and promotes a circular economy with initiatives in composting and clean energy.
Recognizing Excellence: The Young Catalyst Awards
In addition to the Impact Awards, the remaining six finalists each received a GoGettaz “Young Catalyst Award” of $1,000. This award recognizes their excellence and catalytic contributions in transforming Africa’s agrifood systems:
Deborah Nzarubara, Grecom (DR Congo): Grecom specializes in the production and transformation of beekeeping products through its NYUKI TECH platform, which allows apiculturists to manage hives remotely, ensuring optimal production and bee health.
Arristine Mendes, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture (Senegal): SHADDAÏ Aquaculture produces fish feed without fish meal, using alternative protein sources and lysis technology, which protects the environment by reducing overfishing while supporting sustainable aquaculture.
Mogale Maleka, Agang Bokamoso Farms (South Africa): AB Farms’ patented vertical hydroponic system operates efficiently during water and power shortages, using 90% less water and 10 times less land than traditional farming methods.
Bruk Getahun, ChipChip (Ethiopia): ChipChip.Social uses a group-buying model to provide affordable, quality food to urban families while empowering farmers by aggregating demand and offering consumers wholesale prices that are at least 20% lower than market rates.
Mohamed Amine Bensalem, Hayat Technology (Tunisia): Hayat Technology’s GrowIt system uses AI-driven sensors and real-time data analysis to optimize water usage and enhance crop management, making advanced irrigation technology accessible and affordable for farmers.
Mostafa Hassanen, Plug’n’Grow (Egypt): Plug’n’Grow specializes in hydroponic and aquaculture solutions, enabling growers to produce premium quality crops with minimal resources, optimizing resource efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Leadership and Inspiration: GoGettaz 2024 and the Future of African Agribusiness
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize finale for 2024 was marked by inspiring speeches and dynamic performances, including remarks from past GoGettaz winners and Ms. Solange Tetero, Director General of Youth Empowerment in Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts. Young dancers from the Sherrie Silver Foundation also entertained attendees, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, highlighted the importance of youth-driven solutions in shaping Africa’s future food systems. “The future of Africa’s food systems lies in the hands of its young entrepreneurs. Their ideas are not just innovative—they are necessary,” he emphasized.
Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group and GoGettaz Africa co-founder, addressed the enthusiastic audience, acknowledging the significant contributions of all participants. “To all participants, and I’m not just talking to those who made the finalists, I’ve always said (GoGettaz) is one award in which the winner is anyone who participates, because at the end of the day, we can give you an award, but it’s not an end in itself,” Masiyiwa remarked.
Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and co-founder of GoGettaz, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of youth-led innovation in addressing food security challenges. “These young entrepreneurs are transforming food systems with bold, inventive solutions. Their impact will resonate far beyond Africa.”
A Bright Future: Fostering Mentorship and Policy Support
This year’s GoGettaz competition saw a significant increase in female participation, an important milestone in an industry often dominated by men. Countries like Morocco, DR Congo, and Côte d'Ivoire saw a surge in representation, showcasing the campaign’s success in promoting inclusivity and regional impact.
As the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition concludes, the focus now shifts to fostering mentorship and creating policies that support youth and women in agriculture. GoGettaz and its partners remain committed to empowering Africa’s young agripreneurs, recognizing their resilience, creativity, and leadership in transforming the continent’s food systems.
