The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) held in Kigali, Rwanda, honored African agripreneurs from 11 African countries for their innovative contributions to agriculture. Fatima El Khou of Morocco and Dr Iddi Mohammed Faried of Ghana, emerged as the winners of the GoGettaz 2024 Agripreneur Prize Competition, receiving $50,000 for their innovation and contributions to agriculture.
Who were the grand prize winners?
Fatima El Khou one of the GoGettaz 2024 winners, is the Founder, CEO, and Head of Research & Innovation at Jafife, Morocco. Through her company, she is evolutionizing the agrifood supply chain with solar-powered technology that transforms crops and seafood into long-lasting, high-quality dried food products. Utilizing renewable energy, Jafife not only offers eco-friendly solutions across industries but also empowers local producers by providing sustainable food products and natural dyes.
The second GoGettaz 2024 winner, Dr Iddi Mohammed Faried, Co-founder and CEO of Kodu Technology, Ghana, introduced an eco-friendly innovation that transforms banana and plantain fibers into affordable sanitary pads. This breakthrough addresses menstrual health challenges and “period poverty” in rural communities while supporting the circular economy by repurposing agricultural waste.
“These young African agripreneurs are proof that Africa’s solutions to food systems transformation are already in motion. Their creativity and dedication to building sustainable agribusinesses are exactly what we need to drive lasting change across the continent,” said Dr Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA.
Other GoGettaz 2024 winners
In addition to the grand prizes, four other young entrepreneurs received $15,000 Impact Awards for their contributions to rural livelihoods, technology, climate resilience, and youth and women’s empowerment. They include:
- Charles Oyamo (Kenya)
Oyamo is the founder of Rethread Africa, which converts agricultural waste into sustainable bioplastics, supporting eco-friendly material production and increased farmer incomes. For instance, the company uses sugarcane bagasse, the dry pulpy fibrous material that remains after extracting sugarcane juice, which it then turns into a polyester alternative.
- Tisya Mukuna (DR Congo)
Mukuna founded La BOITE, which produces La Kinoise coffee, the first coffee grown and produced in Kinshasa. Despite the belief that coffee could not grown in Kinshasa, Mukuna pushed forward and now produces La Kinoise which is loved for its unique taste mostly due to the soil, the climate, and the altitude in which it’s grown.
- Salimata Toh (Côte d’Ivoire)
Toh is the founder of AGRIBANANA, which transforms banana plant waste into eco-friendly products, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable consumption.
- Riantsoa Mialinarindra (Madagascar)
Mialinarindra is the founder of Sakafo Madagascar, which processes fruits and vegetables into nutritious, traceable products, supporting small-scale farmers and promoting sustainability.
Additionally, six African agripreneurs received the GoGettaz 2024 “Young Catalyst Awards,” with $1,000 each, in recognition of their contributions to Africa’s agrifood systems.
Among them were entrepreneurs like Deborah Nzarubara of Grecom, DR Congo, who specializes in beekeeping technologies, and Arristine Mendes of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture, Senegal, who produces sustainable fish feed using alternative proteins.
Speaking at the forum, Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group, encouraged all participants and commended them for their resilience, confidence, and determination in addressing Africa’s challenges through agribusiness innovation.
Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International, highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives in overcoming food security issues. “These young entrepreneurs are transforming food systems with bold, inventive solutions,” he said.
