Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Winners Announced: Africa’s Top Young Agrifood Innovators Receive US$166,000 in Prize Money

Published

1 year ago

on

GoGettaz

Visionary agripreneurs from 11 African countries recognised for launching innovative businesses that drive agricultural transformation across the continent

The future of Africa’s food systems lies in the hands of its young entrepreneurs

KIGALI, Rwanda, September 10, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Celebrating Africa’s top young agrifood entrepreneurs at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda; Visionary agripreneurs from 11 African countries recognised for launching innovative businesses that drive agricultural transformation across the continent. 

In a celebration of African agrifood innovation, two young entrepreneurs were awarded the prestigious GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition Grand Prizes at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 last Friday in Kigali. During the highly anticipated Youth Town Hall event, GoGettaz judges selected Fatima El Khou, Founder, CEO, and Head of Research & Innovation from Jafife (Morocco), and Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried, Co-founder and CEO of Kodu Technology (Ghana) to each receive $50,000 for their groundbreaking solutions in agriculture.

Fatima El Khou’s company, Jafife (https://Jafife.ma/), is revolutionizing the agri-food supply chain in Morocco with digitalized solar-powered technology that transforms crops and seafood into long-lasting dried food products maintaining nutritional value and quality. Utilizing renewable energy, Jafife’s food products and natural dyes provide eco-conscious solutions across industries, while empowering local producers.

Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried’s company Kodu Technology (https://KoduTechnology.com/),  has introduced a scientific innovation in Ghana that transforms banana and plantain fibers into eco-friendly sanitary pads for women, addressing health and hygiene challenges. Kodu Technology’s innovation not only creates a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional menstrual products with a mission to eradicate “period poverty” in rural communities but also supports local agriculture and contributes to the circular economy by repurposing agricultural waste.

“These young agripreneurs have shown that Africa’s solutions to food systems transformation are already being implemented,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA. “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.”

  • In addition to the grand prizes, four young entrepreneurs were each awarded a $15,000 Impact Award, recognizing their transformative contributions across critical areas including rural livelihoods, technology, job creation, improving rural livelihoods, natural resource use, climate resilience, nutrition, youth and women’s empowerment. The 2024 GoGettaz Impact Award winners are:
  • Charles Oyamo – Rethread Africa (https://Rethread.Africa/), Kenya, Technology Impact Prize.  Rethread Africa converts agricultural waste from smallholder farmers into sustainable bioplastics, providing eco-friendly materials for various industries. Rethread’s technology reduces the reliance on synthetic materials and increases farmers’ income without additional labour, promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • Tisya Mukuna, La BOITE (www.La-Kinoise.com), DR Congo – Job Creation and Improving Rural Livelihoods Impact Prize.  La BOITE produces La Kinoise coffee, cultivated and transformed entirely in Kinshasa, managing the entire value chain from plantation to processing. By reviving abandoned coffee plantations and supporting local cooperatives, La Boite improves agricultural practices and create economic opportunities through its “One Cart, One Job” program.
  • Salimata Toh, AGRIBANANA (https://AGRIBANANA.net/), Côte d’Ivoire – Resource Use and Climate Impact Prize. AGRIBANANA transforms banana plant waste into eco-friendly products like natural fibres, paper pulp, and biodegradable packaging. Agribanana’s patented process adds value to agricultural waste, promoting sustainable consumption and reducing environmental impact.
  • Riantsoa Mialinarindra, Sakafo Madagascar (www.Sakafo-Madagascar.com) – Job Creation, Nutrition and Gender Impact Prize. Sakafo Madagascar processes fruits and vegetables grown by small-scale farmers into traceable, nutritious food products. Safako’s holistic ecosystem supports sustainable farming practices, reduces post-harvest loss, and promotes a circular economy with composting and clean energy initiatives in Madagascar.

Additionally, each of the remaining 6 finalists received a GoGettaz “Young Catalyst Award” of $1,000 each, recognizing their excellence and catalytic contributions to grow, transform, and positively impact Africa’s agrifood systems:

  • Deborah Nzarubara – Grecom (www.Grecom-RDC.com), DR Congo. Grecom specializes in the production, sale, and transformation of beekeeping products using its NYUKI TECH platform. Grecom’s platform enables apiculturists to track and manage its hives remotely, ensuring optimal production and bee health, while connecting small producers to market information and customers.
  • Arristine Mendes – SHADDAÏ Aquaculture (https://apo-opa.co/47mUmzf), Senegal. SHADDAÏ Aquaculture produces fish feed without fish meal, using alternative protein sources and lysis technology for digestibility. This innovation protects the environment by reducing overfishing while providing high-quality feed to support sustainable aquaculture.
  • Mogale Maleka – Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms) (https://ABFarms.co.za/), 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. AB Farms’ vertical farming system enables farmers to produce nutritious crops that are virtually pesticide free, in urban areas, on degraded land, or in areas with poor soil conditions.
  • Bruk Getahun – ChipChip (https://ChipChip.social/), Ethiopia. ChipChip.Social uses an innovative “group buying” model to provide affordable, quality food to urban families while empowering farmers. ChipChip’s platform aggregates demand, reducing logistics costs and offering consumers wholesale prices, which 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. This advanced irrigation technology is accessible and affordable for farmers, improving productivity and sustainability.
  • Mostafa Hassanen – Plug’n’Grow (www.PlugNGrow.me), Egypt. Plug’n’Grow specializes in hydroponic and aquaculture solutions, enabling growers to produce premium quality crops with minimal resources. Plug’n’Grow’s systems reduce capital and operational costs by 70% compared to traditional methods, optimizing resource efficiency and crop yields.

The esteemed judges panel for 2024 consisted of GoGettaz partners and experts from across the African continent. The judges were:

  • Ada Osakwe (Founder & CEO, Agrolay Ventures, AGRA Board Member, GoGettaz Lead Judge) Nigeria
  • Fina Kayisanabo (Private Sector Development Team Lead, USAID) Rwanda
  • Jane Baldwin (Head of Agrifood Systems, Pan African Programs, Mastercard Foundation) Canada
  • Luis Alfredo Pérez (Senior Vice President Africa, Yara International) Guatemala
  • Nana Amoah (Director of Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness for AGRA) Ghana
  • Tchegoun Koba (Global Technical Advisor for Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship, SNV) Senegal

The 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize finale began this year with remarks from GoGettaz winners from previous years and inspiring words from Ms Solange Tetero, Director General of Youth Empowerment in the Ministry of Youth and Arts, Government of Rwanda. Entertainment featured young dancers from the Sherrie Silver Foundation in Rwanda.

This year, GoGettaz expanded its reach, focusing on underrepresented Francophone regions and encouraging innovations addressing climate challenges and solutions. The campaign’s success was evident with increased participation and diversity among finalists who this year hailed from 11 African countries.  To find out more, please find year’s Top-12 Deal Book: https://apo-opa.co/3XmxjA8

Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, highlighted the importance of youth-driven solutions. “The future of Africa’s food systems lies in the hands of its young entrepreneurs. Their ideas are not just innovative – they are necessary.”

Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group and GoGettaz Africa co-founder, addressed the standing-room-only audience at the Youth Dome event just before the Top-12 finalists went on stage for their 3-minute pitches and five-minute grilling by the GoGettaz expert judging panel. Excerpted remarks:

“It’s remarkable to see the extraordinary number of African entrepreneurs who are pioneering solutions across so many African countries,” he noted.  “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.”

“The end is to build African enterprises that create jobs, that can scale, that can solve real problems as they build the prosperity of nations,” he remarked. “If you are a participant, you are a winner, not just the finalists, because you are showing us you have the confidence, you have the ability, and you have put together a business. Pat yourself on the back and give a high-five to your team for participating… because entrepreneurs try, try, and try again until they succeed.”

To this year’s finalists, I am so proud of you. I have gone through the lists and been following the reports. To the winners: Well done. Africa thanks you. I thank you,” he concluded.

Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and co-founder of GoGettaz, emphasized the significance 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.”

This year marked a significant increase in female participation, an important milestone in an industry often dominated by men. Morocco, DRC, and Côte d’Ivoire saw a surge in representation, further testament to the inclusivity and broad regional impact of the 2024 GoGettaz annual campaign and competition.

As the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition concludes, GoGettaz and its partners commended the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Africa’s young  agripreneurs. With a growing network of innovators, the focus now shifts to fostering mentorship and policy-making that supports youth and women in agriculture.

To learn more about this year’s finalists and to stay informed about upcoming opportunities, visit https://GoGettaz.Africa and follow our journey toward transforming African agriculture through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Energy

U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum Expands to Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security

Published

1 day ago

on

February 27, 2026

By

Africa

This year’s U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum in Houston signals a strategic shift toward integrated energy and critical minerals investment, strengthening U.S. partnerships across Africa’s resource and industrial value chains

HOUSTON, United States of America, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –The U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum (USAEMF) has relaunched with a dedicated focus on critical minerals, marking an important evolution in its role as a platform for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement. Building on its foundation in energy, power and industrial projects, the forum’s expanded scope positions it at the center of investment conversations shaping the future energy economy.

 

Scheduled for July 21–22, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USAEMF comes at a time of surging global demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and rare earth elements, driven by electrification, battery storage, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Africa is increasingly critical to securing these materials, highlighting how energy and minerals are now interconnected pillars of industrial growth, geopolitical stability and decarbonization.

The forum’s minerals mandate deepens engagement with African producers – particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves. Momentum is building through the U.S.–DRC strategic minerals framework and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a major investment platform supported by the DFC and private partners. The consortium is pursuing a 40% stake in the Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations in a $9 billion transaction, securing long-term supply for allied markets while reinforcing cooperation on infrastructure, security and supply-chain governance.

Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties

U.S. financing is also expanding across the region, with the DFC managing a continental portfolio exceeding $13 billion to support mining, processing and transport infrastructure for critical mineral supply chains. Recent commitments include rare earth, graphite and potash projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Gabon; broader investments in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa; and $553 million linked to the development of the Lobito Corridor. The DFC is also a major backer of TechMet, a U.S.-supported investment firm valued at over $1 billion, which is raising up to $200 million to expand copper, cobalt, lithium and rare earth assets and pursue new opportunities across the DRC and Zambia. Together, these initiatives underscore Washington’s push to diversify battery-mineral supply while positioning Africa as a long-term partner in clean energy and industrial value chains.

Houston’s role as host city reflects the alignment between American industrial capacity and African resource development. Long established as a global energy hub, the city is expanding into energy transition technologies, advanced materials, carbon management and industrial innovation. By convening African governments with U.S. private equity, development finance institutions, exporters, insurers and technical service providers, the forum creates a commercial platform capable of converting mineral potential into bankable projects.

“The evolution from USAEF to USAEMF reflects a broader shift toward integrated energy and mineral development,” states Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power, forum organizers. “Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties and advances projects that deliver long-term shared value.”

While critical minerals define the forum’s strategic expansion, the U.S.’ longstanding role in Africa’s energy sector remains central to the platform’s value proposition. American energy companies continue to advance exploration and development across key upstream markets, support gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea and revitalize mature production in North Africa. U.S. export credit and development finance are also helping unlock large-scale LNG capacity in Mozambique while supporting optimization and expansion across existing gas infrastructure in West Africa – demonstrating how American capital, engineering expertise and risk-mitigation tools convert resource potential into delivered energy systems.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Pesalink and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Local Currencies in Kenya

Published

1 day ago

on

February 27, 2026

By

Pesalink

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers across African borders in local currencies.
  • Simpler cross-border payments for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
  • 80 plus Pesalink network participants now linked to 160 plus PAPSS participating banks.

 

Pesalink, Kenya’s de facto instant payment network, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to ease cross-border payment and speed up regional financial integration.

 

The partnership enables instant 24/7 cross-border payments from PAPSS participants into banks and mobile money operators within the Pesalink network in Kenya, all settled in local currencies. This reduces complex correspondent banking requirements and reliance on foreign reserve currencies.

 

Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments

PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables cross-border payments between African countries. Pesalink is now a Technical Connectivity Provider. It means that 80 plus Kenyan bank, fintech, SACCO and telco participants on the Pesalink network will be connected to 160 plus commercial banks and fintechs on the PAPSS platform.

 

Cross-border payments remain expensive and slow for many African businesses. The 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) World Bank Remittance Prices report indicates that sending money across African borders incurs on average 7-8% of the total value sent (above the global average of 6–7%). Settlement can also take three to seven business days.

 

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders.

 

Speaking during the partnership signing held at Pesalink offices in Nairobi, PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III said, “For PAPSS to deliver true impact, collaboration with national and private switches like Pesalink is essential. Pesalink is the first switch we’ve piloted for transaction termination in Kenya, and we are already seeing greater adoption by opening more channels for seamless, local-currency cross-border payments across Africa.”

 

Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika, said “Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments. They will be helping their customers grow more regional trading relationships and thrive in a more integrated digital economy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Events

Africa Trade Conference Returns to Cape Town with Esteemed Speakers Driving Africa’s Trade Agenda

Published

1 day ago

on

February 27, 2026

By

Africa

Second edition convenes global policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Access Bank Plc (www.AccessBankPLC.com) is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. Building on the strong foundation of its inaugural edition, ATC 2026 will convene an exceptional assembly of global and African leaders, policymakers, investors, and business executives committed to shaping the future of trade on the continent.

The Africa Trade Conference has rapidly emerged as a premier platform for advancing dialogue and action around Africa’s evolving role in global commerce. The 2026 edition will feature influential voices from across finance, government, development institutions, and the private sector, who will share insights on unlocking trade opportunities, strengthening intra-African commerce, enabling business expansion, and positioning African enterprises for global competitiveness.

The confirmed speakers represent a powerful cross-section of leaders driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Building on the momentum of its maiden edition, which convened senior decision-makers from 28 countries, the 2026 conference with the theme “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact”, will have the keynote address delivered by Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Their joint keynote will address the evolving financing landscape for African trade and the strategic pathways for unlocking continental prosperity.

The welcome address will be delivered by Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO/GMD, Access Bank Plc, who will set the tone for discussions centered on trade transformation, financial inclusion, and regional competitiveness, while Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, will deliver insights on “Africa Trade Outlook 2026”, examining emerging macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts, and growth opportunities across key sectors.  The CEO of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, Mike Ogbalu, will be engaging the conference participants on the topic, “Building a Connected Africa Through Trade, Payments & Technology”, focusing on how payment interoperability and digital infrastructure can accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us

The conference will also host a High-Level Ministerial Panel that features Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana; Mr. Florian Witt, Divisional Head, International & Corporate Banking Oddo-BHF, Ms. Nathalie Louat – Global Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dr Isaiah Rathumba – Head of Department, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Mr. Alfred Idialu – Chief Rep Officer, Deutsche Bank among other policymakers shaping trade policy across the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:
“The Africa Trade Conference reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation by creating a platform that brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas shaping the future of trade. The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us. Africa is not only participating in global trade, it is helping to redefine it. Through this convening, we aim to catalyse partnerships, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.”

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.”

With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank’s expansive footprint places it in a unique position to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across markets.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future facing. ATC 2026 is part of that commitment, Ogbonna added.

ATC 2026 is expected to catalyze partnerships, enable policy dialogue, and provide actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond the continent.

The Access Bank Chief puts it thus, “Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”

For more information and registration, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4sdXWF7

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.

 

Continue Reading

Trending