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

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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.

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Sierra Leone Set to Showcase Offshore Ambitions with Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) Joining African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Strategic Partner

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March 26, 2026

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African Energy Chamber

Sierra Leone is advancing offshore exploration, preparing a new licensing round and finalizing the formation of a new national oil company ahead of its Strategic Partnership with AEW 2026

 

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) has joined African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – scheduled to take place in Cape Town from October 12–16 – as a Strategic Partner. The Directorate will be positioned to leverage the event to highlight its open acreage, competitive fiscal framework and upstream integration plans to international investors, signaling Sierra Leone’s emergence as a frontier exploration hotspot in the MSGBC basin and across the wider Gulf of Guinea.

 

Italian energy major Eni and other international players have engaged in detailed geological studies across Sierra Leone’s offshore basin, underscoring rising confidence in the country’s hydrocarbon potential. Backed by enhanced 3D seismic reprocessing and basin-wide prospectivity studies, the PDSL is accelerating data-led de-risking efforts to unlock prospects such as Vega and attract fresh upstream capital.

 

A central focus for investors is the anticipated resumption of offshore drilling in 2026 – the country’s first campaign in nearly a decade. Following the conclusion of its fifth licensing round, which offered 56 offshore blocks, Sierra Leone is preparing to drill new wells targeting an estimated multi-billion-barrel resource base, supported by improved subsurface imaging and strengthened regulatory oversight.

 

PDSL’s participation at AEW 2026 reflects Sierra Leone’s serious commitment to unlocking its offshore potential through transparency, strong fiscal terms and data-driven de-risking

Sierra Leone is also in the final stages of establishing its first state-owned national oil company, which will hold a mandatory 10% carried interest in all exploration licenses. The government is targeting an overall 25–30% participation in projects, balancing national value capture with competitive terms for international operators.

 

Downstream integration is also gathering pace, with the 105–126 MW Nant gas-to-power plant in Freetown, developed by Anergi Group and TCQ Power, expected to nearly double national generation capacity when it comes online in 2027. In parallel, PDSL is spearheading plans for Sierra Leone’s first refinery to reduce reliance on roughly 15,000 barrels per day of imported refined products.

 

“PDSL’s participation at AEW 2026 reflects Sierra Leone’s serious commitment to unlocking its offshore potential through transparency, strong fiscal terms and data-driven de-risking,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding, “Their strategic vision aligns with Africa’s broader push for energy security, industrialization and investor partnership.”

 

With drilling set to resume, a national oil company nearing launch and integrated gas-to-power and refining projects advancing, Sierra Leone is entering a defining phase. At AEW 2026, PDSL is expected to present a clear message: the basin is open, the data is ready, and the opportunity is real.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Critical Mineral Projects to Watch Ahead of Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026

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March 26, 2026

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Energy Capital

The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, with both its CEO and governing council chairperson confirmed for Paris, will serve as the primary interface for investors seeking access to Uganda’s licensing framework and project pipeline

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Governments from West, Central and Southern Africa, with delegations confirmed for the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris next month, are each advancing critical mineral projects that span processing deals, development-stage assets and frontier exploration plays, giving investors a range of entry points across the minerals value chain.

Nigeria – Alumina Refinery & Lithium Processing

Nigeria struck a $1.3 billion deal with the Africa Finance Corporation in early March covering three components: construction of a one-million-ton-per-year alumina refinery, a national geoscience mapping program, and a joint investment vehicle to accelerate exploration and production across priority leases. Projected at 95% utilization over 20 years, the refinery is expected to add $1.2 billion to GDP annually and generate approximately $8 billion in foreign exchange earnings over its lifespan.

Separately, a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State is at the commissioning stage, backed by ongoing mapping of lithium-bearing pegmatite belts across Kwara, Ekiti and Kaduna states. New mining licenses now require a local processing commitment covering at least 30% of output before export, a condition that directly shapes the investment structures available to foreign partners. Nigeria’s energy minister is among the confirmed delegations at IAE in Paris.

Zambia – Copperbelt Expansion & Cobalt Refinery

 

Copper output in Zambia is on course to clear one million tons in 2026, supported by First Quantum Minerals’ completed $1.25 billion S3 plant expansion at Kansanshi and Barrick Gold’s $2 billion program to double output at Lumwana by 2028. Several additional projects, including Sinomine’s Kitumba Mine and KoBold Metals’ Mingomba deposit, are also coming online this year, making Zambia one of the few places globally adding significant incremental copper supply in the near term.

Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery is targeting commissioning in Zambia in 2026, adding downstream processing capacity alongside the copper ramp-up. The Lobito Corridor, backed by a $553 million US Development Finance Corporation loan for Angola’s Benguela rail link, reduces export costs across the Copperbelt and improves project bankability for both mines and processing facilities seeking long-term offtake commitments.

Senegal – Falémé Integrated Iron Project

Senegal’s Falémé iron district in the Kédougou region holds over 600 million tons of probable reserves, including oxide ore at around 59% iron content and primary magnetite at roughly 45% Fe. The government launched the Falémé Integrated Iron Project as a phased program targeting 15 to 25 million tons per year at peak output, with national iron ore company MIFERSO conducting ongoing reserve verification.

The mineral export port at Bargny is operational and rail rehabilitation linking Kédougou to the coast is progressing under the Emerging Senegal Plan. The project is actively seeking a technical development partner. With port and rail infrastructure advancing independent of any single mining operator, Falémé carries lower logistics risk than comparable iron ore projects requiring greenfield corridor construction, which affects how financiers assess project bankability and timelines to first revenue.

Equatorial Guinea – Rio Muni Mineral Exploration

Equatorial Guinea’s Rio Muni mainland offers early-stage exposure to gold, bauxite, base metals, coltan and iron ore across largely underexplored onshore territory. The Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons has been opening the sector since its first public tender in 2019, with exploration contracts now in place and state geological mapping advancing in partnership with Rosgeo. Minister Antonio Oburu Ondo will address investors at IAE, with the minerals program expected to feature in bilateral meetings.

Uganda – Rare Earths & Minerals Sector Opening

Uganda holds rare earth deposits in ionic adsorption clay formations — a deposit type the IEA has flagged for low capital intensity relative to hard rock alternatives — alongside gold mineralization across greenstone belts in the West Nile, Karamoja and Mubende regions. The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, with both its CEO and governing council chairperson confirmed for Paris, will serve as the primary interface for investors seeking access to Uganda’s licensing framework and project pipeline, at the same time as the country’s Tilenga and Kingfisher oil developments move toward first oil.

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

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APO Group Takes Gold at 2026 SABRE Awards – Second Consecutive Win Across Different Clients and Sectors

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March 26, 2026

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Recognition spans technology, global sport, and culture, reflecting APO Group’s cross-sector communications performance across Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 26, 2026/APO Group/ –APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the pan-African communications consultancy integrating advisory, execution, and proprietary news distribution, has won gold in the Northern Africa category at the 2026 Africa SABRE Awards for its campaign, GITEX Africa Morocco 2025: A Media-Fuelled Journey for Tech Excellence.

 

Delivered for GITEX Africa, the campaign generated more than 3,600 media clippings across African and global outlets, positioning the event as the continent’s leading technology and startup platform, while reinforcing Morocco’s emerging status as a regional technology hub.

Being honoured at the SABRE Awards is particularly meaningful because it reflects the impact of communication designed specifically for how African markets work

APO Group was a finalist in two additional categories for campaigns delivered for international organisations operating across Africa:

  • The Africa Flag 2025 Tournament: Raising the Game in Cairo – National Football League (Media Relations category)
  • Broadcasting Greatness: Elevating African Hoops and Culture at BAL 2025 – Basketball Africa League (BAL) (Media, Arts & Entertainment category)

The SABRE Awards recognise excellence in branding, reputation management, and engagement across the global communications industry. This latest accolade adds to APO Group’s growing record at these prestigious awards, following its win in 2025 for a campaign delivered for Canon Central and North Africa, as well as multiple finalist placements for campaigns supporting leading institutions such as GITEX Africa, Africa’s Business Heroes, and the Global Africa Business Initiative.

 

“Being honoured at the SABRE Awards is particularly meaningful because it reflects the impact of communication designed specifically for how African markets work,” said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. “Successful pan-African campaigns combine strategic planning and strong local execution, together with a clear understanding of how different markets, media environments, and audiences connect with a story. It’s about designing communications that deliver measurable outcomes and help organisations engage effectively and confidently across Africa’s diverse media landscape.”

In addition to its SABRE Awards success, APO Group has received multiple major industry honours over the past year, including Gold and Bronze at the Davos Communications Awards for excellence in strategic communications and campaign execution. The company was also named Africa’s Leading PR Agency – 2025 by Brands Review Magazine and Best Public Relations & Media Consultancy Agency of the Year – 2025 by World Business Outlook.Operating across 54 African countries, APO Group provides communications advisory services, public relations, and media distribution through its proprietary newswire, Africa Newsroom, which places content on more than 250 Africa-focused news platforms worldwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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