In celebrating 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 and 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, is revolutionising the agri-food supply chain in Morocco with digitalised solar-powered technology that transforms crops and seafood into long-lasting dried food products, maintaining nutritional value and quality. Utilising 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, has introduced a scientific innovation in Ghana that transforms banana and plantain fibres 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, 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, DR Congo – Job Creation and Improving Rural Livelihoods Impact Prize. La BOITE produces La Kinoise coffee, which is 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 creates economic opportunities through its “One Cart, One Job” program.
Salimata Toh, AGRIBANANA, 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 – 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.
The remaining six finalists received a GoGettaz “Young Catalyst Award” of $1,000 each, recognising their excellence and catalytic contributions to grow, transform, and positively impact Africa’s agrifood systems.
Deborah Nzarubara – Grecom, DR Congo. Grecom specialises in producing, selling, and transforming beekeeping products using its NYUKI TECH platform. Grecom’s platform enables apiculturists to track and manage their hives remotely, ensuring optimal production and bee health while connecting small producers to market information and customers.
Arristine Mendes – SHADDAÏ Aquaculture, 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), South Africa. AB Farms’ patented vertical hydroponic system operates efficiently during water and power shortages, using 90 per cent less water and 10 times less land than traditional farming. AB Farms’ vertical farming system enables farmers to produce nutritious crops virtually pesticide-free in urban areas, on degraded land, or in poor soil conditions.
Bruk Getahun – ChipChip, 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 reduces logistics costs, and offers consumers wholesale prices that are at least 20 percent 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, 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.
