Category: Announcement

Jul 15, 2024 | Announcement, Featured, News

Celebrating the Top 24 Trailblazing Agripreneurs in the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition

– Innovative Ventures Led by Young Entrepreneurs from 17 African Countries Reach the Semi-Finals to Compete for US$100k Grand Prizes and US$60k Impact Awards 

– Co-founders Strive Masiyiwa and Svein Tore Holsether Applaud the Current Generation of Young Agrifood Leaders

[Kigali, Rwanda] July 12, 2024 – The GoGettaz community is thrilled to unveil the top 24 semi-finalists of the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition. This prestigious initiative, now in its 6th year, was founded to empower and celebrate Africa’s burgeoning agripreneurs and has become a beacon of innovation and opportunities across the continent.

The competition received nearly 2000 applications from across most African countries, with the 24 semi-finalists representing 17 African nations. GoGettaz is a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing young agrifood innovators across Africa. Since its inception in 2019, GoGettaz has played a pivotal role in identifying, supporting, and celebrating the continent’s most promising entrepreneurs driving sustainable change and economic growth through agricultural ventures spanning the whole agrifood value chain from seed to fork. By providing access to leadership development, global networks, and awards, GoGettaz empowers participants to grow their innovative ideas into impactful business enterprises that address pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to food security and job creation across the continent.

GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group, who served as Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for several years, commented, “This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. From the large pool of applicants this year, these 24 semi-finalists represent only a small cross-section of the continent’s visionary young entrepreneurs, a testament to the hope and talent of youth across Africa today. Their innovative agrifood businesses, and the impactful work of so many others who have taken part in the GoGettaz competition over the years, are crucial for growing prosperity and food security across the continent. Our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are not just sitting around waiting for problems to be solved; they are busy working to solve them – inventing climate-friendly solutions and using new technologies to tackle ages-old challenges in this critical sector.  We are so proud of them.”

Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yara International and GoGettaz co-founder added, “The impact of GoGettaz goes far beyond the competition itself, as we uncover more and more talent and innovation across Africa. I am thrilled with the quality of this year’s competitors and excited to see the opportunities and collaboration emerging to accelerate progress towards a more resilient and food-secure Africa. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the semi-finalists and commend them for the great work that they are doing.”

Meet the Top 24 Semi-Finalists: 

Mogale Maleka

Mogale Maleka

Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms)

Samson Turimurukundo

Samson Turimurukundo

AGRI Organic Inputs

Salimata Toh

Salimata Toh

Agribanana

Lapaque Mbumba

Lapaque Mbumba

Antarctik

Marlène Kindji

Marlène Kindji

Badémè Natural Foods

Adeline Pelage

Adeline Pelage

Biscuiterie BOBO

Elhadji Malick Sagne

Elhadji Malick Sagne

Cactus Innovation

Amir Redwan

Amir Redwan

Chipchip

Tracy Mapfumo

Tracy Mapfumo

Eny’s Treats

Lesly Marange

Lesly Marange

GLYTIME FOODS PVT LTD

Deborah Nzarubara

Deborah Nzarubara

Grecom

Kidist Amedie

Kidist Amedie

Guaro Farms

Habib Mestiri

Habib Mestiri

Hayat Technology

Fatima El Khou

Fatima El Khou

Jafife

Sokayna Bellam

Sokayna Bellam

Jodoor

Iddi Mohamed Faried

Iddi Mohamed Faried

Kodu Technology

Tisya Mukana

Tisya Mukana

La BOITE

Mochesane Albert Mpali

Mochesane Albert Mpali

Lema Agriventures Pty Ltd

Irene Simon Ivambi

Irene Simon Ivambi

MREMBO NATURALS LIMITED

Mostafa Hassanen

Mostafa Hassanen

Plug N Grow

Charles Oyamo

Charles Oyamo

Rethread Africa

Riantsoa Mialinarindra

Riantsoa Mialinarindra

Sakafo Madagascar

Arristine Mendes

Arristine Mendes

SHADDAÏ AQUACULTURE

Emadago Oghenekevwe

Emadago Oghenekevwe

Valley Bee

Previous editions of the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition have produced remarkable success stories that illustrate its profound impact. Esther Kimani, a past winner, revolutionized farming practices in Kenya with her innovative pest detection technology. Her journey from competition winner to industry leader underscores GoGettaz’s role in fostering groundbreaking solutions and empowering agripreneurs to drive meaningful change in their communities.

The finalists are competing for two grand prizes of $50,000 each, and in addition to the grand prize, an additional $60,000 in Impact Awards to recognize ventures that notably benefit their communities and promote sustainable development goals. The prize is designed to propel ventures to new heights and amplify their impact. The rigorous selection process emphasized criteria such as innovation, market potential and traction, business model and founder and team. The high caliber of entries underscores the competitiveness and dynamism within Africa’s agripreneurial ecosystem.

Young agripreneurs and Pan-African agriculture ecosystems are encouraged to engage with the GoGettaz community and participate in future editions of the competition. Visit gogettaz.africa to learn more about the finalists and follow us on @GoGettazAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and YouTube to join our mission of transforming African agriculture through innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

GoGettaz Co-Founders:

Yara International: https://www.yara.com/

Econet: https://www.econetafrica.com/

 

GoGettaz Partners:

Africa Food Systems Forum:  https://agrf.org/

Alliance for a Green Revolution Africa: https://agra.org/

Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions: http://www.sacau.org/

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation https://www.snv.org/

U.S. Agency for International Development: https://www.usaid.gov/

May 31, 2024 | Announcement, Featured

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) and Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) Forge Strategic Partnership to Champion for Food Systems and Sport Development in Africa

The collaboration between VCWC and AFS Forum will leverage sports icons to drive policy advocacy and sustainably fortify Africa’s food systems.

Kigali, Rwanda – May 31, 2024 – The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) and  Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) have joined forces in a strategic partnership with the goal of harnessing the combined influence of sports and agri-food business to accelerate sustainable transformation of Africa’s food systems. The partnership, formalized through an agreement signed by both parties, seeks to harness the influence and audience of sports legends to champion impactful innovative  communication,    public  policies  on  sport  and  food  systems  nexus, investment  and  resource  mobilization  and  fostering  partnerships  aimed  at strengthening the sustainability of the African food system. As influential stakeholders  with  global  platforms,  the  AFS  Forum  and  VCWC acknowledged  the  intricate  relationship  between  food  systems  and  sports  in shaping Africa’s trajectory, with a particular emphasis on the vital role of youth engagement for  productive , healthier, nutritious, inclusive and  resilient food systems in the continent.

Speaking on behalf of the AFS Forum partners, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, highlighted the influence of sports legends, underscoring the profound influence of sports on Africa’s rural youth as well as the opportunities that food systems present for the young people . She stated, “African food systems are projected to become a trillion-dollar industry in the coming years driven by rapid  urbanisation across the continent. Connecting African youth to food systems given their agility and innovative  potential  will  be  hugely  transformative.  AGRA  and  the  AFS  Forum Partners  are  committed  to  harnessing  the  transformative  power  of  sports  by engaging  and  linking  rural  youth  to  these  opportunities.  This partnership stands as a win-win for sports, food systems, and health.” Dr. Kalibata expressed  her  desire  to  see  the  collaboration  amplifying  the  pace  of policy advancements  and  innovations  on  food  and  sport  nexus.  Additionally,  she emphasized leveraging the vast potential of sport legends to inspire, empower and elevate    African  youth  as  pivotal  drivers  in  transforming  the  continent’s  food systems.

Fred Siewe, President of the International Federation of Veteran Football (FIFVE) and Chairman of VCWC, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The VCWC is committed to harnessing the influence and audience of sports legends to contribute to sustainable development. By partnering with the AFS Forum, we can leverage both platform to advocate for positive change and empower youth and women across Africa.” He said Amath  Pathe  Sene,  Managing  Director  of  the  AFS  Forum,  supported  the complementarity of the two events scheduled for the same week in September.

He highlighted the interconnectedness of sports and nutrition, noting that sustained excellence  in  sports  often  requires  access  to  nutritious  and  healthier  food. “becoming a legend in sport requires top-level performance over many years. This cannot be achieved without nutritious and healthy food,” he said. Sene emphasized the value of partnering with VCWC to promote the values of sports while also exploring  opportunities  within  the  sports  business  sector.  “Sport  and  food  are interlinked, this partnership with VCWC will not only promote the values of sport but also showcase the opportunities through the business of sport,” he added.

The AFS Forum  and VCWC will coincide between Sep 1 to 10 Sep 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, presenting a unique opportunity for synergistic action towards advancing global development goals. The partnership will  harness the collective  expertise, networks and platforms to facilitate investments in sustainable projects that will advance the livelihoods of small holder farmers and the food systems community.

About AFS Forum

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will move African food systems forward. The Africa Forum is made up of a coalition of 28 institutions in African food systems all focused on putting farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economies.

www.agrf.org

About AGRA

AGRA  is  a  proudly  African-led  institution  focused  on  scaling  agricultural innovations  that  help  smallholder  farmers  towards  increased  incomes,  better livelihoods, and improved food security. AGRA’s mission is to transform the lives of smallholder farmers from that of a solitary struggle for survival to a business that thrives.

www.agra.org

About VCWC

VCWC  is  a  platform  for  sports  veterans  from  around  the  world  to  Connect, Collaborate, and Contribute to Sustainable development.

https://www.vcwc.network/

For media inquiries, please contact:

AFS  Forum  Press  Office:  Catherine  Ndungu,  Snr  Communications  Officer

cndungu@agra.org

VCWC Press Office: Info@vcwc2024.com

Mar 28, 2024 | Announcement, News

Rwanda to Host the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 and Calls for Radical Transformation of African Food Systems.

Speakers during the launch ceremony advocate for a global and inclusive summit that is grounded on Africa’s food systems priorities to ensure food security for all.

Kigali, Rwanda – March 26th, 2024 – Rt. Hon Dr Èdouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, has this afternoon officially launched the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 annual summit, the premier forum for African agriculture and food systems in Kigali, Rwanda.

The theme for this year’s summit – Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering food systems transformation in a digital and climate era – underscores the urgent need to radically transform African food systems.This transformation should enhance local food production, bolster resilience to climate change, uplift African livelihoods, and harness the continent’s potential to tackle global challenges.

The theme highlights the need to prioritize three key actions: innovating, accelerating, and scaling up. Regarding innovation, the 2024 Summit will shine the spotlight on innovative policy delivery mechanisms, financing initiatives, research, and business models. As we evolve in a digital age, the summit will showcase cutting-edge technologies and equipment to manage climate impact, digital and financing gap, food waste and loss to name a few. Participants and delegates will have the opportunity at the Summit to network with the innovators and thought leaders driving these state-of-the-art technologies and developments.

Speaking at the launch, the Rt. Hon, Ngirente said, “To transform the agriculture sector into a powerful engine for economic development, our country is embracing innovation and making evidence-based-policy decisions. In this context, the Government has focused on de-risking the sector to ensure that it becomes more profitable and attractive for the youth and private sector actors,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized the imperative for African nations to bolster local production efforts. Emphasizing the critical link between local food production and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he stressed the significance of meeting domestic needs and fostering inter-African trade. Highlighting the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a pivotal instrument for realizing these goals, his address also underscored the need to cultivate youth involvement in agriculture.

The AFS Forum will take place from September 2-6, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. The summit is expected to host approximately 5000 delegates from across the food systems eco system. Speaking to the significance of the event, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, the Chair of the AFS Forum Partner’s group, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in accelerating the delivery of sustainable and prosperous food system.

“With an abundance of emerging African young talents, remarkable innovations, and proven practices and solutions both locally and internationally, scaling up adaptation and replication is feasible. However, achieving this requires mobilizing actions and investments on a large scale, especially from the private sector,” he said.

The launch ceremony is the premier drum beat and kick start event towards the Africa Food Systems Annual Summit , in September. The summit will bring together business leaders, potential investors, high-ranking government officials, thought leaders, and farmers under the same roof to make the connections needed to unlock investment and financing opportunities for medium and small enterprises (MSMEs), youth, women and government-led deals and unleash the potential for faster, widespread, food systems transformation across Africa.

About AFS Forum

The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum), is the world’s premier forum for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African food systems forward. The Forum is a multi-sector platform comprising of 28 partners leading in African agriculture all focused on putting farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economies. The AFS Forum exists to progress Africa’s Food Systems and promote agricultural excellence across the diverse landscapes of our continent.

Follow us on:

About MINAGRI

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has the mission of promoting the sustainable development of a modern, efficient and competitive agriculture and livestock sector, to ensure food security, agriculture export and diversification of the productions for the benefit of the farmer and the economy of the Country.

Follow us on:

For more information on MINAGRI please contact

Eugene Kwibuka, Agriculture Information and Communication project manager at MINAGRI  on  ekwibuka@minagri.gov.rw

For more information on AFS Forum please contact

Catherine Ndu’ngu, Senior Communications and Advocacy Officer on cndungu@agra.org

Jan 29, 2024 | Announcement

The Africa Food Systems Forum Strategic Plan 2023-2027

The Africa Food Systems Forum Strategic Plan 2023-2027 defines how the Africa Food System Forum Secretariat will engage with and work on the Food System Transformation agenda over the next five years in Africa. The overarching goal is to scale up the continent’s efforts to build healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems that have the power to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa by 2030.

Read the Strategic Plan

Feb 14, 2023 | Announcement, Press Release

Amath Pathé Sene announced as the new Managing Director for Africa’s food Systems Forum (AGRF)

The Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AGRF) secretariat is pleased to announce the appointment of Amath Pathé Sene the new Managing Director of the Forum.

As Managing Director, Pathé will be responsible for driving AGRF’s strategic growth and running the day-to-day business of its Secretariat as an independent, panAfrican, and multi-partner forum. He will continue to build on the great momentum already underway to take the AGRF a notch higher in its
vision and impact, by advancing and stewarding its multi-year strategy as agreed with the AGRA leadership and the AGRF Partners.

Pathé is an Agricultural Engineer by training and Climate and Environment Expert. He has over 18 years’ experience in the fields of agriculture, green finance & Agri value chains development, environment, climate change and sustainable natural resource management, food systems and nutrition security, rural development, and poverty reduction; rural infrastructure development; safeguards and de-risking public and private sector investments in sustainable agriculture. In his professional career, he has occupied various technical, managerial and leadership roles both at local, country, regional and global level, working across four regions in the World (Africa, South America, Central Asia and Europe).

Prior to joining AGRF, Pathé was the IFAD Lead Regional Environment and Climate Specialist for West and Central Africa based in Rome and later in Abidjan. He also acted as Director of the IFAD Abidjan sub regional office, and Country Director for Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, and Liberia. Before joining IFAD, Pathe was Policy Specialist on sustainable development with UNDP Global Policy Centre on Sustainable Development based in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). He previously worked with both UNDP and UNEP as Regional Program Advisor based in Nairobi (Kenya), providing technical assistance to African Countries on mainstreaming poverty, environment and gender objectives into national development and investment frameworks. Before that, he served as Program Officer and acting Team Lead with the UNDP Country Office in Mauritania.

Pathé’s other previous positions outside the UN include food security program and sub office manager in Afghanistan, a consultant with European Union in France and Agricultural Researcher at the Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute. He holds an MSc and post-graduate degree in Rural Societies, Territories, Sustainable Development and Natural Resources Management from Institut Agronomique Mediterraneen de Montpellier, France; an MSc on Agricultural Engineering from Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknes (Morocco) and MSc on Agribusiness, entrepreneurship and Gender from the Centre for International Agricultural Development Cooperation (Israel). Pathé speaks French, English, Portuguese, Wolof and Serer. He is a married and father to three awesome children.

Jul 17, 2021 | Announcement

Side Events – 6 September

Side events are an enriching, dynamic part of the AGRF. At the upcoming AGRF, which will be held from 7-10 September 2021, the side events will be on the preceding day – 6 September. Last year, 10,000 people participated in AGRF and we hope even more will join us at a special hybrid event this year, hosted by the government of Kenya. The theme of the Forum is Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems.

All applications will be considered against important criteria:

The side-event application form attached may be completed before the deadline of July 30, 2021. There are often many applications, so events may be combined or adapted, and not all can be accommodated. Once approved, the events are self-organized and briefings will be held to integrate the event into the Forum platform. We look forward to your proposals. Sessions will be held in a mix of 45 minute and 105 minute slots.

  • The relevance to the theme of Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems
  • Diverse speakers bringing unique voices to the themes
  • AGRF Partnership and New commitments

 

Click here to download the Application form

 

 

Kindly send your completed form to Catherine Ndung’u cndungu@agra.org cc’ing AGRFProgram@agrf.org