He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology company that provides digital solutions across various industries, including telecommunications, financial services, and media. Before joining Cassava Technologies, Pemhiwa was the Group Chief Executive & Managing Director of Econet, one of Africa’s pioneers of the mobile telecoms industry.

He has also held senior management positions at a number of other companies, including a regulated financial services firm in Kenya and an investment banking firm in South Africa. Pemhiwa’s insights and expertise in the African technology sector have garnered international recognition, as he is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences. In 2023, Hardy Pemhiwa’s influence reached new heights when he was named one of the “100 Most Influential Africans” by New African magazine. This accolade is a testament to his unwavering dedication to driving positive change across the continent.

He is the Founder and CEO of Agripoa Company Ltd, a Tanzanian-based startup that provides a mobile app and web platform to help farmers plan, monitor, and analyze their farm activities. Rwechungura’s passion for agriculture and technology is evident in his work at AgriPoa. He started the company in 2019 with the goal of using technology to make agriculture more efficient and profitable for farmers.

The AgriPoa app provides farmers with a variety of features, including a crop calendar that helps farmers plan their plantings and harvests and a pest and disease tracker that helps farmers identify and manage problems early on. Rwechungura’s work with AgriPoa has been recognized by several awards, including the Best ICT Company of the Year (2021) in Digital Farming from the Prime Minister of Tanzania and the Minister of Science and Technology. Rwechungura is committed to using technology to improve the lives of farmers and believes that AgriPoa can help farmers increase their yields, reduce their costs, and access new markets.

She is the founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources Group (Pty) Ltd. DLO Energy Resources Group is a wholly black female-owned renewable energy company that currently owns and operates one of the largest wind farms in Africa, with a capacity of 244MW. She has extensive capital-raising experience and has raised over 5.5 billion in debt and equity funding.

Mabhena-Olagunju is also an experienced board executive and advisor. She has served on boards across various sectors, including energy, aviation, infrastructure, DFIs, and education. Her wealth of boardroom experience ranges from both local and international boards.

In addition to her work in the energy sector, Mabhena-Olagunju is also a passionate advocate for women in business and entrepreneurship. She is a frequent speaker and mentor, and she is committed to helping other women succeed in their careers. Mabhena-Olagunju is a highly respected figure in the African business community and has been recognized for her achievements with numerous awards, including the Veuve Clicquot Elle Boss Award, the Forbes Woman Africa Best Emerging Entrepreneur Award, and the Choiseul 100 Africa Economic Leaders for Tomorrow list. Mabhena-Olagunju is an inspiration to many and a role model for women.

She has over ten years of investing and operations experience, focusing on emerging markets. She is a passionate advocate for African entrepreneurs and has played a significant role in supporting the growth of the continent’s VC space. She is known for her deep understanding of the African startup ecosystem, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and hands-on approach to supporting portfolio companies.

Prior to joining Partech, Lewam was an Investment Director at Village Capital, where she led the investment team and invested in startups in the US, India, Latin America, and Africa. She also co-founded The Africa Playbook, a series of newsletters and conversations focused on telling Africa’s growth story.

At Partech, Lewam has led investments in several successful African startups and is a board member of several portfolio companies. She is also a member of the Black Venture Capital Collective, a group of Black venture capitalists working to increase diversity in the VC industry. Lewam is a role model for many African entrepreneurs and investors, a champion of innovation, and a firm believer in the potential of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Her tireless efforts and accomplishments in the world of sustainability and green growth have not only garnered recognition but have also made a significant impact on the global stage. Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien’s journey in the world of sustainability and environmental conservation is a remarkable one. With a strong educational background and a deep commitment to her work, she has left an indelible mark.

Her role as an advocate for green growth and sustainability has seen her participate in international events, contribute to discussions on critical environmental issues, and lead initiatives that promote sustainable development on a global scale. Her contributions to research, policy development, and her active involvement in various initiatives have set new standards and paved the way for a more eco-conscious society. Nnoli-Edozien is also the founder of Growing Businesses Foundation and serves as a board member of the IFRS Foundation.

This year’s theme, “Leave No One Behind,” highlights the importance of ensuring everyone has access to safe, nutritious food, regardless of their identity or circumstances.

Africa is home to the most significant number of people facing food insecurity in the world.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over 280 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2021.

This represents more than one in four people on the continent.

As the world comes together to celebrate World Food Day, Empower Africa is thrilled to honor a group of exceptional individuals who are at the forefront of revolutionizing food security across the African continent.

Our belief in the untapped potential of Africa is further reinforced by the remarkable work these 30 heroes are doing to ensure a brighter and more nourished future for all.

Join us as we spotlight their incredible contributions to this vital cause.

The Challenge:

Africa, a continent rich in resources and potential, has faced its share of challenges regarding food security.

Despite its abundance of arable land and diverse ecosystems, millions of Africans continue to grapple with hunger and malnutrition.

The issue is complex, ranging from climate change and land degradation to socioeconomic disparities and political instability.

The Solution:

In the face of these challenges, our 30 food heroes have taken up the mantle of change.

They represent a diverse group of agritech entrepreneurs, activists, and policymakers who are tirelessly working to address the root causes of food insecurity in Africa.

Innovative Agricultural Practices: Several individuals on our list are pioneering innovative, sustainable agricultural practices, making the most of Africa’s rich and diverse natural resources. They champion organic farming, precision agriculture, and agroecological techniques to boost yields while preserving the environment.

Technological Advancements: The use of technology in agriculture has never been more critical. Our list includes visionaries harnessing data, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications to provide farmers with valuable insights and resources for improved crop management.

Educational Initiatives: Empowerment through education is another focus of our list. Several individuals have established programs to educate farmers, particularly women and youth, on modern farming techniques, financial literacy, and business management.

Policy and Advocacy: A crucial aspect of food security is advocating for change at the policy level. Our list features champions who are actively shaping policies to ensure food security is a national priority and addressing issues such as land rights and climate resilience.

Conclusion:

On this World Food Day, we celebrate these 30 incredible individuals leading the charge in transforming Africa’s food landscape.

Their commitment to addressing food security challenges with innovative solutions, unwavering determination, and a deep understanding of the continent’s potential is a testament to the human spirit’s remarkable capacity for positive change.

Empower Africa proudly stands with these food heroes, amplifying their stories and innovations to inspire others to join the movement.

Together, we can create a more food-secure Africa, unlocking the continent’s untapped potential and ensuring a future where no one goes to bed hungry.

1. Joseph Rehmann – Founder & Group CEO for Victory Farms

2. Ayodeji Arikawe – Co-Founder at Thrive Agric

3. Eli Pollak – Founder, Apollo Agriculture

4. Rose Goslinga – Co-Founder, Pula

5. Samir Ibrahim – Co-Founder & CEO, SunCulture

6. H. Mwai Chitete – Country Director at Heifer International

7. John Macharia – Country Director AGRA Kenya

8. Chris Ojiewo – Strategic Partnerships and Seed Systems Lead; CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative Lead

9. Abigael Nyukuri – Technical Advisor (Food Security and Agriculture) at FAO

10. Edith Kirumba – Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

11. Taita Ngetich – CEO at Synnefa

12. Folu Okunade – Co-Founder, Hello Tractor

13. Adesuwa Ifedi – Senior Vice President Heifer Africa, at Heifer International

14. Winnie Yegon – Food system specialist, FAO

15. Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu – ColdHubs Limited

16. Catherine Nakalembe – NASA Harvest, Africa Director

17. Evance Rabong’o – Continental Reinsurance, Head – Agriculture Underwriting

18. Stephanie Wangare Kamau Adamba – Food Security & Safety expert

19. Azeez A. Salawu – Act4Food Act4Change

20. Danielle Abraham – Co-Founder and Executive Director of Volcani International Partnerships (VIP)

21. Sidney Opiyo – Focal Point for Food Security Thematic Group

22. Nicolas Simiyu – Head of Marketing @ FarmGroAfrica

23. Mevis Aiyeju – CEO M.E. Solutions

24. Dickson Kahuro – CEO & Founder OxfarmAg Ltd

25. Amine Zarouk – Founder & CEO, Green OpenLab

26. Denis Karema – CEO, SokoFresh

27. Farah Emara – Co-Founder of FreshSource

28. Alloysius Attah – Co-Founder & CEO @ Farmerline

29. Desmond Koney – Chief Executive Officer at Complete Farmer

30. Amira Cheniour – CEO at Seabex