Uju Uzo-Ojinnaka
Uju is a Nigerian entrepreneur who aims to break down barriers to pan-African agri-trade.
May 25, 2023
World Food Day is celebrated annually on October 16th to raise awareness of hunger and malnutrition around the world and to promote action to achieve zero hunger by 2030.
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
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