World Food Day Spotlight: Celebrating 30 Remarkable Individuals Transforming Africa's Food Landscape

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