AGRA

Kigali, Rwanda – 5th September 2024 Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe, has been named the winner of the 2024 Africa Food Prize, receiving a $100,000 award for his groundbreaking leadership and innovation in advancing food security through strategic irrigation initiatives, which is revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s food systems.

Mhiko’s visionary leadership at ARDA has been a driving force in overcoming some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing agricultural challenges, such as recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, and widespread land degradation. His bold and innovative strategies have expanded the area under irrigation from 6,000 hectares in 2016 to a projected 15,000 hectares by 2025, positioning ARDA as a model of sustainability and profitability in African agriculture. By upgrading irrigation infrastructure, integrating advanced technologies like drip irrigation and solar-powered systems, and diversifying crop production, Mhiko through ARDA has significantly improved water use efficiency, boosted crop yields, and strengthened resilience to climate change. These achievements have not only enhanced food security but also spurred economic development at a national level.

Under Mhiko’s vision, ARDA has also cultivated a culture of collaboration and innovation, engaging stakeholders and building partnerships with government bodies, private sector players, and international development organizations. His work ilustrates a holistic and adaptive approach to irrigation that addresses technical, economic, and environmental aspects, setting a benchmark for agricultural transformation in Zimbabwe and beyond.

The $100,000 Africa Food Prize honors Africans who are spearheading transformative agricultural initiatives. It highlights bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to foster a new era of food security and economic opportunity. This year’s award not only celebrates individual excellence but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Africa’s food systems.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Mhiko stated, “I have worked will all classes of farmers over 15year s to improve productivity. Over time I have found that the first step to achieving this is innovation. We have implemented impactful models alongside the use of technological innovations which have helped achieve this.”

The announcement was made by former Nigerien Prime Minister  H.E. Ibrahim Mayaki during the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. In his remarks, President Kikwete praised Mhiko for his exceptional contributions, stating, ” This is an example of what transformative leadership looks like. Beyond the issues of science and innovation, there is a dimension of empowerment of farmers. You can see the impact of this vision in empowering farmers.”

The Africa Food Prize recognizes groundbreaking work in agriculture and calls on governments, organizations, and individuals to support similar initiatives and invest in Africa’s agricultural future. Each year, the prize seeks nominations for individuals or institutions that are leading efforts to transform farming in Africa, with an emphasis on poverty reduction, nutrition security, and job creation. Nominations are reviewed based on criteria assessing the impact, scalability, and sustainability of agricultural programs.

Notes to the Editors

About Women Agri-preneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) 

The VALUE4HER Women Agri-preneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) is an AGRA-led recognition initiative launched in 2021 under AGRA’s flagship VALUE4HER initiative that seeks to strengthen women agripreneurship in Africa. WAYA recognizes African female agri-preneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains and have demonstrated remarkable innovation by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment. The awards aim to create visibility for successful women and promote them as positive role models, trigger innovation, and spur ambition among women agri-preneurs. The awards are a collaboration between AGRA and various partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, UKAID, USAID, and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Other delivery partners include the International Agri-food Network (IAFN), Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) and the Africa Development Research, Evaluation & Strategy (ADRES) Group. 

About the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum 

The 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 2024 AFS Forum, to be held under the theme “Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era”, will be a timely opportunity to convene diverse stakeholders, including world leaders, investors, academia, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector, to spotlight innovations, technologies, best practices, business models, policy delivery mechanisms, and investments to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa and beyond, with youth and women at the helm.

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.

[Kigali, Rwanda – September 4, 2024] – AGRA has today announced six winners of the 2024 Women Agri-preneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum) held in Kigali, Rwanda.

This year’s WAYA awards finalists were selected from a record-breaking 1,535 applications spanning 44 African nations, a significant increase from the 1,430 applicants and 42 participating nations in 2023. This highlights the growing influence and importance of women in Africa’s agribusiness sector. The finalists represented diverse countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 2024 WAYA Winners by Category include:

• Grand Prize Winner:

Affiong Williams, Founder and CEO of ReelFruit – Awarded for outstanding contributions that exemplify how enterprise can transform lives and the agribusiness sector proving that sustainable impactful businesses can be built by women, receiving a cash prize of $40,000.

• Young Female Agri-preneur (Rising Star):

Jovia Kisakaye, Founder & CEO, Ecobed Biotech Brand, Uganda – Celebrated as a high-potential young leader in agribusiness under the age of 35, Jovia was awarded for her leadership and ambition with her company Ecobed Biotech’s flagship program training young farmers to set up and manage black soldier fly farms enabling them to transform organic waste into valuable resources receiving a cash prize of $25,000.

• Women Empowerment Champion:

Fannie Gondwe, Founder and Executive Director, Perisha Agro, Malawi – Acknowledged for making significant strides in promoting women’s empowerment in agriculture, having reached 800,000 households and providing training to 6000 smallholder farmers 80% of them being women. She received a cash prize of $25,000.

• Resilient and Inspirational Leader:

Daniella Virivuswagha, Founder, ChemChemAgro – Awarded for demonstrating resilience and inspirational leadership in the face of challenges, Daniella’s business uses connected sensors and artificial intelligence and API Connect to collect environmental data providing bee keepers with crucial information on optimal hive locations and pesticide risks.receiving a cash prize of $25,000.

• Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise:

Florence Bassono, Founder, Faso Attieke, Burkina Faso – Recognized for her exceptional contributions to adding value to agricultural products, through transforming of the cassava value chain receiving a cash prize of $25,000.

• Female Ag Tech Innovator:

Aisha Raheem, Founder, Farmz2u, Nigeria– Honored for pioneering technological advancements in agribusiness,through Farmz2u which provides innovative solutions including digital extension services, climate smart technologies and supply chain optimization tools, receiving a cash prize of $25,000.

Speaking during the fourth edition of the WAYA awarding ceremony, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, remarked, “The WAYA awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who are transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape. These women are not only leaders in their fields but are also driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and empowering their communities. Their contributions are pivotal to the continent’s food security and economic development.”

Ms. Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness at AGRA, one the judges, added, “Women represent 50% of the agricultural labor force in Africa and are responsible for 70% of production. Yet, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles within agribusiness. The WAYA awards aim to bridge this gap by recognizing and incentivizing women as key drivers of agricultural transformation in Africa.”

The other judges responsible for selecting this year’s winners included; Delphine Traoré, CEO, Sanlam Allianz General Insurance & AGRA Board Member, Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Mastercard Foundation, Mary Boote, Vice Chair, International Agri-Food Network & CEO, Global Farmer Network, Judy Matu, National Executive Chairlady, Association of Women in Agriculture, Kenya, Oluyemisi Iranloye, and WAYA 2022 Grand Prize Winner & CEO, Psaltry International & Psaltry Foundation.

Ms. Judy Matu, WAYA 2024 Judge and National Executive Chairlady of the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya, stated, “As judges, our role goes beyond evaluating achievements. We amplify the voices of these remarkable women and highlight their contributions to sustainable agribusiness and economic growth across Africa. It is an honor to celebrate their success and impact.”

The WAYA initiative, launched at the AGRF 2021 Summit, has become a cornerstone of AGRA’s efforts to strengthen women’s agribusiness enterprises across the continent. The initiative is supported by VALUE4HERConnect, Africa’s first women-in-agribusiness digital marketplace. Through VALUE4HER, AGRA enhances the performance of women entrepreneurs by improving their access to markets, finance, and investments.

Notes to the Editors

About Women Agri-preneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) 

The VALUE4HER Women Agri-preneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) is an AGRA-led recognition initiative launched in 2021 under AGRA’s flagship VALUE4HER initiative that seeks to strengthen women agripreneurship in Africa. WAYA recognizes African female agri-preneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains and have demonstrated remarkable innovation by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment. The awards aim to create visibility for successful women and promote them as positive role models, trigger innovation, and spur ambition among women agri-preneurs. The awards are a collaboration between AGRA and various partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, UKAID, USAID, and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Other delivery partners include the International Agri-food Network (IAFN), Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) and the Africa Development Research, Evaluation & Strategy (ADRES) Group. 

About the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum 

The 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 2024 AFS Forum, to be held under the theme “Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era”, will be a timely opportunity to convene diverse stakeholders, including world leaders, investors, academia, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector, to spotlight innovations, technologies, best practices, business models, policy delivery mechanisms, and investments to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa and beyond, with youth and women at the helm.

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.

Betty Kabara, a native of Eastern Kenya, grew up with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of providing nutritious meals for children. Her childhood experiences, centered around the humble Githeri meal, shaped her passion for ensuring that every child has access to healthy, affordable food.

“I remember cooking Githeri on a wood fire as a child,” Betty recalls. “It was a constant struggle to balance playing outside with ensuring the food cooked properly. The slightest distraction could lead to a ruined meal.”

Betty’s firsthand experience with the challenges of food preparation inspired her to become a champion for nutritious school meals. She recognized the importance of providing not only sufficient food but also food that is rich in essential nutrients.

“School feeding programs are vital for the development of millions of children in Africa,” Betty emphasizes. “While increasing access is crucial, we must also prioritize the quality of the food being served.”

Betty’s dedication to improving school meals led her to spearhead the development of high-iron beans and sorghum varieties. These nutrient-rich grains are not only affordable,  but also highly beneficial for children’s growth and development.

“High-iron beans are a game-changer for school feeding programs,” Betty explains. “They are affordable, nutritious, and can satisfy the needs of many children at a minimal cost. The iron content is essential for a child’s overall health and development.”

As a testament to her commitment, Betty is launching the 45 Whole Grain initiative, a groundbreaking effort to promote the use of whole grains in school feeding programs. This initiative aims to provide children with a more balanced and nutritious diet, contributing to their overall well-being.

#FoodSystems #AFSForum24 #AGRAImpact  #AFSForum2024

Kigali, Rwanda, 3^rd September 2024 – The Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) Leadership Forum, held during the African Food Systems Forum 2024, successfully equipped 40 delegates with actionable strategies and expanded their knowledge to lead food system innovations effectively.

The forum, themed “From Local Fields to Global Impact: Leading Food System Innovation in a Digital and Climate Era,” provided delegates across governments, civil society, private and public sector with practical insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of food system innovation amid digital advancements and climate challenges.

Participants leveraged connections with leading innovators and thought leaders to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies and developments in agriculture, and were introduced to the principles of Action Learning, enabling them to design impactful projects aimed at addressing real-world food system challenges.”

“Young people need to push themselves harder to do more and be problem solvers.”” Remarked Dr. Agnes Kalibata AGRA President. “That is what CALA is about, nurturing the next generation of problem solvers. Use us as your platforms to do more. We look forward to seeing your project and being part of your success.” She added.

The forum reaffirmed CALA’s commitment to supporting African leaders in driving sustainable practices to radically transform African food systems, enhance local food production and bolster resilience to climate change and uplift the livelihoods of African farmers.

Jonathan Said, Vice President, Centre for Technical Expertise, AGRA emphasized the need to address the leadership gap in the agricultural and food systems transformation across Africa. “Empowering key actors in the continent with practical insights and strategies to lead innovation and implement transformative food systems solutions is essential to achieving Africa’s food security agenda” he noted.

The CALA Leadership Forum also served as the inaugural meeting for incoming CALA Cohort 4 delegates inspiring them to initiate relevant and impactful projects that contribute to food systems transformation.

CALA also called upon all leaders, stakeholders, and partners in the agricultural sector to take bold and immediate actions towards transforming Africa’s food systems.

Notes to the Editor

About CALA

CALA is a flagship program under AGRA, convened a Leadership Forum to equip African Leaders with strategies to spearhead innovative food systems and foster collaborative efforts amidst climate change.

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.

Media contact

For media inquiries or to learn more about AGRA’s initiatives, please contact:

media@agra.org

Tuesday, 3^rd September 2024: AGRA has today launched its 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report, titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa.”

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the significant role that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play in transforming food systems across Africa. Developed through extensive collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, it explores the vital contributions of MSMEs to agricultural and economic transformation on the continent.

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, stated, “The Africa Agriculture Status Report 2024 highlights the transformative role of MSMEs in shaping Africa’s agrifood landscape. By harnessing the power of the private sector, we can drive meaningful food systems transformation and achieve sustainable growth. This report provides actionable insights on supporting MSMEs to enhance their impact on food security and economic development.”

Dr. Kalibata further emphasized, “This report marks a significant milestone in understanding the private sector’s influence on Africa’s agrifood systems. It showcases the crucial impact of MSMEs in driving agricultural productivity and economic development. Our goal is to illustrate how these enterprises are vital drivers of growth and innovation. We urge increased support and collaboration between governments and the private sector to address challenges and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.”

The report highlights a significant shift towards more inclusive agribusiness investments by medium and large scale agribusinesses. Recent trends reveal a growing focus on integrating smallholder farmers and enhancing rural livelihoods.

The growing recognition of smallholders’ critical role in agricultural productivity and food security is driving this trend. Programs providing improved seeds, modern farming techniques, and financial services are boosting smallholders’ yields and income. Additionally, rural infrastructure initiatives—such as roads, storage facilities, and market access—are vital for linking small farmers to larger value chains and markets.

Case studies featured in the report demonstrate how investments in cash crops, infrastructure and digital technologies are driving diversification and boosting export growth.

In Malawi, substantial investments in groundnut production, supported by new seed varieties and enhanced processing capabilities, have not only bolstered local agriculture but also expanded the country’s export markets.

Nigeria has revitalized its cocoa sector through strategic investments in modern farming techniques and processing infrastructure and in Ghana, mobile platforms like AgroCenta have revolutionized agriculture by providing farmers with crucial market information, access to credit, and improved input distribution.

Similarly, Kenya’s investment in macadamia nuts, alongside the adoption of digital platforms for farm management and market access, has positioned the country as a leading exporter despite regulatory and market challenges.

Digital technology is transforming agricultural value chains by improving access to inputs, credit, and market information. Platforms like M-Kulima and M-Pesa in East Africa are streamlining transactions and enhancing input distribution efficiency. Additionally, digital tractor leasing services such as Hello Tractor are increasing mechanization accessibility for smallholder farmers, thereby boosting productivity and reducing costs.

Tanzania’s agro-industrial parks have significantly advanced food processing and value addition. These parks offer essential infrastructure and support services, integrating smallholder farmers into larger value chains and fostering job creation and food security.

Zambia’s investments in veterinary services, feed production, and market access have driven growth in its livestock sector. Enhanced meat and dairy production have improved animal health and expanded export opportunities, contributing to national economic development.

The report ultimately urges governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges and seizing growth opportunities identified. By investing in infrastructure, supporting MSMEs, and implementing effective policies, stakeholders can advance Africa’s agrifood systems toward greater sustainability and resilience.

Summary of Report Findings and Insights

1. Private Sector’s Transformative Impact: The report reveals that the private sector drives approximately 80% of Africa’s food economy, with MSMEs playing a dominant role in managing around 85% of the agrifood value chains. This underscores the critical importance of supporting these enterprises to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.
2. Growth Drivers and Opportunities: Key factors driving MSME growth include urbanization, rising food consumption, and shifts in dietary patterns. Urban areas, in particular, present significant market opportunities for agrifood enterprises due to increased demand for diverse food products. Urban markets represent a major opportunity, with cities accounting for over 50% of food purchases in many African countries. Additionally, rural markets are expanding as food purchases and market access improve.
3. Challenges Faced by MSMEs: The report highlights several challenges confronting MSMEs, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and regulatory barriers. Specific issues include poor road networks, insufficient wholesale markets, and unreliable electricity. These constraints hinder MSME growth and productivity.
4. Policy Recommendations: To address these challenges, the report recommends targeted investments in infrastructure, enhanced financial access, and streamlined regulatory processes. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated agro-industrial policy strategy to support MSMEs and improve their operational environment.
5. Role of Agro-Industrial Parks and Clusters: The report underscores the importance of agro-industrial parks and clusters as tools for addressing infrastructure deficits and providing support services. These focused investments can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agrifood systems.
6. Impact on Job Creation and Food Security: MSMEs are major employers in the agrifood sector, providing up to 60% of employment in some regions. They also play a crucial role in ensuring food availability and security by facilitating access to improved technologies and nutritious food products.

The 2024 report is now available for download. To explore the full insights, recommendations, and data presented in this document, please click the link below:

Download the AGRA 2024 Report

Ends

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.

The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, under the theme “Accelerate, Innovate and scale,” is fast approaching. The annual summit will bring together diverse stakeholders, including world leaders, investors, academia, farmer organisations, and the private sector, to highlight innovations, technologies, best practices, business models, policy delivery mechanisms, and investments to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa and beyond, with particular focus on youth and women.

AGRA is set to play host to various side events during the summit:

Monday, 2^nd September 2024:

• Session on Data-Based Evidence to Reform the Seed Sector in Africa: This event serves as a knowledge-sharing platform and peer review mechanism to showcase and learn from the findings of the Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) Report, 2023.

Keynote speaker: Prof. Ed Mabaya, Chief Scientific Advisor, TASAI

Panellists: Dr. George Bigirwa, Director CESSA, AGRA; Dr. Ishiak Khalid, Director National Agricultural Seed Council of Nigeria; Dr. Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General AFSTA; Dr. Ian Baker, Senior Director of Strategy, Delivery and Scaling of the One CGIAR; Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim – Director, African Union Council (AUC).

• CALA Harnessing Digital Technologies and Sustainable Practices for Resilient Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change.

The 2024 CALA Leadership Forum (LF) will take place in parallel with the African Food Systems Forum (AFSF) and serve as the inaugural in-person meeting for incoming CALA Cohort 4 delegates. The theme of this year’s AFSF, Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering food systems transformation in a digital and climate era, underscores the urgent need to radically transform African food systems to enhance local food production, bolster resilience to climate change, uplift African livelihoods, and harness the continent’s potential to tackle global challenges.

• Mobilising Private Sector Investment to End Hunger and Enhance Nutrition in Africa: This event aims to raise awareness among private sector actors and other stakeholders about the need to invest in food and nutrition to accelerate global efforts to end hunger and improve nutrition outcomes.

Speakers: Bertha Mkandawire, AGRA; Dr Lawrence Haddad, GAIN; Ms Betty Kibaara, The Rockefeller Foundation; Ms Siny Samba, Le Lionceau; Mr. Wenslars Bahati AGRIFACE

• Transforming Food Systems through Mechanisation: Under the theme “Innovative and Inclusive Mechanisation: Building Collaborative Ecosystems for Africa’s Agricultural Transformation,” this event kicks off AGRA’s Mechanisation4Africa Coalition, which aims to create an enabling ecosystem for smallholder farmers by making mechanisation services accessible, affordable, and commercially viable.
• Practical Next Steps for Implementation of the African Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan and Soil Initiative: This workshop, convened by the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health, AGRA, and the Joint Development Statement Partners, will build on the momentum generated through various summits and declarations. The event will discuss practical steps to implement the action plan and soil initiative.

Speakers: Ms Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) of the African Union Commission; Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD); Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA; Dr. Zachary Stewart, USAID (Representative of Joint Development Statement Partners); Mr. Henk van Duijn, IFDC (Representative of Coalition of Implementors for Fertilisers and Soil Health)

Tuesday, 3rd September 2024:

• Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR) Launch: The event will be launched during the opening ceremony. It will feature a keynote presentation of the key findings, followed by a panel discussion and ribbon-cutting by dignitaries.

Speaker: Prof. Thomas Reardon, Chema Triki

• VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) Reception: This networking reception will introduce the 2024 finalists to partners and women leaders in agribusiness and recognise the panel of judges.

Speakers: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President; Prof. Hamadi Boga, VP Programme Delivery, AGRA; Ms Dina Esposito, USAID Assistant to the Administrator; Ms Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Mastercard Foundation; Ms Delphine Traore, AGRA Board Member & CEO SanlamAllianz General Insurance

• The ECOWAS Rice Event will be convened by the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. It will delve deeper into specific topics of Rice sector development in West Africa, facilitate networking, share knowledge and best practices, and highlight innovative projects or initiatives on rice that align with the main conference themes. The side event will provide the first opportunity to discuss the “regional rice roadmap” outside the ERO membership and stakeholders.

Wednesday, 4th September 2024:

• Women Leaders’ Forum and VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) Ceremony: Dedicated to promoting and advancing women’s leadership in Africa’s nutrition agenda, food systems, and agricultural sector, this session will empower women through dialogue, sharing best practices, and networking. The session will culminate in the awarding of the most outstanding women agripreneurs of 2024.

Speakers: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President; Hon. Sam Kawale, Minister of Agriculture Malawi; Ms Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Mastercard Foundation

Thursday, 5th September 2024:

• VALUE4HER Dealroom Knowledge Session: This session, themed “Mobilising Catalytic Investments and High-Value Markets for Women in Agribusiness,” will explore investment models that work across the continent to increase women’s access to finance and the nexus between capital investments and market access.

Speakers: Ms Nana Amoah, Director Gender, Youth & inclusiveness, AGRA; Ms Mary Boote, Vice Chair International Agri-Food Network; Ms Mumbi Maina, Senior Access to Finance Officer, International Trade Centre; Ms Robynne Anderson, Director General International Agri-Food Network; Mr. Daniel Njiwa, Director of Inclusive Markets, Trade & Finance, AGRA; Ms Victoria Sabula, CEO, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF); Mr. Jean Bosco Iyacu, CEO, Access to Finance Rwanda; Ms Affiong Williams, CEO, ReelFruit Nigeria; Prof. Hamadi Boga, Vice President, Programmes Delivery, AGRA

Friday, 6th September 2024:

• Panel Session on Innovative Business Models to Drive Mechanisation in Africa: This discussion will explore scalable, innovative business models, financial schemes, and interventions across geographies. The panel will also discuss creating an enabling ecosystem to make mechanisation accessible, affordable, and commercially viable, and how mechanisation can enhance the resilience of African value chain actors.

Speakers: Hon. Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Rwanda; Mr. Chris Brett, Lead Agribusiness Specialist WorldBank; Mr. Jehiel Oliver, CEO Hello Tractor; Mr. Paul Christoper Richards, CEO AgLease Zambia; Mrs. Ruramiso Mashumba, Africa Lead Global Farmer Network; Mr. Ibrahim Maigari, Tech Entrepreneur Nigeria; Dr. YanJia, SSC Officer, WFP China/COE; Tasin Seket, Group Managing Director, CMC Motors Group.

Nairobi, July 23,  2024 – The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has today announced the Top 15 finalists for the 2024 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA). This year’s selection, drawn from 1,535 applications across 44 African nations, showcases the continent’s top women excelling in agribusiness. The finalists have been drawn from Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.   

“Women represent 50% of the agricultural labor force in Africa where they are responsible for 70% of production, yet they are still underrepresented as agribusiness leaders in the continent. WAYA aims to be one if the initiatives bridging this gap by incentivizing and recognizing these women as the drivers of inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa”, says AGRA’s Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness, Ms. Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah. 
 

This year’s ultimate category winners will each receive a cash prize of $25,000, with the grand prize winner walking away with $40,000. Notably, the 2024 awards have seen a rise in the number of countries represented, increasing from 42 last year to 44 this year, and applicants increasing from 1,430 to 1,535. The winners will be announced at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali Rwanda, which will be held from 2nd to 6th September 2024.

AGRA has convened a distinguished panel of independent judges committed to women’s economic empowerment to assess and select the final awardees. This year’s judging panel includes Delphine Traore, AGRA Board Member and CEO of General Insurance, Sanlam Allianz, Jen Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer for the Mastercard Foundation, Mary Boote, Vice Chair of the International Agri-food Network and CEO Global Farmer Network, Judy Matu, the National Executive Chairlady for the Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya and Oluyemisi Iranloye, CEO/Founder, Psaltry International & Psaltry Foundation and the WAYA 2022 Grand Prize Winner. Oluyemisi is the first WAYA winner to make a judging debut, emphasizing AGRA’s efforts to continue growing and recognizing the winning alumni.

“Our role as judges is not just to evaluate the achievements of these outstanding women, but to amplify their voices and highlight their contributions to sustainable agribusinesses and economic growth across Africa,” says jury member Judy Matu. 

This year’s WAYA features five distinct categories, reflecting diversity and promoting the variety of talents among women agripreneurs in the continent. The categories are: Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star), Women Empowerment Champion, Resilient and Inspirational Leader, Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise and Female AgTech Innovator.   
 
This year’s top 15 finalists, listed by category and in alphabetical order, are: 

Outstanding Value-adding Enterprises  

1. Affiong Williams –, Nigeria 
2. Bassono Kabore Windlasida Florence –, Burkina Faso  
3. Caroline Wanjiru Mambo –, Kenya 

Female Ag Tech Innovators 

1. Anaporka Adazabra –, Ghana  
2. Aisha Raheem –, Nigeria 
3. Boitumelo Bethesda Frazie –, South Africa 

Young Female Agripreneurs (Rising Stars) 

1. Jovia Kisakye – Uganda  
2. Ogbon Eyitayo Azaratou – Benin  
3. Tonthoza Uganja –– Malawi 
    

Women Empowerment Champion 

1. Christine Ager – Kenya  
2. Fannie Gondwe – Malawi  
3. Judith Endelesi Karia – Tanzania  

Resilient and Inspirational Leader 

1. Daniella Ushindi Virivuswagha – DR Congo  
2. Konlan Lydia Madintin – Ghana 
3. Sandra Letio – Uganda  

These women have distinguished themselves through their leadership, innovation, ambition, and commitment to community development and social impact. Their business ideas were sparked by existing social and environmental challenges within the agriculture and agrifood sectors in their countries, which they felt compelled to address. 

“I am deeply honored to be selected as one of the top 15 finalists for the WAYA awards. This recognition is significant not just for me, but also for the farmers I work with. WAYA celebrates innovation and excellence, and being part of such a prestigious group is both humbling and inspiring. This acknowledgment reaffirms our commitment to pushing boundaries and making a meaningful impact in our communities,” says Judith Karia, WAYA finalist in the Women Empowerment Champion category.  

Notes to editors 

About Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) 

The VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) is an AGRA-led recognition initiative launched in 2021 under AGRA’s flagship VALUE4HER initiative that seeks to strengthen women agripreneurship in Africa. WAYA recognizes African female agripreneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains and have demonstrated remarkable innovation by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment. The awards aim to create visibility for successful women and promote them as positive role models, trigger innovation, and spur ambition among women agripreneurs. The awards are a collaboration between AGRA and various partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, UKAID, USAID, and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Other delivery partners include the International Agrifood Network (IAFN), Association of Women in Agriculture Kenya (AWAK) and the Africa Development Research, Evaluation & Strategy (ADRES) Group. 

About the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum 

The 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 2024 AFS Forum, to be held under the theme “Innovate, Accelerate and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era”, will be a timely opportunity to convene diverse stakeholders, including world leaders, investors, academia, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector, to spotlight innovations, technologies, best practices, business models, policy delivery mechanisms, and investments to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa and beyond, with youth and women at the helm.

About AGRA 

Founded in 2006, AGRA, is an African-led African-based organization that seeks to catalyze Agriculture Transformation in Africa. AGRA is focused on putting smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. As the sector that employs the majority of Africa’s people, nearly all of them small-scale farmers, AGRA recognizes that developing smallholder agriculture into a productive, efficient, and sustainable system is essential to ensuring food security, lifting millions out of poverty, and driving equitable growth across the continent. www.agra.org 

To register to attend the Africa Food Systems Forum and the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), please visit https://agrf-inperson.com/ 

For media interviews and enquiries Contact:  

Jean Kiarie 

Head of Communications, AGRA 

+254 722 719 070 

jkiarie@agra.org