The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is proud to present the top 12 finalists for 2024. These dynamic young entrepreneurs have established themselves as leaders in the African agribusiness sector, demonstrating extraordinary innovation and a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture. Out of nearly 2,000 applicants from across the continent, 12 trailblazers rose to the top after rigorous evaluations, including a semi-final round of online interviews.
The 12 finalists will be offered a trip to Kigali, Rwanda in early September to pitch their project live on stage at the GoGettaz Africa Finals, part of the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum). During the week-long event, they will also benefit from invaluable exposure and networking opportunities with global industry leaders, potential investors and influential policy makers in the agriculture and food sector.
In addition to the chance to win one of two $50,000 grand prizes and be considered for the $60,000 GoGettaz Impact Awards, the AFS Forum offers young entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) a unique opportunity to form strategic partnerships to propel their agribusiness businesses to new heights.
Among the companies competing for this year’s GoGettaz Africa Awards were many products and services that demonstrate new approaches to improving rural livelihoods, promoting responsible water use, minimizing post-harvest losses, and tackling agricultural waste in sustainable and creative ways. The companies were recognized not only for their profitability or high profitability potential, but also for their positive impact on communities and the environment. By supporting young African leaders, GoGettaz is investing in the next generation of agribusiness innovators who have ambitions to play a critical role in building a more prosperous, productive, and planet-friendly future for African agriculture.
The passion and innovation shown by these young entrepreneurs is truly inspiring,” said Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Yara International and co-founder of GoGettaz. “Africa needs impact leaders in the food system. Of the twenty countries most at risk from the effects of climate change, seventeen are in Africa. Many of our young GoGettaz agripreneurs have told us that they are heavily impacted by extreme and unpredictable weather, particularly in regions where water scarcity is already a problem. It is heartening to see young food system leaders, like our twelve GoGettaz finalists, running innovative and climate-resilient businesses. We look forward to seeing them in action at the GoGettaz finale.
Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group and Co-Founder of GoGettaz, noted:
This is what the future of Africa looks like, and it is a bright future. I have said it before and we will continue to say it until everyone hears it: Africa is a continent of talented entrepreneurs. The innovative products, business models and breakthrough technologies being developed today by our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are astonishing. Not only are our young entrepreneurs working to launch and grow profitable businesses that create jobs and increase prosperity in Africa’s agribusiness sector, but many of them are also tackling climate and development challenges that have baffled global experts for years. To us, GoGettaz is all about solution-oriented and action-oriented entrepreneurship! We salute them all.
Meet the 12 finalists
Female agripreneurs
Founder: Deborah Nzarubara
Grecom specializes in the production, sale and processing of beekeeping products through its NYUKI TECH platform. This platform allows beekeepers to monitor and manage their hives remotely, ensuring optimal production and bee health, while connecting small producers to market information and customers.
Founder: Fatima El Khou
Jafife uses digitalized solar dryers to transform crops and seafood into long-lasting dried food products and natural colorants, supporting sustainable supply chains in the agri-food industry. Their innovative approach preserves the nutritional value and quality of dried products while using renewable energy.
Founder: Tisya Mukuna
La BOITE produces La Kinoise coffee, grown and processed entirely in Kinshasa, and manages the entire value chain, from planting to processing. By reviving abandoned coffee plantations and supporting local cooperatives, it improves agricultural practices and creates economic opportunities through its “Un Chariot, Un Job” program.
Founder: Riantsoa Mialinarindra
Sakafo Madagascar transforms fruits and vegetables grown by small farmers into traceable and nutritious food products. Their holistic ecosystem supports sustainable agricultural practices, reduces post-harvest losses and promotes a circular economy with composting and clean energy initiatives.
Founder: Salimata Toh
AGRIBANANA transforms banana waste into eco-friendly products such as natural fibers, paper pulp and biodegradable packaging. Its patented process adds value to agricultural waste, encouraging sustainable consumption and reducing environmental impact.
Arristine Mendes – SHADDAÏ Aquaculture , Sénégal
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture produces fishmeal-free fish feed, using alternative protein sources and lysis technology for digestibility. This innovation protects the environment by reducing overfishing and provides high-quality feed to support sustainable aquaculture.
Male agripreneurs
Founder: Mogale Maleka
AB Farms’ patented hydroponic system works efficiently in water and electricity shortages, using 90% less water and 10 times less land than traditional farming. Its vertical farming system allows farmers to produce nutritious crops, virtually pesticide-free, in urban areas, on degraded land, or in areas with poor soil conditions.
Founder: Amir Redwan Ahmed
ChipChip uses an innovative “group purchasing” model to provide affordable, quality food to urban families while empowering farmers. Their platform aggregates demand, reducing logistics costs and offering consumers wholesale prices that are at least 20% lower than the market.
Founder: Habib Mestiri
Hayat Technology’s GrowIt system uses AI-driven sensors and real-time data analytics to optimize water usage and improve crop management. This advanced irrigation technology is accessible and affordable for farmers, improving productivity and sustainability.
Founder: Iddi Mohammed Faried
Kodu Technology uses banana and plantain fibers to create eco-friendly sanitary pads to address health and hygiene challenges. Its approach transforms agricultural waste into valuable products, supporting local agriculture and providing affordable, biodegradable menstrual products to underserved communities.
Founder: Mostafa Hassanen
Plug’n’Grow specializes in hydroponic and aquaculture solutions, enabling farmers to produce premium crops with minimal resources. Their systems reduce investment and operating costs by 70% compared to traditional methods, optimizing resource efficiency and crop yield.
Founder: Charles Oyamo
Rethread Africa converts smallholder agricultural waste into sustainable bioplastics, providing environmentally friendly materials to various industries. This technology reduces reliance on synthetic materials and increases farmers’ income without additional labor, promoting sustainable agriculture.
To prepare these high-level agripreneurs for their live presentations, they will receive personalized training in the weeks leading up to the GoGettaz finals.
Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, added:
The GoGettaz Finals at the AFS Forum attract huge crowds every year. People want to see what Africa’s most exciting young agribusiness leaders bring to the table, and they never disappoint. The participants in the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Finals are exceptional. They are tackling the multiple challenges facing our agribusiness sector. I have no doubt that the delegates attending this year’s summit will be very impressed.
GoGettaz invites you to join the conversation and support your favorite agripreneurs. Follow @GoGettazAfrica on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube) and be part of their journey towards transforming agriculture in Africa.
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/