The Pamoja Founders Project, a collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo and D-Prize, has revealed 12 exceptional young entrepreneurs leading ventures that strengthen sustainable food systems across six
African nations namely Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
This follows a rigorous 9-month training program of the top six most promising enterprises who will be awarded a catalytic seed grant of USD $15,000 each funded by the PepsiCo Foundation.The Pamoja Founders Project provided is a comprehensive support system for its 12 cohort members geared to equipping them to further develop innovative and disruptive solutions that address food security challenges in Africa.
Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, access to professional networks, and crucial funding opportunities, the program empowered these young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. Over the past nine months.The cohort has undergone personal and professional growth
equipped with essential tools to amplify their impact within their sectors and markets.The cohort members are leading new ventures working at the intersection of food security, sustainable supply chains, and resilient food systems in one of six countries across West, East
and Central Africa.
The inaugural cohort members are:
● Benson Abila, Founder, M-Taka; Kenya
● Abdul de Almeida, Co-Founder, Crimas, Orza and FAE; Mozambique
● Mafeng Dangyang, Co-Founder, Kayan Gona Agro Network; Nigeria
● Emmanuel Dusabimana, Founder, Agriboom; Uganda
● Nalugemwa Elizabeth, Founder, Seedloans and Kyaffe Farmers Coffee; Uganda
● Abdallah Mabrouk, Founder & Executive Director, Ibukia Shambani; Tanzania
● Juliet Namwanje, Founder, Ziimba; Uganda
● Brendah Nantongo, Founder, Veathari Ventures Limited ; Uganda
● Elizabeth Okullow, Founder, Agriboom; Kenya
● Babajide Oluwase, Co-Founder and CEO, Ecotutu; Nigeria
● Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder, Vet Konect; Nigeria
● Nathnael Tadesse, Founder & CEO, Senaryo Trading, PLC; Ethiopia
The Project is giving rising food and agricultural entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, receive sector-specific coaching, access professional networks, and join
a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs,”according to C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation.
