Six Entrepreneurs From West, East And Central Africa To Receive Seed Funding To Advance Food Security Across The Continent
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: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Following a rigorous 9-month training program, the top six most promising enterprises will be awarded a catalytic seed grant of USD 15,000 each, funded by the PepsiCo Foundation.
The Pamoja Founders Project provided a comprehensive support system for its 12 cohort members, 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 9 months, the cohort has undergone personal and professional growth, equipped with essential tools to amplify their impact within their sectors and markets.
Pamoja Founders Project 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 journey the Pamoja fellows have been on over the past nine months – both as individuals and as a cohort – has been truly remarkable,” Roshan Paul, IREX’s Leadership Practice Director, said. “Each has excelled with the challenging curriculum, and more importantly, accelerated their venture’s trajectory to impact.”
“The Pamoja Founders 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,” C.D. Glin, President of the Peps