GoGettaz unveils the top 24 semi-finalists of the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition, a prestigious initiative, now in its 6th year founded to empower and celebrate Africa’s burgeoning agripreneurs and has become a beacon of innovation and opportunities across the continent.
The competition received nearly 2,000 applications across most African countries, with 24 emerging as semi-finalists representing 17 African nations.
The rigorous selection process emphasized criteria such as innovation, market potential and traction, business model, and founder and team. The high caliber of entries underscores the competitiveness and dynamism within Africa’s agripreneurial ecosystem.
In a press statement, GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, commented, “This initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing Africa’s entrepreneurial talent. From the large pool of applicants this year, these 24 semi-finalists represent only a small cross-section of the continent’s visionary young entrepreneurs, a testament to the hope and talent of youth across Africa today.”
Masiyiwa noted that the innovative agrifood businesses, and the impactful work of so many others who have taken part in the GoGettaz competition over the years, are crucial for growing prosperity and food security across Africa. “Our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are not just sitting around waiting for problems to be solved; they are busy working to solve them, inventing climate-friendly solutions, and using new technologies to tackle age-old challenges in this critical sector,” he said. “We are so proud of them.”
Svein Tore Holsether, GoGettaz co-founder said the impact of GoGettaz goes far beyond the competition itself, as they uncover more and more talent and innovation across Africa.
“I am thrilled with the quality of this year’s competitors and excited to see the opportunities and collaboration emerging to accelerate progress toward a more resilient and food-secure Africa,” said Holsether. “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the semi-finalists and commend them for the great work that they are doing.”
Previous editions of the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition have produced remarkable success stories to illustrate its profound impact. Esther Kimani, a past winner, revolutionized farming practices in Kenya with her innovative pest-detection technology. Her journey from competition winner to industry leader underscores GoGettaz’s role in fostering groundbreaking solutions and empowering agripreneurs to drive meaningful change in their communities.
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The finalists are competing for a grand prize of USD$100,000. In addition to the grand prize, an additional USD$60,000 will be rewarded in Impact Awards. The judges of this year’s competition will be looking to award ventures that make a significant impact in one or more of the following areas: improving rural livelihoods, nutrition, climate-related solutions, technology, gender impact, natural resources conservation, and job creation
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize competition finals will be held at the AFS Summit, in Kigali, Rwanda in September 2024.
The 24 semi-finalists include;
- Mogale Maleka, Agang Bokamoso Farms (AB Farms).
- Samson Turimurukundo, AGRI Organic Inputs.
- Salimata Toh, Agribanana.
- Lapaque Mbumba, Antarctik.
- Marlene Kindji, Bademe Natural Foods.
- Adeline Pelage, Biscuiterie BOBO.
- Elhadji Malick Sagne, Cactus Innovation.
- Amir Redwan, Chipchip.
- Tracy Mapfumo, Eny’s Treats.
- Lesly Marange, GLYTIME FOODS PVT LTD.
- Deborah Nzarubara, Grecom.
- Kidist Amedie, Guaro Farms.
- Habib Mestiri, Hayat Technology.
- Fatima El Khou, Jafife.
- Sokayna Bellam, Jodoor.
- Iddi Mohamed Faried, Kodu Technology.
- Tisya Mukuna, La BOITE.
- Mochesane Albert Mpali, Lema Agriventures Pty Ltd.
- Irene Simon Ivambi, MREMBO NATURALS LIMITED.
- Mostafa Hassanen, Plug N Grow.
- Charles Oyamo, Rethread Africa.
- Riantsoa Mialinarindra, Sakafo Madagascar.
- Arristine Mendes, SHADDAÏ AQUACULTURE.
- Emadago Oghenekevwe, Valley Bee.
GoGettaz is a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing young agri-food innovators across Africa.
Since its inception in 2019, GoGettaz has played a pivotal role in identifying, supporting, and celebrating Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs driving sustainable change and economic growth through agricultural ventures spanning the agrifood value chain from seed to fork. By providing access to leadership development, global networks, and awards, GoGettaz empowers participants to grow their innovative ideas into impactful business enterprises that address pressing agricultural challenges and contribute to food security and job creation across the continent.
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