The Pamoja Founders Project, a collaborative initiative by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo, has awarded Sh1.9 million seed grants to six young African entrepreneurs leading innovative ventures in food security.

This announcement follows a competitive pitch competition held in Nairobi, Kenya, culminating a four-day intensive boot camp for the Pamoja participants.

The winning enterprises, led by passionate young leaders, address critical food security challenges in their respective countries:

Mozambique: Abdul de Almeida, Co-Founder, Crimas, Orza and FAE

Uganda: Juliet Namwanje, Founder, Ziimba; Brendah Nantongo, Founder, Veathari Ventures Limited

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Kenya: Elizabeth Okullow, Founder, Agriboom

Nigeria: Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder, Vet Konect

Ethiopia: Nathnael Tadesse, Founder & CEO, Senaryo Trading, PLC

Beyond the seed funding, the Pamoja Founders Project equips young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to scale their ventures through comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

The awardees represent the diverse landscape of food security solutions across Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Innovation

The closing ceremony of the program highlighted the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in tackling food security challenges across Africa.

Distinguished guests included representatives from IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo; Governor Johnson Sakana; United States Embassy officials; and prominent figures from the business and social impact sectors.

Investing in Africa's Future Leaders

"We are here to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and journeys of these remarkable young innovators," said George Kogolla, IREX's Country Director for Kenya and East Africa.

He emphasized IREX's and PepsiCo's commitment to supporting promising African leaders by highlighting the Pamoja Founders Project as an extension of their support for Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni and their solutions for Africa's challenges.

Pamoja: Working Together for Food Security

C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, echoed the importance of collaboration, stating "Pamoja," a Swahili word meaning "together," underscores the program's philosophy.

He highlighted the success of the Pamoja Founders Project, a collaboration between IREX and PepsiCo, in empowering 12 African food and agriculture entrepreneurs through a rigorous training program.

A Cohort that Exceeded Expectations

Roshan Paul, Director of Leadership at IREX, commended the exceptional cohort, stating, "This exceptional cohort exceeded our expectations with their passion, thoughtfulness, and commitment to advancing food security across Africa."

He expressed his belief that Pamoja has affirmed IREX's investment in cultivating and supporting Africa's future leaders.

Witnessing Dedication and Shaping a Sustainable Future

"It has been inspiring to witness the dedication of our young Pamoja entrepreneurs within the food systems," said Wael Ismail, Vice President – Corporate Affairs in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), PepsiCo.

He emphasized PepsiCo's commitment to working with innovators and changemakers to build a more sustainable food system for Africa.

The Pamoja Founders Project will continue to support the entire cohort for the next three months, followed by their integration into a vibrant pan-African network of IREX alumni.