Designed to directly benefit more than 6,500 people with access to clean water and sanitation facilities, the project aims to ensure hygiene campaigns reach a further 100,000 residents.

The programme targets Ikorodu North and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas, where solar-powered water systems will be installed, sanitation improved, and hygiene education delivered through schools, community groups, and local advocates. 

It will also empower 60 women entrepreneurs to engage in WASH-related businesses and increase female participation in governance structures for water and sanitation.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem described the initiative as more than a business deal. 

She explained that the collaboration “is a powerful example of what true collaboration can achieve – global expertise aligning with local opportunity.” The governor noted that for Lagos, the project means jobs, stronger supply chains and greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter global markets. 

He reminded the audience that PepsiCo has long been a trusted partner, creating livelihoods and investing in communities, while DP World’s “world-class logistics strength” would ensure the impact touches lives, energises the state’s economy, and reinforces Lagos as Africa’s commercial hub.

Wale Edun, coordinating minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, said the partnership represents both continuity and a commendable signal for Nigeria’s sustainability in manufacturing and logistics. 

He pointed out that by sourcing raw materials locally and reinforcing supply chains, the collaboration supports domestic industries and strengthens Nigeria’s long-term export potential. 

According to him, this initiative aligns with the country’s priorities of food security and efficient logistics, showing that global businesses can thrive when the right environment is created. “It creates jobs, empowers communities, and places greater purchasing power in the hands of our people,” Edun said.

The programme builds on DP World’s earlier WASH success in Bauchi State, where more than 7,000 people gained access to solar-powered water systems, while local artisans and hygiene promoters were trained and 40% female representation was secured in WASH committees.

For Mohammed Akoojee, CEO and MD of sub-Saharan Africa at DP World, this record illustrates what is possible when commercial capacity is channelled into social purpose. Nigeria, he stressed, is a key market for DP World, and the collaboration with PepsiCo and WaterAid is proof of how business can create long-term community impact. 

He explained that by investing in climate-resilient water systems, empowering women entrepreneurs, and reaching people with hygiene education, the partnership is delivering impact that “extends beyond the supply chain.”

Ahmed El-Sheikh, president for PepsiCo in the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Nigeria Foods, echoed that point. He said PepsiCo’s investment is not only about production but about building a supply network that is agile, inclusive and connected to community needs. 

While acknowledging the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food system, he stressed that the benefits must extend beyond the marketplace to improve essentials such as safe water and provide opportunities for people to thrive.

Hatim Khan, senior director of International Programmes at the PepsiCo Foundation, added that investing in safe water is in fact an investment in the strength and resilience of entire communities. 

He spoke on the company’s collaboration with WaterAid, noting that lasting change happens when solutions are locally designed and locally led. With DP World now joining in Lagos, Khan said the project is not only expanding infrastructure but also building networks of people, skills, and resources that will secure long-term access.

WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, reiterated that view, calling the initiative a demonstration of how technical expertise, private investment, and community leadership can combine to deliver infrastructure that safeguards health, promotes dignity, advances gender equality, and builds resilience against climate shocks.

This Lagos programme is an extension of the PepsiCo Foundation’s WASH initiative with WaterAid, launched in 2022. Over three years, that effort has rehabilitated six WASH facilities, brought clean water to 54,489 people, and reached more than 800,000 individuals through hygiene media campaigns.

Both PepsiCo and DP World view Nigeria as a strategic growth market. PepsiCo has strengthened local sourcing partnerships to support its expanding food production operations, while DP World employs over 6,000 people across healthcare, consumer goods, and logistics in Nigeria, enabling a further 3,500 jobs through its supply chain.

At the event, senior government officials, private-sector leaders and development partners came together to highlight the economic and social value of this collaboration. 

The occasion also marked the opening of a new PepsiCo manufacturing facility in Lagos, underlining the company’s long-term investment in the food sector and its focus on helping Nigeria’s supply chains serve both markets and communities.

The announcement followed a competitive pitch competition held in Nairobi, Kenya, post a four-day boot camp for the Pamoja entrepreneurs.

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

The catalytic grants, valued at $15,000 each, were awarded to:

• Abdul de Almeida, Co-Founder, Crimas, Orza and FAE; Mozambique
• Juliet Namwanje, Founder, Ziimba; Uganda
• Brendah Nantongo, Founder, Veathari Ventures Limited; Uganda
• Elizabeth Okullow, Founder, Agriboom; Kenya
• Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Founder, Vet Konect; Nigeria
• Nathnael Tadesse, Founder & CEO, Senaryo Trading, PLC; Ethiopia

The Pamoja Founders Project provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to scale their ventures.

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

The closing ceremony featured distinguished guests including representatives from IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, and PepsiCo; Governor Sakaja Johnson, governor of Nairobi City County, Kenya; United States Embassy officials; and prominent figures from the business and social impact sectors. Their presence underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing food security challenges across West, East and Central Africa.

“We are here to celebrate and acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirits and journeys of the inaugural cohort of the Pamoja Founders Project,” said George Kogolla, IREX’s Country Director for Kenya and East Africa. “We also celebrate IREX and PepsiCo’s shared commitment to investing in promising young African leaders across the continent. As IREX marks 10 years of administering the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, Pamoja exemplifies our continued support for alumni of such programs and their innovative solutions for Africa’s challenges.”

“‘Pamoja’ is a Swahili word that means ‘together.’ At the PepsiCo Foundation we believe no single entity can solve an issue alone – working together with our partners and the communities we serve is key to ensuring our solutions are locally tailored for lasting impact.” C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, shared. “Pamoja Founders Project and our partnership with IREX has lifted up 12 African food and agricultural entrepreneurs through a rigorous training program, with six also receiving catalytic seed grants. I’m extremely proud of the role Pamoja Founders Project is playing in making the food system more inclusive, secure, and sustainable across Africa.”

“This exceptional cohort exceeded our expectations with their passion, thoughtfulness, and commitment to advancing food security across Africa,” said Roshan Paul, Director of Leadership at IREX. “Pamoja has affirmed that IREX’s investment in cultivating and supporting Africa’s future leaders is paying dividends.”

“We are committed to working with innovators and changemakers to catalyze and shape a more sustainable food system for Africa. Each of the Pamoja entrepreneurs’ ventures addressed critical challenges and we look forward to being an integral a part of their journey to further success.” said Wael Ismail, Vice President – Corporate Affairs in Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), PepsiCo.

IREX will support the entire cohort for the next three months as they complete the program. After the project, the Pamoja Founders will join a vibrant, supportive pan-African network of IREX alumni.

The project also honoured and recognized the contributions and accomplishments of the other participants in the cohort:

• Benson Abila, Founder, M-Taka; Kenya
• 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
• Babajide Oluwase, Co-Founder and CEO, Ecotutu; Nigeria

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
• 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 PepsiCo Foundation & Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, shared. “What makes this program different from other accelerators is the backing of one of world’s leading food and beverage companies and a renowned global NGO committed to catalyzing sustained connections and shared learning experiences that will ultimately fuel pathways to prosperity for these leaders and their communities. The Pamoja Founders Project is an investment in a more food secure and resilient future for Africa.”

“Africa’s food security challenges demand innovation,” says Paul Andersen, CEO of PepsiCo West, East, and Central Africa (WECA). “The Pamoja Founders Project marks PepsiCo’s first program for young African agripreneurs, aligning with our PepsiCo Positive vision for a sustainable food system. By empowering these future leaders, we’re building a more resilient food future for Africa.”