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.”