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World Food Programme seals deal with Equity Group for easy financing to Kenyan farmers

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The World Food Programme (WFP) has signed an agreement with the Equity Group that will allow farmers in Kenya have easy access to financing.

According to the terms of the agreement, WFP country offices in the country will also link value chain actors in food and agriculture to financial literacy training and concessional financing access through Equity Bank subsidiaries.

The agreement which was signed by Dr. James Mwangi, the MD and CEO of Equity Group Holdings and WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain, on the sidelines of the WFP Executive Board Session in Rome, is a first example of linking WFP’s deep field presence and engagement with value chain actors and financial service providers, and represents a new model of private sector engagement for development impact.

“The approach aims to support marginalized communities where traditional financing is scarce,” Mwangi said while announcing the agreement.

“Together, WFP and Equity, through the Equity Group Foundation, will provide training of value chain actors to help them to access financing, as well as providing technical assistance to ready agri-processors and agri-preneurs for impact investments offered through Equity Bank.

“The agreement is a scaling of a development collaboration between WFP and Equity BCDC in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the project Promotion of Sustainable Food Security.

“This ambitious project, which has been operational in the DRC since 2022, aims to stimulate the development of a sustainable agro-industrial sector that contributes to economic diversification, food and nutritional security, employment, and livelihood improvements,” he stated.

Also speaking, McCain said the Equity Group developed the “Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan which is committed to growing our support of access to finance for farmers, who are also dealing with the scourge of climate change, to 30% of our loan book regionally by 2030.”

“Smallholder farmers are crucial to food production in most developing countries, providing over 70% of food calories in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

“Developing local food value chains – and supporting the ecosystem of agriculture from production to purchase – is essential for enhancing farmers’ income and livelihoods and ultimately contributing to food security not just in Africa, but globally.

“This is a powerful example of how innovative partnerships can address the root causes of hunger. By empowering farmers with the tools and resources they need to thrive, we can create a ripple effect of prosperity that strengthens long-term food security for the whole community.”

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AfriLabs to host ‘Annual Gathering’ in Cape Town

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Pan-African innovation hub, AfriLabs, has announced Cape Town, South Africa, as the host of its “Annual Gathering” scheduled to hold between November 6 and 8 under the theme, “Uniting Innovation”.

In the statement issued by the Executive Director of AfriLabs, Anna Ekeledo, this year’s “Annual Gathering” emphasises the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and social development through Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It will feature seven key tracks, each focusing on pivotal sectors that are essential for Africa’s future, such as makerspaces, gender and inclusion, investment, and hub solutions,” she said.

Ekeledo also revealed that AfriLabs has secured a number of partners for the event including RLabs, NASENI, Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Intel and UNFPA.

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent,” Ekeledo added.

AfriLabs is a network organisation that is committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship on the continent by bringing together technology hubs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. It counts 496 hubs across 261 cities in 53 African nations as part of its network.

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Young African tech-preneurs invited to apply for 2025 Anzisha Prize

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Young tech-preneurs in Africa have been extended an invitation to apply for the 2025 edition of the Anzisha Prize, which comes with mouthwatering offers such as access to benefits, services, and prize money.

The Anzisha Prize is delivered by African Leadership Academy in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, with the aim of increasing the number of job-generative entrepreneurs in Africa.

It is designed to accommodate 35 exceptional entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 22 who will be selected for a multi-year fellowship experience, during which fellows will receive business support including business coaching, experiential learning and resources to help them develop and scale their ventures.

According to the organizers, businesses that show exemplary growth and initiative will be rewarded with benefits and services such as short courses, cloud services and cash support.

“At the end of the second year, entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses and successes for a chance to win their share of prizes to the value of $50,000,” a statement by Didi Onwu, managing editor of the Anzisha Prize, said.

“The grand prizes are split into four categories – job creation, revenue growth, storytelling, and integrating systems and processes. At the end of the fellowship, the fellows will graduate and join the prestigious Anzisha Prize alumni network.

“This year, the Anzisha Prize is placing a special emphasis on green entrepreneurs. We are looking for passionate individuals who are tackling environmental challenges with innovative and sustainable business solutions,” said Onwu.

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