Four women from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal have received a total of US85,000 in grant funding after being named winners of AGRA’s Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards.
Founded in 2006, AGRA seeks to catalyse agricultural transformation in Africa by putting smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy. Its annual Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards honours exceptional African female agripreneurs who have achieved excellence within the agricultural value chains.
This year’s winners – announced at the Africa Food Systems Forum held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – hail from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal, and received a total of US$85,000 in grant funding during the ceremony. They were selected from a pool of 1,340 candidates spanning 42 African countries.
The Grand Prize winner was Siny Samba, CEO of Senegal’s Le Lionceau, while the Young Female Agripreneur award went to Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, founder of Nigeria’s Agrodemy Enterprises.
Maryanne Ruguru Gichanga, director of Kenya’s AgriTech Analytics, was named Female Ag Tech Innovator of the year, while the Outstanding Value-adding Enterprise award went to Bernice Dapaah, CEO of Ghana’s Bright Generation Community Foundation.
AGRA president Dr Agnes Kalibata congratulated the winners on their dedication towards transforming challenges into opportunities and re-shaping the landscape of Africa’s agro food systems.
“Over the past two editions, we have witnessed remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. These women have demonstrated their ability to drive positive change, inspire their communities, and contribute significantly to food security, climate adaptation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Their journeys inspire us all and stand as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within every individual, regardless of their gender,” she said.
