West Africa is brimming with innovative agripreneurs who are revolutionizing agriculture and food systems across the region. The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has spotlighted three standout ventures from the region: AGRIBANANA from Côte d’Ivoire, Kodu Technology from Ghana, and SHADDAÏ Aquaculture from Senegal. These #Top 12 finalists are each addressing critical challenges within their industries, from waste management and women’s health to sustainable aquaculture. Through their visionary ideas and community-focused initiatives, they are not only creating environmentally sustainable solutions but also fostering economic growth and social impact. Let’s dive into the transformative work of these inspiring ventures and discover how they’re leading the way in West African agribusiness.
AGRIBANANA: Transforming Agricultural Waste into Eco-Friendly Products in Côte d’Ivoire
Salimata Toh
In the lush banana plantations of Côte d’Ivoire, AGRIBANANA is leading a quiet revolution. This innovative social enterprise is taking the by-products of the banana industry—materials often considered waste—and transforming them into high-quality, sustainable goods. From natural fibers and paper pulp to biodegradable packaging, AGRIBANANA is pioneering a circular economy model that addresses both environmental and social challenges in West Africa.
Salimata Toh, the Founder and General Manager of Agribanana, grew up in Dabou, Côte d’Ivoire, with a deep passion for the environment inspired by her mother, who led an NGO focused on combating global warming. Her ecological upbringing guided her educational journey, leading her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences and Mineral Resources and a Master’s in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) from prestigious institutions in Abidjan and Paris. Salimata’s professional experience spans various roles as an HSE Coordinator and QHSE Manager. Her commitment to environmental preservation ultimately drove her to establish Agribanana, where she leverages her expertise to promote sustainable solutions.
Côte d’Ivoire is Africa’s leading producer and exporter of dessert bananas, contributing over 450,000 tonnes to global markets in 2019 alone. However, the scale of banana production also generates vast amounts of waste. On average, each hectare of banana plantation produces around 220 tonnes of waste annually, primarily in the form of banana stems, leaves, and pseudo-trunks, which are typically discarded after the fruit is harvested.
Waste from banana plantations
This waste poses significant environmental challenges. The sheer volume of biomass generated can lead to environmental degradation if not properly managed. Moreover, the burning of agricultural waste, a common practice, contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate change. AGRIBANANA’s solution is to use this waste and transform it into valuable products that address environmental concerns while driving local economic development.
The Business
AGRIBANANA has developed a patented process for converting banana plant waste into a range of eco-friendly products. By extracting natural fibers and cellulose from banana pseudo-trunks and stems, AGRIBANANA produces biodegradable packaging materials, vegetable paper, and a variety of artisanal goods like basketry items. This transformation not only provides a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging but also supports the transition to a more environmentally friendly economy.
Large scale production boosts this company’s growth
Unlike wood, banana plants grow rapidly, reaching their full size within a year, ensuring a consistent and renewable supply of raw materials. By utilizing locally available banana biomass, AGRIBANANA eliminates the need for resource-intensive imports and reduces the pressure on forests for paper production. This approach perfectly aligns with the principles of the circular economy, where waste is seen as a resource and repurposed into value-added products.
At the core of AGRIBANANA’s innovation is its biodegradable packaging, which is made entirely from banana fibers. The company’s vegetable paper and packaging bags offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic and wood-based products. These packaging solutions are designed to be 100% recyclable and biodegradable, helping to reduce plastic pollution and deforestation.
In 2022, AGRIBANANA secured a patent for its innovative transformation process, which has been recognized by the Ivorian Intellectual Property Office (OIPI) and the African Intellectual Property Office (OAPI). This patent underscores the unique value of AGRIBANANA’s approach and its potential to drive sustainable development in the region.
A sample of the packaging AGRIBANANA provides
Their Impact
AGRIBANANA’s products directly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By offering an alternative to plastic and wood-based packaging, AGRIBANANA reduces the demand for non-renewable resources and helps mitigate the effects of deforestation and plastic waste.
The production of biodegradable packaging from banana fibers also helps address the issue of plastic pollution. Traditional plastics can take centuries to decompose, often ending up in oceans and harming marine life. In contrast, AGRIBANANA’s packaging products are fully compostable and decompose naturally, reducing the environmental footprint of the goods they contain.
Moreover, by repurposing banana waste, AGRIBANANA prevents the burning of agricultural residues, which is a major source of carbon emissions in many rural areas. This initiative not only contributes to cleaner air but also helps combat climate change by reducing the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
The start of the process
AGRIBANANA’s impact extends beyond the environment; the company plays a vital role in creating economic opportunities for local communities. By sourcing banana waste directly from smallholder farmers, AGRIBANANA provides an additional revenue stream for growers, enhancing their livelihoods without requiring extra labor. This model is particularly appreciated by farmers, who can sell what would otherwise be discarded and reinvest the income into their agricultural operations.
The company also focuses on job creation, especially in rural areas where banana plantations are concentrated. AGRIBANANA provides employment opportunities in waste collection, processing, and production, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and young people. By offering green jobs and promoting economic inclusion, AGRIBANANA is helping to reduce unemployment and drive economic growth in underserved regions.
In line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), AGRIBANANA’s initiatives contribute to the development of sustainable communities by reinvesting profits locally. More than 51% of the company’s profits are committed to supporting the regions where it operates, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community.
Banana Fibers
Through strategic partnerships and continued investment in research and development, AGRIBANANA aims to enhance its production processes, improve product quality, and explore new applications for banana biomass. The company’s vision is to be a leader in the global shift toward sustainable consumption, offering solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
With its innovative solutions and community-driven approach, AGRIBANANA is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future—one where waste is not a problem to be managed, but a resource to be transformed.
Kodu Technology: Transforming Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Menstrual Health Solutions in Ghana
Dr Iddi Mohammed Faried with the fibres needed for their product
In the heart of Ghana, Kodu Technology is tackling two of the most pressing challenges faced by rural communities: period poverty and agricultural waste. Founded by Iddi Mohammed Faried, this innovative enterprise uses banana and plantain fibers to create eco-friendly sanitary pads. By turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, Kodu Technology not only promotes women’s health but also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried, the Co-founder and CEO of Kodu Technology, is a biomedical scientist with extensive expertise in healthcare and product development, particularly in biomedical innovation and sustainable health solutions. With a degree in Biomedical Science, Dr. Faried leverages his deep understanding of healthcare needs to drive Kodu Technology’s mission. As CEO, he oversees all strategic and operational aspects of the company, ensuring its initiatives align with the goal of combating period poverty and promoting sustainability through eco-friendly menstrual products.
The Business
Kodu Technology’s products
Kodu Technology’s flagship product is a biodegradable sanitary pad made from banana and plantain fibers. These pads are affordable, accessible, and designed with the specific needs of women in underserved communities in mind. What sets these products apart is that they are entirely made from natural materials, including organic glue derived from banana peels, making the pads both sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The production process is a model of circular economy principles. Banana and plantain fibers, typically discarded as agricultural waste, are repurposed and transformed into high-quality pads. The use of banana peels for organic glue further reduces waste and supports local agriculture. By converting what was once considered waste into a valuable resource, Kodu Technology addresses critical health needs while reducing the environmental footprint of disposable sanitary products. Traditional disposable sanitary pads are often made from plastic and synthetic materials, which take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to environmental pollution. In contrast, Kodu Technology’s pads decompose naturally and quickly, leaving no harmful residues behind.
Their Impact
Harvesting for Kodu Technology
In many parts of rural Africa, access to affordable menstrual products is limited, leading to period poverty and its associated challenges. Many women and girls miss school or work during their menstrual cycles because they lack access to safe and effective sanitary products. Kodu Technology’s pads are designed to be both affordable and accessible, ensuring that more women can manage their menstrual health with dignity. By making these products available at low cost, Kodu Technology is helping to bridge the gap in menstrual health access, improving the quality of life for countless women and girls.
Kodu Technology is deeply embedded in the local agricultural ecosystem. By sourcing banana and plantain fibers from local farmers, the company not only provides a new revenue stream for these farmers but also reduces waste in the agricultural supply chain. Additionally, Kodu Technology offers training sessions on fiber preparation and production processes, empowering women in the community with skills that enable them to participate in the production process. These training programs not only create jobs but also provide opportunities for women to start their own micro-enterprises, contributing to local economic development.
Educational outreach in schools
Kodu Technology goes beyond product manufacturing by actively engaging in menstrual health education in the communities it serves. The company provides comprehensive education on menstrual hygiene, helping to destigmatize menstruation and encouraging informed choices among women and girls. By normalizing conversations about menstrual health, Kodu Technology is empowering women and breaking down the taboos that often surround menstruation in traditional communities.
Kodu Technology’s laboratory
Kodu Technology’s vision is to create a world where menstrual health products are accessible to all women, regardless of their economic background, while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability. The company’s commitment to continuous research and development (R&D) is central to this vision. Kodu Technology is constantly exploring new ways to improve its products and expand the range of sustainable solutions it offers. The goal is to scale its operations and reach more communities, not only in Ghana but across Africa.
In addition to expanding its product line, Kodu Technology is also focused on building partnerships with NGOs, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to increase the reach of its products and services. By collaborating with these organizations, Kodu Technology aims to distribute its sanitary pads more widely and ensure that women in even the most remote communities have access to safe and affordable menstrual health solutions.
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture: Revolutionizing Fish Feed Production in Senegal for a Sustainable Future
Arristine Mendes
In the heart of Senegal, where aquaculture is emerging as a beacon of hope for rural communities, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture is making waves with its innovative approach to fish feed production. Led by Arristine Mendes, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture addresses a critical issue in the aquaculture industry—reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly fish feed. By eliminating fish meal from their formulas and utilizing alternative protein sources, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture is not only protecting marine ecosystems but also empowering fish farmers across Senegal to thrive.
SHADDAI Aquaculture’s fish feed
Arristine Mendes, CEO, and Production Manager of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture, has had an entrepreneurial spirit since childhood, selling various items during holidays. With a background in Biology and mentorship from experts in fish nutrition, she began developing her innovative fish feed project in 2020. After participating in an incubation and acceleration program with Orange Corners, where her project was recognized as one of the top five in 2022, Arristine worked closely with pilot fish farmers to test prototypes and perfect her formulas. This hands-on experience allowed her to master the technical aspects of production before officially launching SHADDAÏ Aquaculture.
Aquaculture, or fish farming, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable solution to the global demand for fish, particularly in the face of climate change. In Senegal, where many rural families rely on fish as a primary source of protein, aquaculture holds immense potential. However, the industry faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding fish feed.
Senegal imports around 80% of the fish feed it uses, making it prohibitively expensive for local fish farmers. The high cost of imported feed limits the profitability of fish farming, often leading to poor growth rates and high mortality among the fish. Consequently, many fish farmers are unable to sustain their operations, despite the growing demand for fish in remote areas.
Local alternatives to imported feed are available but often fail to meet the nutritional needs of the fish, resulting in stunted growth and low survival rates. This creates a vicious cycle where fish farmers are unable to compete, leading many to abandon the practice altogether. Recognizing this gap, Arristine Mendes founded SHADDAÏ Aquaculture to offer a solution that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
The Business
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture stands out as a pioneer in the production of fish feed without fish meal. Fish meal, typically made from small fish species, is a common ingredient in fish feed due to its high protein content and the essential amino acids it provides. However, the reliance on fish meal contributes to overfishing and the depletion of marine resources, posing a significant threat to the sustainability of aquaculture and global fish stocks.
To break this cycle, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture has developed a fish feed formula that uses alternative protein sources instead of fish meal. Working closely with leading experts in fish nutrition, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture has meticulously selected ingredients that meet the nutritional requirements of fish. The company also employs lysis technology, which breaks down large molecular bonds, making the feed more digestible for fish and enhancing their growth.
This innovation ensures that the feed produced by SHADDAÏ Aquaculture is on par with, if not superior to, the performance of major international brands, all while being 30% to 40% cheaper. The affordability of SHADDAÏ’s feed allows fish farmers to achieve healthy growth rates and maintain profitable operations, thus encouraging the expansion of aquaculture across Senegal.
Their Impact
Production at the Factory
The environmental impact of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture’s fish feed cannot be overstated. By eliminating fish meal from its products, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture directly contributes to the preservation of marine biodiversity. Every tonne of feed produced without fish meal helps save large numbers of fish that would otherwise be harvested for feed production, thereby reducing the pressure on marine ecosystems and supporting global conservation efforts.
Training is ongoing to ensure the best possible product
In addition to protecting marine life, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture actively recycles slaughterhouse waste, transforming it into a valuable source of protein for their feed. Slaughterhouse waste, rich in nitrogen and other nutrients, is a significant environmental pollutant when disposed of improperly. By repurposing this waste, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture not only reduces ocean pollution but also contributes to a circular economy, turning potential waste into a resource that supports sustainable food production.
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture’s impact extends far beyond environmental sustainability; the company plays a crucial role in empowering fish farmers and revitalizing rural communities in Senegal. By offering high-quality, affordable feed, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture enables fish farmers to maintain healthy fish stocks and earn a decent living from their work. This, in turn, encourages more individuals to take up fish farming, expanding the availability of fresh fish in areas where it was previously scarce.
Hungry fish
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture’s commitment to social impact is evident in its work with young people and women in remote areas. The company provides free training on fish farming techniques and helps aspiring farmers secure the funds needed to start their own operations. To date, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture has worked with over 60 young people, helping them establish small fish farms and providing ongoing support to ensure their success.
For many of these individuals, fish farming offers a path to economic empowerment and improved food security. Families that were previously unable to access fresh fish are now enjoying regular supplies, thanks to the efforts of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture and its network of trained fish farmers.
The economic implications of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture’s work are significant. Their focus on using locally sourced ingredients for its feed further supports the local economy. By purchasing raw materials from local suppliers and transforming them into high-quality feed, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture creates jobs and stimulates economic activity within the country.
Sustainable and fish feed
The success of SHADDAÏ Aquaculture has also attracted attention from other regions, with potential for the company’s model to be replicated in neighboring countries facing similar challenges in their aquaculture industries. Plans are underway to increase production capacity, expand distribution networks, and develop new feed formulas that cater to different species of fish.
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture is also exploring partnerships with international organizations and development agencies to further its mission of promoting sustainable aquaculture. By working together with these partners, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture aims to accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly fish farming practices and contribute to the global fight against overfishing.
SHADDAÏ Aquaculture exemplifies the transformative power of innovation in addressing complex challenges within the aquaculture industry. By producing high-quality fish feed without fish meal, SHADDAÏ Aquaculture is protecting marine ecosystems, reducing environmental pollution, and empowering fish farmers in Senegal to thrive.
Conclusion
The inspiring journeys of AGRIBANANA, Kodu Technology, and SHADDAÏ Aquaculture demonstrate the profound impact that innovative agripreneurs can have in transforming agricultural landscapes across West Africa. From turning banana waste into eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable products; to providing affordable and sustainable sanitary solutions; and developing fish feed that protects marine ecosystems—these ventures are reshaping industries and communities. Their commitment to sustainability, social equity, and local economic growth is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. As they continue to scale their operations and refine their solutions, they offer a glimpse of what the future of African agriculture could look like; one where environmental stewardship, social impact, and economic resilience go hand in hand.
Through their efforts, AGRIBANANA, Kodu Technology, and SHADDAÏ Aquaculture are not just advancing agriculture; they are driving a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
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GoGettaz Co-Founders:
Yara International: https://www.yara.com/
Econet: https://www.econetafrica.com/
GoGettaz Partners:
Africa Food Systems Forum: https://agrf.org/
Alliance for a Green Revolution Africa: https://agra.org/
Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions: http://www.sacau.org/
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation https://www.snv.org/
U.S. Agency for International Development: https://www.usaid.gov/
