Two Fellows, Aderonke Onadeko of the Class of 2006 and 2007 Fellow Mezuo Nwuneli have partnered together to launch Nourishing Africa, a hub for entrepreneurs to accelerate their work, connect with funders, markets, talent, and celebrate their successes.

It connects agtech and digital innovators to ensure that Africa nourishes itself and becomes a net exporter of food by 2050.  On the site, they explain the simple math: by 2050, 2.4 billion people will live in Africa. If they spend $1 a day on food, this represents a $876 billion annual market. If they spend $10, its an $8.76 trillion annual market. A key goal is to empower Africans to sustainably grow and supply this massive market, reaping the benefits of local jobs.

Aside from the agribusiness part of the site, the portal also includes information about data, funding, knowledge, e-learning, African food and chefs, career opportunities, and other resources to enable entrepreneurs to scale their impact.

Mezuo is the Managing Director of Sahel Capital, a partner in the venture.  He has more than two decades across a broad spectrum of finance related roles, but more specifically within the agribusiness sector.  Sahel won the Nigerian government RFP for management of the agribusiness fund - FAFIN - with a total capitalization of more than $65 million USD. The companies FAFIN has invested in under Mezuo's management have so far created hundreds of jobs, benefited thousands of others indirectly, and aggregate tens of thousands of tons of crops from Nigerian farmers that include rice, cassava, milk, fowl and shea nuts.

Aderonke is an entrepreneu and business development consultant who has a background in food technology. She's a serial entrepreneur who has birthed many small and medium sized companies that are thriving, including in the farming sector. 

The site provides a one-stop location for entrepreneurs to connect with growers, processors, and added value companies that include marketing, agronomy, job postings and more. It hosts eLearning, webinars, podcasts, grant funding opportunities, and it acts as a large umbrella to make it easier to connect. 

A short browse will also reveal that Monica Musonda, the CEO of Java Foods in Zambia and a 2013 Tutu Fellow, is listed among entrepreneurs on the site.

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About AFLI

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The African Leadership Institute (AFLI) focuses on building the capacity and capability of visionary and strategic leadership across the continent. Developing exceptional leaders representing all spheres of society, the Institute’s flagship programme is the prestigious Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship. Offering a multifaceted learning experience and run in partnership with Oxford University, it is awarded annually to 20-25 carefully chosen candidates, nominated from across Africa. Alumni of the African Leadership Institute form a dynamic network of Fellows passionately committed to the continent’s transformation, bridging the divide between nations and ensuring that Africa is set centre-stage in global affairs.