How young African innovators are turning biodiversity into businesses that solve Africa's challenges
Young African innovators are participating in a bootcamp to transform local biodiversity into sustainable business solutions for nutrition and agriculture. One example includes a Ugandan researcher developing a nutritious drink from overlooked Owelo berries to combat childhood malnutrition.
Why it matters
Leveraging indigenous biodiversity for commercial products offers a pathway to address food insecurity while fostering economic growth in rural African communities.
Th e Biobased Innovation and Entrepreneurship Boot campers at ICIPE during their research period/ HANDOUT
Africa's rich biodiversity is increasingly being viewed as more than a conservation asset, with researchers arguing that it can also provide solutions to some of the continent's biggest nutrition, agriculture and climate challenges.
"How can we transform the locally available resources in Africa into products that improve nutrition and growth for children while also creating income for rural communities?"
That was the question Ugandan researcher Robin Okot posed as he pitched his innovation before investors, scientists and development partners during the Biobased Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).
The 10-day programme brought together young innovators from six African countries to refine research-based business ideas capable of addressing local challenges while attracting commercial investment.
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