The call for applications for the second edition of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa is now open! Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the second installment of the award is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative solutions that enhance food security and bolster the resilience of food systems across the African continent. The Kofi Annan Foundation is actively seeking innovative solutions from various regions in Africa that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2, Zero Hunger, with a strong emphasis on achieving food security and improving nutrition.
The 2024 Kofi Annan Award is specifically focused on endorsing technology-driven solutions and approaches that play a role in enhancing food security and systems in African countries.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your venture must be a for-profit legal entity and have been incorporated for a minimum of two years at the application time.
- Your solution should be rooted in at least one African country.
- The applicant must have established contacts or presence in the country of implementation, such as a country office or other permanent presence, subsidiary, long-term operations, or partnerships.
- Your innovation should clearly address one or more priority topics outlined in this call for applications.
- Your innovation should have a total addressable market of more than 1 million people.
- Your innovation must be at least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage; a validated prototype with user testing can also be considered eligible.
- Your solution should have a committed founding team with at least three full-time employees.
Entry Requirements
The award extends an invitation for applications from social entrepreneurs offering digital or technology-driven solutions for individuals in Africa. Innovations should tackle one or more of the following priority subjects:
- Incorporation of marginalized groups in food security
- Improved nutrition for women
- Circular solutions and minimization of post-harvest losses
The Austrian Federal Chancellery, in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Foundation, calls upon entrepreneurial start-ups with a proven business model and evident social impact to present their business plans. This initiative aims to amplify their impact and extend benefits to as many Africans as possible. The operational backing for the award is provided by the Austrian Development Agency and the WFP Innovation Accelerator. The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa strives to underscore the potential that African entrepreneurs possess in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, paying homage to the late Kofi Annan’s dedication to a fairer and more equitable world.
Rewards
The WFP Innovation Accelerator, in collaboration with the Federal Chancellery of Austria (BKA), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF), is dedicated to endorsing inventive solutions that effectively tackle the pressing food security challenges faced by individuals throughout Africa.
The program includes:
- Acceleration Bootcamp: Nine (9) promising teams will engage in a fully virtual WFP Innovation Bootcamp. Throughout this boot camp, participants will have invaluable opportunities to collaborate with technical and industry mentors, offering expert guidance to further refine and develop their innovative solutions.
- Funding opportunities: Ventures that successfully advance to the BootCamp stage will qualify to apply for equity-free funding. There is the potential to receive financial support of up to EUR 250,000 per innovation, with a total of three awards.
- Sprint program: The three ventures selected for EUR 250,000 in equity-free funding will also be enrolled in a WFP Sprint Program. This 12-month acceleration program provides access to mentorship, a global network of influential partners, and resources tailored to expedite their growth and impact.
- Network of innovators: Regardless of funding outcomes, all nine ventures will have the chance to tap into a robust network comprising relevant businesses, investors, and mentors, thereby enhancing their prospects for long-term success and sustainability.
Application Procedure
For additional details,
Application Deadline: February 8, 2024.
