2025 mandela Washington fellows

Artificial Intelligence PhD fellow at VIT India, Research fellow at Africa Rice

Areas of expertise include food security, ag tech, and ag crops

Cedarta is currently working as the Head of Data and Business Intelligence at Waw Muzik. He hopes to create AI models that will help farmers make better informed decisions with regards to adapting to climate change. He is passionate about using technology to drive sustainable development. 

Areas of expertise include small scale ag, ag business, and WMN entrepreneurship

Susana is currently the partnership and HR manager at Agriaccess Ghana Limited, an agribusiness company aiming to improve lives and society at large through agriculture. She aims to transform the lives of smallholder farmers through commodity trading, credit inputs support, advisory support, and market opportunities. She is passionate about inclusion and sustainable agriculture. 

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Katyavala Bwila University

Areas of expertise include technical applications and ag business

Artur is the founder of Agrolisa, an agribusiness company, and Cambala, a tech startup focused on innovative agriculture and software. He is passionate about improving the management and distribution of agricultural products, and empowering smallholder farmers to be able to use technology for their benefit.

HND in Statistics from Kayuda Polytechnic, Postgraduate degree in Business and MBA in Project Management from Bayero University

Areas of expertise include ag employment, WMN employment, ag in dairy, and economic empowerment

Christiana is currently working as a senior gender and financial inclusion specialist on the Advancing Local Dairy Development Project in Nigeria for TechnoServe. She is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for small holder dairy farmers, especially women, in rural communities.

Degree in Agriculture from Blackfordby Agricultural Institute

Areas of expertise include nutrition and technical skills in poultry, dairy, and beef production management systems

Ben is the founder and company director of operations at Aardappel Valley in Zimbabwe with the goal of being the preferred supplier of premium quality goods for consumers within the local, regional, and international markets. He is also the president of  the Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in Zimbabwe Trust. He is passionate about creating conducive environments for young farmers to flourish and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Bachelor's in Agribusiness Management from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Areas of expertise include horticulture, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship

Matrida is the founder and managing director of the Zomera Fruit Propagation Farm. She also trains youths in horticulture and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. She is passionate about reducing Malawi's reliance on imported fruits and equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Areas of expertise include ag business, environmental conservation, and food security

Wora is the co-founder and president of Farmers 3.0, an NGO dedicated to transforming agriculture through innovation, education, and sustainable practices in Gabon. He is passionate about finding the proper balance between innovation and sustainability to preserve the environment and protect the future of agriculture. He also hopes to support local economies, improve livelihoods, and promote healthier diets in the process. 

BA in industrial and organization psychology from the University of Namibia

Areas of expertise include ag business, food security, and ag tech

Kehemetswe is currently working as the Marketing and Business Development Manager at Kgaugelo Farms, where she uses sustainable agriculture as a tool for economic empowerment, food security, and generational wealth. She is passionate about transforming agriculture across Africa. She aims to help farmers build viable, resilient, and profitable agribusinesses, strengthen food production systems, unlock new value chains and markets, drive inclusive growth and empowerment, and eradicate poverty.

BSC in range management, agriculture, and related sciences from the University of Nairobi

Areas of expertise include nutrition, food security, and ag business

Lilian is the founder of Farm with Bisase Africa. She is a passionate farmer, an agricultural content creator, and a customer service representative. She aims to leverage digital technology and platforms to connect, educate, and promote growth in the agricultural space. 

Areas of expertise include youth mentoring, ag tech and platforms, and food security

Alexandron is the founder of KilimoMax Solutions, which provides training and resources to farmers. He is also currently working as the Marketing Officer for Chinangali BBT AMCOS Limited, where he promotes organic composting and climate-smart agriculture. He is passionate about empowering the youth and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. 

Bachelor's in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Rwanda

Areas of expertise include ag tech, AI, and food security

Augustin is the founder of Agritech AI Research Group, driving innovation in agriculture, climate, and environmental AI research. His team equips students with digital and agricultural skills, connecting them to global opportunities like funding and scholarships. Augustin is committed to bridging Africa’s agricultural digital gap and fostering a new generation of tech-savvy changemakers.

Degrees in Rural Economics and Sociology, Agriculture, farming, and related sciences from National School of Agriculture of Thiès, Masters in Value Chain Development and Agricultural and Agri-food Entrepreneurship

Areas of expertise include ag tech, ag business, and rural community development

Daouda is a UN Global Food Systems Youth Leader where he is committed to transforming agriculture into an inclusive, resilient, and future-forward sector led by empowered youth. He is also currently working as the Country Manager for Tolbi where he connects science, policy, and innovation to promote resilient, inclusive agri-food system decision-making. He is passionate about addressing critical challenges through precision agriculture, leveraging technology to empower smallholder farmers and enhance productivity.

Areas of expertise include applied pedagogy, fish farming, organic agriculture, and food security

Hervé is the founder of LM Organic Food, where he is dedicated to promoting healthy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly food production. His goal is to become the leading producer of organic fish in the region, ensuring that bio-food becomes more accessible to the local population to improve the economy, health and well-being of residents, and the health of the environment.

BSc in Agriculture from Njala University, European Masters in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems and Crop Protection from Valencia Polytechnic University, European joint Master's in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Padova

Areas of expertise include organic agriculture, ag crops, environmental conservation, and entomology

Mohamed is the co-founder and CEO of EntoTech Innovations, an insect research and development company, pioneering insect-based solutions such as biological control agents for arthropod pests, protein for livestock and aquaculture and fertilizer for soil improvement. He is passionate about developing sustainable, cost-effective solutions that support food security, environmental resilience, and rural livelihoods.

Bachelor's in Agriculture Engineering from EARTH University

Areas of expertise include ag business, small scale agriculture, and WMN entrepreneurship

Lisa is the founder of ECO-FINCA , with turns organic waste into protein-rich feed and fertilizer using Black Soldier Fly larvae. Her work reduces feed costs, minimizes waste, and supports small-scale farmers through sustainable, affordable agricultural solutions rooted in a circular economy model. She is passionate about transforming agricultural practices, improving food security, and promoting environmental sustainability in Tanzania and beyond. Her primary goal is to empower Tanzanian farmers with sustainable, cost-effective farming practices.

Areas of expertise include entrepreneurship, ag business, food security, and youth mentoring

Mogale is a passionate farmer and the Co-founder and CEO of AB Farms, a pioneering hydroponics operation. He hopes to build a continental and sustainable business that serves as a beacon of hope for not only his community but his country as well. He is passionate about helping households and communities to be self sufficient and grow their own food, modifying and transforming the agricultural sector by encouraging young people to enter the agricultural space, and driving technology innovation in South Africa and Africa at large.

Bachelor of Technology in Physics Electronics and Science Laboratory Technology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Areas of expertise include agriculture, climate change, food security, and community development

Oluwafemi is the founder of OBA Global Citizens Limited, and he leads the FarmFood4All initiative, a regenerative agriculture initiative engaging smallholder farmers in Nigeria to restore soil health and promote circular food systems using organic fertilizers made from food waste. He currently He is ppassionate about leveraging his expertise in international relations to address complex national and global challenges while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BTS in Agri-food Industries from Saint Joan of Arc Post Bac Institution, Degree in Sustainable Agriculture Engineering and Agri-food Systems for Southern Countries from the Agro Institute of Montpellier

Areas of expertise include the dairy industry, nutrition, and food security

Arame is a food engineer currently working as Marketing and R&D Manager at La Laiterie du Berger in dairy products. She is passionate about making nutrition accessible and promoting local dairy and horticultural value chains. Through her work, she aims to generate positive impacts in food systems.

Degree in Economics from the University of Burundi

Areas of expertise include ag produce, food security, and supply chain logistics

Rania is the founder and CEO of Royal Food Solution, an organization that contributes to the fight against malnutrition through the preservation of all kinds of vegetables without deteriorating their nutritional quality. Through this work, she empowers female farmers, especially within vulnerable groups, by equipping them with skills in entrepreneurship and modern agriculture. She is passionate about social entrepreneurship and leadership, rooted in her desire to have a positive impact on her community.

BSc in Economics from Cuttington University, Postgraduate Diploma from Regent Business School

Areas of expertise include social entrepreneurship, food processing, chain logistics, nutrition, and youth and community development

Finda is the founder and CEO of the Malaya Foundation and HHH Foods. She is directly engaged with several Counties in Liberia, partnering and supporting rural women and girls to produce the raw materials like plantains, eddoes, cocoyam, that her company uses for production. She uses the Malayah foundation to go across countries to mentor girls in business through virtual conferences, and in person trainings. She is passionate about inspiring young women and girls to create businesses and contribute to the Liberian economy like she has.

Bachelor's in Geographic Information Systems and Special Education from the University of Zambia

Areas of expertise include rural community development, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy solutions

Kangwa is the founder of Mankhten General Dealers, providing renewable energy products and gas stoves. She is passionate about providing communities with energy solutions that protect human life and the environment. A major goal of hers is to help young people to start their entrepreneurship journey. 

Bachelor's in Business Administration and Management from INSCAE Madagascar, Master's in International Management from INSCAE Madagascar, MSc in Environmental and Business Management from Bangor University 

Areas of expertise include environmental and business management, nutrition, food processing, and entrepreneurship

Salohy is the founder and CEO of a small business that produces healthy, gluten-free products highlighting local ingredients. She is currently aiming for large-scale distribution and plans to open a shop and a restaurant catering to people with specific dietary needs. She’s passionate about inclusive innovation that serves both people and the planet.

BBA in Computers and Management Information Systems and Computer Science from Rusangu University

Areas of expertise include web design, business administration, clean energy, agriculture, and food security

Jonathan is the founder and executive director of Chapi Core Tech Limited, a technology enterprise providing clean energy solutions to smallholder farmers. He leverages his tech background to drive climate resilience and sustainable agriculture through innovative solar-powered systems. He is passionate about using technology to empower underserved communities, especially female farmers, by improving access to sustainable farming tools and resources.