Two Kenyans Among 12 Finalists for The Pamoja Founders Project

Two Kenyans were emerged among 12 finalists of the Pamoja Founders Project spearheading ventures that enhance sustainable food systems in six countries across West, East, and Central Africa.

Benson Abila, founder of M-Taka, and Elizabeth Okullow, founder of Agriboom, were among the inaugural cohort members representing Kenya. Their unique ventures aim at addressing food security, sustainable supply chains, and resilient food systems.

This collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo, and D-Prize involved the entrepreneurs in a comprehensive 9-month training program after which six of the most promising enterprises will each receive a catalytic seed grant of USD $15,000, provided by the PepsiCo Foundation.

“The journey the Pamoja fellows have been on over the past nine months—both as individuals and as a cohort—has been truly remarkable,” Roshan Paul, IREX’s Leadership Practice Director, said. “Each has excelled with the challenging curriculum, and more importantly, accelerated their venture’s trajectory to impact.”

In reiteration, C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact for PepsiCo, added that what makes this program different from other accelerators is the backing of one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies and a renowned global NGO committed to catalyzing sustained connections and shared learning experiences that will ultimately fuel pathways to prosperity for these leaders and their communities.

He emphasized that “The Pamoja Founders Project is an investment in a more food-secure and resilient future for Africa.”

Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, access to professional networks, and crucial funding opportunities, the program empowered these young entrepreneurs to scale their ventures. The cohort has undergone personal and professional growth, equipped with essential tools to amplify their impact within their sectors and markets.