Nairobi: March 21, 2022 – AGRA has begun accepting nominations for the 2022 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA), which recognizes female entrepreneurs excelling in different segments of the agricultural value chain.

To qualify, entrepreneurs need to have an innovative product or service in the agriculture value chain with evidence of impact on their communities and countries. Submissions are being received on the WAYA website until May 31 in three categories: young female Agripreneur; outstanding value-adding enterprise and female Ag tech innovator. Winners will be announced at the AGRF Summit 2022, slated for 5-7 Sept in Kigali, each receiving a cash prize of USD20,000. AGRA’s President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata noted that the WAYA program is part of the VALUE4HER initiative tan that aims to address constraints faced by women in accessing productive resources and business opportunities.

“Women provide up to 50% of the agricultural labor force, contribute up to 70% of food production, and
account for 80% of food processors. They represent a crucial resource in agriculture and the rural economy through their roles as farmers, laborers, and entrepreneurs. However, they are faced with constraints limiting their full participation. AGRA’s interventions through the VALUE4HER initiatives are strengthening women’s agribusiness enterprises and increasing voice and urgency across Africa,” Dr. Kalibata added.

The VALUE4HER program is focused on increasing the performance of women agripreneurs by facilitating access to markets and trade, finance, and investments, as well as opportunities for tailored online and offline matchmaking activities, learning, networking, and global advocacy. The 2021 WAYA inaugural award celebrated Dr. Hajia Salamatu the Founder and Executive Director of WOFAN in Nigeria, Beatrice Nkatha Mmunyi the Founder and MD of Sorghum Pioneer Agencies in Kenya, and Linda Kudakwashe Manyeza the Founding Director of Food Masters South Africa.

Building on lessons from engaging with women as Agripreneur across the continent, AGRA seeks to encourage countries to invest strategically in women’s development, strengthening the private sector enabling environment, and building evidence-based participatory processes that will advance inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led growth, resilience, and nutrition. The VALUE4HER initiative presents an opportunity to deliver inclusive economic growth, jobs, and health to the African continent by supporting women Agripreneur across the continent.

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution that puts smallholder
farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary
struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Together with our partners, we catalyze
and sustain an inclusive agricultural transformation to increase incomes and improve food security
in 11 countries. The AGRA #VALUE4HER Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) recognizes women Agripreneur who have excelled in different segments of the agricultural value chain and shown
remarkable innovation in their businesses. The award goes to women who have achieved
significant recognition and business success in the field of agriculture and agribusiness with a great
impact on food security, climate resilience, women, and youth empowerment.