The Africa Food Prize (AFP) has announced the opening of nominations process for its 2025 award. The significant recognition celebrates exceptional individuals and institutions whose groundbreaking contributions are transforming the African food landscape, driving progress towards food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
The AFP, a leading award for African agriculture, distinguishes outstanding achievements in various fields, from innovative farming practices and cutting-edge research to impactful policy advocacy and transformative agribusiness models. It also seeks to honor those who are not only achieving remarkable results but also inspiring others to take action.
“Each passing year, the Africa Food Prize shines a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organizations who are dedicating their lives to building a more prosperous and food-secure Africa,” noted Jakaya Kikwete, chair of the Africa Food Prize Committee. “As we open nominations for 2025, we are eager to discover the next generation of African food heroes whose ingenuity and resilience are shaping a brighter future for our continent.”
This year, the AFP is particularly seeking innovations demonstrating a commitment to four key areas: sustainable and resilient food systems – encompassing environmentally sound practices and climate change adaptation; inclusive agricultural growth -empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth; technological innovation – applying science and technology to improve agricultural productivity and nutrition; and market access and agribusiness development – connecting farmers to markets and promoting value addition.
Speaking during the launch event, Tinotenda Mhiko, a winner 2024, said that since he won the award, he has been highly motivated. “I am a highly motivated champion and last year, we managed to harvest 245,000 metric tones of wheat, under the the climate intervention approach, which is irrigation, this is the highest wheat ever produced in Zimbabwe and it contributed to 68% of wheat needed to be consumed in Zimbabwe,” he said.
In addition, Tinotenda said that he has registered a foundation that is supporting smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe, using the prize money.
The winner(s) of the Africa Food Prize will receive $100,000. All nominations will be reviewed using the Africa Food Prize criteria that assesses program’s contribution to poverty reduction and nutrition security as well as improvement of livelihoods through employment and job creation. Nominees will then be evaluated based on their demonstrated impact, sustainability, scalability, and potential to inspire positive change within their communities and beyond.
Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, a committee member, said: “Beyond just a prize recognizing the individual, it is a prize that show what is being done in the country and progress in food systems transformation. It has impact in role modelling, and impact is huge and today, entrepreneurs and scientists are aware of the prize.”
Eloufi Ishmahane, Executive Director at CGIAR, added that: “There is a need of productivity and nutrition in Africa. We can not do this without innovation. The impact is huge in this prize. I like the fact that it is a push for more innovation and scalability of idea beyond home countries. Our continent needs to do more. We need to find way and mean to support young people and innovators.”
Last year, Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe, was named the winner of the 2024 Africa Food Prize, for his groundbreaking leadership and innovation in advancing food security through strategic irrigation initiatives, which is revolutionizing Zimbabwe’s food systems. In 2023, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) was also honored with the prestigious award, recognizing their exceptional leadership in the development of numerous bean varieties that improve farm productivity and profitability, and meet increasing consumer demand.
The Africa Food Prize is the preeminent annual award that recognizes outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa. The $100,000 prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. It puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.
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