4 Winners Emerge at AGRA’s Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards

Following their selection as winners of AGRA’s Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards, four women from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal shared a grant financing prize pool of US$85,000 in total.

AGRA, which was established in 2006, aims to spur agricultural change in Africa by putting smallholder farmers at the heart of the region’s expanding economy. Through its yearly Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards, it recognizes outstanding African female agripreneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains.

The winners of this year’s competition, who were announced during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, are from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. They were also presented with grants totaling US$85,000 at the event. They were chosen from a group of 1,340 applicants from 42 different African nations.

Siny Samba, CEO of Le Lionceau in Senegal, won the grand prize, and Lucy Chioma Aniagolu, founder of Agrodemy Enterprises in Nigeria, received the Young Female Agripreneur award.

While Bernice Dapaah, CEO of Ghana’s Bright Generation Community Foundation, won the Outstanding Value-adding Enterprise award, Maryanne Ruguru Gichanga, director of Kenya’s AgriTech Analytics, won the title of Female Ag Tech Innovator of the Year.

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, president of AGRA, complimented the awardees on their commitment to turning obstacles into opportunities and changing the face of Africa’s agro-food systems.

“Over the past two editions, we have witnessed remarkable stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication. These women have demonstrated their ability to drive positive change, inspire their communities, and contribute significantly to food security, climate adaptation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Their journeys inspire us all and stand as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within every individual, regardless of their gender,” she said.