Three young individuals have received the African Young Innovators Award for their innovative solutions to climate and environmental crises in Africa.
The awardees were recognized on the second day of the Youth Forum, part of the 7th edition of the Galien Africa Forum taking place in Dakar, Senegal from October 22 – 25.
The Forum, which gathered young innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors, centered around the theme: “Health and Community Actions in Response to Climate and Environmental Crises in Africa.” This year’s event highlighted the growing role of youth in tackling pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.
From a pool of five finalists representing different regions of Africa, three laureates emerged with groundbreaking projects.
Samuel Muyita from Uganda claimed first prize for his fresh fruit preservation project, designed to sustainably extend the shelf life of fruits. His innovative technological solution earned him a US$5,000 award to support its implementation.
Noël Obognon of Benin secured the second prize and a US$3,000 award for his company, Agro-Eco Services. This initiative utilizes black soldier fly larvae to produce organic fertilizers, promoting soil regeneration in desertification-affected areas while supporting sustainable agriculture and minimizing organic waste.
Meanwhile, Samba Thioube from Senegal received third prize, along with a US$2,000 cash award, for his smart irrigation initiative, which optimizes water management in agricultural operations, addressing critical water scarcity issues.
The remaining candidates from Madagascar and Niger were also recognized, receiving certificates of participation for their commendable contributions.
Aside from the awards, the day was filled with dynamic exchanges between young innovators and potential investors, paving the way for numerous collaboration opportunities.
A significant highlight was the presentation of the “GAINDE SAT” space project by a team of young engineers, aiming to leverage satellite observation to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change across Africa.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking roundtable discussion titled “Women and Youth Leading the Way.” This session explored the vital roles of young people and women in adapting to climate and health crises, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable actions to bolster the resilience of African communities.
The Youth Forum is believed to have solidified its position as a strategic platform for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent, showcasing the immense potential of African youth to influence the future in the face of climate and environmental challenges.
