5 Food System Leaders Driving Climate Action in Africa

Across Africa, climate action is happening beyond policy rooms and global conversations. It is taking shape on farms, in communities, and through innovators building practical solutions within food systems.

From transforming agricultural waste into clean energy and organic fertilizers to strengthening climate-smart nutrition systems and empowering young agripreneurs, African entrepreneurs are developing locally grounded responses to climate challenges.

At African Food Changemakers (AFC), we believe climate resilience and food systems transformation go hand in hand. Across our ecosystem, members are building sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative solutions that are improving livelihoods and strengthening communities.

Here are five AFC community members driving climate action across Africa’s agrifood landscape.

Ajwang Caren Nancy (Kenya)
Building Circular Economy Solutions Through Waste-to-Value Innovation

As the Founder of Caryle Enterprises, Ajwang Caren Nancy is transforming food and agricultural waste into organic fertilizers that support regenerative farming and healthier ecosystems.

Through initiatives like Feeding Cities, her enterprise promotes sustainable waste management, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and trains communities in organic farming, agroforestry, and climate-smart agribusiness.

Beyond agriculture, Caryle Enterprises also upcycles textile waste into reusable sanitary pads through the Dignify Her initiative, advancing both environmental sustainability and women’s dignity.

Peter Bassey (Nigeria)
Turning Agricultural Waste into Climate-Smart Energy and Soil Solutions
Peter Bassey, CEO of P.I.B Global Services LTD, is advancing climate-smart agriculture through waste-to-energy innovation.

His company converts agricultural waste into products such as biochar, smokeless stoves, activated charcoal, and soil restoration solutions that support carbon sequestration and regenerative farming systems.

Through innovations such as SoilTransformer biochar, Peter is helping farmers improve soil health while reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Cletus Baalongbuoro (Ghana)
Advancing Clean Cooking Solutions Through Agricultural Waste
In northern Ghana, Cletus Baalongbuoro is tackling deforestation and energy poverty through eco-friendly briquette production.

As the Founder of Ponaa Briquettes, he transforms rice husks, corncobs, and other agricultural residues into affordable, clean cooking fuel alternatives to wood and charcoal.

His circular economy model supports cleaner household energy, reduces indoor air pollution, creates jobs for women and youth, and provides additional income opportunities for farmers.

Ken Gunsalu (Malawi)
Strengthening Nutrition and Climate Resilience Through Inclusive Food Systems
Ken Gunsalu, Co-Chief Executive Officer of NutriCare Malawi, is working at the intersection of nutrition, climate resilience, and inclusive agribusiness development.

Through climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming systems, and nutrient-dense food innovation, NutriCare Malawi supports women and youth farmers while improving food and nutrition security for vulnerable communities.

The organization has trained over 1,680 farmers and developed fortified food products that contribute to healthier and more resilient communities.

Tamen Kuma (Nigeria)
Equipping Young Innovators to Build Climate-Smart Solutions
As Co-Founder of Hub 17 Innovation Space, Tamen Kuma is building climate innovation ecosystems through youth entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.

Hub 17 supports young agripreneurs and startups working in climate-smart agriculture, agri-tech, and sustainable food systems innovation while providing training in areas such as climate finance, hydroponics, and integrated farming systems.

Through partnerships and community-driven innovation, the hub is helping equip a new generation of climate-conscious entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Building Africa’s Climate Future Through Food Systems
While each of these leaders approaches climate action differently, they share a common goal: building resilient systems that improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and create sustainable futures.

Their work reflects the growing diversity of climate solutions emerging across Africa’s food systems — from circular-economy innovations and clean-energy alternatives to regenerative agriculture and youth-led entrepreneurship.

At AFC, we remain committed to supporting and amplifying agrifood leaders driving practical, community-centered solutions across the continent.

Because Africa’s climate solutions are not only possible, they are already being built.