The African Food Changemakers (AFC) is set to officially unveil the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship (LAFF), an ambitious program aimed at supporting changemakers who are making outstanding contributions and creating an impact in the African food ecosystem. 

The one-year program targets women from all African countries in the agri-food value chain, including chefs, scientists, beverage masters, agripreneurs, policymakers, among others. According to the Founder of the African Food Changemakers who conceived the idea for LAFF, Mrs. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, "We are really excited about the prospects of amplifying, championing and advancing the work of African women changemakers participating in the fellowship," 

Speaking ahead of the official launch scheduled for Friday March 3, 2023, AFC Coordinating Manager Somawina Nwegbu revealed that nominations for the fellowship opened in early February, an exercise that would continue up to Thursday March 8, 2023 on the International Women's Day (IWD). The virtual launch will be held in collaboration with Sahel Consulting and would feature speakers drawn from both the private and development sectors. Dr. Nwegbu added that the fellowship is aligned with the theme of this year's International Women's Day: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. 

The AFC team has curated five nomination categories for identifying and selecting the most outstanding fellows. The categories include "Disruptors" who are harnessing technology to solve challenges in the food ecosystem, "Trailblazers" who are making ground-breaking contributions and paving the way for others to excel, and "Food/Beverage Narrative Changers" who are leveraging media, art and photography to change global narratives and connect people across the world to African cuisines.  

The other two categories include "Top Chefs in Africa" for chefs and cooks who through their creativity and innovative cooking methods are showcasing the relevance and importance African food in the global ecosystem. Finally, "Ecosystem Enablers" are introducing and scaling innovative products, ideas, and opportunities that contribute to more resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems. 

Eligible nominees will be screened and showcased through a public voting process. This will be followed by a review of the nominees by an independent selection committee composed of highly respected leaders in the gender movement and the food ecosystem. Over a six-month period, the fellows will benefit from training, coaching and a range of activities to enhance their impact and visibility. 

The LAFF program is the latest effort by AFC to support agri-food entrepreneurs in Africa through its programs, resources, and membership hub. Since its inception in 2019, the organization has successfully implemented the Entrepreneur Support Program (ESP), a capacity development program launched in 2020 that trained over 1,000 grassroots and MSMEs to rebuild and strengthen their businesses following the impact of COVID-19; the Youth in Agri-food Export Development Program (YAEDP)¸an export-focused program launched in January 2022 to develop the capacity of young Nigerian agri-food entrepreneurs to participate in export; and the Narrative Changers African Food Fellowship, launched in September 2021 that engaged eight fellows and two rising stars who benefited from participation in a range of training sessions, media, market support and speaking engagements. 

EDITORS’ NOTES: 

About African Food Changemakers (AFC) 

Through the Africa Food Changemakers (AFC) Hub, we enable African entrepreneurs to start and scale resilient and sustainable agribusinesses that nourish Africa and the world. We believe that connections made through food are a powerful way to change narratives. We are committed to changing global narratives about Africa by celebrating Africa’s contributions to the global food ecosystem, showcasing our innovations and cooking methods, amplifying and scaling proudly African food and beverage brands, and ensuring that more people globally experience the diversity and richness of the Continent’s gastronomic heritage and exciting future. 

For more information about AFC, visit: www.afchub.org  

For more details about LAFF and how to participate, visit: www.laff.afchub.org 

LAFF enquiries: laff@afchub.org  

General enquiries: info@afchub.org