Innovation and Partnerships: Driving Growth in Africa
The 10th Anniversary African Centers of Excellence in Accra brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share insights and experiences on driving growth and development in Africa. Two notable speakers, Jimmy Angupale, founder of Pharmabiotrac, and PEACE Chemis Mnelemba, Managing Director of Aquaponics for Life, highlighted the importance of innovative partnerships in achieving success.
A New Model for Incubation
Angupale shared his company’s unique approach to incubation, where universities enter into agreements with incubatees before providing support. This model, which includes a profit-sharing arrangement, has proven to be a win-win situation for both parties. “We see this as a win-win situation for us and our innovators,” Angupale said. “The partnership allows us to leverage the infrastructure and technical capacity of universities to bring our innovations to market.”
Sustainable Farming in Malawi
Mnelemba showcased Aquaponics for Life’s innovative systems that grow fish and vegetables simultaneously, using 90% less water than traditional farming methods. The company has trained over 400 young people and farmers and established more than 40 aquaponics systems across Malawi. Partners such as Malawi Hilfi from Germany have been instrumental in helping the company achieve its goal.
Overcoming Challenges through Partnerships
Both Angupale and Mnelemba emphasized the importance of partnerships in overcoming challenges. The AC program, an incubation program at Luana and Aqua Fish, has provided valuable support to Aquaponics for Life, enabling the company to expand its reach and cater to a larger customer base. “We’re leveraging partnerships to help us achieve our goal of creating jobs,” Mnelemba said.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of Pharmabiotrac and Aquaponics for Life serves as a model for innovative approaches to business and agriculture in Africa. As more companies and organizations adopt similar strategies, the potential for growth and development in the region will continue to grow. With its commitment to community development and sustainable practices, Aquaponics for Life is poised to make a lasting impact.
Unlocking Potential
Innovative partnerships like the ones between Pharmabiotrac and universities, and Aquaponics for Life and its partners, will play a critical role in unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs and innovators in Africa. By providing access to resources, infrastructure, and technical expertise, these partnerships can help startups overcome the challenges they face and achieve success.
A Voice from the Industry
“You do not have the capacity to move to where you want to go without the partnership of institutions that have infrastructure, technical capacity that you can leverage on,” Angupale said. This sentiment is echoed by Mnelemba, who noted that partnerships have been instrumental in helping Aquaponics for Life achieve its goal of creating jobs and promoting sustainable farming practices.
A New Era of Innovation
The future of African innovation looks bright, with startups and universities working together to drive growth and development. As more partnerships like the ones between Pharmabiotrac and universities, and Aquaponics for Life and its partners, emerge, the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa will continue to grow.
