Zero Hunger Roundtable Launches Innovation Sprint In Nigeria

THE Zero Hunger Roundtable – a multi- sector forum aimed at collectively addressing food challenges has launched an initiative to foster innovative approaches to end hunger, hampioned by Nigeria’s entrepreneurs.

Ten cutting edge start- ups have been selected to take part in the first “Zero Hunger Sprint – Nigeria’s Innovation Challenge.” Participants will compete for a cash prize fund of $ 250,000, mentorship from an investor company, and a six- months Sprint Programme designed by the United Nations World Food Programme ( WFP).

According to the WFP Deputy Country Director, Simone Parchment: “Nigeria’s private sector is alive with ideas. We need to tap into that energy to ensure there is enough nourishing food for everyone. “WFP is excited to do this in Nigeria which leads the way in showing how African solutions and homegrown talent can help solve global problems.”

He disclosed that this week, the innovators ( listed below) will take part in a customised boot camp facilitated by the WFP Innovation Accelerator. “Based in Munich, Germany, this is an initiative designed to fast track innovative solutions to food crises and help end hunger worldwide.

During the boot camp, experts help teams sharpen their concepts and refine plans for success.

The initiative and the backing it receives help to support and contribute to Nigeria’s own efforts at achieving Sustainable Development Goal ( SDG) 2 – which aims to bring an end to hunger.

“The tremendous challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic have exposed the fragility of our food systems. Transforming food systems to make healthy diets affordable to everyone is vital,” says CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu.

“TGI is a strong advocate of diversity, innovation and gender inclusion both within and outside our organisation.