Foodpreneurs Hub, led by two US-based Nigerian women, Olushola Oladejo and Yosola Oke Akinrinola, has secured a significant $0.5 million investment from Fusen Funds, led by American billionaire, Chris Klaus.
This capital infusion marks a pivotal moment in Foodpreneurs Hub’s journey to revolutionise the food industry in Africa.
The investment comes on the heels of Olushola and Yosola’s collaboration and shared vision to empower and support food entrepreneurs. Within just four months of this partnership, their dedication and expertise attracted the attention of Fusen Funds, which recognised the transformative potential of Foodpreneurs Hub in Africa’s food industry.
Foodpreneurs Hub empowers entrepreneurs in the food processing industry through coaching, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, aiming to drive entrepreneurship, promote food security, and foster economic development across Africa.
Olushola’s academic and professional background as a food scientist uniquely positions her to understand the intricacies of the food processing business. Through Foodpreneurs Hub, she aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the industry.
“I am passionate about nurturing the next generation of food processing entrepreneurs in Africa,” she said. “By providing coaching and support, we empower students to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to food security in their communities.”
“More than 40 per cent of food waste in Africa occurs post-harvest due to minimal food processing and storage skills, which threatens food security,” said Oladejo.
Her co-founder, Akinrinola, inspired by a passion to tackle unemployment and empower business leaders through entrepreneurship, saw an invitation to collaborate with Olushola in building Foodpreneurs Hub as the perfect opportunity to actualize her dreams of empowering entrepreneurs to prosper.
“I am thrilled to be part of Foodpreneurs Hub and to work alongside Olushola in fulfilling our mission,” she said.
Foodpreneurs Hub offers comprehensive coaching programmes that cover various aspects of food entrepreneurship, including product development, market research, business planning, and quality control. The organization’s commitment to excellence and sustainability is poised to make a significant impact on the food processing landscape, setting new standards for quality and efficiency.
One of such coaching programme is The FoodStars Business Scale-Up Programme, a comprehensive six-week initiative designed to empower aspiring and current entrepreneurs involved in various facets of food industry, including farmers, food manufacturers, restaurant owners and others, through mentorship, training, and access to capital.
