Village Capital launches competition for food entrepreneurs in Africa

Training and investment company Village Capital in association with The Hershey Company, is looking to support food entrepreneurs in Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria.

The company is looking to identify and support entrepreneurs increasing access and affordability to nutritious food products in those regions.

According to a statement on the VC4A website: “West African economies like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire are growing rapidly, yet nutrition for children still lags behind. In Ghana, UNICEF estimates that 57% of children under 5 are anaemic, 23% are stunted, and 30,000 children suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition annually.”

Village Capital will send 10 startups to the Village Capital’s Affordable Nutrition Forum on 21 April Accra, Ghana. There, the companies will participate in ‘business development/investment readiness training’ with experts and stand a chance to win US$15 000 in prize money.

Those looking to participate will be required to operate in one or more of the three countries, bettering supply and distribution chains, and increasing awareness around nutritious food, among others.

More information can be found on the VC4A website. The deadline for applications is 20 March.

Feature image: Kim Siever via Flickr