AgriMercarb, a start-up, has emerged winner of this year’s Israeli Green Innovation Competition (IGIC), after delivering a compelling presentation during the grand finale held in Accra.
Production Lead at AgriMercarb, Judith Akwetey – who represented the company at the competition, contested five other indigenous start-ups. Erica Appiah of Wobil Technologies and John Ardayfio of Husk Technologies emerged first and second runners-up respectively at the end of the day.
AgriMercarb seeks to reduce the cost of feed in poultry production by using the black soldier fly, a unique insect that is able to transform organic waste into fertiliser in just fourteen days.
The competition forms part of activities for the Ghana Garden and Flower Show’s (GGFS) 11th edition – organised in partnership with the Israeli Embassy and Ghana Garden and Flower Movement (GGFM), and awarded companies that placed in first to third positions – together with the others, Merdeo Foods, Pordu Care and AgroGuard – with certificates of participation.
In addition to certificates, the first three companies received a plaque and will be given an opportunity to have a training session in communication with Strategic Communications (Stratcomm) Africa Limited.
Ms. Akwetey, winner of the fifth edition of IGIC, received the overall prize – being a fully-sponsored trip to Israel to participate in industry-related meetings, excursions and conferences; and learn best practices, network and seek potential investors for business expansion.
The competition was held concurrently with the closing ceremony of the 2023 GGFS, and had in attendance some dignitaries including the Israeli Ambassador, Shlomit Sufa, and Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, Esther Cobbah.
In her remarks, the ambassador noted that innovation has always been at the heart of the Israelis’ success story; and therefore the embassy considers it a privilege to continue collaborating with the GGFM and Stracomm Africa to organise the IGIC, which reflects their shared pursuit of sustainable development.
Ms. Sufa stated that about 60 entries were received for 2023 IGIC, describing most of them as competitive: “Since commencement of the IGIC in 2019, we have been impressed by the enthusiasm of young Ghanaians who are committed to deploying creative and innovative ideas in solving some of the everyday challenges of agriculture and the environment in Ghana”.
She commended efforts of the board members and directors of GGFM together with the staff of Stratcomm Africa for their impressive and professional collaboration so far.
In an interview with the B&FT, Ms. Akwetey expressed her gratitude to God and her team members for their tremendous support, and underscored their strategy of being different from other start-ups as the reason for their success.
Responding to how beneficial the trip will be to her, she said: “There is a company in Israel that is currently doing what we intend to do in the future; and as a start-up, going to Israel will serve as an opportunity to learn and also consider some partnerships with them”.
The Marketing Communications Manager at Stratcomm Africa, Sharon Anim, in her closing remarks commended exhibitors and individuals for participating in the 2023 GGFS and supporting a good cause.
