Ten innovators were honored for advancing sustainable agriculture at the INFoCAT Innovation Grant Award Ceremony, hosted by the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) on Friday, December 20, 2024, in Accra.

They include iSOLAR, Harvest Ease Innovators, Amuga Welding and Machine Shop, Summer Innovation Solutions and Technology Hub, Wobil Technologies Ltd, Villiam Star Ltd, Das Biogas and Construction Ltd, Sunify Solardry Technology, and Sayetech Co. Ltd.

Dr. Ferdinand Tornyie, Project Coordinator, elaborated on the essence of the initiative in an exclusive interview. He explained that the Innovate for Clean Agriculture Technology (INFoCAT) project is a green innovation challenge addressing gaps in technology development and accessibility for small businesses and the informal sector. "A lot of technologies are normally imported, but you also find informal sector businesses developing small technologies that are not able to scale to market level," he noted.

The project aims to bridge this gap while advancing the green transition. It includes two core components: a research initiative and an innovation challenge. The latter focused on empowering innovators to create solutions tailored to local needs, particularly for women in agriculture who face challenges such as post-harvest losses and reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

A regional effort

The INFoCAT initiative has a regional scope, being piloted in Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. In Ghana alone, nearly 100 applications were received, with a rigorous selection process narrowing the list to 10 outstanding innovators. Each selected innovator receives a grant of $7,400 to develop their technology collaboratively with end users. Similar efforts are underway in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, where five innovators are being supported in each country.

"The goal is to ensure that technologies are not only renewable and efficient but also culturally and operationally suited to local needs," Dr. Tornyie emphasized. Innovations range from irrigation systems that integrate weather forecasting and renewable energy to post-harvest processing solutions.

Building capacity for sustainability

Beyond funding, the project supports innovators with mentorship and technical assistance to design and refine their technologies. Experts will evaluate the technologies for efficiency and usability, and the best innovation from each country will receive an additional $34,000 to scale up operations.

"This seed money aims to help innovators expand their businesses, produce agricultural machines, and thrive as enterprises," Dr. Tornyie explained. The focus on sustainability ensures these solutions align with global green energy transition goals.

Engaging the informal sector

A critical objective of the INFoCAT project is to involve the informal sector in high-level conversations about the green energy transition. "The informal sector matters and must be supported financially," Dr. Tornyie stressed. "Young innovators often lack the assets to secure bank loans, but with our support, they can demonstrate their capabilities and attract investment."

Key stakeholders, including financial institutions, are integral to the project, ensuring innovators are equipped to transition from grant support to securing funding for business expansion.

A vision for the future

As the INFoCAT project unfolds, its impact extends beyond technology development. By fostering collaboration between innovators, end users, and stakeholders, the initiative sets a precedent for empowering local talent and achieving sustainability goals.

Dr. Tornyie concluded, "This is not just about developing machines; it's about positioning small enterprises to contribute meaningfully to the global agenda of reducing emissions and enhancing sustainable practices."