Mathias Yabe is a young Ghanaian entrepreneur who is addressing global food waste through his company, AkoFresh. Growing up in a farming community, Mathias witnessed the struggles that small farmers face, especially with pre- and post-harvest waste. This inspired him to establish AkoFresh, which aims to reduce food waste through innovative solutions like off-grid cold storage technology.
Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 18, Mathias encountered doubts due to his youth but persisted with determination. His story underscores the significance of young individuals in the sustainability sector, emphasizing that passion, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are crucial for success.
Mathias’s efforts not only combat food waste but also contribute to sustainability and climate action by prolonging the shelf life of perishable crops and lowering carbon emissions. Despite obstacles, his determination has paved the way for success, and he envisions expanding these sustainable technologies throughout Ghana and eventually across Africa.
He encourages other young entrepreneurs to initiate their ventures early, leveraging their unique perspectives and experiences to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future.
AkoFresh’s cutting-edge technology includes a solar-powered system that utilizes solar panels to power the cold storage units, making them independent of the electricity grid and eco-friendly.
The system is IoT-enabled, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the storage conditions. It is also mobile, facilitating easy transportation to different locations, and operates off-grid, making it suitable for rural and remote areas.
“By extending the shelf life of crops, we assist farmers in reducing waste, finding buyers, and securing better prices for their produce. This innovation not only addresses food loss but also contributes to climate action goals by reducing carbon emissions associated with food waste,” Mathias adds.
Overcoming Challenges
Mathias overcame challenges through a blend of resilience, determination, and strategic planning.
“Despite facing skepticism and biases due to his young age, Mathias remained steadfast in his vision. He continued to forge ahead, demonstrating his capabilities through his actions and results. This signifies that young Africans can not only create jobs but also tackle globally significant issues such as sustainability, climate, and green initiatives,” said Didi Onwu, Managing Editor at the Anzisha Prize.
“When Mathias recognized the limitations of local resources, he sought assistance from international institutions. This proactive approach enabled him to access the necessary technology and resources to implement his solutions.”
Onwu highlights that Mathias’s problem-solving mindset persisted through setbacks, including when the cold storage unit initially malfunctioned: “Mathias and his team revisited their engineering processes, made necessary adjustments, and persevered through weeks of troubleshooting until the unit was operational.”
He also emphasized the importance of building a supportive team. By surrounding himself with like-minded individuals who shared his passion and willingness to learn and grow, Mathias overcame obstacles effectively.
“Mathias adapted to financial constraints by implementing a pay-as-you-go model, making the technology accessible to farmers. This innovative approach ensured that the solution was both sustainable and scalable.”
Throughout his journey, Mathias remained open to learning from experiences and feedback, continuously enhancing and refining his business practices.
Mathias’s involvement with the Anzisha Prize began with his recognition as a young innovator in agriculture and food security. His entrepreneurial journey and AkoFresh’s impact on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability caught the Anzisha Prize team’s attention. In 2022, at the age of 22, Mathias was chosen as an Anzisha Prize Fellow. His inspiring story is featured in the first episode of the second season of the Africa entrepreneurship documentary series The Journey, which premiered in June.
Episode Synopsis:
· Episode 1: Seeds of Innovation featuring Noreen Mutavhatsindi and Mathias Yabe
· Episode 2: Growth Hacks featuring Collins Kathuli and Mariana Mahitiko
· Episode 3: Building Connections featuring Joseph Ssempembwa and Willine Ikirezi
· Episode 4: Tales of Triumph featuring Amina Nakiboneka and Abubakar Sadick Fuseini
· Episode 5: Tech Toolbox featuring Vanessa Fongwa Ngwi and Ivo Bonfirm
· Episode 6: Milestones and Challenges featuring Sharon Yayra Alornyeku and Sheil Chivura
· Episode 7: Race to the finish
· Episode 8: A grand event
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