I attended the 11th Sankalp Africa Summit 2024, held in Nairobi, at Kenya school of monetary studies (KSMS) and I was impressed with the level and quality of discussion around the impact entrepreneurship in Kenya. Also, I was glad to meet and reconnect with some of the tech industry veterans and leaders but the crowning moment of the Sankalp Africa Awards 2024. The awards celebrated Kenyan innovation but also highlighted the growing interest in impact entrepreneurship among Kenyan businesses, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Toothpick Company took the top spot
The winner of the awards was Toothpick Company, an Agri enterprise dedicated to reducing chemical pesticide use while improving safety, affordability, and effectiveness. Founded by Claire Sands-Baker, the company’s story is an inspiration. Drawing inspiration from her father’s decades-long work on an innovative weed management solution, Toothpick Company is not only empowering Kenyan farmers but also making a mark in the global synthetic chemical weed management industry, valued at a staggering USD 34 billion.
“Winning this award is a chance for us to showcase this innovation and open the world’s eyes to new approaches to weed management,” said Sands-Baker. “We are proud of our ability to collaborate directly with farmers, enabling us to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world impact on the lives of Kenyan and African farmers as a whole.”
Keep IT Cool Secured the First Runner-Up Position
The first runner-up position was awarded to Keep IT Cool, another Kenyan Agri enterprise. They provide much-needed refrigerated cooling boxes and transport solutions to smallholder fishermen and fish farmers in East Africa who often lack access to proper cold chain logistics. Their innovative end-to-end approach, coupled with the effective use of technology, has significantly improved their reach and impact.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as the 1st runner-up at the Sankalp Africa Awards,” said Nderitu, a representative of Keep IT Cool. “This recognition by industry experts motivates us to continue our impactful work in the food and nutrition sector.”
Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration
The Sankalp Africa Awards 2024 also recognized outstanding enterprises from other African nations. The 2nd Runner Up award went to MedTrack, a Ghanaian healthcare enterprise that simplifies patient information access by linking it to national biometric IDs. This innovative approach streamlines health data transfer across different healthcare providers, showcasing the powerful potential of blending healthcare and technology for positive social change.
Furthermore, the Ecosystem Award, chosen through a democratic voting process, was presented to Agrosahas International Private Ltd., an Agri enterprise from Uganda. Their tech-driven platform empowers over 10,000 Ugandan farmers, underlining the transformative power of technology in the agricultural sector.
Sankalp Africa: Fostering Impactful Change
The 11th Sankalp Africa Summit 2024, hosted by Aavishkaar Group and Intellecap, brought together over 1,500 stakeholders from 60+ countries. With over 200 speakers and 20+ hours of learning sessions, the summit served as a platform for discussing and driving forward crucial levers for catalyzing impact and igniting Africa’s potential for a more equitable future.
This year’s summit further underscores the significant role Sankalp Africa has played in fostering social entrepreneurship and achieving sustainable development goals. With its focus on collaboration and innovation, Sankalp Africa continues to empower changemakers across the continent to tackle complex societal challenges and build a brighter future for Africa.