By Diana Orembe, Founder and CEO of NovFeed
When I was a child, I witnessed firsthand my uncle’s struggles as a fish farmer. Growing up on his farm, I saw the immense effort he put into his work, only to be met with financial challenges due to the high cost and inconsistent quality of the feed stock. I later learnt my uncle was not alone, and that African farmers across the spectrum faced similar productivity challenges. This inspired me to find a way to create meaningful change in the African agricultural sector.
During my second year at university, while conducting research on the application of microbes as feed, I revisited fish farms and found that the same issues my uncle faced were still around, even ten to fifteen years later. Farmers were investing heavily in feed, often imported and expensive, which cut deeply into their profits. Seeing that these issues were still so present encouraged me to do something about it.
In 2020, I founded NovFeed with a mission to transform organic waste into alternative protein ingredients that would benefit not only fish farmers, but those working on land too. My idea was to use natural microbes and industrial biotechnology to produce high-quality, affordable, and sustainable protein products. Our product reduces the reliance on expensive soybean and fishmeal, while also working as a biofertilizer to support sustainable farming practices.
Starting NovFeed was a daunting task. Funding and mentorship were scarce, and the journey presented us with many obstacles. One of the main ones was the scarcity of networking opportunities, which left us struggling to connect with the right people who could help us develop our idea and bring it to market. That was until 2021, when we discovered the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech. We saw this as an opportunity to gain the support we desperately needed, and we applied. Our efforts were soon rewarded: even through the rigorous judging process, we progressed through the semi-finals, and became one of the top five finalists. As the competition went on, we continued to shape and refine our technology. To our great delight, we won the $1 million (USD) Grand Prize.
Winning the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech has been transformative. The visibility and credibility we gained opened doors to new opportunities. Farmers in Tanzania who were unaware of our existence began reaching out, curious about our solutions. Investors, impressed by what they saw, started conversations with us that have helped expand our network and increase our production capacity.
The funding enabled us to grow our team, allowing us to create employment opportunities for young people — an important part of our company’s mission. On top of this, we’ve been able to apply for the necessary certifications for our organic fertiliser, allowing us to enter the market and offer more sustainable solutions to even more farmers, which is a huge step —for our company and the African agricultural sector.
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program stands out for its focus on technological advancements towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By concentrating on ending poverty and hunger, the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech ensured that participants could make significant, targeted impacts. This approach resonated with us, as we wanted to create solutions that not only address agricultural challenges but also improve livelihoods and contribute to environmental sustainability.
To aspiring African entrepreneurs, I offer this advice: just start. The challenges we face on the continent can only be solved by us. While the journey may seem daunting, and obstacles will undoubtedly arise, taking that first step is crucial. When you start, you’ll discover the necessary regulations, support networks, and opportunities. If you wait, those opportunities may never present themselves.
As someone who began with nothing but a vision, I understand the fear and uncertainty that can accompany starting a venture. But the progress and impact we have made with NovFeed serve as a testament to the power of starting and persevering.
Africa is rich in potential, with a youthful population and vast arable land. What we need are more opportunities like the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech to support innovators in turning their ideas into reality. By fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, we can drive sustainable development and create lasting change.
While my journey with NovFeed has been challenging to say the least, it’s also been immensely rewarding. And while the support from the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech has been instrumental in our success, it wouldn’t have happened without me taking those first steps on my own. My story is encouragement to all aspiring change-makers to pursue their visions with determination. Start with what you have, and the rest will follow.