MTN Cameroon and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon are delighted to announce the remarkable success of young Cameroonian entrepreneurs on the continental stage, culminating in Moses Afopezi’s victory at the Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge finale. This prestigious event, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, convened the African continent’s most brilliant young minds, united by a shared vision for environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

The Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge was conceived to spotlight Africa’s next generation of environmental leaders and equip them with the requisite tools, mentorship, and networks to amplify the impact of their innovative, climate-smart solutions. Finalists from Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, and South Africa participated in a transformative two-day programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on business development, sustainable innovation, and impact assessment. The programme culminated in a grand finale showcasing the continent’s most promising green ventures.

Moses Afopezi of Cameroon captivated the Pan-African jury with AgricFresh, his sophisticated digital platform leveraging solar-powered cold storage to effectively combat post-harvest loss and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This solution provides a crucial tool for professionalising farm management and directly connecting farmers with buyers via a digital interface, thereby extending crop shelf life, reducing waste, and promoting climate action.

Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel of Nigeria was awarded second place, and Jean Blaise Seka, also of Cameroon, secured third place. Both were recognised for their impactful, community-driven solutions addressing local environmental challenges with creativity and ingenuity.

These outstanding achievements underscore the ingenuity of Africa’s young change-makers, the power of partnerships, and the transformative potential of collective action towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally connected future.

“I am so proud of the outstanding success of Moses Afopezi and Jean Blaise at the Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge finale. Their innovative solutions, AgricFresh and WiseCool, exemplify the brilliance and dedication of young Cameroonians in tackling critical challenges. This victory on the continental stage fills us with immense pride and reinforces our conviction in the power of technology and youth entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change and build a more sustainable future for Cameroon and Africa as a whole.”, declared Wanda Matandela, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Cameroon.

“Cameroon’s victory at the Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge finale in South Africa powerfully affirms that our youth hold the key to addressing our most pressing environmental challenges. Through their innovation, passion, and unwavering commitment, they have not only risen to the occasion but have also inspired a movement.”, affirmed Alain Ononino, Country Director of WWF.

As the grand prize winner of the Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge, Moses Afopezi will receive a cheque for USD 5,000, along with ongoing mentorship and strategic support from the MTN Group, WWF, UNDP, GSMA, and other partners, to scale the reach and impact of his innovation.

“Never could I have envisioned that the work we are undertaking at the grassroots level with AgricFresh would pave the way to an international platform. This recognition fills me with immense joy and hope for the farmers whose livelihoods we endeavour to improve. Bolstered by our expertise and this prize, we are now poised to extend our operations to an additional two communities in the war-torn regions of Cameroon.”, shared Moses Afopezi.

Building on this year’s success, MTN is committed to expanding the Africa Eco-Innovation Challenge to encompass an even greater number of countries in future editions, fostering a broader cohort of green innovators and developing solutions that generate lasting value for people and the planet, through strategic partnerships and enhanced collaboration.