Generation Food: hacking the challenge of feeding Ouagadougou

From 20 to 21 May 2021, Rikolto and the Urban Economic Development Agency (ADEU) of the city of Ouagadougou organised the first Generation Food Hackathon. 60 young people joined us to hack the challenge of how to feed the greater Ouaga area, debating and defining opportunities and challenges for young food entrepreneurs. On this journey, they were accompanied by experts on the topic of entrepreneurship in the agri-food.

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The hackathon exposes young people to the opportunities that exist and also to the challenges so that they are aware of them and take them into account in their project idea, and then later in the incubation process. This allows them to strengthen their idea and seek funding to start their business.

Hamado Tapsoba

‍Regional Director of Rikolto in West Africa

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These young entrepreneurs, eager to impact the food system of the capital of Burkina Faso, were also able to refine their project ideas under the guidance of Dr. Emmanuel Sawadogo, teacher-researcher, Director of Studies and Consulting and Head of the Incubator of the Ki-Zerbo University.

“From this hackathon, I came out nourished because we were able to benefit from advice that allowed us to question our project and improve it. Right after this workshop, I want to improve my business plan, which I have already started, and also try to develop my business, which will allow me to meet the challenges faced by entrepreneurs”, says Roxane Nikiema, one of the 60 business young entrepreneurs.

The Ouagadougou hackathon is part of the Generation Food project, which lasts for two years and is funded by the Gillès Foundation. Rikolto and ADEU are jointly setting up a Generation Food incubator, aimed at young women and men with business ideas to transform Ouagadougou’s food system. The incubator is a place where young, start-up entrepreneurs and people with experience and expertise inspire and strengthen each other. Young women and men are trained in the skills needed to create successful businesses, with the support of actors from the private agri-food sector and business coaches. This way, Rikolto and its partners hope to increase the chances of success for these businesses.