While the MasterCard Africa Growth Fund is the largest impact investing program of its kind, it is only a start. MEDA will need many other initiatives to achieve its strategic goal of creating 500,000 decent work opportunities in the agri-food sector.
A $200 million US project funded by MasterCard Foundation will create 15,000 decent jobs in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. New Mauritius Foundation represents evolution, is part of MEDA’s growth.
Encouragement from a friend and a visit from a leading politician has taken the Tanzanian entrepreneur on a seven-year business journey. That journey is improving the lives of many of her fellow citizens.
“We have to recognize Africa’s place in the global food system,” the Nigerian entrepreneur, author, public speaker, philanthropist, and consultant Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli said in a speech at MEDA’s annual convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
A Manitoba manufacturer has successfully tackled a labor shortage by paying greater attention to an overlooked talent pool — women. Vidir vertical storage solutions plants are located outside of major urban centers. That means it has a smaller available workforce, Carissa Rempel said in a presentation at MEDA’s annual convention.
A “triple gut punch” of war, the Covid pandemic, and climate change have massively increased extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, a spokesman for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation says.
Two Tanzanian agribusinesses have won $10,000 in the 2022 MEDA pitch competition. Diana Orembe from NovFeed & Jolenta Joseph from Sanavita tied for first place in the annual competition. The event was held at MEDA’s convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on November 5.
MEDA is entering a period of proving that its work can have a broad impact, the organization’s senior vice president of programs says. “MEDA’s an organization that’s on the move,” Derek Cameron said in a year-in-review report to supporters.
The #MEDAField2Fork2022 photo contest asked readers to submit pictures highlighting the agrifood sector, depicting the production, processing, distribution, or sale of food. The winning entries featured on the cover of this issue and in this article provide a glimpse into agriculture in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, India, and Uganda.
Wheat has been one of the world’s most important food staples for thousands of years. But erosion on frequently tilled land is a serious problem in several areas of the world. Wind and water have ravaged and degraded formerly fertile fields.
Eunice Culp rose from microfilming files to become Everence’s vice-president of human resources. She demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of the company, a unique adaptability and a focus on the future.
Failing to invest in upkeep is a recipe for future problems. As in most areas of life, looking at our present-day actions in light of how they will affect the future is always wise.
Mennonite Economic Development Associates is an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty.
MEDA International is a Canadian non-share capital not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
Mennonite Economic Development Associates is a 501(c)(3) status non-profit organization in the United States: EIN 23-7398678.
Mennonite Economic Development Associates of Canada is a registered charity in Canada: No. 107 691 057 RR0001.
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