Meet the Catalyst Fellows

I am a Development Economist, researcher, and youth advocate from Togo, currently serving as an Economist at the Ministry of Development Planning of Togo. I hold a Master’s degree in Development Economics and have extensive experience in development planning, public policy, climate action, sustainable development, environmental governance, and youth empowerment. Alongside my professional role, I serve as a Research Assistant with 60 Decibels, Global Youth Ambassador with THEIRWORLD, and IRENA Peer Educator. I am actively involved in international and local initiatives focused on climate resilience, environmental education, policy advocacy, and community development. My work aims to bridge research, policy, and grassroots action to promote inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.

I am the Founder and CEO of DAN AGRO, a food processing company based in Burkina Faso dedicated to improving nutrition and promoting local value addition. With a background in financial management, banking and auditing, I am passionate about building sustainable food systems and empowering women and smallholder farmers. Through DAN AGRO, I work to transform locally sourced crops into nutritious and affordable products while contributing to food security, women's economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. I am committed to creating positive impact through entrepreneurship and innovation.

I am an Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer passionate about sustainable agriculture, agribusiness development, and climate-smart innovations. My experience spans agricultural engineering, irrigation systems, hydroponics, environmental sustainability initiatives, and community engagement. I am committed to leveraging technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships to improve agricultural productivity and create opportunities for women and youth across Africa. Through my work and leadership initiatives, I strive to promote resilient food systems and sustainable economic growth within the agricultural sector.

Profile coming soon.

Cathrine Mashonganyika is a Zimbabwean agripreneur, youth leader, climate advocate, and women's economic empowerment champion with over five years of experience in agribusiness development, community mobilization, and youth engagement. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Amuzyd Investments Company trading as Nutrivibe Foods, an agribusiness enterprise focused on value addition, nutritious food products, and sustainable food systems. Cathrine has successfully trained and mentored over 2,000 young people in entrepreneurship, agroecology, climate-smart agriculture, and leadership through her work with youth-led organizations and community initiatives. She currently serves as an Outreach and Recruitment Fellow for the AgriPro Catalyst W Women Catalyst Fellowship 2026 and is actively involved in advancing women's participation in agribusiness across Africa. Her work focuses on food systems transformation, women's economic empowerment, youth development, climate resilience, and creating opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to sustainable development.

Profile coming soon.

Chinomso Onwukwe is an Agritech Entrepreneur and Customer Success Manager committed to transforming agriculture through innovation and technology. With expertise in Food Systems & Food Security, Agritech Entrepreneurship, and Business Automation for Small Businesses, She help agribusinesses build resilient value chains, improve operational efficiency, and adopt digital solutions that drive sustainable growth. Her passion lies in creating practical, scalable systems that empower farmers, strengthen food security, and enable small businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural ecosystem.

I am a MERA-Certified Electrical Technician & CEO of Chen Electrical Power Solutions, now serving as Content & Communications Fellow with AgriPro Catalyst W Malawi. I bridge technical solutions and agribusiness by documenting how power, irrigation, and post-harvest tech transform farmers’ lives. I create clear, practical content that helps agripreneurs adopt innovations, scale operations, and attract partners. Based in Lilongwe, I’m deadline-driven and committed to delivering measurable impact through storytelling and practical examples.

I am currently a Master's student in environmental Economics and Natural Resources Management, completed bachelor's of applied economics with the specialization of Rural development economics.

Clemencia Laadi Atengkpieng is a proactive and self motivated young lady who is passionate about community development, women and girls well-being, participation and agency on matters that affects them. As well as education access and equity for rural children. She is also an agripreneur and founder of GROWWELL360 GHANA LTD - An Agri- Service business that provides integrated livestock management services and support alongside farmer trainings and education to smallholder farmers in the livestock value chain.

Profile coming soon.

I build software that tackles two of the biggest climate-driven threats to African agriculture: post-harvest loss and crop disease. HarvestGuard is an early-warning system that flags post-harvest loss before it happens; CropDoctor uses machine learning to detect crop disease early enough to act on it. I'm a Software Engineering student at African Leadership University in Kigali, working at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and climate resilience, building the tools smallholder farmers need to adapt to a changing climate.

Duke Jesai is an Agricultural Economist and Agribusiness Development professional with over eight years of experience supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities across Kenya. His expertise spans agribusiness development, agricultural extension, market systems, stakeholder engagement, customer relations, and program coordination, with a strong focus on creating practical solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen agricultural value chains. As a Growth & Engagement Fellow with the AgriPro Catalyst W Fellowship, Duke contributes to expanding the program's reach by connecting high-potential women-led agribusinesses with transformative opportunities. He supports strategic outreach, communications, community engagement, and partnership visibility to ensure entrepreneurs across Africa can access the resources, networks, and market opportunities needed to grow resilient and competitive businesses. Driven by a passion for inclusive agricultural transformation, Duke believes that empowering entrepreneurs with knowledge, market access, and strategic partnerships is key to building sustainable food systems and accelerating economic growth. He is committed to fostering innovation, strengthening agribusiness ecosystems, and championing opportunities that enable African agriculture to thrive on a global stage.

I am a diploma holder in accountancy and bachelor of commerce who is passionate about agribusiness, particularly poultry farming and women empowerment.

I am Irahoza Evelyne NIYIGENA, an Agribusiness and Innovation enthusiast. I am passionate about sustainable agriculture, agribusiness development, and creating innovative solutions that improve agricultural systems in Rwanda. Through my academic experience and practical exposure, I have developed interests in research, market linkages, supply chain management, and supporting farmers through extension and business-oriented approaches. I am committed to contributing to the growth and transformation of the agricultural sector in my home country.

Faith Nuwagaba is an administrative professional with nearly seven years of front-office experience in a law firm. She recently graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, strengthening her skills in operations and project coordination. She is experienced in administrative support, stakeholder communication, and ensuring efficient day-to-day office operations.

Fridah Jebowen Keitany is a Kenyan entrepreneur, CPA, and business strategist with over 15 years of experience supporting SMEs and social enterprises. She is the Founder of NB Consultancy Ltd and Agrobot Solutions Ltd, where she champions financial inclusion, sustainable entrepreneurship, and AI-driven solutions for smallholder farmers. Her work focuses on empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, to build resilient businesses that create lasting social and economic impact.

I am an Economics and Geography graduate, researcher, and business professional with experience in research, administration, digital banking, and business. I am passionate about business development, economic growth, entrepreneurship, and using data-driven insights to create sustainable impact in Ghana and beyond.

I am a business development, outreach, and client engagement professional with over four years of experience turning relationships into results. I identify the right opportunities for the right people. I communicate them with clarity and follow through until they convert. That might mean a client signing an agreement, a founder accessing funding, or an applicant securing a place they didn't know existed. My core capabilities include campaign strategy, digital outreach, content creation, and community engagement. I track performance closely and use those insights to sharpen outreach into measurable growth. Outside formal work, I run a platform that curates and distributes opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, jobs, and grants, reaching a consistent, growing audience across social media. This reflects a long-standing commitment to opportunity access as a driver of economic and professional mobility. I approach every engagement with precision, consistency, and an outcome-first mindset.

Profile coming soon.

Profile coming soon.

I am a Business Analyst and Innovation Specialist with over 6 years of experience in agribusiness transformation, project management, and development consulting across Africa. My work focuses on supporting SME growth, strengthening agricultural value chains, and driving data-informed decision-making for sustainable development. I have worked with institutions including the African Union Commission, UNDP, and government ministries in agriculture, trade, and SME development, contributing to programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder coordination across multi-sector initiatives. Passionate about innovation-led entrepreneurship, I specialize in agribusiness development, SME investment readiness, and digital transformation in agriculture. I have also led and supported field-based programmes that have trained over 2,000 farmers and women cooperatives, helping strengthen rural livelihoods and improve market access. I am committed to building inclusive economic systems that empower women and youth entrepreneurs across Africa through practical, scalable, and impact-driven solutions.

I am an agribusiness professional, entrepreneur, and climate advocate with a background in agriculture and agricultural extension. I am the founder of Farmers First Consultancy Hub, where I support farmers through advisory services, agribusiness development, and market-oriented solutions aimed at improving productivity and livelihoods. My work focuses on sustainable agriculture, farmer training, crop production, and strengthening agricultural value chains. I collaborate with farmers, agro-dealers, and other stakeholders to promote practical and innovative solutions that enhance food security and increase farm profitability. As a climate advocate, I am passionate about promoting climate-smart agriculture and environmental sustainability. I actively encourage the adoption of resilient farming practices, efficient resource use, soil health management, and nature-based solutions that help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change while protecting the environment for future generations. Through my work, I strive to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and practical farming by providing reliable information, technical support, and business solutions that empower farmers, strengthen communities, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Profile coming soon.

Profile coming soon.

I am Thabita Niyibikora, a 25-year-old from Rwanda with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences. I have a strong interest in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. In 2020, I started poultry farming with 250 laying chickens, which helped me gain practical experience in farm management and small business operations. Together with my brother, I co-founded Murage Harvest, a project that processes and supplies quality planting materials (fruit seedlings) to farmers to support improved agricultural productivity. I have also been developing knowledge in avocado production as part of my interest in sustainable agriculture. I am passionate about combining my scientific background with agribusiness to create impactful, scalable solutions that support farmers and improve livelihoods.

Timilehin Faith Ola-Olowoyo is an Agricultural and Resource Economist, researcher, and project development professional with experience spanning agribusiness development, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and business strategy. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Ibadan, where her research focuses on innovation and sustainability within Nigeria’s aquaculture value chain. Timilehin holds a Master's degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics and was awarded the ACCEL-AFRICA research grant in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) for her work on rural livelihoods and child labour among cocoa farming households. Throughout her career, she has worked on projects and proposals involving development partners, government institutions, and private sector organisations, contributing to initiatives that promote sustainable development, agricultural transformation, and economic growth. Beyond her professional work, Timilehin is passionate about leadership development, youth empowerment, and innovative solutions to socio-economic challenges. She combines strong analytical, communication, and project management skills with a deep commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems in Nigeria and across Africa.

I am a Conservation Agriculturist, and founder of SoilSense Ltd. Passionate about sustainable agriculture, soil health, and empowering smallholder farmers through climate-smart and data-driven solutions that improve productivity and resilience.

Profile coming soon.