Collins Sefa Kodu Technology, Delimush, Agri Mercab, and Wobil Technologies emerge as top innovators in agriculture and sustainability
The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) has announced the winners of its Grand Challenge Pitch 2025 — Kodu Technology Limited, Delimush, Agri Mercab, and Wobil Technologies. The event was funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through its West African innovation programme, Sankore.
Driving Innovation in West Africa’s Agricultural Sector
The Grand Challenge is a competitive programme designed to identify and support high-potential agricultural innovations capable of scaling and transforming food systems.
Under the Sankore Programme, the initiative aims to strengthen West Africa’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate impactful, commercially viable solutions across the region.
From 70 applicants, 30 innovators were shortlisted, and 12 finalists advanced to pitch their solutions before a panel of investors, experts, and project partners.
Strengthening Ghana–UK Collaboration in Innovation
Speaking on the selection process, Shirgade Laryea, Senior Trade Services Manager at the UKGCC, said the programme reflects a shared commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation between Ghana and the UK.
“Throughout the programme, the UKGCC and its partners — FCDO, Results for Development (R4D), and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) — sought to strengthen Ghana–UK partnerships in innovation while deepening our understanding of innovators’ needs and challenges,” she explained.
To prepare participants, UKGCC and its partners hosted innovation workshops and masterclasses in Accra and Kumasi in March 2025, attracting over 250 innovators. Sessions focused on commercialisation, investor readiness, and intellectual property protection.
Four Winning Innovations
Finalists were evaluated based on market readiness, proof of concept, scalability, potential for revenue generation, and impact.
Scores were validated by the Sankore Team, FCDO, private sector stakeholders, and the innovators themselves.
The top four winners are:
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Kodu Technology Limited – An agribusiness and social impact company producing eco-friendly sanitary pads from plantain and banana stems.
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Delimush – A food innovation enterprise transforming perishable crops such as mushrooms and tomatoes into chemical-free, shelf-stable foods lasting up to two years.
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Agri Mercab – A waste management company converting organic waste into valuable resources using community-based black soldier fly (BSF) facilities.
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Wobil Technologies – An agritech firm reducing post-harvest losses with climate-smart, locally made agricultural machinery.
Judges Praise Youth-Led Innovation
Dorcas Amoah Lartey, Marketing Strategist and Customer Experience Enthusiast, who served as a judge, described the experience as inspiring and hopeful.
“It was eye-opening to see how much innovation is coming from Ghana’s youth,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see young people developing solutions for agriculture. Whether they won or not, I urge all participants to apply the feedback they received and keep refining their ideas — each of them has a bright future.”
Support and Next Steps for Winners
The winners will receive a comprehensive commercialisation support package, including strategic guidance, mentorship, and capacity-building assistance to strengthen market readiness and scalability.
As the Sankore initiative enters its next phase, the UKGCC and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering collaboration between Ghana and the UK.
By supporting these standout innovators to scale their solutions, the programme continues to strengthen West Africa’s innovation ecosystem and drive sustainable agricultural growth across the region.
