In all our years of organizing the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum, never have we witnessed such instant and dynamic connections among participants as in this 8th edition. The event not only fostered meaningful collaborations but also spurred initiatives that exemplify the power of like-minded individuals coming together.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all attendees for their active engagement. Your enthusiasm, particularly during the breakout discussions on the three top priorities for Africa’s agrofood sector, made the event truly impactful. These discussions underscored the immense potential of the African diaspora to shape and transform the agrofood sector.

Your contributions highlighted the pivotal role of diasporas as catalysts for development—preserving and promoting indigenous food systems for the benefit of African communities while creating immense opportunities for innovation and growth.

Key Highlights from the Forum
This year’s forum tackled critical topics, including:

• Policy planning with sustainability at its core: Exploring strategies to ensure a resilient and inclusive agrofood future.
• Pathways to accessing support and partnerships: Identifying key components for entrepreneurial success and long-term impact.

A resounding message emerged from all discussions: despite challenges, African diaspora entrepreneurs must remain focused on their goals. By fostering collaborative partnerships, they can unlock new opportunities, build resilient networks, and drive impactful growth not just in Africa but also in their places of residence.

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Picture: Ms Kanté flanked by two African Diaspora Entrepreneurs that spoke at ADAF24, Ms Adiogo of Glim Africa, France and Ms Diallo of Gamaal, United Kingdom.

Ms Maimouna Kanté, founder of Maison Kanthé France, has been named the Food Bridge's 2024 African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur of the Year. This award, presented at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum and sponsored by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs Belgium, celebrates African diaspora agrofood entrepreneurs who make significant community impacts and show strong potential for growth.

During the award presentation,  Mr Bjorn Macauter, General Manager of Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs, highlighted the impressive social impact of the five nominees, all of whom are women. Kanthé stood out as the winner due to her business’s scalability across multiple countries.

In her acceptance speech, Kanté shared that the name of her tea brand honors her heritage and Africa’s rich resources, which she aims to share with tea lovers and connoisseurs worldwide. Kanthé’s offerings include 100% African teas, infusions, and honeys sourced from premium plantations in Malawi, Mali, Rwanda, Guinea, South Africa, and Togo.

Learn more about Kanthé and other notable entrepreneurs in the 2024 Compendium of African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneurs, published by The Food Bridge vzw and the European Global Diaspora Facility.