Proposals poured in for the second phase of the Capricorn Foundation Food Waste Challenge, launched in April 2023.
The Capricorn Foundation called for solutions to create or expand self-sufficient social enterprises (businesses) to address the issue of food waste in Namibia and create employment for Namibians.
Submissions for the challenge closed on 22 May 2023 and are regarded as a huge success, with 152 submissions made on an open innovation platform, with most submissions from Namibia and Botswana.
The proposals were evaluated on pre-defined criteria by a panel of experts. Five finalists were selected who are competing in the final round for the cash prize of N$100 000 from the Capricorn Foundation and a brand package valued at N$50 000 from Synergi.
The final proposals proved innovative, focussing on the sustainability of food resources, longer shelf life, preservation of nutritional value and additional protein sources.
The top finalists are:
The Impact Tank Analysis Foundation from Windhoek proposes a business idea of composting food waste at the household level, retail establishments, and the food service industry in Namibia using the iCompost technology that composts organic waste in six hours.
SuperFly Bio Converters CC from Windhoek focuses on sustainability, including food waste recycling, sustainable insect protein products, and natural fertiliser.
Ndinandali farm operating in Opuwo developed a unique approach to produce and preserve the nutritional value of fresh produce while extending its shelf life.
Nova Research Consultancy (NRC) from Walvis Bay wants to reduce hunger and create employment opportunities by using seafood heads and livers to produce food products for human consumption.
Eagle Foodhub App from Rundu offers an app to empower restaurants, shops, and individuals donate surplus food through their app and web platform, connecting them with food shelters and orphanages.
The overall winner will be announced on 13 July 2023.