GHANA – Wanjo Foods, agro-processing company has won a US$25,000 investment prize at a pitch competition hosted by the Case Foundation in Accra.

The competition, dubbed “Pitch for Accra” brought together nine companies representing the entrepreneurial sector across a number of industries including fashion, agriculture, manufacturing and financial services.

Speaking at the event, philanthropist and founder of the Case Foundation, Mr Steve Case said “Accra is rising as a promising entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Africa and another proof point that Africa is open for business.”

He added, “Wanjo Foods is a testament to the increasing democratization of entrepreneurship and the idea that promising young companies can be found anywhere.”

The competition was supported by MEST, iSpace and Africa 2.0 as well as contributions from Iconic American entrepreneur, Mrs Jean Case.

It was judged by Jean and Steve Case and had representative from Oasis Capital, Mr Matthew Adjei. From Chanzo capital there was Mr Eric Osiakwan and Knowledge Channel was represented by Hanna Acquah.

Investments in Africa

The Case Foundation, pioneered by Jean and Case Steve have invested in a number of organisations in Africa. Although no cash equivalent has been put on it, these investments are driven by a belief in the role that entrepreneurs can play a major role in delivering African solutions not just for Africa, but for the world.

“We are proud to have been investing in Africa for more than a decade, largely through grants to innovative NGOs from the Case Foundation.

As believers in the idea that entrepreneurs and for-profit business models have a huge role to play in solving some of the world’s biggest problems, we are delighted to expand our support to innovators in the private sector through this week’s focus on entrepreneurship in Africa,” he said.

Their current investments include the Africa Angels Network (AAN), which focuses on investing in high potential African start-ups with a mission to fuel economic growth in Africa. Others include water for people, Sanergy, BlackIvy, Andela and others. GB

August 7, 15; http://graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/47369-wanjo-foods-wins-us-25-000-investment-prize.html