Denis Opudo
The Creating Shared Value (CSV) Prize 2018 has attracted participants from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Sub Saharan Africa. The projected entries will sum up to a maximum of 1000 entries. Among the 56, semi-finalists selected includes Ignitia Tropical, Farmeline, Moringa Connect and Saha Global from Ghana were on the list. The four Ghanaian Social Enterprises tend to advocate for rural development, economic opportunities, and Safe water. The Nestlé CSV prize was launched in 2010 to help in supporting enterprises dealing with rural development, water, and nutrition issues. The Prize funds seek to help the institutions to scale up the initiatives and creating an impact on the people lives. For instance, in 2014, South Sudan (Honey Care Africa) won the prize. Additionally, Cameroon Agro-Hub won the prize in 2016.
Saha Global enterprise supports local women to obtain affordable and clean water for domestic use. Farmerline aims at empowering farmers to access modern production skill, funds, market information and appropriate farm inputs. Moringa Connect seeks to mobilize farmers economically through market research. Ignitia Tropical seeks to improve rural agriculture by providing 48hours weather forecasting via SMS on a daily basis.
According to the Communications Manager for Ingitia, Rachel Way, it is a great privilege to participate in CSV prize. The enterprise current focus is to expand operations in West Africa as well as assisting local small-scale farmers. The CSV prize fund will help the institution to improve product delivery for future success.
Entrepreneur with Moringa Connect, Kwami Williams, emphasized that the Prize achievement will help the firm to empower farmers economically. Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Mrs. Freda Duplan on noted that most of the Nestlé CSV winners come from Africa. She added the continent has proved to be “power-hub of innovations” worldwide. She also congratulated the four Ghanaian enterprises for the great achievement and encouraged youths to emulate the effort.
The five lucky enterprises will be chosen to participate in Ashoka-led Impact Boot camp. The event will take place on 16th March 2018 in Brazil (Creating Shared Value Forum). The projected Prize is CHF 500,000 for the winner. The mandate of the Nestle is to “enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future”. The goal of CSV prize is to “bring positive social impact initiative that is commercially viable”
Observers can follow live 16 March Creating Shared Value Forum in Brazil ww.facebook.com/ashokaschangemakers.
