African companies commit US$ 2 million for nutrition and sustainability through the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge

Four companies based in Africa have joined the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge and announced their commitment to end hunger and malnutrition. With these four new pledges, valued at nearly US$ 2 million, a total of 70 companies have now committed US$ 642 million to projects in 50 different countries. These projects are designed to align with the evidence identifying the intervention areas having the greatest impact to end hunger. 

The pledge from the Association Agro-Industrie de Madagascar (AIM), which brings together Malagasy companies operating in the agro-industrial sector, is made on behalf of six of its members. The other pledge companies are ADI'GASY, Panovita and Truk Rwanda. 

Welcoming the new pledge companies 

The pledge from the Association Agro-Industrie de Madagascar (AIM) is made on behalf of its members Basan, Biochem, Henri Fraise Fils & Cie, Sahanala Madagascar, Star and Taloumis with the aim of empowering young entrepreneurs. It will provide workshops for members, training for farmers on registration and traceability methods and facilitate agricultural aggregation with approximately 5,000 new maize producers in the country.  

Watch a video with the Executive Director of AIM, Zo Ranaivomanana, who explains why AIM joined the Pledge. 

ADI'GASY Company is a start-up based in Madagascar that produces organic agricultural inputs aimed at enhancing productivity whilst preserving the natural ecosystem. It produces plant-based biopesticides (using neem) for distribution across the country.  

For its pledge, ADI’GASY will train producers in eco-friendly farming practices with the aim of reducing the use of harmful chemicals. It will also put in place initiatives to collect inputs used in biopesticide production with the aim of helping rural households generate additional income. 

Panovita Ltd is a Rwandan company specialises in producing affordable, nutrient-rich food designed to combat malnutrition and stunting, particularly among vulnerable. It sources its ingredients (maize, soybean, amaranths and eggs) locally from 12 cooperatives aggregating over 2300 farmers. These raw materials are processed into high-protein, vitamin-rich flour. 

For its pledge, Panovita Ltd will partner with the Rwanda Agriculture Board to produce fortified baby foods and collaborate with the country’s with Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to establish a food lab ensuring food safety compliance. 

Part of the Paniel Group, Truk Rwanda is a logistics and transportation company specialised in handling perishable goods. With its refrigerated trucks, Truk Rwanda transports meat and other foods across the country, keeping food fresh and safe.  

As part of its pledge, Truk Rwanda will focus on reducing post-harvest losses. It plans to make nutritious foods available to disadvantaged groups and transport avocados from farm to market. 

The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge welcomes these new commitments and calls on companies of all sizes and from around the world to help further the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition.