Under the bright lights of a bustling conference hall, a passionate entrepreneur from Nairobi took the stage, shedding light on a pressing issue that intertwines waste management and food security in Africa. Speaking from his experience in the waste sector, he highlighted the stark reality faced by many Kenyans who rely on the Dandora Dam site not just for their livelihoods, but also for their meals—often scavenging through trash.

His message was clear: food waste is a significant contributor to hunger, and it is inhumane for some to discard food while others suffer from starvation. He emphasized that the root causes of food waste stem from systemic issues, including inadequate infrastructure and cold chain systems, which are often overlooked by governments.

The entrepreneur urged a shift in perspective, calling for investment in Africa-based solutions to tackle Africa's unique challenges. He pointed out the paradox of a continent rich in arable land yet labeled as food insecure. “It’s time we folded our sleeves and actually got the job done,” he declared, advocating for support of small farmers and local distribution networks.

His impassioned plea resonated with the audience, as he encouraged Africans to move away from dependency on aid and towards self-sufficiency through commerce and innovation. “The person with the problem is the person with the solution,” he concluded, leaving attendees with a sense of urgency and empowerment.

As the meeting transitioned to a lighter note with a musical performance from the Yared School of Music, the discussions on creativity and innovation in addressing food systems continued to linger in the air, highlighting the potential of young changemakers to drive meaningful change in their communities.