Local And Regional Founders Highlight Social Entrepreneurship To Tackle Food Security And Waste Issues

The Saudi Green Initiative Talks recently hosted a two-part series, "Food for Thought," focusing on the entrepreneurial paths of Charlot Magayi, founder and CEO of Mukuru Clean Stoves, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud, co-founder and CEO of Barakah. Both leaders showcased how social entrepreneurship can offer economically viable solutions that benefit health and the environment.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the dual challenges faced by Saudi Arabia regarding food security, with over 75% of food being imported, and the global issue of food waste contributing to 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions. He explained how Barakah is addressing these problems through an online marketplace that allows food and beverage retailers to sell surplus products safely to consumers.

"Our position at Barakah is that innovations within the space of FoodTech and AgriTech are not luxuries, but very much necessities," stated Prince Abdulaziz. He emphasized Barakah's dedication to sustainability with a goal to become a net-zero solution across the value chain. The company aims to save 10 million meals by 2025.

Charlot Magayi shared her journey in developing Mukuru Clean Stoves, which addresses household air pollution, reduces burn risks, and decreases fuel consumption for impoverished families in Africa. "I designed a stove that would solve all three issues," she said, drawing from her personal experience growing up in a home where cooking was done on open fires.

Magayi's stoves allow families to use 60% less fuel while cutting household air pollution by up to 90%, leading to significant changes. Made from recycled materials and using mosquito repellant briquettes to combat malaria spread, these stoves have prevented the emission of 930,000 tons of CO2 so far.

The efforts by these organisations reflect the diverse solutions supported by the Saudi Green Initiative. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s objectives to enhance quality of life while safeguarding the environment. The SGI Talks occur daily at 3pm in the SGI Pavilion.

The next session titled "Eye in the Sky" will feature Ministry of Energy sustainability expert Nora Abdulaziz AlSudairy and KAPSARC principal fellow Walid Matar.

With inputs from SPA