This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
July 10, 2019
John Oroko, a Kenyan social entrepreneur, has won the prestigious Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation Award for Sustainable Development. The award recognizes his company Selina Wamucii’s innovative work in connecting smallholder farmers across Africa to global supply chains.
Mr. Oroko received the award for his efforts in integrating smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities into global supply chains. The award was presented by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, and the Vice-President of Seychelles, Vincent Meriton, during the opening day of the Commonwealth Africa Innovation Ecosystem Workshop on the Seychellois Island of Mahe.
Mr. Oroko’s company, Selina Wamucii, has made significant strides in transforming agricultural value chains across Africa. Since its inception in June 2015, the company has enlisted over 7,000 farmers across the country who grow high-value food products, including fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, spices, and other agro-commodities. These products are then sold in markets across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Mr. Oroko’s philosophy is centered around creating lasting impact among communities. He believes that every human being who works hard deserves access to opportunities that enable them to live a life of dignity. His company’s innovative approach has improved farmers’ ability to meet global market standards, such as organic and good agricultural practices.
Looking ahead, Mr. Oroko aims to scale his company’s services to every African country, targeting East, Southern, Central, and North Africa. His success has already inspired a regional scale, with Selina Wamucii conducting soft launches and featuring smallholder produce from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique.
