Ghanaian food-systems technology platform SankofaFresh is actively reducing post-harvest losses and connecting smallholder farmers to markets. This innovative approach addresses a critical challenge in agriculture, ensuring more food reaches consumers.
Globally, an estimated 30% to 50% of fruits and vegetables are lost between the farm and the market. Poor storage, transport delays, and cold chain disruptions cause these significant losses. For farming families, this waste directly translates into reduced incomes and wasted food resources.
SankofaFresh aims to close this gap by leveraging technology to improve fresh produce monitoring and storage. The platform also efficiently connects farmers with buyers. This initiative directly supports efforts to strengthen food security and nutrition across Ghana.
The platform has already been adopted by Leehouse and Chemical Ventures, a Ghanaian food manufacturing company. This partnership has helped reduce post-harvest losses while creating more reliable market opportunities for smallholder farmers. Such collaborations are vital for agricultural sector growth.
SankofaFresh was co-founded by Rhoda Osei-Nkwantabisa, Joshua Kojo Aduampong Mantey, George Arthur, and Rosemary Agbzo. Joshua Mantey, Co-Founder and Head of Data and Artificial Intelligence, leads the platform's cold-chain monitoring and farmer-to-market matching systems. His expertise ensures a data-driven approach to efficiency.
The platform's innovative approach has garnered international recognition. In 2026, SankofaFresh won the Audience Choice Award at the World Bank Group Youth Summit Pitch Competition. This award highlights the platform's significant efforts in reducing food waste and improving market access.
As Ghana and other nations continue to face food security challenges, SankofaFresh positions technology, data, and stronger market connections as essential tools. These tools ensure more of what farmers grow reaches the people and businesses needing it. This strengthens the entire agricultural value chain.
The company's work directly impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by providing more stable income streams. By reducing waste, it also contributes to a more sustainable food system. This model could be crucial for Ghana's economic development and food independence.
The integration of technology into agriculture, often called Agribusiness, is a growing trend. SankofaFresh exemplifies how digital solutions can solve long-standing problems. Their success demonstrates the potential for tech-driven solutions in Ghana's vital agricultural sector.
Future developments will likely focus on expanding the platform's reach to more farmers and buyers. Continued investment in such technologies will be key to Ghana's long-term food security goals. Policymakers and investors will watch these innovations closely.