Local Innovation Takes Center Stage for Food Security and Resilience: IGNITE Food Systems Challenge 2.0 in Ethiopia

Twelve promising innovators from Ethiopia’s Somali and Tigray regions gathered in September to pitch innovative solutions aimed at transforming food systems and building resilience. The pitch created a platform for enterprises that have innovative and community-driven solutions to tackle food insecurity in Ethiopia.

The event marked a key milestone in IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge, a flagship initiative led by the World Food Programme (WFP) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (DANIDA). The challenge, now in its second round, builds on the success of its inaugural edition in Afar and Amhara, where six agri-SMEs received equity-free grants and technical support. This year, the focus shifted to the Somali and Tigray regions, areas deeply affected by climate shocks, conflicts and systemic food system vulnerabilities. 

The 12 semi-finalists, selected from a competitive pool of applicants, presented innovations spanning agricultural productivity, value addition, post-harvest management, digitization, and market access. Each team had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and presented their solutions for a more food-secure and resilient Ethiopia.

Of the 12 strong pitches, seven finalists were chosen based on a rigorous evaluation process that considered innovation potential, scalability, impact on food systems resilience, potential for integration with WFP and partner programmes, and business viability. The selected teams demonstrated not only strong technical solutions but also a clear understanding of local challenges and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable development.

What’s at Stake

The seven winners of the challenge will receive up to 30,000 USD in grant funding, access to acceleration support, market linkages, and connections to investment opportunities including the World Food Invest – WFP's new impact fund aimed at supporting private sector role in food systems transformation. 

As the selected ventures move into the acceleration phase, they will receive tailored technical support to refine their business models and prepare for scale. The ultimate goal is to integrate successful innovations into WFP operations and national food systems, ensuring lasting impact.

With climate change and food insecurity posing urgent threats, IGNITE 2.0 demonstrates the critical role of local innovation in building resilient, nutrition-sensitive food systems and ensure a more food-secure future for Ethiopia.