Entrepreneurship

Africa’s Food Processors are Vital for the Continent’s Food Security. COVID-19 is Putting Them at Risk.

With the number of people facing life-threatening hunger in the world expected to double this year to 265 million, solutions addressing each link in the food system are essential. Drawing from TechnoServe's work across value chains with a range of public and private partners, we are highlighting the latest challenges, insights, and promising approaches in the current effort to prevent widespread food insecurity and build greater long-term resilience.

Grocery Shops Need Help to Weather the COVID-19 Storm

For people around the developing world, small shops are an important source of food and other essential goods. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, these shops have been under threat, leaving many people without a place to purchase affordable food. With the right support, these micro-retailers can stay in business and continue serving their communities.

In South Africa, Fashion and Entrepreneurship Offer Women a Way Out of Poverty

As a young girl, Thato Ditsele dreamed of owning her own fashion business. However, life as a young entrepreneur outside of Johannesburg was not easy, and she ran into challenges along the way. Eventually, her dream came true and she was able to start her own clothing line. Through TechnoServe’s Box Shop program, she gained practical knowledge about finance, marketing, and branding, which helped her increase sales by 50%.

In Kenya, Small Shops Facing their Own Challenges Give Back to the Community

For the past three years, TechnoServe has partnered with Citi Foundation to celebrate Global Community Day — an opportunity to give back to local communities through service. This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Citi is partnering with TechnoServe’s Smart Duka program to distribute care packages to children’s homes and senior homes in Nairobi, Kenya.