Omake Moment | with the Namibia Trade Network

Capricorn Foundation launches phase two of its Food Waste Challenge

The Capricorn Foundation launched phase two of their Food Waste Challenge (FWC) on 12 April 2023 in Windhoek following the successful conclusion of the Challenge run in 2022. This year's FWC seeks solutions that can create or expand self-sufficient Social Enterprises (businesses) to address the issue of food waste in Namibia and create employment for Namibians. The title of the Challenge is: How can we use Social Entrepreneurship to reduce Food Waste radically while creating employment opportunities?

In 2022 Namibia was ranked 78th out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Unfortunately, it has become an all-familiar sight in Namibia to see people scavenge for food at dumpsites across the country or begging for food on street corners. Through their open innovation platform, the Capricorn Foundation launched the first Challenge in 2022 with the aim of seeking solutions to reduce food waste effectively through which disregarded food that is still fit for human consumption can reach vulnerable people. Phase 2 of the Challenge will focus on how Social Entrepreneurship can contribute to not only addressing the challenge of food waste, but also how employment opportunities can be created in the process.

“As Connectors of Positive Change, we aim to uplift communities and form strategic partnerships with organisations to make a sustainable impact. The Capricorn Foundation proudly presents this year's Food Waste Challenge in collaboration with our official media partner Synergy Marketing PTY Ltd, the Gondwana Care Trust and Business Box Windhoek. This year, Social Entrepreneurs can explore business opportunities within the value chain of food production, food processing or food distribution that can positively impact communities and, in doing so, address the problem of food waste whilst being a catalyst for job creation," said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.

By combining Social Entrepreneurship with the social issue of food waste, the Capricorn Foundation seeks to construct a multiplier effect of creating employment and relieving hunger in Namibia. Through the Food Waste Challenge, the Capricorn Foundation aligns with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals and the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII). The Food Waste Challenge, with the focus on Social Entrepreneurship, addresses SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 1 – No Poverty.

The FWC is based on an open innovation platform, offering a cash prize of N$100 000 from the Capricorn Foundation plus a branding refresh and a marketing package from Synergi Marketing PTY Ltd worth N$50 000. Other project partners include Business Box Windhoek and the Gondwana Care Trust. Proposals can be submitted on Capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com by 22 May 2023. Proposals must address hunger through the reduction of food waste and create sustainable employment opportunities.

“Sharing information to empower our communities, Synergi Marketing believes that through our network, we will connect Namibians and international stakeholders to collaborate and take responsibility for food insecurity solutions and job creation in Namibia. We want to motivate and challenge other media institutions and stakeholders to take up this challenge and be the vehicle for positive change in Namibia. We congratulate the Capricorn Foundation on this remarkable initiative and are committed to telling the stories in whatever form, shape, or size," said Hennie Geldenhuys, Chief Marketing Officer of Synergi Marketing PTY Ltd.

Capricorn Group

Visit www.capricorntoodwastechallenge.skila.con enter. Enquiries can be directed to Rikus Grobler, ManagerInnovation of Capricorn Group at foodwastechallenge@capricorn.com.na