World Food Programme Graduates 70 Young Innovators to Provide Innovate Digital Solutions to Address Food Insecurity

The first cohort of 70 young innovators under the Code4FoodSecurity Fellowship Programme has graduated after completing intensive training in artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning and digital innovation aimed at addressing food security challenges.

Funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and implemented by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with Blossom Academy, the initiative equipped young people with advanced digital skills to develop technology-driven solutions for stronger food systems and to transform Ghana’s digital agenda. Participants created capstone projects addressing challenges such as post-harvest losses, market inefficiencies and limited access to agricultural data.

Speaking at the event, WFP Country Director Aurore Rusiga said innovation and technology are critical to building food systems that are efficient, inclusive, sustainable and resilient.

She noted that the country’s food systems continue to face a range of interconnected challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, rising production costs, post-harvest losses, market inefficiencies and limited access to timely information.

According to her, these challenges require new approaches to how food is produced, stored, processed, transported and marketed, making it important to place young people at the centre of efforts to transform agriculture and food systems.

Ms. Rusiga said the programme began in January this year with 70 participants and expressed satisfaction that all fellows successfully completed the training. She commended Blossom Academy, trainers, mentors and technical experts who supported the fellows and delivered what she described as a rigorous and industry-relevant learning experience.

She said that beyond acquiring technical skills, participants were required to apply their knowledge to real-world food system challenges through capstone projects, demonstrating their ability to move from learning to practical problem-solving. “The projects showcased innovative approaches to addressing food security challenges while highlighting the role digital technologies can play in improving agricultural productivity and food systems management,” she added.

Ms. Rusiga further disclosed that 16 fellows secured employment before completing the programme, describing the development as evidence of the strong link between digital skills training and job creation.

The Country Director thanked the Government of the Republic of Korea and KOICA for supporting the initiative, noting that the investment contributes not only to the careers of the fellows but also to Ghana’s capacity to harness digital innovation to strengthen food security and resilience.

She urged the graduating fellows to continue learning and adapting to technological change, using their skills to drive innovation, strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods.