NAIROBI, Kenya April 8 – Phyian Karinge from Agribora emerged as the as the winner of the Melanin Stars Summit held by Melanin Kapital in partnership with Absa Bank, the African Guarantee Fund, and AFAWA from the African Development Bank.
Karinge was awarded Sh8 million in grant support by GIZ during the inaugural event held under the Tuungane Program, which showcased the brightest businesses from the Melanin Kapital fintech platform to leading banks and private investors.
Phyian topped the list of Top Innovation in Climate Smart Agriculture in the Melanin Stars Summit under its flagship event, ‘Tuungane Program’, focusing on gender-inclusive and environmentally positive ventures.
Claire Van Enk from Farm2Feed emerged second in the list of Top Innovation in Climate Smart Agriculture winning a Sh4 million grant supported by GIZ.
Anita Shah from Green Stem Products received Sh200,000 worth of influencer marketing under the Top Pitch in the Green Economy, while Shamim Quresh from Koro Gaia rocked the Top Pitch in the Creative Economy award.
Kevin Bett from Neruva Technologies was also awarded Sh200,000 after topping the list of the most promising entrepreneurs.
The Program offers a platform for businesses that strive for positive environmental and social impact but lack access to critical financing and investor networks.
“By bringing these businesses face to face with potential investors, Melanin Kapital who usually facilitate financing through its technology, aimed to facilitate real-life investment opportunities, furthering financial inclusion to green and gender inclusive businesses.”
It also targeted entrepreneurs dedicated to creating positive change, particularly in green and gender-inclusive spaces in the country.
