World Vegetable Center signs an MoU Equity Bank Foundation

On September 4, 2024, a significant partnership was formed between the World Vegetable Center
and the Equity Group Foundation. They signed an agreement to join forces in improving lives by
enhancing food and nutrition security, boosting climate resilience, and creating job opportunities
through the transformation of vegetable value chains in eastern Africa.

Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of the Equity Group Holdings Limited, and Dr. Marco Wopereis, Director General of the World Vegetable Center, marked this important moment during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. This new collaboration is expected to make a big impact across East Africa, thanks to the combined reach and expertise of both organizations.

Dr. Gabriel Rugalema, Associate Director of the World Vegetable Center Africa, highlighted the
partnership’s potential to transform lives particular creation of employment and generation of
income for women and youth in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. He pointed out that while
vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, they also need knowledge and financial support to
thrive. This partnership aims to provide that support, helping farmers access the resources they
need to create jobs and improve their communities.

The agreement supports several key goals: reducing poverty (SDG1), enhancing food and nutrition
security (SDG2), promoting gender equality (SDG5), driving sustainable economic growth and
decent work (SDG8), and tackling climate change (SDG13).

The signing ceremony was attended by a diverse group of experts, including scientists, financiers,
entrepreneurs, and nutritionists, all invested in improving African and global food systems.