Nigeria’s Roberta Edu-Oyedokun, founder of Moppet Foods, has clinched the Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise Award at the 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), marking a milestone moment for Nigerian innovation in food systems.
As the only Nigerian recipient at this year’s ceremony, Edu-Oyedokun was celebrated for turning locally sourced, biofortified crops into high-quality, nutrient-rich foods tailored for children. Her pioneering work underscores the importance of value addition in reshaping Africa’s food supply chain.
The awards were unveiled during the Africa Food Systems Forum (#AFSForum2025), honoring six remarkable women who are transforming agribusiness across the continent.
From Personal Concern to Global Impact
Edu-Oyedokun’s entrepreneurial journey began with a mother’s frustration over chemical-filled baby foods. That spark grew into Moppet Foods, which now carries international recognition. Earlier this year, the brand became the first Nigerian children’s food company to secure shelf space in Walmart stores across the United States—a groundbreaking achievement for the sector.
Reflecting on her award, she said:
“I am still overwhelmed by God’s grace. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to every Nigerian woman striving against the odds. It affirms Moppet’s dedication to global standards of nutrition, safety, and sustainability.”
Her story is particularly symbolic in today’s challenging economic climate, highlighting the resilience and potential of Nigerian women entrepreneurs.
A Cross-Continental Celebration of Innovation
The 2025 WAYA awards in Dakar spotlighted women leaders from diverse fields. Other winners included:
-
Mathildah Amollo (Kenya) – Grand Prize, Greatlakes Feeds Ltd
-
Juliet Kakwerre N Tumusiime (Uganda) – Women Empowerment Champion
-
Julienne Olawolé Agossadou (Benin) – Resilient & Inspirational Leader
-
Joyce Waithira Rugano (Kenya) – Female Ag-Tech Innovator
-
Onicca Sibanyona (South Africa) – Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star)
“Across every category, these women turned barriers into breakthroughs,” said Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA. “They prove that resilience and innovation are thriving in Africa’s food systems.”
Beyond an Award: A Message of Possibility
For Edu-Oyedokun, the recognition represents more than a personal victory—it is a beacon for women across Africa who are determined to build businesses with both economic and social impact. Her transition from IT professional to food entrepreneur highlights the powerful intersection of digital strategy, business acumen, and purpose-driven innovation.
The WAYA awards, driven by AGRA’s VALUE4HER initiative, attracted nearly 2,000 applications this year, showcasing a growing wave of women-led enterprises that are tackling food waste, boosting nutrition, and creating jobs across the continent.
Edu-Oyedokun’s success is a reminder that with vision, persistence, and commitment, African women are not only participating in agribusiness—they are leading its transformation.
