From over 2,000 global applications spanning 113 countries, Ecorich Solutions Limited, a Kenyan agritech startup, has made it to the Top 10 finalists in the UAE FoodTech Challenge 2025. The international competition, held in Abu Dhabi, seeks groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of food security worldwide. This recognition not only marks a major milestone for Ecorich Solutions but also highlights Africa’s growing potential to lead in sustainable technology and climate-smart agriculture.
The FoodTech Challenge targets early-stage startups and university-based innovators working to address two critical issues: food production and food loss and waste. With a total prize pool of USD 2 million, the competition offers winners access to cash awards, R&D support and acceleration programs that will help scale their solutions. For Ecorich Solutions, this global platform represents an opportunity to showcase how African innovation can address both waste management and food insecurity at once.
Turning Waste into Wealth
At the heart of Ecorich’s success is its pioneering invention, the WasteBot, an AI-enabled household waste decomposer that converts organic waste into affordable organic fertilizer within just 24 hours. Designed and developed in Kenya, the WasteBot represents a major leap in sustainable waste management and agricultural productivity.
Unlike conventional fertilizers that are often costly and environmentally damaging, Ecorich’s fertilizer is 70% cheaper and completely organic. This affordability makes it accessible to smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of Africa’s agricultural workforce. The result is a more sustainable and inclusive approach to food production that not only boosts yields but also helps restore soil health.
“Our goal is to convert organic waste into organic fertilizer, promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction and a self-sustaining agricultural system,” explains Joyce Waithira Rugano, Founder and CEO of Ecorich Solutions.
Through WasteBot, Ecorich is closing the loop between urban waste and rural farming. The technology ensures that what was once harmful waste becomes a valuable farm input, reducing pollution, supporting farmers and contributing to climate resilience.
Empowering Communities and Farmers
Ecorich’s model goes beyond technology. The company has built an ecosystem of awareness, education and empowerment to ensure the benefits of its innovation reach every level of society.
To promote sustainable waste management, Ecorich runs door-to-door sensitization programs that educate communities, particularly women and youth, about recycling and its benefits. By turning households into active participants in the recycling process, the company is creating a shared sense of responsibility toward a cleaner environment.
Ecorich also conducts training programs for farmers through workshops and school outreach sessions. With the support of professional agronomists, these programs teach farmers about crop selection, soil management and effective fertilizer use. The result has been remarkable. More than 75% of farmers using Ecorich’s fertilizer have reported yield increases of up to 40%, with many doubling their returns thanks to lower input costs and healthier soil.
Beyond agriculture, Ecorich is tackling urban challenges. Rapid urbanization has led to large quantities of organic waste ending up in landfills, producing methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. By using WasteBot technology to convert organic waste within a day, Ecorich helps reduce these emissions while creating economic opportunities. The company’s efforts have already recycled over 40,000 tons of waste, impacting 4,000+ farmers, 3,000+ women and creating over 120 jobs.
Building a Climate-Smart and Inclusive Future
Ecorich Solutions is more than a business; it is a movement for sustainable change across Africa. Founder Joyce Waithira Rugano has made it her mission to tackle two pressing challenges, urban waste pollution and the lack of affordable fertilizer for smallholder farmers.
With a background in Business Management, Joyce has led the establishment of waste recycling hubs in informal settlements, creating income opportunities for more than 550 women and youth. Her leadership and vision have been recognized globally, with awards from Ernst & Young, the Global Resilience Partnership and the Women in Agribusiness Awards.
Her approach blends innovation with inclusivity. By integrating women and young people into the value chain as village champions, Ecorich ensures that its impact goes beyond environmental benefits, it uplifts communities economically. These champions play a key role in fertilizer distribution and awareness, earning income while contributing to sustainable change.
The company’s achievements reflect the transformative power of African-led innovation in solving local and global problems. By turning waste into wealth and empowering smallholder farmers, Ecorich is setting an example for how technology can drive environmental sustainability, food security and economic empowerment all at once.
As Joyce prepares to represent Kenya and Africa at the UAE FoodTech Challenge, she carries with her the story of a continent rich in ideas and resilience. “I am not just building a company; I am building a movement to transform how Africa tackles waste, food insecurity and unemployment,” she says. “Real change begins when we dare to innovate with purpose and I am here to lead that change.”
The recognition of Ecorich Solutions among the top 10 FoodTech innovators globally is more than an individual achievement. It is a signal that African startups are ready to take their place in the global innovation landscape, offering practical and impactful solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.
