The Capricorn Foundation recently launched phase two of their Food Waste Challenge (FWC) following the successful conclusion of the Challenge run in 2022.
This year’s FWC seeks solutions that can create or expand self-sufficient Social Enterprises (businesses) to address the issue of food waste in Botswana and Namibia and create employment. The title of the Challenge is: How can we use Social Entrepreneurship to reduce Food Waste radically while creating employment opportunities?
Capricorn Foundation is Capricorn Group’s vehicle for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Capricorn Group is Bank Gaborone’s parent company, which is a diversified financial services group with interests in banking, asset management and insurance.
In 2022 Botswana was ranked 86th out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index. In 2022, the Capricorn Foundation initiated its inaugural Challenge through its Open Innovation Platform, with the objective of discovering solutions to effectively lessen food waste. The FWC is focused on finding ways to redirect unused food, which is still suitable for human consumption, towards individuals who are considered more vulnerable. Phase 2 of the Challenge will focus on how Social Entrepreneurship can contribute to not only addressing the challenge of food waste, but also how employment opportunities can be created in the process.
“As Connectors of Positive Change, we aim to uplift communities and form strategic partnerships with organisations to make a sustainable impact. This year, Social Entrepreneurs can explore business opportunities within the value chain of food production, food processing or food distribution that can positively impact communities and, in doing so, address the problem of food waste whilst being a catalyst for job creation,” said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.
By combining Social Entrepreneurship with the social issue of food waste, the Capricorn Foundation seeks to construct a multiplier effect of creating employment and relieving hunger in Botswana and Namibia. Through the Food Waste Challenge, the Capricorn Foundation aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Food Waste Challenge, with the focus on Social Entrepreneurship, addresses SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 1 – No Poverty.
The FWC is based on an open innovation platform, offering a cash prize of P72,000.00 from the Capricorn Foundation, plus a brand refresh and a marketing package from Capricorn Foundation partners, Synergy Marketing PTY Ltd worth P36,000.00. Proposals can be submitted on Capricornfoodwastechallenge.skild.com by 22 May 2023. Proposals must address hunger through the reduction of food waste and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Speaking on the Challenge, Bank Gaborone Head: Marketing & Corporate Communication Services Duduetsang Chappelle-Molloy added, “We believe that by combining Social Entrepreneurship with the issue of food waste, we can create a ripple effect of positive impact. Our Food Waste Challenge seeks to not only address the problem of food waste, but also create employment opportunities through the development of self-sufficient Social Enterprises.
