Youth Ambassadors
AfriFOODlinks ambassadors
Meet the young people sharing food system stories from their cities and inspiring action—both online and in their communities—on the issues that matter to them.
Sharing diverse voices
AfriFOODlinks ambassadors are taking on urban food system challenges by working directly with their communities. They raise awareness, amplify voices that often go unheard, and lead hands-on city-level activations to make food systems more inclusive, sustainable, and fair.
Their efforts range from organising market tours and running environmental workshops to working closely with informal vendors like women fishmongers and vegetable sellers. These vendors play a vital role in bringing fresh, affordable produce to cities. By shining a light on their contributions and the challenges they face, the ambassadors push for better support and recognition for those facing significant challenges in their daily work in urban food systems.
Through storytelling, they share real-life experiences that highlight how urban food systems affect people’s everyday lives. These personal accounts don’t just inform—they give a glimpse into the mosaic of actors that drive urban food systems. They provide fresh perspectives, foster understanding, and encourage practical, community-driven solutions.
By combining action and advocacy, the project ambassadors are helping to reshape how we think about and manage urban food systems, one step at a time.
Meet the Hub City food ambassadors
Farida Tiemtore Sonia
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Bio: Je suis Farida TIEMTORE, juriste fiscaliste de formation basée au Burkina Faso plus précisément dans la ville de Ouagadougou. En parallèle à ma carrière en droit, je suis également une blogueuse engagée dans la promotion des initiatives féminines et présidente d’une organisation de jeunes filles dénommée ‘’ Le Réseau des Héroïnes du Faso ‘’ dédiée à la défense des droits des femmes. Je suis également une grande passionnée de bonne cuisine et de produits locaux. Mon amour pour la gastronomie m’a inspirée à m’intéresser de près aux systèmes alimentaires, en particulier au Burkina Faso. J’ai à cœur de mieux comprendre les enjeux liés à l’alimentation dans mon pays, et je suis enthousiaste à l’idée de contribuer à leur amélioration.
Sindile Kamlana
Cape Town, South Africa
Bio: Sindile Sydwell Kamlana better know as “Khofhi TheKing” is a passionate creative guide of the African Food & Storytelling Experience in Cape Town. The Experience aims to highlight the importance of African Cuisine and how to best sustain African restaurants in a rapidly gentrifying city. Sindile has been a vegetarian for 11 years, and is an advocate for healthy diets and a healthy lifestyle.
Sindile is also the founder of The Kasi Mayhem TV Non-profit Media Company that specialises in motion picture and social media content.
Christine Bonareri
Kisumu, Kenya
Bio: Christine Bonareri is the visionary founder and CEO of Mvuvi, a company revolutionizing the Fish processing industry around Lake Victoria with sustainable innovations. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry, she integrates her scientific expertise with a passion for food security and environmental sustainability. Under her leadership, Mvuvi’s flagship solar drying technology enhances fish processing, reducing spoilage and maintaining quality while minimizing environmental impact. Christine inspires young people to champion sustainable diets. Her leadership and innovative mindset drive impactful change and inclusive growth in the food sector.
Sam Wesamoyo
Mbale, Uganda
Bio: Sam is a professional agriculturalist with extensive experience in the animal and crop sectors. He specialises in strengthening local government systems through the Results-Based Financing Approach, which has proven instrumental in driving sustainable growth and development in agriculture. His work focuses on fostering resilience, improving productivity, and supporting communities reliant on agriculture as a livelihood.
In addition to his agricultural expertise, Sam is an experienced insurance professional. He is passionate about enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers by developing innovative climate resilience solutions. These initiatives aim to help farmers adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change, enabling them to better manage risks and safeguard their livelihoods. Sam’s combined expertise in agriculture and insurance positions him as a dedicated advocate for sustainable and inclusive development in the food system.
Adel Azouni
Tunis, Tunisia
Bio: Adel Azouni is a PhD student in geology applied to the environment at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunisia. He is also a radio host and editor-in-chief of an environmental programme on Radio Misk. Actively engaged in various initiatives for nature protection, Adel contributed to the EARTH’na collective, which developed a universal periodic report on environmental rights and development submitted to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2022. He has authored numerous articles on environmental and climate issues in Tunisia, published by the Tahrir Institute and the Baker Institute. In 2022, he was recognised by UNDP Climate as one of five young leaders in the Arab world inspiring hope in the fight against climate change, and in 2024, he was honoured with the African Activism Prize in Ghana by Africans Rising.
Meet the Sharing City food ambassadors
Kaylah Cordom
Windhoek, Namibia
Bio: Kaylah Cordom, an architecture student from Namibia, is an inspirational individual driven by creativity and social impact. As a content creator and author of “Our Story,” she inspires and connects with others, while also empowering youth as a motivational speaker. Additionally, as a founding member of the Inner Girl Foundation, she advocates for hygiene awareness and provides sanitary pads to underprivileged girls. Her talents in visual storytelling and advocacy shine through her role as director and screenwriter of “The Art of Colour,” recognised by the Namibian Film Commission. Engaging with Round Square, she broadens her worldview, earning recognition with a prestigious white blazer. Eagerly involved in projects like Afrifoodlinks, Kaylah is excited to make significant impacts on creative and social fronts.
Serigne Abass Mbathie (Abass National)
Dakar, Senegal
Bio: Abass National is a Senegalese entrepreneur committed to sustainable development, food security and social innovation. He holds a master’s degree in Territorial Governance and Sustainable Development and is the founder of Récolte Numérique Solidaire, a digital company that uses innovative solutions to combat food waste. As Director of Api Agro and ambassador for AfriFOODlinks, Abass represents Senegal in debates on African food systems. Passionate about environmental causes, he has been actively involved in reforestation initiatives, projects to combat coastal erosion and actions to help vulnerable populations. At the head of the Abass National Foundation, he works for education, access to water and the inclusion of people with disabilities. With a vision focused on innovation and social impact, Abass works for the sustainable development of territories, both in Senegal and internationally.
Tsiory Rakotondrainitomaho (Tiakaly)
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Bio: Tsiory, known as Tiakaly, is a food explorer and storyteller dedicated to uncovering the best eats in Antananarivo, blending humour and honesty to share unforgettable dining experiences. A full-time content creator since 2024, Tiakaly is on a mission to make food reviews engaging, authentic, and the ultimate guide for discovering where to eat next. Passionate about food, he is captivated by the entire universe it creates—the connections, exchanges, opportunities, and challenges it brings. Believing in the power of individual action, Tiakaly is convinced that everyone can contribute in their own way to improving the food system and enhancing the quality of life for all stakeholders involved.
Filbert Minja (Tumaini)
Arusha, Tanzania
Bio: Filbert Minja is an emerging filmmaker and Storyteller driven by a belief in the power of storytelling to engage, raise awareness and drive tangible impact in the community. Filbert creates compelling stories highlighting underrepresented communities, amplifying their voices, and championing cultural and environmental preservation. Recognized as among the Top 30 Under 30 individuals making an impact in their community by O.D. Impact Challenge 2023, Filbert advocates the creative industry’s potential to bring societal transformative change. His work is currently centred on conservation, community and cultural appreciation, integrating these themes with visual artistic expression to create a unique and impactful voice for positive change.
Fernandes Sozinho
Quelimane, Mozambique
Bio: Sozinho is a dynamic and dedicated social and environmental activist, whose work embodies a deep commitment to driving positive change locally and globally. His journey is defined by a diverse array of roles and contributions, all unified by his passion for fostering sustainable and equitable transformation.
Believing in the power of youth empowerment Sozinho advocates for cultivating a generation that is informed, engaged, and proactive in advancing environmental sustainability. He focuses on raising awareness about conservation, championing the preservation of natural resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Sozinho’s influence transcends traditional activism through his role as a talented art performer. His performances go beyond artistic expression, serving as powerful platforms to convey meaningful social messages. By integrating themes of human rights, social justice, and environmental issues into his art, Sozinho creates a unique and impactful way to engage audiences in critical conversations and inspire collective action.
Clementine Bakole Maroyi
Bukavu, DRC
Bio: Originaire de la ville de Bukavu dans l’est de la République Démocriqtique du Congo, Clementine est une jeune femme passionée de l’alimentation, de la production du vin et des techniques informatiques. Toujours prête à voir mes objectifs atteints, je suis aventureuse et pleine d’énergie de l’acquisition des nouvelles expériences et le goût des challenges. Enfinm, j’aime impacter ma communauté et je suis passionnée par le leadership communautaire. Dans mon temps libre je cuisine, ecoute la musique et passe du temps avec la famille et amis.
Mahamadou Chitou Mariama
Niamey, Niger
Bio: Mahamadou Chitou Mariama, étudiante en science politique et gestion de projets, passionnée de l’humanitaire, s’investit activement dans la sensibilisation et la mobilisation de la jeunesse. Son engagement en tant que bénévole se distingue notamment par son implication dans différentes actions promouvant une alimentation saine et durable, témoignant ainsi de sa volonté de contribuer à un avenir plus équitable et respectueux de l’environnement. En tant que membre du Comité des Jeunes Filles Leaders, elle œuvre avec détermination pour faire entendre la voix des jeunes filles et construire un monde meilleur pour les générations futures.
Womba Mufundi
Lusaka, Zambia
Bio: Womba Mufundi is a private chef based in the fast-growing city of Lusaka, known for her passion for introducing innovative food concepts that celebrate Zambian cuisine with a modern twist. She showcases the potential of locally sourced ingredients, blending traditional flavours with contemporary techniques to create dishes that honour her culinary heritage while embracing modern tastes. As a food entrepreneur, Womba runs her own catering business, where she champions sustainability through innovative waste management practices, clean energy use, and eco-friendly packaging. Her work extends beyond cooking, focusing on preserving and reimagining local food traditions while inspiring sustainable practices and fostering positive change within the food industry.
Awudu Amina
Tamale, Ghana
Bio: Awudu Amina is an entrepreneur and passionate advocate for indigenous culinary arts, Afrocentric heritage, and traditional practices. She promotes the value of traditional foods, natural building techniques, and eco-conscious lifestyles rooted in cultural authenticity.
As the host of unique food experiences, Amina shares the rich culinary heritage of northern Ghana with diverse audiences, showcasing the flavours, techniques, and stories behind traditional dishes. Her work celebrates the beauty and depth of African traditions, empowering communities to take pride in their heritage while keeping it alive and relevant.
Through her entrepreneurial initiatives, Amina bridges the past and the present, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. Her efforts ensure that the traditions of northern Ghana are not only preserved but shared with others in meaningful and engaging ways.
Omar Rahmouni
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Bio: Jeune originaire de la ville de Chefchaouen au nord du Maroc, est un professeur de l’enseignement primaire et acteur associatif dans la région de Chefchaouen. Sélectionné parmi les 50 meilleurs enseignants et acteurs associatifs au Maroc travaillant en milieu rural, il est également reconnu comme un guide énergétique par “AMEE” Agence Marocaine pour l’efficacité Énergétique. En octobre 2022, il a été élu président du conseil des jeunes de Chefchaouen, composé de 30 représentants d’associations de la société civile de la région.En plus d’être joueur d’échecs détient un Elo FIDE ( 1448 Blitz) , il est également entraîneur pour les jeunes dans ce domaine. Il est le directeur du projet associatif “Artistic Bleu”, visant à promouvoir les atouts touristiques, urbains et immatériels de Chefchaouen (folklore, artisanat, régime méditerranéen, etc.). il est moniteur et secouriste à la Croix-Rouge marocaine, participant à plusieurs missions bénévoles telles que l’aide aux victimes du séisme de Houz 2023 et la tentative de sauvetage de l’enfant Ryan 2022. En tant qu’animateur éducatif pour les enfants et les jeunes dans les camps d’été, il contribue également à l’organisation de plusieurs festivals nationaux et internationaux, notamment le Festival International d’Échecs de Chefchaouen, le Printemps de Chefchaouen, et le Festival International du Cinéma pour la Jeunesse.
Doriane Ouedraogo
Montpellier, France
Bio: Je suis Doriane Ouedraogo, ingénieure agroalimentaire de profession, créative et passionnée par la nutrition. Je mets à profit mon esprit d’innovation pour sensibiliser le public aux enjeux alimentaires. En effet, à travers mes pages que je gère sur les réseaux sociaux, je partage des informations sur l’alimentation, l’équilibre nutritionnel et les pratiques durables, avec une approche claire et pédagogique. Rigoureuse et engagée, j’inspire ainsi mon entourage à adopter des habitudes alimentaires plus saines et respectueuses de l’environnement, tout en contribuant à une meilleure compréhension des enjeux nutritionnels actuels.
Thibault Lejeune
Bruges, Belgium
Bio: Born in Ghent, I grew up in an urban outskirt of that city. A neigbourhood with a large Turkish community which I believe very much shaped my personality through friendships and ofcourse the food environment of such a neighbourhood. Captivated by the cuisine of my mother I decided to go to cookery school. Not satisfied with the four walls of the restaurant kitchen, I wanted to know more about the food supply chain and went on studying to end up with a master’s in food systems innovation. From there on I worked for Kookploeg Solidair. An organisation working on food insecurity in Ghent and Ostend. Nowaday I work at the Bruges Food Lab as coördinator of the network. Over 50 actors in the Bruges Food System that work together through Bruges Food Lab, all for a more sustainable urban food system. I also work at ArteveldeUAS as researcher in the proteïn shift. I still live in Ghent, a different neighbourhood, still one with a large Turkish community. I have a cute cat that attacks my feet, and I love to use my french fries bowl that my grandfather used to serve fries in on wednesday afternoons.
Francesca Allemano
Turin, Italy
Bio: I’m Francesca, I have a master’s degree in international cooperation and a deep love for food. To me, food is much more than just nourishment—it’s a powerful way to bring people together and strengthen connections between individuals and cultures.
For my master’s thesis, I focused on food policies and the circular economy for food. This, along with my work experience, has allowed me to engage with some amazing initiatives in Turin that are working every day to co-create more sustainable and responsible food systems. Along the way, I’ve learned that even small actions can make a big difference in creating a positive impact.