Paragraph 1: From Classroom to Agribusiness: The Genesis of Tomavi Wines
Three University for Development Studies (UDS) alumni, Firdaus Mohammed Awal, Issah Muleikatu, and Ramzi Badrun Wunnam, have embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that intertwines their academic backgrounds in healthcare and nutrition with a passion for addressing food insecurity in Ghana. Inspired by the UDS Third Trimester Field Practice (TTFP) Programme, which encourages practical skills and community development, they founded Tomavi Wines, a startup agribusiness producing premium wines and non-alcoholic beverages from surplus tomatoes. This innovative venture aims to tackle post-harvest losses, support smallholder farmers, and offer healthier beverage alternatives. Their shared vision emerged from witnessing the plight of tomato farmers facing significant losses due to spoilage and limited market access. Recognizing the nutritional value of tomatoes, they envisioned transforming this perishable produce into a shelf-stable and marketable product.
Paragraph 2: The Founders: A Blend of Expertise and Vision
The Tomavi Wines team comprises a diverse skill set, each member contributing unique strengths to their shared enterprise. Firdaus, a registered nutritionist with a BSc in Community Nutrition from UDS, serves as CEO, bringing his experience as a research assistant and his understanding of tailored diets from his time at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Muleikatu, a pharmacy student with a flair for marketing and branding, takes on the role of Chief Marketing Officer, drawing on his experience in student politics and his previous entrepreneurial venture on campus. Ramzi, a final-year Physician Assistant student with a keen understanding of finance, rounds out the team as Chief Finance Officer, leveraging his experience managing his father’s business and providing financial counsel to his student association. This blend of healthcare, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit forms the core of Tomavi Wines’ leadership.
Paragraph 3: Turning Surplus into Solution: The Tomavi Wines Innovation
Tomavi Wines’ core innovation lies in transforming surplus tomatoes, often destined for waste, into a range of appealing beverages. Their process minimizes additives, preserving the natural nutritional benefits of tomatoes while creating a product that caters to consumer preferences and meets quality standards. This approach directly addresses the challenge of post-harvest losses, providing a sustainable market for tomato farmers, particularly smallholders, and contributes to food security by ensuring that excess produce is utilized effectively. Furthermore, Tomavi Wines aims to offer a healthier alternative to the prevalent sugar-laden beverages in the Ghanaian market, aligning with the founders’ backgrounds in nutrition and their commitment to promoting public health.
Paragraph 4: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Support, and Achieving Recognition
The entrepreneurial journey for Tomavi Wines, like any startup, has been marked by challenges, particularly in securing capital and resources—a common hurdle for young entrepreneurs in Ghana. However, their innovative concept and dedication have garnered support from institutions like the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), which, with funding from the Mastercard Foundation, has provided crucial assistance in bringing their vision to fruition. This support has enabled them to commence sales and begin making a tangible impact on the lives of tomato farmers. Their success was further recognized with their victory in the 2024 Kosmos Innovation Center Agritech Classic Finals Pitch Competition, a significant milestone that underscores the potential of their venture.
Paragraph 5: Scaling Up and Empowering: A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Tomavi Wines envisions significant growth within the next five years, aiming to scale up production, expand their operations across Africa, and become a leading producer and exporter of tomato-based beverages. Their strategic plan involves building strong partnerships with farmer groups, hotels, investors, and stakeholders in the food and beverage industry. Beyond their own business success, the founders are passionate about empowering other young entrepreneurs through training and mentorship. They advocate for greater government and private sector support for youth innovation, emphasizing the integration of entrepreneurship into education and increased investment in skills development programs.
Paragraph 6: Perseverance, Partnership, and the Pursuit of Impact: The Tomavi Wines Ethos
The story of Tomavi Wines exemplifies the power of youth-led innovation, driven by a commitment to social impact. The founders’ advice to aspiring entrepreneurs underscores the importance of perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision. Their “when there’s a will, there’s a way” motto reflects their determination and the intrinsic reward of the entrepreneurial journey. As they look to the future, Tomavi Wines remains open to collaborations with investors, international organizations, and industry partners who share their commitment to reducing food loss, empowering farmers, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Their journey serves as an inspiration for other young African entrepreneurs seeking to create positive change through innovative solutions.
