Source: GNA
Students from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) have brought honour to Ghana after defeating teams from leading global universities including Princeton, Cambridge, and Arizona State to win the maiden Nkabom Africa Case Competition 2026.
The winning team, Eastside Sankofa Industries Ghana, outperformed competitors from Princeton University, the University of Cambridge, Arizona State University, the University of Ghana, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to emerge champions of the international contest, which focused on innovation, sustainability, and agribusiness solutions.
From Mango Waste to Marketable Products
The UESD students impressed judges with an innovative project designed to reduce post-harvest mango waste in Ghana. The project transforms surplus mangoes into juice, puree, snacks, cookies, and body butter – offering a practical, multi-pronged solution to a persistent agricultural challenge.
The team comprises Godson Etsri, Benjamin Ansu Anyame, and Aaron Tawiah Blagodzi. They received a cash prize of CAD 10,000 to support implementation and expansion.
The competition drew more than 100 entries globally, with only five teams reaching the grand finale. After rigorous assessments, the UESD team secured first place with 309 points.
The first runner-up position went to the Biotechnology for African Nutrition Collaborative, a joint team from the University of Ghana and KNUST, which received CAD 7,500 for its project on improving child nutrition through indigenous crops, micro-livestock, and school-based agricultural systems.
A Platform for Real-World Change
The awards ceremony was held at the Multi-Purpose Building Auditorium on the UESD campus in Somanya, attracting the university community, development partners, researchers, industry stakeholders, and representatives from McGill University.
Mr. Adam Turcotte, Associate Director of McGill University’s Sustainable Growth Initiative, commended participants for their creativity and commitment to solving real-world sustainability challenges. He said global challenges require young people who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop practical solutions.
“Curiosity, collaboration, and systems thinking are essential in addressing complex sustainability issues,” he said, urging students to focus on solutions with measurable impact. He noted that participation from globally recognised universities made the UESD victory even more remarkable.
Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, Registrar of UESD and Project Administrator of the Nkabom Collaborative-UESD, described the competition as a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship. She said the Nkabom Project is a 10-year initiative involving Ghanaian universities and international partners to empower youth through agribusiness.
Why Competitions Like Nkabom Are Progressive
The Nkabom Africa Case Competition represents a significant departure from traditional academic contests that prioritise theoretical knowledge over practical application. Several features make it genuinely progressive.
First, the competition tackles real-world problems. Post-harvest losses remain a critical issue across Africa, with up to 40 per cent of produce wasted in some regions. By challenging students to develop actionable business solutions rather than write abstract papers, Nkabom bridges the gap between classroom learning and community impact.
Second, the initiative democratises excellence. A relatively young Ghanaian university defeating Ivy League and Russell Group institutions sends a powerful message: innovation is not the preserve of wealthy, historic universities. When given the right platform, students from all backgrounds can produce world-class work. This challenges entrenched hierarchies in global higher education.
Third, the competition is embedded within a long-term framework. The Nkabom Project – meaning “togetherness” in Akan – is a decade-long partnership between McGill University, the Mastercard Foundation, and six Ghanaian institutions. This sustained commitment ensures that victories translate into lasting infrastructure, mentorship, and job creation rather than one-off accolades.
Finally, the focus on agribusiness and environmental sustainability aligns directly with Africa’s most pressing developmental needs. As climate change threatens food systems across the continent, competitions that incentivise green innovation and youth entrepreneurship are not merely academic exercises – they are essential investments in the continent’s future.
Speaking after the results, Aaron Tawiah Blagodzi of the winning team said the project could reduce food waste, create jobs, and improve livelihoods. Benjamin Ansu Anyame added that the victory has inspired them to aim higher.
Mr. Seth Emmanuel Terkper, Chairman of the UESD Governing Council, praised the students for addressing agricultural and food security challenges, while Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of UESD, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation through its core values.