#Uganda #Kampala #Sandra Namboozo #S Samuel Muyita #Karpolex

Tackling Food Waste with Innovative Solutions

Ugandan entrepreneurs Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita are making headlines as they secure a spot among the top ten innovators in the prestigious Young Inventors Prize 2025, awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO). Their notable achievement comes in light of startling statistics from the United Nations, indicating that over 1 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally each year, while nearly 783 million people face hunger. This stark contrast highlights the necessity for effective solutions to combat food waste and enhance food security, particularly in regions heavily impacted by agricultural challenges.

The Problem at Hand

According to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), food loss and waste contribute to 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. This alarming figure underlines the significant environmental impact of food wastage, which is not just a loss in terms of food but also a missed opportunity for farmers who struggle with post-harvest losses. Sandra and Samuel, who both hail from farming backgrounds, witnessed these challenges firsthand. Driven by their desire to create a sustainable impact in their community, they embarked on a mission to improve food preservation methods.

An Innovative Solution

Their startup, Karpolex, has introduced an innovative plant-based sachet that can extend the shelf life of fresh fruit by up to 30 days. This sustainable and biodegradable solution is designed to make it easier for farmers to maintain the freshness of their produce, thus reducing spoilage and increasing their profitability. The sachets work by releasing a blend of plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which play a crucial role in slowing down the ripening process and preventing spoilage.

The components, extracted from natural sources like cloves, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and wintergreen, effectively inhibit ethylene production — the gas responsible for acceleration in fruit ripening. This innovative approach not only keeps the fruits fresh but also provides protection against mould, fungi, and bacteria, offering a safer alternative to synthetic preservatives. As a result of pilot tests conducted in collaboration with Uganda's National Agricultural Research Organization, mangoes stored with the sachets showcased an impressive shelf life of 33 days, compared to just 11 days for untreated mangoes.

Impact on Farmers and the Community

Karpolax's effort is particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers in Uganda, where food insecurity is prevalent. By making their product affordable and accessible, Sandra and Samuel aim to ensure that local farmers can utilize these sachets, ultimately enhancing their earnings and reducing food waste significantly. In just three years, their startup has engaged over 100 farmers, 20 exporters, and 250 market vendors, and they continue to expand their reach.

A Vision for the Future

The duo's journey began at Makerere University in Kampala, where they found common ground in their passion for sustainability and innovation. They launched Karpolax in 2020 and are aiming to extend its success across Africa, targeting regions such as Kenya and Rwanda. Despite facing the challenges of starting a business from scratch, the encouragement from their university mentors fortified their resolve to succeed.

As innovators under the Young Inventors Prize, they embody the ideals of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically addressing Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Their technology represents a significant stride towards achieving these goals and inspiring a culture of sustainability within agricultural practices.

Looking Ahead

The Young Inventors Prize is set to announce the winners in a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025. This event aims not only to celebrate the innovative contributions of young inventors like Sandra and Samuel but also to highlight the transformative power of youth-driven solutions in combating global challenges.

The future holds limitless possibilities for Karpolex, as they expand their product offerings to include preservation sachets tailored for other fruits such as pineapples, capsicum, and berries. As they continue their journey, their innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability position them as leaders in the fight against food waste, serving both their community and the planet.

Conclusion

Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita's pioneering work represents a blend of entrepreneurship and social responsibility, showcasing how innovation can tackle some of the world's most pressing issues. As their story unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of sustainable food preservation is in capable hands, paving the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture and beyond.