Creators’ Spotlight on Mathias Charles Yabe: A Visionary in AgriTech
In the heart of Ghana, Mathias Charles Yabe is quietly revolutionizing agriculture in a way that feels both simple and profound.
As the Founder and CEO of AkoFresh, his mission goes beyond running a business. It’s about changing the way farmers live, work, and sustain themselves. His story is one of purpose and innovation, woven into the very fabric of rural communities.
Mathias's breakthrough comes in the form of solar-powered cold storage units, an invention that might seem small but is having a massive impact. Before AkoFresh, farmers had a short window, just five days to sell their fruits and vegetables before they spoiled. Now, thanks to his technology, that window has stretched to an impressive 21 days. This isn’t just about keeping food fresh longer; it’s about giving farmers the breathing room they need to reduce waste, earn more, and better adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. It’s a solution that’s as practical as it is powerful, and it's already helping hundreds of farmers reshape their futures.
But Mathias’s drive to make a difference doesn’t stop at agriculture. When the pandemic hit, it highlighted another gap; access to education, especially for students with disabilities. Rising to the challenge, Mathias developed a virtual learning platform tailored to hearing-impaired students. The platform reached over 850 students and brought much-needed inclusivity to a time of isolation. For this, he earned recognition through the Ford Motor Company Fund COVID-19 Challenge Award, a nod to his relentless dedication to making sure no one is left behind. Beyond the award, the initiative stands as a testament to Mathias’s belief that real change comes when everyone is included.
His influence extends into education through his role as the Country Coordinator for the Hult Prize in Ghana. Here, Mathias nurtures the entrepreneurial dreams of college students, helping them craft ideas that have the potential to spark social change. It’s clear that he’s not just leading by example; he’s creating pathways for others to follow.
The world is starting to take notice. Mathias has been named a Top Innovator by the World Economic Forum and has received accolades from prestigious organizations like UNICEF and the Kofi Annan Foundation. As a finalist for the Global Student Prize, his work is being celebrated not only for its ingenuity but for its heart.
And yet, Mathias is far from done. His plans for AkoFresh are growing, with his sights set on expanding into neighboring Burkina Faso. But for him, it’s not just about scaling a business; it’s about building something bigger, sustainable food systems that empower communities and create lasting change across the region.
Mathias Charles Yabe is more than an entrepreneur; he’s a storyteller, weaving together solutions that uplift others. Through AkoFresh, he’s creating a narrative of hope, resilience, and possibility, reshaping not just agriculture, but the future of entire communities across Africa.
