#AfriFOODlinks
Transforming urban food systems
Transforming South Africa’s urban food system by building a multi-stakeholder network of changemakers addressing food security challenges.
Our Mission
The AfriFOODlinks programme is a 9-month incubation journey designed to transform urban food systems by strengthening connections between food system stakeholders across African and European cities. It supports entrepreneurs working to improve food and nutrition security while promoting circular practices and positive environmental impact. By facilitating peer learning and inter-city collaboration, the programme builds socio-ecological resilience in urban communities.
A strong emphasis is placed on empowering women and youth from marginalised communities engaged in transformative entrepreneurship, helping to bridge gender gaps in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. AfriFOODlinks equips food entrepreneurs with tools, tailored development, and mentorship to grow sustainable businesses that drive both social and ecological change.
Incubation Framework
The AfriFOODlinks incubation framework supports 15+ early-stage social entrepreneurs in the ideation or pilot phase of their agri-food ventures.
These entrepreneurs are selected from across the food value chain and are guided through a tailored incubation journey built on our three-phase Trust Model.
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Trust yourself- Laying the groundwork for a strong entrepreneurial mindset and refining purpose-driven business ideas.
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Trust your community- Strengthening collaboration through peer learning, mentorship, and local stakeholder engagement.
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Trust your solution- Helping entrepreneurs connect with existing food system networks, funding opportunities, and sustainability practices.
This approach ensures that each entrepreneur is equipped with the tools, confidence, and connections to develop impactful, locally relevant food solutions
Join The Movement
Coaching sessions tailored to the individual businesses.
Access and exposure to mentors and network of up 100+ networks in the Oribi ecosystem.
Networking opportunities with relevant funding and operational partners
Phase One
In this foundational phase, entrepreneurs are encouraged to connect with their personal values, aspirations, and community contexts to shape purpose-driven business ideas.
Through workshops, coaching, and peer learning, participants develop clarity around their goals, strengthen self-awareness, and begin building the mindset needed to lead social ventures with confidence.
Phase Two
In this phase, participants test and refine their solutions with guidance from mentors, coaches, and industry experts. The focus is on developing strong, context-specific business models that balance financial viability with social and ecological impact.
Entrepreneurs learn how to identify their target market, validate their ideas, and craft a go-to-market strategy that resonates with their community.
Phase Three
This final phase supports entrepreneurs in accessing the resources they need to grow and sustain their ventures. Participants are introduced to funding pathways, investment partners, and networks within the formal ecosystem.
The goal is to bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and institutional support by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to pitch, fund, and scale their impact.
Selection Process
The AfriFOODlinks incubation programme follows a three-step selection process designed to identify and support early-stage social entrepreneurs in the food system. The process begins with an open call, where applicants complete an online form. From this pool, 100 entrepreneurs are shortlisted to participate in a four-week Foodathon Challenge. This includes a two-day hackathon-style event and a sprint during which participants learn about Cape Town’s urban food ecosystems and begin developing their ideas.
This is followed by a six-week rapid innovation challenge, where participants use design thinking to turn their concepts into viable social business ideas. Based on their performance and potential, 50 entrepreneurs are then shortlisted. From this group, the top 15 are selected to join the 9-month incubation programme. These finalists embark on a structured three-phase journey focused on business development, market entry, and funding readiness, equipping them to launch and scale impactful food ventures.