What it means to create impact in Africa

I recently joined Impact Footprints Africa as their Ambassador and I would like to help my network understand the fantastic work they are doing. This introductory article is to introduce their work and their vision. I have the good fortune to talk to Alice Tuoho - Executive Director, Impact Footprints Africa recently and this was what we discussed.

1.Impact Footprints Africa is a relatively new NGO. Can you share the founding story and

what inspired the creation of the organization, and what key gaps in the Ghanaian development landscape are you aiming to address?

Ans: Impact Footprints Africa (IFA) is a Ghanaian NGO that evolved from the UK-registered charity, Footprints Africa. After operating in Africa for 7 years, Footprints Africa transitioned into a Ghanaian-led, locally owned organization to uphold its commitment to supporting local leadership in driving development initiatives.

Officially incorporated in 2024, IFA advances the mission of Footprints Africa with a distinct focus on the agribusiness value chain. Through its programs, IFA fosters innovation, strengthens the inclusion of the informal sector, and facilitates the transition from linear to circular business models.

IFA seeks to bridge critical gaps in the development of sustainable business models within the agribusiness sector, particularly in Africa. This includes improving access to skills development, introducing agribusinesses to innovative sustainability solutions, and unlocking resource opportunities for circular business models. Additionally, IFA is committed to enhancing engagement and welfare within the informal sector, ensuring job security and improved livelihoods for informal workers.

2.What is Impact Footprints Africa's core mission and vision for creating positive change in Ghana, and how does this align with broader sustainable development goals?

Ans: IFA’s core mission is to drive systemic change in agribusiness by empowering informal, especially women-owned, businesses through capacity building, resource access, and circular business innovations. Our vision is to build resilient and inclusive communities where the informal sector in agribusiness thrives within a circular economy.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

? IFA’s work aligns with several SDGs by addressing key social, economic, and environmental challenges in Ghana’s agribusiness sector:

- SDG 1: No Poverty – By enhancing the capacity of informal agribusiness workers and supporting circular business models, IFA promotes economic resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

- SDG 5: Gender Equality – With a focus on empowering women in agribusiness, IFA ensures equal access to resources and economic opportunities.

- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – IFA fosters job security, skill development, and business innovation, improving working conditions for informal sector workers.

- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Through research, impact measurement, and technology-driven solutions, IFA promotes sustainable business models in agribusiness.

- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – IFA champions the transition from linear to circular business models, reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency in agribusiness.

- SDG 13: Climate Action – By promoting sustainability practices within agribusiness, IFA contributes to climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

Through our key programs - Business Ventures, Research & Impact Measurement, Programming, and Collaborative Solutions - IFA actively works to transform agribusiness into a driver of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Ghana and Africa at large.

3. Many organizations focus on specific areas. What is Impact Footprints Africa's approach to integrated development, and how do you ensure that your projects have a holistic impact on communities? Can you share a specific example of a project and its impact?

Ans: IFA takes a holistic, systems-based approach to development by addressing multiple, interconnected challenges within Ghana’s agribusiness value chain. Rather than focusing on just one aspect (e.g., skills training or market access), IFA integrates capacity building, circular economy principles, and social impact strategies to create long-term, sustainable change. Our model ensures that informal agribusiness workers (particularly women) are not only empowered economically but also have access to resources, innovation, and inclusive business opportunities.

How We Ensure Holistic Impact

? Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – We collaborate with informal workers, industry players, policymakers, and financial institutions to create inclusive, practical solutions.

? Capacity Building & Business Support – Our training programs go beyond skills development to include financial literacy, business mentorship, and access to funding opportunities.

? Circular Economy Integration – We help businesses transition from wasteful linear models to circular business strategies, promoting sustainability and efficiency.

? Research & Data-Driven Solutions – By tracking impact metrics and conducting research, we ensure our interventions are effective and scalable.

? Community Welfare & Job Security – Beyond business growth, we focus on improving working conditions, social security, and livelihood stability for informal workers.

Project Example: Circular Agribusiness programme – Accelerator

? Project Focus: Empowering informal agribusinesses to adopt circular economy principles and create sustainable business models.

Key Activities:

? Training informal agribusiness owners/workers in incorporating circular practices within their business models.

? Connecting businesses to networks to facilitate their transition to circular business models and access to financial support.

? Implementing pilot projects to test sustainable business models.

Impact:

? Increased income levels for small agribusinesses through value-added products.

? Reduction in agricultural waste through innovative reuse and recycling strategies.

? Job creation and improved working conditions for informal workers, particularly women.

? Strengthened community resilience through sustainable economic activities.

4. Access to clean and affordable energy is fundamental for economic development and social progress. How does Impact Footprints Africa work to improve energy access in Ghana, and what innovative solutions are you exploring?

Ans: At IFA, we recognize that access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy is essential for economic development, particularly in Ghana’s agribusiness and informal sectors. Energy is a key enabler for productivity, food security, and improved livelihoods, yet many rural and informal businesses struggle with unreliable or unaffordable power.

How We Are Addressing the Energy Gap

? IFA integrates sustainable energy solutions into our programs to enhance productivity and resilience in the agribusiness value chain:

? We encourage small agribusinesses to adopt solar-powered energy systems through our training models to reduce dependency on expensive and unreliable electricity sources.

? IFA promotes biogas production from agricultural waste, turning organic waste from farms and food processing units into clean cooking fuel and electricity through our pilot projects.

? We support the exploration of briquette production from crop residues, providing a sustainable alternative to charcoal while reducing deforestation.

? We train agribusiness owners and informal sector workers on energy management and efficiency, helping them integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

5. Similarly, access to clean water is a fundamental human right. How does Impact Footprints Africa address water security challenges in Ghana, and what are the connections between water access, sanitation, and other development outcomes?

Ans: I’m not sure how to answer this as our programmes are not directly linked to water security issues. However, at Impact Footprints Africa (IFA), we recognize that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is fundamental for human health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Water security is especially critical in agribusiness, where it directly affects food production, livelihoods, and community well-being.

How we address this challenge is that.

? We promote the adoption of rainwater harvesting and storage systems for smallholder farmers to improve their farming activities.

? We train businesses on efficient water use and conservation techniques to enhance long-term water security.

6. What are your views on dignified development, and how are projects designed and implemented to ensure communities are empowered and their agency is respected throughout the process? What are the practical manifestations of community empowerment, and how does Impact Footprints Africa assess its impact in this area?

Ans: At IFA, we believe that true development must be dignified - rooted in respect, agency, and long-term empowerment rather than dependency. This means that communities are not passive recipients of aid but active participants and decision-makers in shaping their own futures.

We:

? Recognize and build on local knowledge and skills rather than imposing external solutions.

? Prioritize inclusivity and representation, especially for marginalized groups such as informal workers and women.

? Foster economic independence, ensuring businesses are not perpetually reliant on aid but have the tools to sustain progress.

? Encourage long-term systemic change, shifting from short-term interventions to holistic, business transformations.

How We Ensure Dignified Development in Project Design and Implementation

? Participatory Co-Design – We engage potential beneficiaries from the start, ensuring projects address real challenges and leverage local expertise. We use project needs assessments to ensure that solutions are not externally imposed.

? Capacity Building and Skills Development – We prioritize training and knowledge-sharing so that individuals and businesses can independently drive growth long after our interventions end.

Impact:

? Economic Autonomy: Agribusinesses trained by IFA develop financially viable, circular economy-driven businesses, reducing reliance on external aid.

? Policy Influence: Informal agribusiness workers gain a collective voice to advocate for fair policies, securing improved working conditions and protections.

? Social Inclusion: Women and youth are not only beneficiaries but leaders and innovators in our initiatives, driving change from within.

? Environmental Stewardship: Farmers and agribusiness owners adopt sustainable, climate-smart practices, ensuring resilience against environmental challenges.

7. What are some of the biggest challenges Impact Footprints Africa faces in its work, and how are you working to overcome them? Are there funding challenges, logistical hurdles, or community engagement considerations you can share?

Ans: IFA works to drive systemic changes in agribusiness and informal sector development, we face several challenges. These range from funding limitations to logistical barriers and community/beneficiary engagement complexities. However, we have developed strategic approaches to navigate these obstacles and ensure our mission remains impactful and sustainable.

? Securing consistent, long-term funding for programs, especially those focused on capacity building and circular economy innovations, can be difficult. Many funding streams prioritize short-term, high-visibility projects, whereas IFA’s approach is long-term and systems-based. Thus, IFA actively pursues a mix of funding sources, including:

- Grants & Philanthropic Contributions (from impact-driven organizations and donors).

- Strategic Partnerships (corporate social responsibility initiatives, development agencies).

- Revenue-Generating Programs (social enterprise models).

? Some agribusinesses rely on long-established traditional practices, which can make the transition to circular economy models, sustainable agriculture, and formalized business operations challenging. Gaining trust and fostering active participation requires a thoughtful approach that respects cultural norms, expectations, and past experiences with development initiatives. To address this, IFA collaborates closely with businesses to co-create solutions that integrate local knowledge, traditions, and priorities, ensuring that interventions are both practical and widely accepted.

- We work with influencers known as project champions, who are committed to our project interventions to serve as ambassadors for change in their organizations.

? The informal agribusiness sector frequently operates outside regulatory frameworks, limiting workers’ access to financing, social protections, and government support. Even when pro-agriculture or circular economy policies exist, enforcement is often weak. To address this, IFA collaborates with government agencies and policymakers to advocate for policy reforms that empower informal workers and promote circular economy incentives. Additionally, IFA provides research and data-driven insights to strengthen policy formulation and improve implementation, ensuring more inclusive and effective support systems.

? Scaling successful initiatives beyond pilot projects requires strategic planning, sustainable funding, and strong community engagement. Ensuring that projects thrive independently after IFA’s direct involvement is essential for long-term impact. To achieve this, IFA adopts a train-the-trainer model, empowering local trainers (delivery partners) to transfer knowledge and provide ongoing support. This approach enables businesses to sustain initiatives without continuous external intervention. Additionally, IFA implements impact tracking and adaptive learning to monitor project success, gather beneficiary feedback, and refine models to ensure long-term relevance and effectiveness.

8. What are your long-term goals for Impact Footprints Africa, and what kind of future do you envision for the communities you serve?

Ans: Impact Footprints Africa (IFA) envisions a resilient and inclusive agribusiness sector where informal workers, particularly women and small-scale entrepreneurs, thrive in a circular economy. Our long-term strategy is built around systemic change, economic empowerment, and sustainable practices that foster long-lasting transformation.

Long-Term Goals

? Transforming Informal Agribusiness into a Sustainable, Circular Economy-Driven Sector

- Facilitate the adoption of circular business models to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and create sustainable income streams.

- Establish regional agribusiness hubs that provide training, market linkages, and business support for informal workers.

? Scaling Capacity Building and Enterprise Development

- Train 50,000+ informal agribusiness workers in entrepreneurship, circular economy principles, and sustainable farming practices.

- Develop a Business Acceleration Program to support small agribusiness ventures with mentorship, funding access, and market integration.

? Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment & Leadership

- Increase women’s representation in agribusiness leadership and decision-making spaces.

- Provide tailored support for women-led agribusinesses, ensuring financial inclusion and access to markets.

? Strengthening Policy Advocacy & Systemic Change

- Advocate for policies that recognize and protect informal agribusiness workers, ensuring fair wages, social protections, and access to financial services.

- Partner with governments and institutions to mainstream circular economy principles in national agribusiness policies.

? Driving Innovation & Research for Impact Measurement

- Establish an Agribusiness Research and Innovation Hub to explore climate-smart agriculture, sustainable packaging, and eco-friendly processing solutions.

- Develop a robust impact measurement system to track progress and continuously refine interventions.

9. How can individuals and organizations, both locally and internationally (especially in Asia), support Impact Footprints Africa's mission and contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for Ghana? Are there partnership opportunities, volunteer programs, or other ways to engage?

Ans: IFA welcomes local and international collaboration to drive systemic change in Ghana and Africa’s agribusiness sector at large. Whether you’re an individual, business, NGO, or institution - especially from Asia, where circular economy innovations and sustainable agriculture practices are advancing rapidly - there are multiple ways to engage, partner, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

? Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations

- For organizations, corporations, and research institutions

Knowledge and Technology Exchange – Share expertise on circular economy solutions, regenerative agriculture, and climate-smart innovations. Asian countries, especially Japan, South Korea, and China, have developed sustainable waste management, smart farming, and green technology models that can be adapted for Ghana’s context.

- Investment & Grant Funding – Support IFA’s programs through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, impact investment, or development grants for:

o Capacity building for informal agribusiness workers.

o Circular economy-based agribusiness incubation.

o Sustainable water, waste, and energy solutions.

? Market Linkages & Trade Partnerships – Explore opportunities to connect Ghanaian agribusinesses with Asian markets for ethical sourcing of organic, circular, and sustainable products.

? Joint Research & Policy Advocacy – Work with IFA to develop research, pilot projects, and policy recommendations that integrate sustainable business practices into Ghana’s agribusiness policies.

? Volunteer & Skill-Sharing Opportunities

- For professionals, students, and technical experts

o Mentorship & Training – Experts in business development, sustainability, renewable energy, and agribusiness innovation can mentor women entrepreneurs and informal workers in Ghana. Virtual and in-person mentorship opportunities can be explored.

o Technical & Capacity-Building Support – Individuals skilled in finance, marketing, circular product design, data analysis, and digital transformation can contribute to IFA’s capacity-building programs.

o Community-Based Volunteering – Hands-on volunteer opportunities such as supporting agribusinesses at their companies, waste recovery initiatives, and agribusiness accelerator programs.

? Sponsorship & Direct Support

- For individuals and businesses looking to make a direct impact

o Sponsor a Business Venture – Provide micro-grants or seed funding for women-led agribusinesses and circular economy startups.

o Fund Capacity-Building Programs – Support training sessions, workshops, and research focused on climate resilience, business formalization, and women’s economic empowerment.

o Support Circular Economy Pilots – Help scale waste-to-value initiatives, sustainable food production, and zero-waste agribusiness models in Ghana.

? Advocacy & Awareness

- For global sustainability advocates and thought leaders

o Amplify IFA’s Work – Share insights, research, and impact stories through social media, blogs, conferences, and sustainability networks.

o Engage in Cross-Cultural Dialogue – Facilitate forums where African and Asian circular economy experts, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers can exchange ideas and best practices.

o Promote Ethical & Sustainable Trade – Encourage businesses to source ethically produced, circular economy-driven products from Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

To find out more about their amazing work, do visit - https://ifootprintsafrica.co/ or their linkedin page - https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/impact-footprints-africa/about/