Across Africa, millions of families struggle to access affordable animal protein. Rising costs, increased demand, and the growing impact of climate change are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain livestock and fish populations. As a result, food insecurity continues to escalate.
Yet, amidst this crisis, a significant portion of nutrient-rich food by-products—such as rice bran from rice farming—are either discarded or burned, despite their high protein content. These overlooked resources, which contain anywhere from 1% to over 20% protein, hold untapped potential to combat malnutrition while simultaneously reducing environmental waste.
A Sustainable and Innovative Solution
Enter Kula, a revolutionary project that transforms food waste into a powerful nutritional resource. By upcycling rice bran—a by-product of rice production that is often wasted—into high-protein seasoning cubes, Kula provides an affordable, accessible, and culturally relevant solution to protein deficiencies. Given that seasoning cubes are a staple in African households, integrating this innovation into daily meals is seamless and practical.
Using sustainable techniques such as enzymatic hydrolysis, Kula extracts and concentrates protein from rice bran, enhancing its bioavailability and shelf life. But the vision doesn’t stop there. Kula aims to expand beyond rice bran, exploring the potential of other underutilized agricultural by-products such as groundnut shells, which contain 14% protein. This multi-faceted approach addresses multiple challenges at once: reducing food waste, tackling malnutrition, and providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional protein sources.
A Journey of Innovation and Global Recognition
Kula’s journey gained momentum through Moonshot Pirates, an international program that empowers young innovators to develop impactful solutions to global challenges. Through expert mentorship, a global community, and opportunities to refine their ideas, the Kula team took a bold step forward in bringing their vision to life.
At the Moonshot Pirates competition, Kula was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Sara Diaz – Global Marketing Manager at Givaudan
- Craig Davis – Pioneer in Clean Mobility & Food Innovation
- Jakob Lindblad – Innovation Collaboration Manager at Oatly
- Madeline Petrow – Serial Entrepreneur & Impact-Driven Investor
Despite facing tough competition, Kula secured 2nd place, a powerful testament to the project’s potential to revolutionize nutrition and sustainability across Africa.
Scaling for Lasting Impact
Recognition at Moonshot Pirates is just the beginning. Kula is committed to scaling its impact across Africa by leveraging scientific innovation and community-driven solutions to ensure that no nutrient-rich food source goes to waste. By bridging the gap between food security and sustainability, Kula envisions a future where every family has access to affordable, high-quality protein without harming the environment.
At African Leadership Academy (ALA), we believe in harnessing the power of innovation to address the continent’s greatest challenges. Kula stands as a shining example of how young entrepreneurs are shaping Africa’s food systems for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Year 1 students Ashley Nalingigwa (Tanzania), Abigail Maina (Kenya), Jeremy Muchilwa (Kenya), Temitope Johnson (Nigeria), and AyanfeOluwa Ayanlade (Nigeria)—the minds behind Kula—are on a mission to transform food waste into a force for good. Their journey is proof that with creativity, collaboration, and determination, young innovators can drive meaningful change across Africa and beyond.
Learn more about Kula by watching the video below.
