KNUST Alumnus Mathias Yabe Wins US$100,000 OPEC Fund Youth Entrepreneurship Award

Mathias Charles Yabe, a Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) alumnus and Founder and CEO of AkoFresh, has been awarded the Youth Entrepreneurship Award at the OPEC Fund’s 2026 Annual Award for Development.

The US$100,000 award recognises AkoFresh’s innovative work in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security through sustainable agricultural solutions, including solar-powered cold storage systems, refrigerated transport services, farmer training, and market linkage support.

The initiative has been praised for advancing climate resilience, boosting rural incomes, and demonstrating the impact of youth-led innovation in agricultural transformation and inclusive development.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Yabe encouraged young innovators to remain persistent in pursuing their ideas, stressing that youth-driven solutions are essential for global development.