Circularity to combat malnutrition, the story of Naol…

In January, the Youth in Agroecology and Business Learning Track Africa (YALTA) will launch a final publication. It will present results, best practices and lessons from the programme and tell the stories from young entrepreneurs and agroecology experts from East Africa. Don't you want to wait? Here is a sneak preview already. Our country coordinator from Ethiopia is telling the story of Naol Adugna, one of the most successful young entrepreneurs that YALTA supported in her country.

Growing up in Wollo, northern Ethiopia, Naol Adugna Oli lived through severe drought and famine from an early age. And from an early age as well, he dreamt of developing a sustainable and affordable solution to malnutrition. He got the opportunity to relocate to Addis Abeba, Ethiopia’s capital to get an education, and his drive took him all the way to university, where he found a group of peers who shared his drive and ambition.

And so, Beta Blocker PLC was born. This startup creates nutritious food for children, nursing women, and people suffering from malnutrition, using local Ethiopian crops including faba beans, barley, fruit, vegetables and other raw materials dense in micro and macro nutrients. The ingredients for the range of biscuits, crackers and powdered food products for children and adults alike, are sourced directly from farmers. And it goes back to the community. What sets Beta Blocker PLC aside is that they truly aim for a circular economy approach: They use sustainable packaging, encourage the reusing of products and the regeneration of natural systems.

With support from YALTA, the World Food Program, the Danish Technical University, the German Development Organization, and others, they are now well underway in their business selling Amazing Cookies to local shops and as nutritional supplements for school food programs and health institutes. Their aim is to be the largest food product producer in Africa, and a leading company to supply supplemental foods, while protecting Ethiopians from undernourishment.