USIU-Africa launches Innovation & ESG program to transform food manufacturing in Africa
USIU-Africa unveils executive program focused on ESG, innovation, and competitiveness to help African food manufacturers scale sustainably and access global markets.
KENYA – The Center for Executive Education (CEE) at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has launched a new executive program titled Innovation & ESG in Food Manufacturing Program, aimed at equipping industry leaders with strategic capabilities for the next phase of Africa’s food sector growth.
The initiative comes amid rapid transformation in Africa’s food manufacturing landscape, driven by rising urban populations, evolving consumer preferences, expanding regional trade, and increasing global expectations around sustainability. These factors are reshaping how food companies operate and compete across markets.
The program focuses on strengthening enterprise systems that enable long-term competitiveness. Participants will explore practical frameworks covering business model innovation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration, workforce systems, traceability, supply chain transparency, export readiness, and investment strategies.
The course, designed for food manufacturing leaders, agribusiness entrepreneurs, senior managers, and sector professionals emphasises practical application through case discussions, industry insights, and real-world enterprise transformation approaches tailored to the African context.
Program coordinator and agribusiness leader Tei Mukunya Oundo highlighted the importance of aligning operations with sustainability and governance standards. “The future competitiveness of African food companies will depend not only on what they produce, but on how responsibly and sustainably they operate across their value chains,” she said.
“This program is designed to help food manufacturers strengthen the systems that drive innovation, governance, and sustainability so they can scale with confidence in both regional and global markets,” Oundo added.
Globally, ESG principles are increasingly influencing how food companies access markets, finance, and partnerships, with stakeholders placing greater emphasis on production practices and sourcing transparency.
The program forms part of a broader effort by USIU-Africa’s Center for Executive Education to enhance leadership and innovation across key economic sectors. The Center serves as a platform for industry-focused executive learning, bringing together professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic capabilities.
Speaking to Food Business, Middle East & Africa on March 11, 2026, Joseph Munyao, head of the Center for Executive Education, said the institution is committed to delivering practical, industry-relevant programs.
“Through partnerships with industry stakeholders, development organizations, and professional networks, the Center aims to deliver practical programs that respond directly to the evolving needs of African enterprises,” Munyao said.
The program will be delivered in Nairobi, with the inaugural cohort expected to include participants from across the food manufacturing and agribusiness ecosystem, supporting leadership development in a rapidly evolving sector. m across the food manufacturing and agribusiness ecosystem.
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