In the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region lies a small farming community called Tepa-Mabang, where Joseph Anokye’s remarkable journey began. From witnessing food insecurity and post-harvest losses as a child to leading a transformative agribusiness, Joseph’s story exemplifies resilience and innovation. As the co-founder and Quality Manager of MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited, he has turned personal struggles into a mission to combat malnutrition, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable agriculture across Africa.
MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited: Redefining Food Innovation
MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited was founded to address two pressing issues: malnutrition and post-harvest food waste. The company’s innovative approach revolves around transforming underutilized crops like mushrooms and cassava into nutritious, value-added products that cater to Africa’s growing demand for healthy and sustainable food options.
“Our goal is to ensure that no crop goes to waste while providing people with healthier food choices,” Joseph explains. “We believe that food innovation can tackle both malnutrition and poverty.”
The company’s flagship product, Mushroom-Fortified Instant Noodles, is a healthier alternative to conventional instant noodles. Enriched with high-quality cassava flour and oyster mushrooms, these noodles are designed to meet the nutritional needs of households while reducing food waste by utilizing surplus mushrooms. Another innovative product, Protein-Care, is a protein-rich supplement made from a blend of oyster mushrooms and soybeans. Protein-Care is specially crafted to improve breakfast nutrition and combat protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Protein-Care is more than just a product; it’s a solution to one of Africa’s biggest nutritional challenges,” Joseph states. “We want to see a continent where no child goes hungry or malnourished.”
Beyond these flagship products, MushPlus Agri-Foods is committed to creating a sustainable supply chain. The company collaborates with 150 youth and farmers across Ghana, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials while empowering local communities with job opportunities. “It’s not just about making profits; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change,” Joseph adds.
A Platform for Growth
MushPlus Agri-Foods has gained recognition as a participant in the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) AgriTech Challenge Pro, a competitive program supporting agribusiness startups. In December 2024, the company secured a $2,000 traction fund, enabling them to scale operations and expand their market presence. By leveraging strategic partnerships, networking, and continuous innovation, MushPlus Agri-Foods is navigating the challenges of funding, market penetration, and consumer acceptance to solidify its position as a leader in Africa’s agribusiness sector.
“The support we’ve received through KIC has been instrumental,” Joseph remarks. “It has allowed us to refine our operations and think bigger.”
At the heart of the company’s mission is sustainability. MushPlus Agri-Foods integrates food technology and climate-smart agricultural practices to address food security challenges while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #2 (Zero Hunger) and #13 (Climate Action). The company is also exploring sustainable food safety management systems to enhance shelf life and reduce waste, further underscoring its commitment to creating a circular economy in the food system.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us,” Joseph explains. “It’s the foundation of everything we do.”
MushPlus Agri-Foods’ influence extends beyond food production. By promoting sustainable farming practices and engaging in mentorship programs, the company is nurturing a new generation of agripreneurs. Through initiatives like the climate-smart mushroom farm, which generates significant annual returns, and other projects under the Young Agripreneurs Forum (YAF), MushPlus Agri-Foods is driving positive change across Ghana and beyond.
“We want to empower young people to see agriculture as a viable and impactful career,” Joseph says. “Agriculture has the potential to transform Africa.”
About the Man Behind MushPlus Agri-Foods
Joseph Anokye’s journey is as inspiring as the company he co-founded. Born and raised in Tepa-Mabang, Joseph’s early experiences with poverty and post-harvest losses shaped his passion for food security. Growing up in a community reliant on rain-fed tomato farming, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of seasonal food shortages and wasted harvests. These challenges fueled his determination to find innovative solutions.
“I saw my parents work tirelessly only to lose their harvests due to a lack of storage and markets,” Joseph recalls. “It was heartbreaking, and I knew something had to change.”
Joseph pursued a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he delved into food product development and quality management. His groundbreaking undergraduate research focused on fortifying instant noodles with mushrooms, addressing malnutrition and post-harvest losses. This project laid the foundation for MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited.
“That research was a turning point for me,” Joseph says. “It showed me the power of innovation in solving real-world problems.”
Beyond his role at MushPlus, Joseph has held numerous leadership positions that showcase his commitment to sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment. In 2023, he served as the General Secretary of the Young Agripreneurs Forum (YAF), an initiative by the Kosmos Innovation Center funded by the Mastercard Foundation. In February 2024, he became the President of YAF and spearheaded projects like a climate-smart mushroom farm, which generated $2,500 annually, and other agribusiness initiatives that empowered young entrepreneurs with skills, funding opportunities, and sustainable techniques. He founded the HOPE4ALL Foundation to promote STEM education and advocate for climate action and food security in rural Ghana.
“Leadership is about creating opportunities for others,” Joseph reflects. “I want to inspire the next generation to dream big and take action.”
Joseph’s leadership and innovation have earned him numerous accolades, including serving as Senior Prefect in his basic school in 2016, Best Graduating Student at his senior high school in 2019, Deputy Mentorship Coordinator for the College of Science, and General Secretary of Unity Hall (KNUST’s largest residential facility). He has also been recognized as an Africa Matters Ambassador (2023/2024 cohort).
“Every leadership role has taught me valuable lessons,” Joseph shares. “I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me.”
These accomplishments reflect his visionary and self-motivated nature, as well as his dedication to making a meaningful impact in his community and beyond.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Joseph’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start small but think big by solving real problems with available resources before scaling their efforts. “Don’t be afraid to start small,” he advises. “What matters is solving a problem that truly exists.”
He emphasizes the importance of leveraging partnerships by collaborating with organizations, institutions, and industry leaders for support and growth. “Collaboration is key,” Joseph notes. “You can achieve so much more by working together.”
He also advocates for adopting sustainable practices, as climate-resilient and eco-friendly innovations are key to the future of agribusiness. “Sustainability is the way forward,” Joseph insists. “We must think long-term.”
Additionally, he encourages embracing technology, as digital platforms and food processing advancements can revolutionize operations. “Technology is a game-changer,” Joseph says. “We must leverage it to stay ahead.”
Lastly, he underscores the need to stay resilient, reminding entrepreneurs that challenges are inevitable, but persistence and adaptability will lead to success. “Challenges will come, but resilience is what defines success,” he concludes.
The Future of MushPlus Agri-Foods
Looking ahead, Joseph envisions a bright future for MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited. The company plans to expand production and enter new markets across Africa, deepen its impact on food security through innovative food solutions, and collaborate with international research institutions and investors to scale sustainable practices. “Our vision is to make MushPlus a household name across Africa,” Joseph says. “We want to touch as many lives as possible.”
Joseph is particularly excited about emerging trends in functional foods, sustainable food technologies, and circular economy models that prioritize waste reduction and resource efficiency. “The future of food innovation is incredibly exciting,” he shares. “We’re just getting started.”
Final Reflections
Joseph Anokye’s journey from a struggling farming community to an award-winning agripreneur is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and purpose-driven action. Through MushPlus Agri-Foods Limited, he is not only creating sustainable food solutions but also inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to see agriculture as a tool for economic transformation and global food security.
“Resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship have been my greatest assets,” Joseph reflects. “I hope my story inspires others to take bold steps towards solving the world’s challenges.”
Indeed, Joseph Anokye is not just building a business; he is creating a legacy of sustainable food innovation for Africa and beyond.