A Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) alumnus and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AkoFresh, Mathias Charles Yabe, has won the Youth Entrepreneurship Award at the OPEC Fund's 2026 Annual Award for Development.

The award, valued at US$100,000, was presented in recognition of AkoFresh's innovative efforts to address post-harvest losses and strengthen food security among rural farming communities through sustainable agricultural solutions.

AkoFresh provides solar-powered cold storage facilities, refrigerated transportation services, farmer training programmes and market linkages designed to help farmers preserve produce, reduce food waste and increase income. The initiative has been recognized for demonstrating how youth-led entrepreneurship can advance climate resilience and inclusive rural development.

AkoFresh provides solar-powered cold storage facilities, refrigerated transportation services, farmer training programmes and market linkage opportunities designed to help farmers preserve produce, increase incomes and reduce food waste. The initiative has been recognized for demonstrating how youth-led entrepreneurship can contribute to climate resilience, agricultural transformation and inclusive rural development.

Mr. Yabe encouraged young innovators to remain committed to their aspirations despite challenges.

"To every young person with a dream that feels too big, too difficult or too early: keep going. The world needs your ideas, your energy and your determination," he said.

He expressed appreciation to the OPEC Fund for supporting youth-driven innovation and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs to contribute to sustainable development.

"Thank you to the OPEC Fund for believing in youth-led innovation and for creating this platform to empower the next generation to build a more inclusive and sustainable future," he added.