Meet Hannington Wako Kamanya.
Hannington Wako Kamanya is a purpose driven entrepreneur who is on a mission to transform the food system in Uganda through regenerative agriculture. Learn more about his entrepreneurial story, why he embarked on this journey of building an agri-food business with Rootical and his plans for the future.
Introduction
In the heart of Uganda's capital, Kampala, the story of Hannington Wako Kamanya's entrepreneurial resilience and societal impact unfolds. Born and raised in Luzira, Hannington's upbringing in a business-minded family instilled in him a strong work ethic and a keen entrepreneurial spirit.
His academic journey led him to Makerere University, where he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, followed by a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Global Business University.
The Spark of entrepreneurship
From a young age, Hannington ventured into small-scale businesses like trading paraffin. However, it was the vast communal land in his rural community that ignited his passion for agriculture. Engaging in activities such as horticulture and exporting high-demand produce, Hannington recognized agriculture's potential to drive significant social and environmental change in Uganda.
“My interaction with agriculture, particularly horticulture and the export of produce like hot pepper, ignited my passion for transformative change in Uganda's agricultural sector,” Hannington affirms.
Team ‘agrobulking’ Hannington Wako (left), Jimmy Ouni, Dr. Akite Irine and Orisa Raphael
The journey of co-founding with Rootical
Partnering with Rootical to co-found Agro Bulking alongside Jimmy Ouni and Akite Irine was a pivotal moment in Hannington’s career. This innovative Agri-food enterprise addresses critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers by providing Crop Advance Payments and creating direct links between farmers and buyers. Agro Bulking not only supports farmers economically but also strengthens the agricultural value chain in Uganda.
“Joining Rootical provided me with a platform to broaden my perspectives and deepen my commitment to agricultural innovation. Rootical has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth," Hannington reflects.
The collaborative environment at Rootical has challenged Hannington to think innovatively and strategically, further fueling his dedication to transformative change in Uganda's agricultural sector.
Redefining Success;
For Hannington, success is about building a regenerative agribusiness that empowers smallholder farmers and enhances food security. Through Agro Bulking, Hannington is on the road to re-innovate bulking models for smallholder farmers, he envisions a future where Uganda's agricultural landscape thrives on innovation and collaboration.
“As a potential co-founder with Rootical, my journey has been marked by continuous learning and collaboration. From navigating the dynamics of smaller teams to managing expectations, I embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth,” Hannington reaffirms.
Looking ahead
Hannington envisions AgroBulking as a thriving agri-food business that transcends geographical boundaries. By 2030, Hannington visualizes AgroBulking as a leading global player in the Agri-food industry, catering to the evolving needs of both farmers and markets across borders.
Navigating Challenges
Amidst the triumphs lie challenges, from time constraints to managing expectations. Hannington through strategic planning navigates these obstacles emerging stronger and more resilient. His approach combines strategic planning with humility, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning.
“Testing is important for successful entrepreneurship, you need to touch base and learn what is on ground. Humility is crucial especially when working in teams.” Hannington concludes.
