"When Akatuha Grace witnessed her mother’s battle with diabetes, she understood the urgent need for clean, nutritious, and safe food options."

In Uganda, diabetes affects approximately 1 in 10 people, a statistic that resonates deeply with Grace, whose mother’s health battle sparked her journey into the world of sustainable food production. As the country grapples with a growing health crisis, the lack of access to safe and healthy food remains a pressing issue. This reality led Grace to ask a simple but powerful question: What if there was a way to offer healthier food options that could improve the lives of many?

In 2019, Grace found her answer with the creation of KIKAZI MILLET, a brand dedicated to producing high-quality, clean, and nutritious millet flour. It was not just about creating a product, it was about providing a solution for individuals struggling to find wholesome food alternatives. But what began as a passion project to help her family evolved into a thriving business with a larger purpose. Millet, a resilient and highly nutritious grain, became the centerpiece of Kikazi Millet. With rising awareness of the importance of eating healthier, particularly for people with chronic conditions like diabetes, Grace saw an opportunity to meet the demand for cleaner, safer food options that could support better health outcomes.

The early years of launching Kikazi Millet were filled with both challenges and learning experiences. But it wasn’t until 2023, when Grace officially incorporated KIKAZI AGRI PRODUCTS LIMITED that her business truly began to take flight. Thanks to invaluable mentorship from programs like Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU) and NSSF Hi-Innovator, Grace received the guidance and resources she needed to refine her business approach and scale her impact.

A turning point came when Grace through her connections at Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA) was able to apply and joined the YSAU, an incubation and acceleration program locally implemented bY HIVE COLAB in partnership with INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER, KOREA SMES AND STARTUPS AGENCY, THE MINISTRY OF SMES AND SYTARTUPS( REPUBLIC OF KOREA) and NITA-U. The insights and support from these programs provided Grace with the tools to make significant improvements to her operations. She adopted a strategic credit policy that streamlined stock management and improved cash flow, and launched a business website and social media presence that allowed her to connect with a wider audience. The impact was immediate. Sales increased by 20%, and her brand gained recognition not only for its quality but also for its positive contribution to public health.

Today, Kikazi Millet is more than just a business, it is a movement. It’s a movement toward healthier communities and a sustainable future, built on the foundation of nutritious food. But Grace’s success isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s in the lives her business has touched and the ripple effect it has created in the larger community.

GRACE's ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. Winner, NSSF Hi-Innovator Seed Funding 2024

2. Best Enterprise in Customer Care – Kampala Impact Day 2024

3. Business Accelerator Program Best Impacted Enterprise 2023 – ADC Uganda

4. Pitched at the #Swarm Summit, securing a website from Einstein Rising

5. Recognition from Ideation Corner for exemplary contribution to the entrepreneurship ecosystem

6. Award for her generous contribution to the #KISOBA League (donating over 10kg of millet to support player hydration)

7. YSAU Cohort 3 Alumni Association Deputy Representative

8. Exhibited at GITEX AFRICA 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, Africa’s largest tech and startup event with support from YSAU and its partners

9. Advocates for eco-friendly packaging, inspired by her visit to the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, supported by the YSAU Program and Norrsken East Africa

With each milestone, Grace has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in the food industry. Her advocacy for eco-friendly packaging, inspired by her experiences at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, reflects her commitment to sustainability, not just in the products she creates, but in the way they are delivered to consumers. Looking ahead, Grace’s vision for Kikazi Millet is clear: to expand her impact beyond Uganda, creating a regional movement that advocates for healthier, more sustainable food systems across East Africa and beyond. As the demand for nutritious food options continues to rise, Grace is determined to be at the forefront of the change.

Kikazi Millet is not just a product; it is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the belief that one woman’s commitment to health can transform an entire community. Join us in celebrating Grace’s incredible journey, a journey that continues to inspire healthier living, sustainable practices, and a brighter future for all.