What defines true leadership, and why is it more important now than ever? Is it simply about charisma, control, and commanding presence? Or is it something more profound—the capacity to engage and lead with courage, vulnerability, and self-awareness? Beyond these qualities, leadership today demands a deep commitment to resilience—the ability to navigate uncertainty and inspire action in the face of complex global challenges.
Recognising this, in late April, GRP brought together 19 shortlisted innovators from phase 3 of the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge in Nairobi, Kenya. This gathering provided an opportunity for reflection, growth, and exploration of the critical role leadership plays in advancing sustainable agricultural solutions.
In partnership with Munich Re Foundation and Shockwave Foundation, RAIN aims to transform seed-level innovative agricultural ideas into sustainable, investment-ready business solutions that address resilience needs in East Africa. Now in its third round, 19 shortlisted candidates have been selected to receive support, including mentorship, increased visibility and the opportunity to attend a Leadership Academy. Winners will be announced after the initial period
A safe space for inner growth and bold questions
Held over three days at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi, the Leadership Academy supported innovators reflect on bold and personal questions: What kind of leader am I? Can I lead without having all the answers? Does vulnerability make me weak, or does it build trust? The sessions were fully interactive, exploring topics such as the qualities of effective and trusted leadership, different leadership styles, how to listen to others and ourselves, team dynamics, negotiation skills, and the role of vulnerability in leadership.
Participants engaged in group case studies, including crash survival scenarios, role-played negotiation exercises, and practised active listening. Session facilitators Moses Kimani and Aoife led energising icebreakers to maintain momentum and aid in building strong connections among the group.
“Before the RAIN Leadership Academy, my Bees-iness looked more like a one-man show, even with a team,” said Jean Dee Kwizera, founder of BeeGulf Limited. “Now, my communication has transformed,” he added.
“The experience was truly life-changing,” said Mureithi Matu of Equal Right. “It fundamentally shifted my understanding of leadership and gave me a network of peers committed to impact.”
The RAIN 3 cohort represents a remarkable set of solutions from across East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burundi), each bringing ripe and transformative solutions to the shocks communities are facing. In Tanzania, Freshpack Technologies developed a patented box that extends vegetable shelf life, helping 10,000 women vendors reduce post-harvest losses. In Rwanda, through vermiculture, VERMIFARM Ltd is growing and breeding earthworms to transform waste into organic fertiliser, aiming to replace chemical inputs and reach 5,000 farmers.
“Attending the GRP Leadership Academy 2025 was a transformative experience,” said Vincent Sindikubwo of VERMIFARM Ltd. “I now use the tools I learned every day to lead with greater impact.”
A number of the projects leverage tech to deliver solutions to farmers across East Africa. Green Intelligence created a mobile-based carbon tracking system that enables smallholder farmers to document trees, access carbon markets, and earn income. In Kenya and Uganda, Ignitia delivers very precise, in real-time weather data and forecasts via SMS and WhatsApp, while also incorporating insurance and financial tools. These are just a few of the remarkable innovators transforming agricultural systems in East Africa. Explore the full list of shortlisted projects here.
The Leadership Academy not only supported these remarkable innovators on their leadership journeys, it also equipped them with practical tools to navigate the complex challenges they face in their work.
Photos by Juvenal Vitalis