29 May 2026 | HT Experience Centre, Westlands, Nairobi
Food Innovation Studio (FiS) was proud to participate in Roots & Routes: A Celebration of Wine & Local Food Culture, an industry gathering hosted by Hello Tractor and Wine Routes Africa that brought together leaders from across the food, agriculture, culture, and innovation ecosystems.
The event explored the relationship between food culture, local supply chains, agricultural heritage, and economic opportunity, highlighting the critical role these interconnected systems play in shaping the future of Africa’s food economy.
Representing Food Innovation Studio, Nicodemus Omundo, Founder and CEO of FiS and member of the Food Culture Alliance, joined a distinguished panel of experts to discuss how stronger supply chains, local ingredient integrity, and food systems innovation can contribute to building a more resilient and competitive food ecosystem.
Distinguished Panelists
The conversation featured:
Martha Haile
Founder & CEO, Abze Africa
Martha shared insights from the Here Africa Food & Drink Festival and highlighted the importance of visibility, storytelling, data, and innovation in strengthening Nairobi’s diverse and vibrant food ecosystem.
Dr. Patrick Maundu
Ethnobotanist, National Museum of Kenya
Dr. Patrick provided valuable perspectives on indigenous food systems, traditional knowledge, biodiversity conservation, and the economic opportunities associated with documenting and commercializing underutilized local ingredients.
Nicodemus Omundo
Founder & CEO, Food Innovation Studio (FiS)
Nicodemus discussed the importance of connecting culture to commerce through food systems innovation. He emphasized the role of local supply chains, ingredient traceability, product differentiation, and ecosystem collaboration in unlocking new opportunities for food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and innovators across Africa.
The discussion was moderated by Jehiel Oliver, CEO and Co-Founder of Hello Tractor.
Key Themes Explored
The panel examined several important questions shaping the future of food systems in Nairobi and across Africa:
- What makes Nairobi one of Africa’s most dynamic food cities?
- How can indigenous ingredients and traditional food knowledge be better documented and preserved?
- What role do local supply chains play in strengthening food businesses?
- How can innovation create new opportunities for farmers, processors, brands, and entrepreneurs?
- Where do agriculture, culture, manufacturing, and food systems intersect?
A central theme throughout the discussion was the recognition that strong food systems are built not only on production and consumption, but also on culture, documentation, innovation, visibility, and investment.
Strengthening Food Systems Through Collaboration
Food Innovation Studio remains committed to supporting conversations and initiatives that advance Africa’s food ecosystem through technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development.
Participation in Roots & Routes reflects FiS’s broader mission of connecting food culture, supply chains, innovation, and business growth to help shape a more resilient and sustainable future for food systems across the continent.
We thank Hello Tractor, Wine Routes Africa, fellow panelists, and all attendees for creating an engaging and meaningful dialogue on the future of food in Africa.
