Irene Ikarede Etyang is a trailblazer in Africa’s food ecosystem, driving innovation, economic inclusion, and gender equity through sustainable food processing. As the founder of MAMLO FOODS, she is revolutionizing Africa’s peanut value chain with a Micro-Factory model that empowers marginalized women smallholder farmers by localizing processing near peanut-growing regions. This innovative approach reduces waste, lowers costs, and ensures that value addition remains within farming communities, fostering sustainable economic growth and food security. 

Irene’s journey in food entrepreneurship began in 2019, when she launched a food enterprise producing porridge flours and millet-based snacks from indigenous grains grown by women farmers. Recognizing the need for greater impact, she pioneered the Micro-Factory model in 2024, focusing on enhancing efficiency, increasing farmers' earnings, and ensuring fair pricing. This model has impacted over 100 smallholder farmers through market access, fair trade practices, and capacity-building initiatives. 

Her work is backed by global partnerships, including Mulago Foundation, UK Innovate, and Catalyste+, which support MAMLO FOODS in expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Through these collaborations, she is ensuring that women farmers are not just producers but active participants in value addition and market opportunities. 

Irene’s efforts in food security, gender inclusion, and sustainable agribusiness have earned her prestigious recognitions, including the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Leaders in Innovation Fellowship, and the MB100 Award. Her commitment to empowering women, strengthening Africa’s agricultural value chains, and creating lasting economic transformation is shaping the future of inclusive and resilient food systems in Africa.