Nigerian Vet, Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Wins $10,000 Global Innovation Award in U.S.

Nigerian Vet, Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Wins $10,000 Global Innovation Award in U.S.

By Ade Ade

Nigeria’s Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach has brought pride to the nation and the African continent after emerging second-place winner at the inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge organized by the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.

Dr. Akpem, founder of Vet Konect, received a $10,000 award for his groundbreaking digital platform that connects livestock farmers and pet owners with verified veterinary professionals. The innovation enhances access to animal healthcare, boosts productivity, and strengthens food security across Africa.

The competition, designed to spotlight transformative ideas reshaping global food and agricultural systems, attracted more than 400 applications from 65 countries. Three finalists were selected to pitch their innovations at the prestigious Borlaug Dialogue — a global gathering often described as the “Davos of Agriculture.”

Speaking after his victory, Dr. Akpem said the recognition goes beyond personal success, noting that it symbolizes the resilience and creativity of African innovators.

“This victory is not about me alone—it’s about Africa’s resilient innovators who believe that sustainable solutions can come from within,” he said. “Vet Konect is proof that technology, when driven by purpose, can change the face of animal health, food security, and livelihoods across our continent.”

Dr. Akpem’s feat marks the first time a Nigerian and African has reached the top three in the history of the global challenge, underscoring a new milestone for youth-led innovation on the continent.

A Mandela Washington Fellow, World Food Prize Pioneer, and multi-award-winning veterinarian and social entrepreneur, Dr. Akpem has devoted his career to building sustainable agricultural ecosystems. Through Vet Konect and his social enterprise, Mobovet Nigeria Ltd, he has empowered more than 40,000 Nigerian youths through training in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability.

In a congratulatory message, the Director General of the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, lauded Dr. Akpem’s achievement, describing it as a landmark moment for Nigeria and Africa.

“I made no mistake. My technical assistant, Dr. Terese Shadrach Akpem, is on the world stage again,” Dr. Asambe stated.

Dr. Akpem, who hails from Benue State — Nigeria’s acclaimed Food Basket of the Nation — said he hopes the recognition will inspire a new generation of African innovators to develop solutions that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard the world’s food future.