February is a time to honour and celebrate the rich diversity and accomplishments of Black people in Canada. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s painful history and the ongoing challenges Black Canadians continue to face, including systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is proud to highlight the inspiring reflections of our Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) students.
These students are making remarkable contributions as Black entrepreneurs, students, and professionals, and their stories exemplify the creativity, resilience, and innovation that drive progress in both their communities and industries.
We honour their unique journeys, shedding light on their invaluable work and the significance of Black history in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
Meet Kwaku Owusu Twum
My name is Kwaku Owusu Twum, and I am a PhD Candidate in Sustainability Management and an Entrepreneurial PhD fellow in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program at the University of Waterloo. My work lies at the intersection of technological innovation, sustainability, and equity, focusing on how digital agriculture technologies can empower smallholder farmers to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Through my entrepreneurial ventures and academic research, I strive to create solutions that benefit people, planet, and profit, ensuring that innovation fosters inclusivity and resilience.
My Entrepreneurial Journey
Growing up in Ghana, I witnessed firsthand the challenges smallholder farmers face due to limited access to resources, technology, and fair markets. This exposure inspired me to co-found Mapkot Technologies and Huts and Cities Limited. Mapkot Technologies developed Mapmate, an award-winning platform that provides food processors with traceability and farmers with profitability. Huts and Cities Limited focuses on rural development and research advocacy across Africa. These ventures are my response to systemic challenges I’ve encountered—bridging gaps in digital equity and sustainable food systems.
One defining moment in my journey was observing the inequities in the chocolate industry. Farmers who produced raw materials often received the smallest share of profits. This experience drove me to develop a blockchain traceability payment system to ensure fair payments for rural farmers, reflecting my commitment to social justice through technological innovation.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
My research and entrepreneurial work address critical gaps in food systems and resource governance. By leveraging geoinformation systems, remote sensing, and adaptive decision-making tools, I aim to create scalable, data-driven solutions for global challenges like farmland loss, urban expansion, and food stress. Winning the University of Waterloo’s Velocity Pitch Competition was a milestone that reaffirmed the relevance and potential of my innovations.
Each project I undertake is deeply rooted in sustainability, ensuring that technology empowers marginalized groups while fostering ecological resilience. My work is a testament to the power of innovation to bridge divides and address long-standing inequities.
The Role of Black History and Culture
As a Black entrepreneur and academic, my journey is shaped by resilience and the desire to uplift underrepresented voices. My identity drives me to challenge stereotypes, advocate for representation, and lead with empathy.
It is vital to ensure that Black communities are not just participants but leaders in shaping sustainable futures. Representation matters—it creates pathways for others to believe in their potential and amplify their contributions to a global stage.
Impact of MBET
The MBET program has been transformative, providing mentorship, resources, and a dynamic community that continually pushes me to innovate. Through MBET, I’ve honed my entrepreneurial mindset and developed scalable solutions that balance sustainability with profitability. The program’s interdisciplinary approach has sharpened my ability to merge academic rigour with practical, impactful solutions.
Looking Forward
In the next decade, I aspire to scale my ventures across continents, ensuring that sustainable technologies reach underserved communities. My vision is to lead impactful research, mentor the next generation of innovators, and contribute to policies that advance equity and sustainability.
Advice from Kwaku
To aspiring Black entrepreneurs and academics: Your voice, ideas, and contributions are needed now more than ever. Stay resilient, seek mentorship, and never underestimate the power of your vision to drive change. Black history is a story of innovation and strength—let’s honour it by building a future where we all thrive.
