Entrepreneur watch......Kenya Vava Angwenyi of the Vava coffee fame

Africa is a land blessed with abundant natural resources but unlike Europe and America,the continent is not known for adding value to its raw material. Kenya Vava Angwenyi identified this anomaly in the African business circle and made a firm resolve to add value to a raw material from her country.It was this firm resolve that gave birth to the Vava coffee brand.Vava Angwenyi a former African in the diaspora has dedicated her time and energy to building her brand despite huge challenges and lack of support. After completing her first and second degrees in Europe and America,she decided to return home to set up her business and help African cocoa farmers climb up the economic ladder.To achieve her dreams,Vava approached investors but they all pulled out even before the enterprise kicked off.But this did not deter her.Vava coffee is built on a unique model.she sources her raw materials from peasant cocoa farmers and ensures that they are adequately rewarded.In other not to be kicked out of the market by established brand,Vava designed packaging that tells stories of cocoa farmers to appeal to customers who have an interest in ethical business practice. The packaging also has notes on when and how to drink the various coffe varieties .Vava's coffee is sold at local supermarket in Kenya,Kenyan airports and local specialty store.the company also sells to NGOs and cooperate firms. Vava's effort has not gone without recognition-In 2011,her product was among the top 12 finalist at the BBC world challenge competition