KNOWLEDGE IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT-EDICOAT

George Kuria is the visionary CEO and co-founder of Edicoat Limited, a company nestled in 
in the vibrant city of Nairobi. Edicoat specializes in crafting coatings that act as guardians 
of freshness, extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The heartbeat of their 
mission pulses with a commitment to tackle food loss and contribute to three essential 
Sustainable Development Goals: eradicating poverty, promoting responsible 
consumption and production, and addressing climate concerns. Currently, Edicoat is 
making waves with a groundbreaking coating designed to preserve the delicate 
avocados, a vital player in Kenya's global exports. As the testing phase unfolds, George 
and his team eagerly await the results, with hopes of a commercial debut by the first 
quarter of the upcoming year.

Edicoat Limited faced a pivotal challenge in understanding how to position their business 
for commercialization and revenue generation. In response, George made the strategic 
decision to join the MSME Olympiad Acceleration program, a decision that would prove 
to be a game-changer for Edicoat. The program became the crucible where the 
company's vision met the practicalities of the business world.

The MSME Olympiad Acceleration program proved to be a beacon of enlightenment.
providing George and his team with insights into essential aspects of business 
development. Modules on product and service development, market testing, and 
Business model positioning became the guiding light that illuminated the path forward.
However, the program wasn't merely theoretical; it facilitated crucial networking 
opportunities, connecting Edicoat with experts, stakeholders, and fellow entrepreneurs 
who enriched their perspective on intra-African trade.

One of the critical lessons that George and his team imbibed from the program was the 
importance of compliance and understanding the intricate web of trade agreements and 
policy advocacy. As a company dealing with coatings to extend shelf life, compliance with 
the Africa Continental Free Trade Area regulations became a cornerstone of their 
business strategy. The program equipped Edicoat with the necessary tools to navigate 
the complexities of these regulations, positioning them strategically for success in the 
intra-African trade landscape.

Armed with newfound knowledge and a refined strategy, Edicoat set out to apply these 
insights into their professional and business activities. The company planned to incorporate 
sustainable practices into their production processes, monitor carbon emissions, and 
adhere to green principles. The goal was not just business success but alignment with 
global standards and regulations, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable 
agriculture and responsible trade.

Edicoat implemented innovative changes because of the program, including the 
incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices of sustainability, 
end-to-end production monitoring, and a strategic business model for market entry. While 
the tangible impact on revenue and market reach is yet to be measured; these changes 
position Edicoat for long-term success in the evolving inter-African trade market.

The journey of Edicoat Limited, from the challenges of understanding commercialization 
to navigate the complexities of inter-African trade, serves as a testament to the 
transformative power of knowledge and collaboration. As they continue to apply the 
lessons learned, Edicoat stands not only as a beacon of success in their industry but also 
as a contributor to the broader narrative of sustainable agriculture and responsible trade 
on the African continent. The company's odyssey is a narrative of growth, resilience, and 
a commitment to making a positive impact in the realm of intra-African trade.