Sakafia Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi has positioned itself as a beacon of sustainability and innovation, winning the prestigious 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for its groundbreaking aquaponics project.
The initiative, which integrates aquaculture with hydroponics, addresses two critical issues facing Sub-Saharan Africa: food insecurity and sustainable agricultural practices. This innovative system produces fish and vegetables in a closed-loop ecosystem, drastically reducing water usage while increasing food production efficiency.
Community-Centered Innovation
Principal of Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, Mr. Mohamed Shahid, highlighted the project’s transformative potential beyond the school’s boundaries. “This initiative is not just about feeding our school community but about empowering the larger community to adopt sustainable farming techniques,” he said.
The project is set to directly benefit over 1,000 people by providing fresh produce and training workshops for local farmers and families. Additionally, it will equip around 50 students annually with practical skills in sustainable farming, preparing a new generation to tackle pressing environmental and food security challenges.
Global Recognition for Local Impact
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, named after UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrates impactful solutions in areas including food, health, energy, and water. Sakafia Islamic Senior High School’s aquaponics project stood out in the Sub-Saharan Africa category for its potential to serve as a replicable model for addressing regional food security issues.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the school’s achievement, stating, “Sakafia Islamic Senior High School demonstrates the power of youth and education in driving sustainable change. Their project showcases how innovation at the grassroots level can create ripple effects across entire communities.”
Curriculum Integration and Long-Term Vision
Sakafia Islamic Senior High School plans to embed the aquaponics system into its educational framework, ensuring that students gain firsthand experience in sustainable agriculture. The initiative will also act as a hub for community engagement, providing training and awareness programs for local farmers, thereby promoting the adoption of eco-friendly farming methods.
“This recognition is not just a milestone for our school but a call to action for other institutions to embrace sustainable practices,” Mr. Shahid added.
A Broader Legacy
Since its inception, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has impacted over 407 million lives globally, with the Global High Schools category benefiting more than 56,000 students and nearly half a million community members. Sakafia Islamic Senior High School’s victory underscores the growing importance of innovative education-led solutions in addressing global challenges.
By championing sustainability, the school has proven that local actions, when supported by global platforms, can inspire systemic change and pave the way for a sustainable future in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.