Ms. Yaa Priscilla Birago

Yaa Priscilla Birago is a visionary Ghanaian-Canadian social entrepreneur whose work sits powerfully at the hamlet of sustainability, technology, and social equity. As Founder and CEO of Soko Bags Ltd., she has redefined Africa’s response to plastic pollution by transforming discarded cocoa jute sacks, cotton, and other sustainable materials into eco-friendly reusable bags, turning waste into opportunity and enterprise.

Under Birago’s leadership, Soko Bags has evolved from a grassroots idea into an award-winning social enterprise operating across seven countries. The company has replaced more than 40 million single-use plastic bags, built an 80 percent women-led workforce, and pioneered circular economy solutions that create inclusive green jobs across West Africa. She is also spearheading SokoSmart, a QR-based innovation that allows users to track carbon savings and product life cycles, reinforcing transparency in sustainable consumption.

Beyond manufacturing, Birago is co-founder of FemmeBnB Inc., an AI-powered platform enhancing travel safety for women, and a longtime advocate for youth empowerment through the Hands of a Hero Foundation, impacting communities in Ghana and Canada. Her trailblazing leadership, environmental innovation, and commitment to social good earned her the AfriHeritage African Social Impact Champion Award.