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Selassie Atadika    

Award-Winning Chef, Thought Leader on African Cuisine & Foodways Advocate; Founder of Midunu

Selassie Atadika is an award-winning chef, chocolatier, and thought leader transforming global food systems through sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. As the founder of Midunu, a nomadic dining concept, and Midunu Chocolates, she advocates for sustainable agriculture, ethical trade, and environmental resilience, highlighting the untapped potential of African foodways.

With over a decade of United Nations humanitarian experience across 40+ countries, Selassie brings a unique perspective to the intersection of food, climate change, and community. Her work champions indigenous crops, promotes biodiversity, and empowers smallholder farmers to create resilient food systems. A passionate environmental activist, Selassie emphasizes how value creation at origin—particularly in the cocoa industry—can combat climate-related challenges, reduce deforestation, and foster equitable economic development.

Selassie’s philosophy, rooted in her concept of “New African Cuisine,” celebrates Africa’s culinary heritage while embracing innovation to address global challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and soil degradation. By integrating underutilized crops like millet, fonio, and legumes into plant-forward diets, she demonstrates how sustainable agriculture can enhance environmental stewardship and build resilience against climate volatility.

A sought-after keynote speaker, Selassie has inspired audiences at the EAT Stockholm Food Forum, Design Indaba, and Harvard University. Her work has been featured in CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and Vogue, amplifying her mission to drive systemic change in the food industry.

Through her efforts, Selassie educates and motivates audiences to act—whether by supporting local food systems, championing sustainable agriculture, or advancing environmental advocacy. Her powerful storytelling and actionable insights make her an influential voice in the fight for climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice.

Speech Topics

Reimagining Food Systems Through African Foodways: How African Culinary Traditions Can Drive Climate and Environmental Resilience

African foodways offer solutions to the most pressing environmental and agricultural challenges. From neglected crops with high climate resilience to sustainable culinary traditions, this talk explores how African agricultural practices and biodiversity can combat food insecurity, regenerate ecosystems, and adapt to climate volatility. Drawing from her experience across 40+ countries, Selassie invites audiences to rethink global food systems through the lens of African innovation.

Attendee Results:

  • Learn how indigenous crops and practices support climate adaptation and ecological restoration.
  • Understand biodiversity’s role in building resilient food systems.
  • Gain actionable strategies for adopting sustainable agricultural practices inspired by African foodways.
  • Explore how community-driven food solutions foster environmental and cultural resilience.

The Cocoa Journey - From Bean to Bite: Creating Climate-Conscious Value Chains Through Ethical Cocoa Production

As one of the largest cocoa producers, Ghana sits at the intersection of agriculture, climate, and economic challenges. This talk dives into the environmental and socioeconomic impact of cocoa farming, highlighting how creating value at origin reduces deforestation, supports smallholder farmers, and promotes sustainable trade. Selassie shares her journey as a chocolatier advocating for ethical sourcing and regenerative agricultural practices in cocoa production.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the environmental challenges and solutions within the global cocoa value chain.
  • Discover how ethical chocolate production supports climate-conscious agriculture and community development.
  • Learn strategies to incorporate transparency and sustainability into supply chains.
  • Explore how storytelling connects consumers to climate-friendly food systems.

New African Cuisine - Bold Flavors, Deep Roots: Preserving Cultural and Environmental Heritage Through African Foodways

Africa’s diverse cuisines provide a powerful model for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. This talk highlights the philosophy of New African Cuisine, blending cultural preservation with innovative approaches to climate resilience. By incorporating wild foods, ancient grains, and communal dining traditions, Selassie demonstrates how African culinary heritage promotes environmental sustainability and community well-being.

Attendee Results:

  • Discover the role of indigenous ingredients in preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Learn how traditional food systems reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience.
  • Gain inspiration for integrating sustainability into food innovation.
  • Explore how communal dining fosters cultural and ecological connection.

Plant-Forward Innovation in a Changing World: African Ingredients as a Blueprint for Climate-Smart Diets

African cuisines, rooted in plant-based traditions, offer a roadmap for addressing climate change and agricultural sustainability. This talk highlights nutrient-dense crops like millet, fonio, and legumes, showcasing their role in reducing environmental footprints, improving soil health, and supporting climate-smart agriculture. Selassie connects these traditions to global solutions for food security and sustainability.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the environmental benefits of plant-forward diets and how they mitigate climate impact.
  • Learn how African crops and farming practices contribute to sustainable agriculture.
  • Discover preservation techniques that minimize food waste and promote environmental health.
  • Be inspired by flavorful, plant-based innovations rooted in tradition and sustainability.

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