Abdirisak Abdirahman

A Somali-Canadian prodigy who developed a revolutionary app to combat famine, showcasing the power of technology in addressing global crises.

Abdirisak Abdirahman, born in 2006 in Toronto, Canada, gained international acclaim at age 12 for creating Farmers' Friend—an AI-powered app that predicts crop yields and livestock health in drought-prone regions. His innovation was inspired by famine experiences in his family's native Somalia. The app uses satellite data and machine learning to provide real-time agricultural insights, helping farmers optimize resources in regions like East Africa. Abdirisak's work earned him a spot in Ashoka's Changemakers program and a UNICEF collaboration. He advocates for tech education in conflict zones, believing youth empowerment can drive sustainable development. His journey is documented in National Geographic's 2021 feature, emphasizing cross-cultural innovation. Abdirisak continues developing apps targeting education and healthcare gaps in underserved communities.