Empowering the community

Virginia Ruguru - Team Lead

“Our greatest strength is our commitment to building a kinder, healthier, and more sustainable future through plant-based living. We celebrate African heritage and empower communities to create positive change for people, animals, and our planet. Together, we're building a movement with a lasting impact for future generations..”

Virginia Ruguru - Founder & Team Lead TORCH INITIATIVES

Our Promise for People, Animals, and the Planet

 At Torch Initiatives, we believe in the power of plant-based food and in protecting animals across Africa. Our work helps to:

· Protect land so animals and plants have a home.

· Keep nature healthy with many kinds of plants and animals.

· Clean the air by reducing pollution from farms.

· Build a better food system that will last for our children.

By choosing plant-based meals and standing up for animal welfare, we are building a kinder, healthier future for everyone.

Thrive Africa Vegan Restaurant Week

The first of its kind on the continent!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Thrive Philanthropy for their invaluable support during Africa Vegan Restaurant Week.

Thanks to their support, Torch Initiatives was able to engage and inspire communities across Kenya, promoting the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of plant based diets.

Together, we reached over 2 million Kenyans, highlighting the impact of sustainable, compassionate food choices. We are proud to be part of this movement, driving positive change for our planet an future generations.

AVA Summit Africa

Torch initiatives attended AVA Summit Kenya a first-of-its-kind gathering that is designed specifically for advocates across the continent working to advance farmed animal protection.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a colorful, floral dress, stands at a poVirginia Ruguru Of Thrive Africa Vegan Women Initiatives giving a speech or presentation at AVA 2025 summit event.

This highly specialized event brought together 250+ advocates for regionally focused sessions, skill-building workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities.

See our event photos below!

Three people standing next to a Thrive Africa banner at an indoor event.
Group of five people standing together at a conference or summit, wearing name tags and lanyards, indoors with plants and windows in the background.
Four women taking a selfie in an indoor setting with people and horse statues in the background.
Three women standing in front of a large giraffe sculpture inside a building lobby.
A group of diverse people gathered indoors, smiling and engaging with an exhibit or presentation, some wearing conference badges and lanyards.