Wajba launched as Bahrain's first surplus-food marketplace app to coincide with World Food Day on 16 October. The platform connects consumers with local businesses to facilitate the sale of excess food inventory at discounted rates. Founder Nasser Kanoo designed the digital interface to reduce domestic food waste by providing a centralized location for users to purchase unsold items from restaurants and cafes. By integrating food retailers into a single mobile application, the service aims to address sustainability challenges within the local hospitality sector. The initiative represents an expansion of food management technology in Bahrain, targeting both environmental impact and consumer savings. Users can now access the marketplace to view available food supplies offered by participating vendors across the country.
Innovation in Food Sustainability
World Food Day, observed annually on 16 October, serves as a focal point for global efforts to address food security and waste management. The 2024 iteration of this international event operates under the theme "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow," a concept that aligns with the operational goals of the Wajba platform.
Nasser Kanoo, chief operating officer at Wajba, noted the significance of the timing, stating: "World Food Day reminds us that innovation does not always need to be complicated." He added, "It can begin with a simple decision to make better use of food that has already been prepared and remains suitable for consumption."
Current operational data from Wajba indicates that the platform has already prevented more than 15,000 meals from going to waste. This metric reflects the ongoing integration of technology into the local retail supply chain. To maintain this volume of diverted surplus, the service currently works with 65 vendor partners across Bahrain. These partnerships allow restaurants and cafes to list excess inventory directly to the platform’s user base.
Expansion of these networks remains a priority for the company as it seeks to scale its impact on food sustainability. Nasser Kanoo emphasized the dual benefits of the model, explaining: "For businesses, reducing waste can help recover value from products that might otherwise remain unsold, while consumers can access quality food at lower prices. When businesses and consumers both participate, small everyday decisions can contribute to a more responsible and sustainable food system in Bahrain."