By Vanessa Akoth
Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) and Heifer International have launched the Seventh Edition of Pitch AgriHack- a competition focused on accelerating entrepreneurial growth and job creation in the agriculture sector by leveraging advanced technologies and youth participation in Africa’s food security agenda.
This edition of the competition is aimed at leveraging technological innovations and youth participation in the African agricultural sector.
Pitch AgriHack 2021 will see companies driving innovation in agriculture receive up to US$45,000 financial support. In addition, Heifer international in conjunction with AyuTe Africa Challenge will award $1.5 million in grants to ventures already generating measurable impact for Africa’s Smallholder farmers.
“As a continent with a thriving youth population, Africa’s agricultural sector must look to its youth for innovation that will fuel the future growth of this strategically important sector,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Programs at Heifer International.
“Integrating youth and technology in the agricultural sector will transform the continent, creating new jobs and income-generating opportunities for young Africans.”
Apart from sponsoring Pitch AgriHack 2021, Heifer international has partnered with Generation Africa to run this year’s competition.
“It’s a privilege to have an established and experienced non-profit organization like Heifer International on board,” said Head of Generation Africa, Dickson Naftali.
“At Generation Africa, we believe that food systems can change if we collaboratively support young African agrifood entrepreneurs. Pitch AgriHack 2021 can give access to the tools and expertise they need to make their businesses successful.”
Dr, Agnes Kalibata, President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit, said “We are excited to welcome Heifer International as it partners with AGRF and Generation Africa on Pitch AgriHack 2021. By working together, sharing knowledge and supporting mutually beneficial projects, we can make a bigger impact and drive agricultural transformation in Africa. We want young people across Africa to hear our message-the future of food and farming depends on them.”
The competition will receive continued support as they develop and grow their enterprises. The winners will be announced at the AGRF Summit taking place from the 6th to the 10th of September in Nairobi. Six winners are to be selected from the open category application and two from the invite-only AyuTe Africa Challenge category.
