The Heifer International and AGRF have announced the launch of Pitch AgriHack 2021, a competition focused on accelerating job creation and entrepreneurial growth in the agricultural sector by leveraging advanced technologies and participation of youths in Africa’s food security agenda.
The seventh edition of the program is a pitching competition focusing on African businesses bringing technological innovation to the agricultural sector. The competition will be hosted by Generation Africa, a thematic platform of the AGRF.
The open contest portion of the pitch AgriHack 2021 aims at supporting companies driving innovation in agriculture across three categories – Early-stage, Women-led, and Mature/Growth-stage with prizes totaling US$45,000. AYuTe Africa Challenge is a fourth invite-only category sponsored by Heifer International, to award up to $1.5 million in grants to scalable ventures that have been generating measurable impact for smallholder farmers in Africa.
The Senior Vice president for Africa programs at Heifer International, Adesuwa Ifedi commented on the competition stating that: “As a continent with the thriving youth population, the agricultural sector of the continent must look into its youths for innovation that will drive future growth of this strategically important sector, Integrating technology and youth in the agricultural sector will transform the continent to create new jobs and income-generating opportunities for young Africans.”
Additionally, to the sponsorship of the Pitch AgriHack 2021, Heifer International is collaborating with Generating Africa to run this year’s competition. Both organizations aim at eradicating hunger and poverty through sustainable, community-led development starting with agriculture.
Also speaking, Dickson Naftali, Head of Generation Africa:
“It’s a privilege to have an established and experienced non-profit organization like Heifer International on board,” “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 AGRA and Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit, said:
“We are excited to welcome Heifer International as it partners with the 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.”
Six winners will be selected from the open application categories while two will be selected from the invite-only AYuTe Challenge category and the winners will be announced at the AGRF Summit that will take place in Nairobi in September 7-10. Top contestants will receive a one-day boot camp to prepare for their final pitches with winners continue to receive support as they develop and grow their enterprise.
The finalists’ business profiles will be published in a Deal Book for circulation online and at the AGRF while profiles of individuals will be made public on the GenAfrica.org platform and reviewed for relevance to their investor community.
How to apply
Interested agricultural innovators can apply here. The deadline for application is Monday, August 16, 2021.
