Africa’s Food Systems Forum Heifer International and Generation Africa launch 2023 Pitch AgriHack to Spur Agritech Innovation
Pitch AgriHack 2023 has been launched by Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AGRF), Heifer International, and Generation Africa (https://GenAfrica.org/), marking the third year in a row that the three partners will offer financial grants to promising young agritech entrepreneurs throughout the continent.
Pitch AgriHack aims to inspire and empower young African agritech entrepreneurs to unleash their innovative spirit and help improve the continent’s agricultural landscape.
Pitch AgriHack 2023 will award USD 45,000 in total prize money to the most innovative startups that address important concerns and support sustainable agricultural growth across the continent. The competition is divided into three categories: early-stage initiatives, mature/growth-stage ventures, and women-led ventures. Each category will have three winners and three runners-up, with each winner receiving a cash prize of USD 10,000 and each runner-up receiving a cash prize of USD 5,000.
“Africa’s agricultural sector is on the verge of a transformation, and at Heifer International, we recognize the critical role that youth and innovation play in driving this development and providing solutions that meet the daily needs of smallholder farmers,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, Heifer International’s Senior Vice President for Africa Programs.
We can build local economies, increase food production, and improve communities by leveraging the power of technology and creativity. This year’s Pitch AgriHack subject is ‘Unleash your Innovation,’ and it is a fantastic opportunity for young agritech entrepreneurs to demonstrate their discoveries that will contribute to the transformation of Africa’s agricultural sector, creating new jobs and improving food security.
“The agriculture sector is undergoing a digital revolution, and Pitch AgriHack 2023 is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and Former Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit. Young firms with technical solutions are assisting smallholder farmers in breaking down hurdles that have confined them to subsistence farming practices, and Pitch AgriHack is increasing their visibility and giving crucial networking possibilities.
We firmly believe that the innovative solutions developed by young entrepreneurs have the potential to revolutionize the way we address food security challenges and empower smallholder farmers across the continent,” said Dickson Naftali, Head of Generation Africa. We are developing an environment that nourishes and promotes the growth of entrepreneurs by giving them with the resources and recognition they require to thrive.”
“With Pitch AgriHack, we want to inspire and attract young talent to drive African solutions to resilient food systems transformation,” said AGRF Managing Director Amath Pathe Sene. “When agroecology, climate science, and cutting-edge digital technology collide, the agrifood sector becomes so much more than just appealing and impactful job opportunities.” This is a platform for young entrepreneurs to rethink the agricultural landscape.
Entrepreneurs and innovators in the agritech industry are invited to apply to Pitch AgriHack 2023, which will take place from May 29 to July 3, 2023, at https://Pitch-AgriHack.info/. The competition is open to African founders or co-founders between the ages of 18 and 40 who own firms that provide agritech solutions and digital services in the agriculture industry.
Finalists will be chosen from among applicants through a rigorous selection process conducted by experienced reviewers who will assess the submissions on their innovativeness, feasibility, and potential for impact. Selected finalists will then pitch their agritech solutions live on stage to an acclaimed panel of judges at the AGRF in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from the 4th to the 8th of September, where the winners will also be revealed.
Meanwhile, the AGRF Agribusiness Deal Room, which will be attended by over 800 firms, 15 government delegations, and 150 public and private investors, will provide these entrepreneurs with exciting new prospects to secure investments, collaborations, and mentorship.
Pitch AgriHack 2023 demonstrates AGRF, Heifer International, and Generation Africa’s commitment to fostering innovation, creating jobs, and improving food security in Africa. They hope to inspire a new generation of agritech entrepreneurs who will alter the agricultural landscape and empower smallholder farmers across the continent through this dynamic competition.
