In a remarkable showcase of innovation and determination, two visionary agripreneurs emerged as champions at the fifth annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition Finals, held during the prestigious Africa Food Systems Summit 2023. With the spotlight firmly on them, Generation Africa awarded grand prizes of $50,000 each to Ms. Hasina Andriatsitohaina, Founder and CEO of Mad’Arom in Madagascar, and Mr. Ikenna Nzewi, co-Founder and CEO of Releaf Africa in Nigeria. This momentous event, chaired by H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, signifies a pivotal moment in the continent’s agricultural landscape.
A Youth-Driven Revolution:
During her address, H.E. Dr. Suluhu highlighted the significance of youth engagement in Africa’s Food Systems transformation. With the youth forming a substantial segment of Africa’s population, their voices and initiatives are instrumental in shaping the future. The Youth Town Hall event at the AGRF Summit provided a unique platform to listen to their concerns, challenges, and aspirations, enriching discussions on the improvement of agribusiness for the young population.
Celebrating Impact and Innovation:
Four outstanding African youth were honored with the GoGettaz Impact Award, each receiving a well-deserved prize of US$2,500. In recognition of the remarkable contributions of all twelve GoGettaz young entrepreneurs who competed from across the continent, Generation Africa’s partner, USAID, generously donated an additional US$1,000 to each of the remaining six finalists. These exceptional individuals were lauded not only for their entrepreneurial vision but also for their diligent preparation and expertly crafted pitches, showcasing innovative businesses in Africa’s agrifood sector.
Africa’s Solutions in Action:
Under the theme “Recover, Regenerate, Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems Transformation,” this year’s AGRF Summit showcased the potential of these GoGettaz to be the catalysts of change. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), highlighted, “I hope the investors were paying attention because I can clearly see how some of these businesses have the potential to impact millions of lives across the continent in the next decade.” These young agripreneurs are the embodiment of Africa’s innovative vision in action.
A Global Reach:
This year’s GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition campaign reached nearly 7 million people and attracted half a million visitors to the Generation Africa website and GoGettaz community platform. The competition received applications from 43 African countries, with a notable increase in female applicants, signaling a positive shift in an industry traditionally perceived as male-dominated.
Supporting Africa’s Innovators:
Strive Masiyiwa, Chair Emeritus of AGRA and Generation Africa founding member, commended the innovative spirit of all the young entrepreneurs, emphasizing their role as torchbearers of sustainable solutions in the face of growing food security challenges. These entrepreneurs have designed innovative technology solutions to tackle food system and environmental challenges while creating new businesses and jobs. They are leading transformative change in Africa’s agrifood sector.
A Call to Action:
Generation Africa founding member Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International, stressed the urgency of youth-led efforts in transforming food systems. He noted that young entrepreneurs are the torchbearers of sustainable solutions, reshaping the future of food, and emphasized the importance of supporting their endeavors.
A Bright Future Ahead:
With the conclusion of the Africa Food Systems Summit, the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition for this year also draws to a close. Looking ahead to 2024, applications will open again next year. As the industry-leading partners and sponsors of Generation Africa, we take immense pride in the exceptional innovation, dedication, and leadership displayed by all the young entrepreneurs who participated this year. The focus for the rest of 2023 will be on mentorship programs, reshaping national policies to better support youth and women in agriculture, and the launch of the Generation Africa Online Academy in partnership with Microsoft, a promising step towards empowering the next generation of agripreneurs.
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