Tanzanian youth-led agritech startups secure grant funding

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian youth-led agritech startups have secured $22,500 in grants through the 2025 AYuTe Africa Challenge Tanzania Cohort 2, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.

The competition, which received over 260 applications nationwide, highlights technological advancements addressing key challenges in Tanzania’s agricultural industry, where smallholder farmers contribute 80 percent of total production.

Under the theme “Empowering Generations: From Legacy to Innovation,” the Demo Day showcased solutions aimed at improving conditions for smallholder farmers across the agricultural value chain. The initiative underscores the role of youth in transforming agriculture through innovation and technology.

Organised by Heifer International Tanzania under the AYuTe NextGen programme, the challenge provides financial support, mentorship, and training in leadership, project management, and financial management to help agritech startups scale their solutions.

This year’s winners introduced innovations in post-harvest loss reduction, pest management, animal feed production, and drone technology for soil analysis and fumigation. The overall winner, MIL -Animal Nutrition, received $10,000 for its cost-effective animal feed solution, designed to support dairy farming during the dry season.

The first runner-up, Mbeya Oil Cado, secured $7,500 for its method of producing cooking oil from avocado rejects. The second runner-up, Dry Food, received $5,000 for its tomato powder production initiative, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Prof Riziki Shemdoe, commended Heifer International Tanzania and Sahara Ventures for their collaborative effort in promoting youth engagement in agriculture. He said the initiative was playing a key role in transforming the sector and enhancing food production.

Heifer International Tanzania Country Director Mark Tsoxo, said the challenge serves as a catalyst for scaling high-potential agritech startups.

“By providing access to finance and strategic support, we empower young entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions,” he said.

Heifer International and its partners will continue supporting the finalists in scaling their agritech solutions, benefiting smallholder farmers and strengthening Africa’s agricultural sector.