Young agritech innovators shine at regional contest

Kampala. Four young agricultural technology (agritech) entrepreneurs have emerged as winners of the Africa Youth Technology (AYuTe) NextGen 2025 competition, following three days of presentations, open dialogue and innovative showcases in the Ugandan capital.

Developed and hosted by Heifer International, the AYuTe NextGen initiative, is Africa’s leading platform for youth-led innovation in agriculture.

It seeks to empower young innovators to reshape food systems across the continent through technology and entrepreneurship.

This year’s edition featured finalists competing in two key categories: Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Access to Finance and Markets.

In the Climate-Smart Agriculture category, the overall winner was Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries (Kenya), Carolyn Mwangi. Her enterprise offers climate-resilient vegetable, fruit and tree seedlings specifically tailored for smallholder farmers, using data-driven methods to boost agricultural resilience.

The first runner-up in the same category was Chief Executive Officer of Agritechs Analytics (Kenya), Maryanne Gichanga, recognised for her solar-powered farm sensors. The technology provides pest alerts, monitors soil health and enables remote farm management via mobile tools.

In the Access to Finance and Markets category, Chief Executive Officer of Grow For Me (Ghana), Nana Opoku, emerged top. His digital platform allows individuals to invest in crops cultivated by experienced farmers, with profits shared post-harvest.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Winich Farms (Nigeria), Richies Attai, was named first runner-up. His integrated platform connects farmers directly to factories and offers bundled credit and insurance products, aimed at improving farmers’ access to finance and markets.