By Moses Sentamu
Young entrepreneurs across Africa are advocating for inclusive and resilient food systems to drive agricultural growth, with a focus on supporting smallholder farmers.
Mr Jeremiah Chijenga, the CEO of Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa Ltd. in Tanzania, highlighted the challenge of competing with established food systems during the AYuTe NextGen 2025 Regional Event in Kampala, hosted by Heifer International from June 17–19, 2025.
At the same event, Heifer International’s President and CEO, Surita Sandosham, emphasized the need to connect young agri-tech innovators with investors, mentors, funders, market opportunities, and networks to strengthen youth-led agricultural transformation.
She noted the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystems, with cities like Kampala, Lagos, and Johannesburg ranking among the world’s top 20 emerging tech hubs.
Abraham, one of the innovators, shared that his team is focused on developing digital solutions to empower smallholder farmers, addressing challenges like access to information, markets, and financing.
These efforts align with initiatives like the AYuTe Africa Challenge, which supports young entrepreneurs in scaling tech-driven solutions for smallholder farmers.
These calls to action underscore the critical role of youth-led innovation in building sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa, supported by strategic partnerships and access to resources.
