Heifer International launches third edition of the AYuTe Africa challenge to spur innovations

Heifer International has launched the third edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge-Uganda which gives grants innovators to scale up their inventions.

The initiative seeks to empower young entrepreneurs to revolutionize the agricultural sector across the African continent, has served as a catalyst for innovation, economic resilience, and agri-tech advancement since its inception in 2021.

Heifer International Uganda’s country program has successfully hosted two editions of the AYuTe Challenge, drawing participation from 443 talented youth fromn diverse backgrounds across the country.

In 2022, the AYuTe Challenge awarded for young innovators, followed by 3 awardees in 2023, including a female entrepreneur. In total, the seven (7) youth have won Shs 120 million, which has mainly gone towards scaling
up of their inventions.

Samantha Ainembabazi, the second runner-up in 2023 said she used  the funds to procure more inputs for her Freza Nanotech innovation which extends fruit shelf life to 30 days. In herm remarks at the launch event, Samantha described how her participation in AYuTe has impacted her.

Samantha Ainembabazi, of Freza Nanotech

“I am thrilled to see the return of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Season 3. This competition has provided me with a valuable opportunity to establish myself in a male-dominated industry. With my prize, I was able to scale my business by purchasing essential raw materials and hiring additional staff. In addition, Heifer International gave me more exposure through seconding me to participate in the #AYuTeNextGen regional competition held in Kigali early this year. In this competition, I won an additional $ 20,000 on top of networking opportunities with other young innovators and delegates,” she said.

William Matovu, the Heifer Uganda Country Director observed the staggering youth unemployment rate (41%, UBOS 2021) in the country; and yet youth have the energy and minnovative acumen to contribute to the country’s development.

“This competition has showcased the innovative spirit of Uganda’s youth, highlighting their role in driving agricultural transformation. The AYuTe Africa Challenge will continue to demonstrate the potential of technology as an enabler for efficient agricultural value chain functioning; while fostering sustainable solutions for smallholder farmers,” Matovu said.

The application process for the third edition is now open until July 25, 2024.

Applicants must be Uganda-based innovators between the ages of 18 and 35 years, with start-up operations working with small holder farmers, among other requirements.

Top finalists will undergo a comprehensive incubation period and pitch events, culminating in a Grand Finale Gala in September 2024, where winners will share a total Shs 112 million in awards and other development support.

“We are hopeful that these added initiatives will amplify Heifer’s commitment to agricultural excellence while providing further visibility to the competition’s impact. Heifer International remains committed to supporting past awardees through mentorship, business development services, and funding to scale their enterprises,” said
Matovu.

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