Beijing, China
As Africa faces mounting food security challenges amid rapid population growth, a new generation of young innovators is stepping up to transform the continent’s agricultural landscape. With the population projected to soar to 4.3 billion by 2100 and more than 60% of Africans currently under the age of 25, the need for sustainable, efficient food systems has never been more urgent.
Despite their critical role in Africa’s future, young people often encounter significant barriers in agriculture, including limited access to capital, advisory services, and lucrative markets. The perception of agriculture as an outdated and unprofitable sector has also contributed to a widening skills gap. However, organizations like Heifer International are working to change this narrative by supporting youth-led innovations that are redefining African agriculture.
A beacon of hope is shining from Kampala, where the AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) NextGen 2025 conference, hosted by Heifer International, will take place from June 17 to 19, 2025. The event, designed by youth for youth, aims to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, spotlighting Africa’s most promising agritech entrepreneurs.
Under the inspiring theme “AgTech Generation Rising,” the conference will bring together young innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners. It serves as a clarion call to recognize and support the groundbreaking solutions Africa’s youth are developing to revolutionize food systems across the continent.
Now in its fourth year, the AYuTe initiative has already made a significant impact, supporting numerous startups and reaching over 650,000 direct users and 1.2 million indirect users throughout Africa. After rigorous technical reviews in Lagos and Nairobi, 11 outstanding finalists have been selected for this year’s event. Their innovations range from advanced drone technology for precision agriculture to AI-powered analytics that optimize crop yields—demonstrating the ingenuity and forward-thinking spirit of Africa’s next generation.
These young visionaries will present their solutions directly to a diverse audience of investors, policymakers, and key ecosystem partners. This engagement offers not only essential funding but also invaluable mentorship and unparalleled opportunities to establish themselves within the innovation ecosystem cultivated by Heifer and its strategic partners.
Dayo Aduroja, Africa Youth and Innovation Lead at Heifer International, emphasized the transformative potential of youth-led innovation: “Young people are proving that African agriculture can be innovative and profitable. This year’s competition unveiled bold and creative solutions from across the continent. The summit is a vital platform where ideas can converge and find the capital and support necessary to expand their impact.”
Importantly, youth are not just participants at the conference—they are at the heart of every aspect, serving as speakers, designers, leaders, and creators. Investor discussions, also led by young people, will address critical topics such as digital transformation, climate resilience, policy reform, and inclusive finance. These candid and dynamic conversations are designed to stimulate investment and accelerate the adoption of much-needed innovations across Africa.
Since its founding in 1944, Heifer International has been at the forefront of environmental protection and the fight to end hunger and poverty, impacting more than 52 million people worldwide. Today, Heifer operates in 19 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, empowering farmers and food producers to earn sustainable incomes, strengthen local economies, and build secure livelihoods.
As Africa’s youth continue to break new ground in agritech, the continent stands poised to make a major difference in the global fight against food insecurity. With the right support and investment, these young innovators are set to drive the transformation of African agriculture—creating a future where food systems are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive for all.
