From June 17 to 19, Uganda will host the AYuTe NextGen 2025 Conference, a youth-driven platform organized by Heifer International to showcase Africa’s most promising agri-tech entrepreneurs.
Under the theme “AgTech Generation Rising,” the event will bring together innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners to highlight groundbreaking agriculture solutions led by young minds.
With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25 and an agriculture sector facing climate change, market volatility, and infrastructure challenges, young innovators often struggle with access to capital, mentorship, and markets. AYuTe aims to transform agriculture into a modern, profitable, and tech-driven industry, positioning youth at the forefront of the continent’s food system evolution.
The 2025 conference follows a pan-African competition that drew 100 applicants from 10 countries. After rigorous assessments, 11 finalists will pitch climate-smart, market-ready solutions to a panel of investors and policymakers, competing for seed funding, mentorship, and ecosystem integration. Innovations range from drone technology to AI-driven analytics, reflecting Africa’s rising AgTech generation.
Adesuwa Ifedi, Heifer International’s Senior VP for Africa Programs, emphasized the impact: "AYuTe NextGen is giving youth the tools and partnerships needed to scale solutions that build resilient, inclusive food systems."
The conference will also emphasize youth leadership, with young participants serving as speakers, moderators, and creators in interactive forums, investor discussions, and policy dialogues, driving investment and innovation in African agriculture.
The AYuTe NextGen Conference offers a unique opportunity—youth can showcase ideas and connect with partners, investors gain access to promising AgTech startups, and policymakers witness the impact of youth-driven innovation with the right support systems.
Now in its fourth year, AYuTe NextGen has empowered dozens of startups, benefiting over 650,000 people directly and 1.2 million indirectly across Africa. Past winners like Thrive Agric (Nigeria), Thur Biotech (Ethiopia), and Digicow (Kenya) continue to scale their businesses and drive transformative change for smallholder farmers.
Among the standout innovators, Assumpta Nakalema, Uganda’s 2024 country-level winner, developed a solar-powered egg incubator, helping poultry farmers reduce post-harvest losses and cut energy costs.
Adesuwa Ifedi, Heifer International’s Senior VP for Africa Programs, urged greater collaboration among investors, funders, and governments, emphasizing that supporting young innovators today is vital for securing Africa’s agricultural future.
"To Africa’s young innovators—this is your time. Step forward with your vision. The continent is ready. To investors, policymakers, and funders—be part of this movement. The future of African agriculture is tech-driven, youth-led, and unfolding now. Let’s build an inclusive, resilient food system together," she concluded.
