The SAHE Foundation, in collaboration with Agro Nigeria, has launched the Global Youth AgriTech Network, a pioneering initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in tech-driven agriculture. This launch, coinciding with this year’s Children’s Day celebrations, took place in Akwa Ibom State, with a rallying cry to “Become Young Champions of Tech-Enabled Agriculture.”
The hybrid event, held at the Ati Annang Foundation Library Avenue in Ikot Ekpene, drew a diverse audience, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in transforming the agricultural sector. The occasion also paid tribute to the late Emmanuel Etokebe, former chairman of the SAHE Foundation, whose vision continues to inspire the organization’s mission.
In a compelling keynote address, Akpasam Ekanem, a lecturer in the department of electrical & electronics engineering at Akwa Ibom State University, Uyo, explored the dynamic intersection of technology and agriculture. He posited that Nigeria stands on the brink of an agricultural revolution, with its youthful population poised to drive a future where technology ensures food security and economic prosperity.
“The time for an agricultural revolution is now,” Ekanem asserted, highlighting the sector’s critical role in African economies and the challenges it faces, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 400 million by 2050 and 60% of its current population under 25, he emphasized the unprecedented opportunity for youth engagement in agriculture.
Ekanem painted a stark contrast between an aging farming population and a tech-savvy youth, presenting a unique chance for young Nigerians to infuse agriculture with innovation. He noted that the traditional image of farming is evolving, with agriculture becoming increasingly “brain-driven.” He cited examples of technological advancements in various states, such as drones in Kaduna, mobile applications in Enugu, artificial intelligence in Ogun, and data analytics in Kano, illustrating how agriculture is transforming into a dynamic fusion of “Business + Innovation + Impact.”
Precision agriculture, leveraging drones, sensors, and satellite imaging, promises optimized resource use, Ekanem explained. He celebrated young Nigerian innovators like Onyeka Akumah, founder of FarmCrowdy, who are already leading the charge in agri-tech. Ekanem encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs with a powerful reminder: “You don’t need perfect conditions—just vision and drive.”
As a call to action, Ekanem urged young Nigerians to embrace learning, focusing on digital skills, agri-tech, and coding. He advised them to start small, think big, and build networks through collaboration across sectors. He also implored them to demand support in terms of policy, financing, and infrastructure from both government and the private sector.
Idongesit Mbaram, founder of SAHE Foundation, articulated the core mission of the event, emphasizing the importance of empowering youth in tech-enabled agriculture. “In an increasingly interconnected world, where technology reshapes every facet of our lives, it is crucial that our children are not just consumers of technology, but creators, innovators, and leaders,” she stated. Mbaram highlighted the dual benefit of this empowerment, noting that it secures the youth’s future while ensuring food security and sustainable development for Nigeria and the world.
The launch of the Global Youth AgriTech Network marks a significant stride towards securing food security and fostering innovation in agriculture. By empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools of tech-enabled agriculture, the initiative aims to transform the sector and drive sustainable development.