Heifer International has called on governments, private sector stakeholders, investors, and development partners to transition from symbolic gestures to concrete investments in Africa’s agricultural sector, with a focus on youth-led agri-tech innovations. The appeal was made during the final day of the AYuTe NextGen Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where young agri-innovators from across the continent showcased scalable, technology-driven solutions.
The three-day conference, organized by Heifer International, centered on themes such as Access to Finance, Access to Markets, and Climate-Smart Agriculture. It has evolved into a platform that accelerates youth-led solutions aimed at transforming smallholder farming in Africa. Heifer International President Surita Sandosham emphasized the need for collaboration to sustain and scale these innovations. “What we are doing is we take a long view to engaging with our farmers in order to build and complete an innovation ecosystem,” she said. Sandosham urged stakeholders to move from “support in principle to support in practice through capital, policy, and partnership.”
Heifer Uganda Country Director William Matovu highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Uganda, given the country’s youthful population and reliance on agriculture. He noted the participation of Ugandan ministers as a positive sign of government partnership. “We are so much happy that close to three ministers have been able to come and preside over this conference. That’s a clear demonstration that if we work very closely with government as a partner… we can be able to have the right policy framework that can enable smallholder farmers, especially close the income gap,” Matovu stated. He also praised the conference for fostering a network of innovators across Africa, creating opportunities for Ugandan youth.
Adesuwa Ifedi, Heifer’s Senior Vice President for Africa Programs, reflected on the conference’s origins during the COVID-19 pandemic and its role in launching transformative agricultural ideas led by youth. She underscored the importance of technology in reshaping the continent’s food systems. “Technology can create new jobs for agriculture. Technology can enable young people with or without education to transform the continent… We are through with asking for handouts. We’re a continent that is able to build, to scale, to transform,” Ifedi asserted.
Heifer representatives reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting innovation by de-risking early-stage ventures through grant funding. They called on investors and institutions to recognize the potential of Africa’s agri-tech sector to address challenges and fuel sustainable economic growth.
The implications of this call to action are significant. By investing in youth-led agri-tech innovations, stakeholders can drive meaningful change in Africa’s agricultural sector. This could lead to improved food security, increased employment opportunities for young people, and enhanced economic growth. The emphasis on technology and innovation also highlights the need for policies that support and nurture these advancements, ensuring they can scale and make a lasting impact.