Africa-Press – Uganda. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, in partnership with Heifer International, has officially launched the 4th edition of the Agriculture Youth and Technology (AYUTE) Africa Challenge, an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting innovative young entrepreneurs in agribusiness across Uganda.
This year’s challenge features a total cash prize of Shs 222 million, which will be awarded to outstanding youth-led agribusiness ventures.
Winners will also have the opportunity to represent Uganda at the continental level, gaining exposure and support for their innovations.
A new special category has been introduced for youth innovators in the Busoga subregion, with a targeted goal of creating over 250,000 jobs in the next five years, particularly among women and young people.
Speaking at the launch event, State Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, emphasised the government’s dedication to empowering the youth through agriculture-focused initiatives.
“This challenge is expected to inspire and accelerate youth involvement in sustainable agribusiness ventures by promoting technology-driven solutions,” said Kyakulaga.
Heifer International’s Country Director, Mr. William Matovu, revealed that the competition is informed by a recent survey which found that many youths are disengaged from agriculture, largely due to a perceived lack of innovation in the sector.
“We decided to give youth a platform to bring forward new ideas and technologies that can transform agriculture. That’s how AYUTE was born,” Matovu stated.
In addition to the general agritech category, the Busoga subregion-focused track will spotlight innovative agribusinesses run by youth, especially young women, with the aim of tackling poverty, unemployment, and teenage pregnancies in the area.
“We’re looking at creating more than 250,000 jobs in Busoga by 2029,” Matovu added. “Our goal is to attract youth to agriculture through innovation.”
Students in institutions of higher learning are particularly encouraged to participate by submitting their innovative agribusiness ideas. Entries can be submitted through short videos sent to the AYUTE Africa Challenge WhatsApp number.
Past winners of the challenge have made significant progress in scaling up their businesses. Stellar Nakirijja, a previous winner, noted that AYUTE opened doors to incubation centers and valuable business development training.
Mike Ssali Ssegawa, who won Shs 15 million in a previous edition, used his prize to establish a greenhouse in Nakifuma, Mukono District.
He developed a disease-resistant tomato variety by grafting indigenous tomatoes with modified seeds. In just one year, he has built a network of over 5,000 growers across the country.
The AYUTE Africa Challenge 2024 presents a significant opportunity for Uganda’s youth to transform the agricultural landscape using innovation and technology. Interested participants are urged to seize the moment and be part of this transformative journey.
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