National News

AYuTe NextGen 2025 Conference set for June 17

LLOYD CHITSULO

Africa’s young agri-tech innovators are set to convene in Kampala, Uganda from June 17 to June 19 for the Agriculture, Youth and Technology (AYuTe) NextGen 2025 Conference, organised by Heifer International.

The conference, to be held under the theme ‘AgTech Generation Rising’, will bring together young innovators, investors, policymakers and development partners to discuss technological solutions to revolutionise food systems on the continent, among others.

2024 AYuTe NextGen winnersPHOTOGRAPH: HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

A statement from Heifer International on Wednesday said the conference follows an intense, continent-wide competition that drew over 100 applicants from 10 countries.

It reads: “Through rigorous technical assessment sessions in Lagos and Nairobi, 11 finalists emerged, armed with solutions that are climate-smart, market-ready, and laser-focused on access to finance and scale.

“These finalists will pitch live before a distinguished panel of investors, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, with the chance to secure catalytic seed funding, mentorship, and a place in the innovation ecosystem being provided by Heifer and its strategic partners.”

Heifer International senior vice-president for Africa programmes Adesuwa Ifedi is quoted in the statement as having said the conference puts into the spotlight youths as the true architects of Africa’s agriculture future.

She said: “With AYuTe NextGen, we are spotlighting youth as the true architects of Africa’s agricultural future and giving them the tools and partnerships they need to scale solutions that build resilient, inclusive food systems.”

Africa Youth and Innovation Lead at Heifer International Dayo Aduroja is also quoted in the statement as having said youths are proving that Africa’s agriculture can be both innovative and profitable.

“This year’s competition generated many bold, creative solutions from across the continent. The conference provides a platform where ideas meet opportunity, and solutions gain the capital and support needed to scale.”

According to Heifer International’s statement, what makes AYuTe NextGen unique is it’s focus on youth leadership at every level.

“This is not a conference where young people are on the sidelines, they are the speakers, designers, moderators, and creators,” further reads the statement.

“Interactive forums, fireside chats, and investor conversations will be led by youth, tackling issues from digital disruption and climate resilience to policy reform and inclusive financing. These are authentic, unfiltered conversations designed to spark investment and scale innovation.”

The AYuTe NextGen—now in its fourth year, has supported dozens of startups across the continent, whose innovative solutions have impacted more than 650 000 direct beneficiaries and over 1.2 million indirect beneficiaries.

Some of the past winners imclude Thrive Agric (Nigeria), Thur Biotech (Ethiopia), and Digicow (Kenya), who are now scaling their businesses and bringing transformative change to smallholder communities.

The 2024 Uganda winner of the country level competition, Assumpta Nakalema, developed a solar-powered egg incubator that is already reducing post-harvest losses and energy dependency for poultry farmers, according to the statement.

She is quoted in the statement as having said: “The AYuTe NextGen platform doesn’t just identify innovations, it builds the ecosystem needed for sustained growth and impact.”

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