Competition provides cash grants to innovators, increasing the use of technology
and creating jobs across Africa’s agricultural sector
AGRF and Heifer International have announced the launch of Pitch AgriHack 2021, “As a continent with a thriving youth population, Africa’s agricultural sector must look to its
youth for the innovation that will fuel the future growth of this strategically important sector,”
said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Programs at Heifer International.
“Integrating youth and technology in the agricultural sector will transform the continent,
creating new jobs and income-generating opportunities for young Africans”.
In addition to its sponsorship of Pitch AgriHack 2021, Heifer International is partnering with
Generation Africa to run this year’s competition. Both organizations have a shared vision of
eradicating hunger and poverty through sustainable, community-led development that begins
with agriculture.
“It’s a privilege to have an established and experienced non-profit organization like Heifer
International on board,” said Head of Generation Africa, Dickson Naftali. “At Generation
Africa, we believe that food systems can change if we collaboratively support young African
agri-food entrepreneurs. Pitch AgriHack 2021 can give access to the tools and expertise they
need to make their businesses successful.”
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit,
said, “We are excited to welcome Heifer International as it partners with the AGRF and
Generation Africa on Pitch AgriHack 2021. By working together, sharing knowledge, and
supporting mutually beneficial projects, we can make a bigger impact and drive agricultural transformation in Africa. We want young people across Africa to hear our message – the
future of food and farming depends on them.”
Six winners will be selected from the open-application categories and two winners from the
invite-only AYuTe Africa Challenge category, with winners announced at the AGRF Summit
which takes place September 6-10 in Nairobi. Top contestants will receive a one-day boot
camp in preparation for their final pitches, with winners receiving continued support as they
develop and grow their enterprises.
Business profiles of the finalists will also be published in a Deal Book for circulation at the
AGRF and online, while individual profiles will be made public on the genafrica.org platform
and reviewed for relevance to their investor community.
Applications are open from July 26 to August 16, 2021, at https://pitch-agrihack.info.
