The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) AgriPitch competition has begun. On the AgriPitch platform, the continent’s best agripreneurs compete for a share of $140,000 in seed money and a position in the competition’s business development boot camp.
The 2022 AgriPitch competition will aid participants in developing unique ways and concepts to enhance Africa’s food systems, mitigate the consequences of gender marginalisation, and increase sustainable nutrition throughout the continent.
The annual AgriPitch competition is a significant initiative of the AfDB’s Enable Young Programme, offering technical capacity-building skills and allowing youth access to funding.
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The subject of AgriPitch 2022 is The Role of African Youth in African Food Systems.
Edson Mpyisi, the AfDB’s Chief Financial Economist and Enable Youth Coordinator, commented on the competition:
“With the increased effects of climate change and the resultant impact on food systems within the continent, this competition serves to showcase timely and scalable youth-led opportunities.”
He stated that the AgriPitch Competition intends to empower African agripreneurs by improving their company bankability and ensuring that they are “pitch ready” for potential investors.
The AfDB’s Employment for Youth in Africa Strategy aims to enhance inclusive employment and entrepreneurship, as well as develop long-term labour market links.
Those that proceed in the competition this year will receive coaching and mentorship in a fun, tailored virtual two-week Bootcamp.
“The Bank believes that entrepreneurship is a pathway to a secure job and viable socio-economic growth that is inclusive and promotes sustainable development. Therefore, Africa’s emerging vibrant wave of entrepreneurs must be supported and nurtured for the continent’s prosperity,” explained Damian Ihedioha, AfDB’s Division Manager for Agri-business.
Semifinalists for AgriPitch 2022 will also have the opportunity to present their business concepts to potential investors in the AgriPitch deal room, work one-on-one with a mentor, and have access to digital resources beyond the competition.
African youths between the ages of 18 and 35 who work in the agriculture value chain are eligible to compete in the AgriPitch competition.
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Early Startups (0–3 years in business), Mature Startups (3 years or more in operation), and Women-Empowered Businesses (firms with at least 51% female ownership or started by a woman) are the competition categories for AgriPitch 2022.
Visit the competition page to learn more and enter the 2022 AgriPitch competition.
AfDB AgriPitch
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard. You can book a session and speak with him using the link: https://insightsbyexperts.com/view_expert/charles-rapulu-udoh