Young African Innovators Shine at AYuTe NextGen 2025
Four young agricultural technology entrepreneurs have been named winners of the AYuTe NextGen 2025 competition, a platform aimed at advancing youth-led solutions in African agriculture.
The competition, which drew over 100 applicants from 10 African countries, focused on scaling innovations that benefit smallholder farmers. Finalists competed in two key categories: Climate-Smart Agriculture and Access to Finance and Markets.
In the Climate-Smart Agriculture category, Kenya’s Carolyn Mwangi, Founder and CEO of Kimplanter Seedlings and Nurseries, was named the overall winner. Her company provides climate-resilient vegetable, fruit, and tree seedlings specifically designed for smallholder farmers.
“This recognition means so much, not just to me, but to our entire team at Kimplanter. We have always believed that building resilience for smallholder farmers starts with something as simple, yet powerful, as the right seedlings. Winning AYuTe NextGen is not just a milestone for our team, it’s a sign that Africa’s agricultural future will be shaped by innovation, data, and the determination of young entrepreneurs like us,” said Mwangi.
Maryanne Gichanga, CEO of Agritechs Analytics, was the runner-up for her solar-powered farm sensors that provide pest alerts, soil health tracking, and mobile-based farm management.
In the Access to Finance and Markets category, Nana Opoku, CEO of Grow for Me from Ghana, won for his digital investment platform connecting individuals to crop farming ventures.
“This opportunity validates our work and marks the beginning of a major shift for Ghana’s smallholder farmers. It will go a long way in unlocking financial opportunities, bringing greater stability, increasing incomes, and providing protection against crop losses. This win is not just ours; it is a win for smallholder farmers across Ghana,” said Opoku.
Richies Attai, CEO of Nigeria’s Winich Farms, was the runner-up with his tech platform linking farmers directly to factories, alongside offering credit and insurance services.
Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Programs at Heifer International, emphasized the broader movement behind the competition.
“Across the continent, more than 2,000 agritech startups are operating today, many of them led by young Africans. These young agripreneurs are unlocking opportunities at every stage of the agricultural value chain. They are driving a revolution in how we grow food, share information, and respond to climate challenges. We are here to help connect the dots in this powerful movement, because when youth and technology come together, they become catalysts for change.”
The event, organized by Heifer International, concluded after three days of intense pitching, networking, and discussions in Kampala, Uganda.