Kigali, Rwanda – The 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is calling on agrifood entrepreneurs from across Africa to seize the opportunity and showcase their startup ventures. With a focus on fostering sustainable scalable businesses that drive resilience, enhance food security, and create jobs, the competition is open to innovative founders and co-founders aged 18-35. Applications are being accepted from April 8 to June 10, 2024, through the official website at https://gogettaz.africa.

This year’s competition aims to celebrate African entrepreneurs whose business solutions address the critical need for efficient local production of nutritious food, while embracing innovation and scalability to combat climate and environmental challenges. The top contenders will have the chance to present their ideas at the final pitch competition during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2 to 6.

“We co-founded the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize to empower young African entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development. Applications for the 6th Annual GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize competition are now open until June 10. We invite universities, colleges, and hubs with strong agriculture and entrepreneurship programs to share this opportunity with their students. Together, we aim to grow Africa’s century by fostering innovative solutions across the agrifood sector, from seed to fork. Let’s build a future where Africa is not only food secure but also a net exporter of nutritious food to the world. The final pitch competition will take place at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali from September 2-6. Every young entrepreneur who participates in GoGettaz is a winner, with the talent to make a significant impact on our continent.” – Strive Masiyiwa, GoGettaz co-founder

Two grand prizes of $50,000 each will be awarded to the most promising female and male-led agripreneur businesses. Additionally, judges will recognize ventures making significant impacts in areas such as rural livelihoods, nutrition, climate, digital technology, gender, natural resources, and job creation.

In the face of extreme weather events impacting Africa’s agrifood sector, the continent’s young agripreneurs are emerging as agents of change. Their innovative solutions and products hold the key to addressing pressing issues, making their participation in the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition more crucial than ever.

“I continue to be impressed by the tremendous efforts of the young entrepreneurs we meet in the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition,” said Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and GoGettaz co-founder. “Their use of technology and innovative business models exemplifies the potential of the agrifood sector and the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development.”

According to United Nations projections, by 2050, one-quarter of humanity and at least one-third of the world’s youth population aged 15-24 will be African. With over 70% of sub-Saharan Africans under the age of 30, Africa boasts one of the highest rates of entrepreneurship globally.

“Some fear a potential ‘youth quake,’ but we see tremendous opportunities and promise,” noted GoGettaz co-founder Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group. “Africa’s GoGettaz entrepreneurs are already seizing the moment, embracing technology, and revolutionizing the agrifood industry.”

Since its inception in 2019, the GoGettaz Africa competition has discovered young entrepreneurs across the continent building innovative agribusinesses. These entrepreneurs not only enhance prosperity and food security but also contribute to the continent’s overall development.

The 2024 competition welcomes a broader pool of African talent, expanding support to address food system issues at the country and regional levels. French-speaking entrepreneurs are also encouraged to participate, ensuring inclusivity across linguistic boundaries.

“The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition serves as a beacon of hope, rallying Africa’s brightest minds to pioneer transformative solutions and drive meaningful change,” remarked Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum. “Africa stands at the forefront of innovating for resilience, and I cannot wait to see what groundbreaking climate solutions emerge from the 2024 GoGettaz contestants.”

In addition to cash prizes, GoGettaz finalists will receive ongoing support to advance their leadership and impact in the agrifood sector. Top contestants will have the opportunity to apply for the exclusive 6-month GoGettaz Africa Leadership Program, offering personalized coaching, peer-to-peer sessions, and workshops led by thought leaders.

African agripreneurs are encouraged to join the GoGettaz community and apply for the 2024 Agripreneur Prize Competition to contribute to a greener, more prosperous, and sustainable future. To learn more and apply, visit https://gogettaz.africa.

Stay updated and inspired by following @GoGettazAfrica on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The application deadline is June 10, 2024.