Heifer International has launched the 2025 AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) Challenge, an initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs to drive innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The competition seeks to harness technology to enhance food production, support smallholder farmers, and create employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
Speaking at the launch, Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, highlighted the critical role of technology in transforming agriculture. He noted that smallholder farmers, who constitute 80% of Nigeria’s farming population, face significant challenges such as low productivity, climate change, and limited market access. He stressed that the AYuTe Challenge is designed to encourage young people to develop agri-tech solutions that not only address these challenges but also contribute to a more resilient and productive food system.
“The AYuTe Challenge is a platform for young entrepreneurs to bring forward innovative ideas that can modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By leveraging technology, these young innovators can create employment for themselves while providing sustainable solutions that strengthen the country’s food security,” Tobe said.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of food security, youth empowerment, and economic growth. With young people making up about 60% of the country’s population, Tobe emphasized their potential to drive long-term change in agriculture through technology and entrepreneurship.
He explained that the competition provides more than just financial rewards; it offers mentorship, business development support, and connections to investors and industry experts. With a total prize fund of $40,000, the first-place winner will receive $20,000, while the second and third-place winners will get $12,000 and $8,000, respectively.
Beyond the cash prizes, Heifer International is committed to incubating and commercializing the winning solutions, ensuring that the best ideas are scaled into sustainable agribusiness ventures. According to Tobe, previous winners of the AYuTe Challenge have successfully established startups that address critical agricultural issues such as precision farming, pest control, soil health, and digital market access for farmers.
Kehinde Charity Awujoola, Adviser to the Minister of Youth on Gender Matters, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the competition’s significance in shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria. She pointed out that the challenge is not just about securing grants but represents a broader commitment to youth empowerment, technological advancements, and addressing the pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture remains a vital part of Nigeria’s economy and livelihoods. By leveraging technology, we can enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector,” Awujoola stated.
She expressed optimism about the initiative’s impact, noting that the 2025 finalists will have a unique opportunity to compete for substantial funding that can help them scale their innovations. More importantly, she stressed that fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among young Nigerians is crucial for the country’s long-term agricultural and economic development.
Awujoola also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting youth-led innovation and called on stakeholders, including investors, industry leaders, and policymakers, to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for young tech entrepreneurs to thrive.
The AYuTe Challenge is open to startups and individuals developing agriculture-focused solutions, including digital tools for farm management, climate-smart technologies, and initiatives aimed at improving supply chain efficiency. Heifer International encourages young innovators with groundbreaking ideas to participate and take advantage of the mentorship, funding, and business support that the competition offers.
With the agricultural sector playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, initiatives like the AYuTe Challenge are expected to drive technological advancements that enhance productivity, ensure food security, and create economic opportunities for the country’s youth.
