Youth Power in Action: ScaleUp Africa Youth Innovation Challenge at the Africa Food Systems Forum

By Abena Ofosu, Senior Research Officer - Innovation Scaling, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) ; Mahlatse Nkosi, Research Officer - Inclusive Agricultural Finance, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Youth-owned agribusinesses in Africa face a host of structural challenges that limit their growth and resilience. These include, but not limited to, constrained access to affordable finance, land tenure insecurity, and weak market linkages that make it difficult to scale beyond subsistence. In addition, climate variability and resource degradation exacerbate risks for young entrepreneurs, many of whom already operate with thin margins and limited safety nets.

The CGIAR Scaling for Impact science programme is working to address these barriers by generating and adapting evidence-based innovations that range from climate-smart agricultural practices, digital advisory tools, inclusive financing models, and market-bundling strategies supported by its flagships. By embedding science into scaling pathways and co-designing solutions with local partners, the programme helps youth agripreneurs de-risk their ventures, access growth opportunities, and participate more competitively in sustainable agri-food systems.

One such effort was involved together Africa's brightest young minds at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal. In conjunction with this year's theme, "Africa's Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation", the programme extended an invitation to ecosystem disruptors who are reshaping the future of agrifood systems and promoting agricultural transformation under the ScaleUp Africa: Youth Innovation Challenge.

With an emphasis on regional representation across the African continent, nine dynamic youth-led agribusinesses from Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia, pitched bold solutions addressing some of the toughest challenges facing Africa's agrifood systems. On the line were de-risking grants of USD 5,000, USD 3,000, and USD 2,000, complemented by six months of technical assistance and exposure to global networks, giving these innovators a real boost to scale their impact.

Meet the Champions

Photo (Left to Right): Arristine Mendes of Shaddai Aquaculture (Winner), Imungana Malikana of Cranitech Software Solutions (Second Place) and Crescentia Mushobozi of MbeguNzuri Biotech Farms (Third Place). Credit: Images provided by innovators.

Arristine Mendes, Founder and CEO of Shaddaï Aquaculture from Senegal, clinched the top spot with a game-changing idea: transforming abattoir waste and local inputs into affordable, sustainable fish feed. Their mission doesn't just stop at fish - they're expanding to feed poultry and cattle too, tackling hunger while driving climate-smart, sustainable farming.

Imungana Malikana, Founder and CEO of Cranitech Software Solutions from Zambia took the second prize. From solar-powered IoT egg incubators to solar-powered irrigation, Cranitech is using climate-smart tech to empower farmers to unlock climate financing by supporting them to build credit histories through digital record-keeping. They give smallholders a better shot at accessing finance and growth, with a mandate premised on merging sustainability with technology.

Crescentia Mushobozi, Founder and CEO of MbeguNzuri Biotech Farms from Tanzania took the third prize, with her opening statement, "food security starts with good seeds, and MbeguNzuri is making sure farmers get just that". Their high-quality potato seeds are transforming yields and putting more income into the hands of smallholder farmers.

Why This Matters for the Youth

The ScaleUp Africa Youth Innovation Challenge highlights that unlocking youth potential requires more than the extension of cash prizes; it demands a conducive enabling environment. By coupling de-risking grants with six months of technical assistance, the aim is to strengthen the ecosystem by supporting agribusinesses to scale, attract capital, identify foundational institutional support, and while integrate into broader value chains.

With millions of young Africans entering the workforce every year, the call to action is clear: when institutions, investors and policymakers provide the right support systems, youth-led agribusiness can move from pilots to scalable solutions, transforming local challenges into solutions that resonate on the global stage.

The Takeaway

The ScaleUp Africa Youth Innovation Challenge is more than a competition. It's a movement - showing that young Africans aren't waiting for the future; they're shaping it. It all points to one truth: whether you're passionate about tech, sustainability, or farming, there's space for youth to innovate and lead.

Photo (Left to Right): The ScaleUp Africa Youth Innovation Challenge Judges - Dr. Olufunke Cofie, Dr. Paswel Phiri Marenya and Dr. Tim Krupnik. Credit: Woodrow