Heifer International Uganda has launched the 4th edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Uganda, a flagship national competition that identifies, invests in, and accelerates youth-led Agritech innovations.
The goal is to drive productivity and prosperity among Uganda’s smallholder farmers by equipping youth with the tools, skills, and funding to deliver scalable agricultural solutions.
In this fourth edition, participants will compete for a total cash prize of Shs 222 million, alongside production management, leadership, ecosystem development, stakeholder engagement, finance, strategy, marketing, and sales; ensuring their innovations thrive beyond the competition.
This year, the competition is expanding its spotlight to not only identify innovative agri-tech solutions but also to celebrate entrepreneurs who are building scalable businesses and creating jobs for Uganda’s youth.
Since its launch in 2022, AYuTe Uganda has attracted over 600+ youth, funded 12 winning ventures, and impacted over 8,000+ smallholder farmers.
The winning innovations have consistently delivered improved crop yields, enhanced livestock survival rates, and subsequently improving incomes.
Speaking at the launch of the 4th edition, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, remarked, “This initiative aligns perfectly with Uganda Vision 2040 and our national strategy to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial enterprise.”
He added, “It is a key driver in our aspiration to become a modern, knowledge-based, and inclusive economy. And who better to lead this change than our youth who are not only the majority but the heartbeat of our nation’s future.”
Bwino said, “You are giving our young people the tools, the voice, and the platform to lead. In partnership, we can unlock Uganda’s agricultural potential.”
Besides winning at the national challenge, the 2025 winners will also earn an opportunity to compete at the continental level in the AYuTe Africa NextGen Grand Challenge 2026, joining youth innovators from across Africa in advancing climate-smart and tech-driven agriculture.
William Matovu, Country Director, Heifer international Uganda, stated that the innovation remains at the core of AYuTe Africa.
He noted, “This year we are going a step further recognizing agripreneurs with the entrepreneurial skill to turn solutions into sustainable businesses.”
Adding, “We are looking for change-makers who are driving job creation, stimulating rural economies, and building businesses that are transforming the future of farming.”
Uganda faces a growing youth population and a pressing need for job creation. Agriculture holds vast potential particularly when powered by youth-led innovation and enterprise.
AYuTe 2025 seeks to position youth as both solution providers and economic drivers. The AYuTe Africa Competition Uganda Edition call for participation will run from May 27, 2025 to June 30, 2025.
