8th ANNUAL GOGETTAZ AGRI-PRENEUR PRIZE COMPETITION LAUNCHES TODAY

Over USD 160,000 in cash prizes, mentorship, and pan-African visibility for bold young African entrepreneurs transforming Africa’s agrifood systems.

As Africa prepares to convene in Kigali for the Africa Food Systems Forum in September 2026 under the theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2026 is calling on the continent’s most ambitious young entrepreneurs to step forward.

Applications are now open for this year’s GoGettaz competition, which recognizes and rewards outstanding agrifood enterprises launched and led by Africans aged 18 to 35. Prizes include catalytic grant funding, strategic mentorship, and access to a powerful network of investors and policymakers.

Applications close on 28 June 2026. The application form can be accessed here: https://gogettazafrica.com

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 60 percent of its people under the age of 25, and a food and agribusiness market projected to exceed USD 1 trillion by 2030. For a generation seeking purpose and opportunity, agribusiness is increasingly emerging as one of the continent’s most dynamic frontiers for innovation, job creation, and economic transformation.

The 2026 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition offers: Two Grand Prizes of USD 50,000 each for the most outstanding female-led and male-led agribusinesses launched by young African entrepreneurs and headquartered in an African country. USD 60,000 in Impact Awards for ventures demonstrating exceptional leadership in technology and innovation, nutrition and food security, climate resilience, job creation, and gender equity.

Beyond the financial awards, finalists receive pitch training, tailored mentorship, global exposure, and the opportunity to pitch their businesses before a distinguished jury and audience at the competition’s Grand Finale during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026, where the winners will also be announced.

The competition is hosted under Generation Africa, AGRA’s youth community that mobilizes, supports, and amplifies youth as entrepreneurs, innovators, and advocates. Selection criteria include management and leadership; market potential and traction; business model; innovation; and social and environmental impact.

“Africa’s agrifood systems offer one of the most powerful pathways to create jobs, build resilience and unlock inclusive growth.” — Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA

“Young agripreneurs are not waiting to be included in Africa’s transformation they are already driving it. Our responsibility is to back them with strong partnerships and work with governments to create enabling environments where their ideas can scale and deliver impact.”

“Africa’s future is being shaped by visionary entrepreneurs who combine innovation with urgency to turn our greatest challenges into globally competitive opportunities.” — Strive Masiyiwa, GoGettaz co-founder and former AGRA Chair

“Since back in 2019 when we launched GoGettaz, we have been so impressed by the thousands of young entrepreneurs from across Africa who have competed, showcasing AI tech-driven solutions, soil health solutions, renewable plant-based packaging and feminine product solutions. So many different types of businesses I can’t begin to name they all, including those focused on growing and marketing indigenous products like spices, chilis, avocados, sunflower oil, potatoes, and even baobob products, the list goes on.”

“The next generation of African agripreneurs will be central to building resilient food systems that can feed a growing population while safeguarding the planet.” — Svein Tore Holsether, President of Yara and GoGettaz co-founder

“Investing in their innovation is not optional it is one of the smartest investments we can make for long-term food security, sustainability and shared prosperity.”

For young African entrepreneurs building innovative solutions in agriculture, food and nutrition, climate and resilience, this is an opportunity to gain more than access to grant funding. It is a chance to earn continental recognition, forge game-changing partnerships, and help shape the future of Africa’s food systems.

For more information: https://gogettaz.africa/gogettaz-agripreneurs

For questions, please contact: info@genafrica.org

Application deadline: 28 June 2026 at 11:59 EAT

About AGRA

AGRA is an African-led institution that has been driving inclusive agriculture transformation across the continent since 2006. Working with governments, private sector actors, and development partners, AGRA unlocks system-level change so that smallholder farmers can increase incomes, build resilient livelihoods, and strengthen food security. For more information, please visit www.agra.org

About Yara

Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet, to fulfill our vision of a collaborative society, a world without hunger and a planet respected. To meet these commitments, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming and work closely with partners throughout the whole food value chain to develop more climate-friendly crop nutrition solutions. In addition, we are committed to working towards sustainable mineral fertilizer production.

We foster an open culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes the safety and integrity of our employees, contractors, business partners, and society at large. Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has a worldwide presence with about 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries. In 2018, Yara reported revenues of USD 12.9 billion. www.yara.com

About Econet

Econet Global is a technology-driven ecosystem operating across telecommunications, fintech, digital and passive infrastructure, renewable energy, cloud services, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Founded by entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa (Chair Emeritus of AGRA), the Group was built on the belief that technology can uplift human lives, opportunities, and livelihoods by connecting people, expanding access to essential services, and enabling inclusive economic growth.

The Group comprises two independent business groups: Econet Wireless, a leading mobile network operator serving markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, and Cassava Technologies, a global technology company delivering integrated digital solutions across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin America. With deep African roots and a growing global footprint, Econet empowers individuals, businesses, and communities through cutting-edge innovation, helping to build a more connected, inclusive, and digitally enabled future.