Applications are now open for the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2026, one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurship initiatives aimed at empowering young innovators transforming the continent’s agricultural sector. The annual competition, organized under the framework of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), seeks to identify, support, and scale youth-led agribusiness ventures that are creating sustainable solutions across Africa’s food systems.
The competition has become a flagship platform for young entrepreneurs working to address challenges in agriculture, food security, climate resilience, value addition, and rural development. Since its inception, the initiative has attracted thousands of applications from across the continent and has helped elevate a new generation of agribusiness leaders.
The 2026 edition is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years who have established businesses operating within Africa’s agricultural value chain. Eligible enterprises must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and measurable impact while contributing to food security, job creation, and economic growth within their communities.
According to the organizers, the competition reflects a growing recognition that Africa’s future prosperity is closely tied to the transformation of its agricultural sector. Agriculture remains one of the continent’s largest employers, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people while contributing significantly to national economies. However, experts argue that unlocking the sector’s full potential will require greater investment in innovation, technology, and youth entrepreneurship.
Announcing the opening of applications, organizers emphasized the importance of empowering young people to become leaders in agricultural transformation.
“Africa’s youth are not only the future of agriculture they are its present,” the GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize organizers stated. “Young entrepreneurs are developing solutions that are improving productivity, increasing market access, and strengthening food systems across the continent.”
The competition offers substantial incentives for participants. Two grand prize winners one female and one male entrepreneur will each receive US$50,000 in funding to support the growth of their businesses. Additional finalists will gain access to mentorship opportunities, investor networks, business development support, and international exposure through the Africa Food Systems Forum.
Beyond the financial rewards, organizers believe that the competition’s greatest value lies in the visibility and partnerships it creates for emerging entrepreneurs. Previous winners have gone on to secure investment, expand into new markets, and establish collaborations with development organizations, governments, and private-sector partners.
The 2026 competition will culminate during the Africa Food Systems Forum Summit, where finalists will present their businesses before a distinguished panel of judges, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. The summit is expected to attract participants from across Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to strengthening food systems.
Speaking about the role of entrepreneurship in agricultural development, Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and a long-time supporter of youth-led agricultural innovation, has previously highlighted the importance of investing in young agripreneurs.
“Young people are bringing energy, innovation and new ideas into agriculture,” Kalibata said. “Supporting them is critical to building resilient food systems and creating jobs for Africa’s growing population.”
The competition also aligns with broader continental priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Organizers argue that youth-led agribusinesses can play a vital role in addressing hunger, reducing poverty, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Over the years, participating entrepreneurs have introduced a wide range of innovations, including digital farming platforms, climate smart agriculture technologies, sustainable livestock systems, food processing enterprises, precision agriculture solutions, and agricultural financing models. These innovations have demonstrated how entrepreneurship can address longstanding challenges while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Former GoGettaz winner Josephine Kulea, whose enterprise supports smallholder farmers through market access and agricultural training, described the competition as a transformational experience.
“The GoGettaz platform opened doors we never imagined,” she said. “It connected us to partners, investors, and opportunities that accelerated our growth and impact.”
Organizers say they are particularly interested in businesses that demonstrate strong social and environmental outcomes alongside commercial viability. Ventures led by women, innovators working in underserved communities, and businesses leveraging technology to improve agricultural productivity are especially encouraged to apply.
As climate change, population growth, and global economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on food systems, many experts believe that young entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in shaping the future of African agriculture. Through innovation, technology adoption, and sustainable business models, agripreneurs are increasingly being recognized as key drivers of food security and economic transformation.
The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2026 seeks to harness this momentum by providing young innovators with the resources, recognition, and support needed to scale their solutions. By investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders, the initiative aims to contribute to a future where Africa not only feeds itself but becomes a global leader in sustainable food production and agribusiness innovation.
As applications continue to be received from across the continent, the competition stands as a testament to the growing influence of Africa’s youth in shaping the future of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and economic development.