Uganda”s narrative is increasingly shaped by its youth, who represent over 70 percent of the population under the age of 30. These young individuals are not only vibrant and imaginative but also unafraid to embrace innovation. This spirit of creativity extends to agriculture, where a new generation is employing technology and novel ideas to revolutionize food production, processing, and distribution.
This September marked the fourth iteration of the Africa Youth and Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge, an initiative by Heifer International that aims to discover and nurture groundbreaking agritech solutions aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Heifer International Uganda has set an ambitious goal to uplift the lives of 400,000 smallholder farmers by 2030 through improved productivity and stronger market connections. The AYuTe Challenge serves as a vital platform to achieve this objective.
Since its inception in 2021, AYuTe has inspired over 1,500 youth in Uganda to leverage technology and creativity to tackle everyday agricultural challenges. Approximately 50 young innovators have been recognized and awarded, collectively receiving a significant amount in seed funding. This support has positively impacted more than 8,000 smallholder farmers during this period.
Expanding Opportunities: The 2025 Challenge
The 2025 Challenge represented a significant milestone as it broadened its scope to include agribusiness entrepreneurs from the Busoga region in Eastern Uganda. This expansion acknowledges that developing successful businesses that generate jobs, add value to agricultural products, and strengthen community ties is equally essential.
Innovations showcased at the challenge include solar-powered tractors for cost-effective plowing, irrigation systems constructed from recycled materials, and devices capable of detecting weevils and repelling rodents. Furthermore, the development of disease-resistant crops aims to combat the adverse effects of climate change. These solutions are not merely clever inventions; they have transformative potential for farmers, enabling them to increase their earnings, provide better nutrition for their families, and ensure their children can attend school.
For over four decades, Heifer International has collaborated with Ugandan farmers to enhance their incomes and resilience. The true source of inspiration, however, stems from the ingenuity and creativity of the youth. When provided with opportunities, mentorship, and support, they demonstrate that agriculture can be a first choice rather than a last resort.
Celebrating the 2025 Winners
This year, participants in the AYuTe Challenge competed for a prize pool of $65,000. The overall winner, Aaron Etyang, secured a significant amount to expand his venture, Grain Guard, which minimizes post-harvest losses by detecting pests and monitoring conditions to safeguard stored grain. Notably, 307 young individuals took part in this year”s competition, with over 80 being young women, reflecting a growing trend of female participation.
Women play a crucial role in Uganda”s agricultural sector, and their leadership is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. Heifer is committed to ensuring that women not only participate but also take the lead in agribusiness ventures.
As I often emphasize, the most valuable rewards from this challenge extend beyond monetary prizes. The mentorship, training, and networking opportunities provided to these young innovators are what truly pave the way for their future success. To the youth of Uganda, I encourage you to see agriculture as a path to job creation, innovation, and the development of competitive enterprises on a global scale. This sector will not only shape Uganda”s agricultural landscape but also drive its prosperity and resilience.
To development actors in both the public and private sectors, it is imperative that we support our young innovators. We must celebrate their courage, invest in their ideas, and recognize that the future of our nation hinges on their achievements. The message from this year”s AYuTe Challenge is unambiguous: Uganda”s agriculture is thriving with innovation, and our youth are actively shaping change. Together, we must ensure that no farmer is overlooked and no young dreamer goes unsupported. The future of agriculture in Uganda is indeed youthful and promising!
The author serves as the country director for Heifer International Uganda.
