Top 12 Finalists of 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition unveiled

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has presented the top 12 finalists for 2024. These dynamic young entrepreneurs have emerged as leaders in Africa’s agrifood sector, showcasing extraordinary innovation and a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture. From a pool of nearly 2000 applicants from across the continent, 12 trailblazers have risen to the top after rigorous […]

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition has presented the top 12 finalists for 2024.

These dynamic young entrepreneurs have emerged as leaders in Africa’s agrifood sector, showcasing extraordinary innovation and a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture. From a pool of nearly 2000 applicants from across the continent, 12 trailblazers have risen to the top after rigorous evaluations including a semi-final round of online interviews.

The Top 12 finalists will be awarded a trip to Kigali, Rwanda in early September to pitch their ventures live on stage at the GoGettaz Africa Finals during the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum). During the week-long event, they will also gain invaluable exposure and network opportunities with global industry leaders, potential investors, and influential policymakers in the agriculture and food sector.

Along with a chance to win one of two $50,000 Grand Prizes and eligibility to be considered for GoGettaz Impact Awards totalling an additional $60,000, the AFS Forum offers young entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) a unique opportunity for building strategic partnerships to take their agribusinesses to new heights.

Amongst the entrepreneurial ventures competing to win this year’s GoGettaz Africa prizes were many products and services demonstrating new approaches to improving rural livelihoods, promoting responsible water usage, minimizing post-harvest loss, and tackling agricultural waste in sustainable and creative ways. The ventures were recognized not only for their profitability, or high potential for profit, but also for their positive impact on communities and the environment.

By supporting Africa’s young leaders, GoGettaz is investing in the next generation of agrifood innovators with a vision to play a crucial role in shaping a more prosperous, productive, and planet-friendly future for African agriculture.

“The passion and innovations demonstrated by these young entrepreneurs are truly inspiring,” remarked Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and GoGettaz co-founder. “Africa needs impact-leaders in the food system. Of the twenty countries most at risk to the effects of climate change, seventeen are in Africa. Many of our young GoGettaz agripreneurs have told us that they are heavily affected by extreme and unpredictable weather, especially in areas where water-scarcity is already an issue. It is heartening to see that young food systems leaders, like our twelve GoGettaz finalists, are operating climate resilient and innovative ventures. We are very excited to see them in action at the GoGettaz finals.”

Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group and GoGettaz co-founder, emphasized, “This is what Africa’s future looks like, and it is a bright future. I have said it before, and we’ll keep saying it until everyone hears: Africa is a continent of talented entrepreneurs.

The innovative products, business models, and ground-breaking technologies being developed today by our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are amazing. Not only are our young business leaders working to launch and grow profitable ventures that create good jobs and grow prosperity across Africa’s agrifood sector; many are also tackling climate and development quandaries that have been perplexing global experts for years.

To us GoGettaz means having a solution-seeking, action-focused entrepreneurial mindset! We salute them all.”