A Kenyan agritech company has been recognized for its technology-driven solutions aimed at transforming agriculture. Silo Africa, founded by Eliud Rugut, secured second place at the inaugural 2024 AYuTe NextGen gathering in Kigali, Rwanda. This event focused on “Reimagining Africa’s Agriculture in the Next 50 Years.”
Silo Africa provides digitized grain silos that help smallholder farmers reduce post-harvest losses, thereby protecting their households from climate impacts. The gathering brought together young agritech innovators and stakeholders in agriculture and youth development across Africa.
AYuTe NextGen, an initiative of Heifer International—a global non-profit dedicated to ending hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture—recognized three young agritech entrepreneurs in a competition aimed at fostering a tech-led agricultural revolution.
First place was awarded to Thur Biotech, an Ethiopian company founded by Samson Alemu, which produces sustainable bacterial biofertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers, enhancing efficiency while preserving soil quality. Alemu emphasized the critical role of technology in empowering smallholder farmers for Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The third place went to Extension Africa, founded by Tajuddeen Yahaya, which offers data-driven private extension services, transforming rural youth into an agribusiness extension workforce that connects smallholder farmers to global agribusinesses and sustainable farming practices.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Eric Rwigamba, highlighted the importance of youth and technology in shaping the future of Africa’s agriculture, praising the innovations showcased by the finalists.
Surita Sandosham, CEO of Heifer International, encouraged the winners to see themselves as architects of a reformed agricultural landscape, emphasizing the potential of young African innovators to create impactful solutions for smallholder farmers.
Heifer International’s senior vice president of Africa programs, Adesuwa Ifedi, underscored the organization’s commitment to providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help young visionaries realize their ideas and make a lasting impact.
