Heifer International announces US$20,000 funding for Senegal’s agritech startups
SENEGAL – Heifer International has launched the fourth edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge in Senegal, offering up to US$20,000 in prizes to agritech startups committed to transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
The announcement took place at the 2025 ANDE Pan African Conference in Dakar, an event focused on youth empowerment, digital innovation, and supporting small businesses.
The AYuTe Africa Challenge, introduced in 2021 as part of Heifer International’s AYuTe Africa NextGen initiative, seeks out and supports agritech innovators developing solutions to assist smallholder farmers and strengthen food security.
Winners will receive financial support, mentorship, and training programs to help them expand their businesses.
Daouda Ndao, Country Director of Heifer International Senegal, urged young innovators to apply. “Senegal’s agriculture sector is vital to our economic development, employing 60% of our workforce while contributing significantly to our food supply,” Ndao said.
“Technology can transform our agricultural sector, and we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs who can develop solutions that meet farmers’ needs and increase their productivity and incomes.”
The challenge aligns with Senegal’s Food Sovereignty Strategy (SAS), which aims for sustainable food security by 2035. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, emphasized the importance of technology in farming.
“By encouraging local innovators to use technology alongside traditional knowledge, we can strengthen food systems and uplift farming communities. We are grateful for Heifer International’s support,” Diagne said.
Last year’s winner, Aar Mbay Mi, developed a bird-repellent device that protects crops from seed-eating birds. Reflecting on their achievement, Marie Touré, a member of the winning team, shared, “Winning AYuTe provided us with more than just funding; it connected us with mentors and opened doors that helped us expand our solution to over 20,000 smallholder farmers.”
The competition is open for applications from March to April 2025. Eligible startups must be founded by Senegalese citizens aged 18-35 and must offer technological solutions that address challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
The AYuTe Africa Challenge is also supporting agritech entrepreneurs in Rwanda. Organized by Heifer International Rwanda, the competition provides funding, mentorship, and business support.
The top three winners will share Rwf50 million (approximately US$36,156) to help scale their ventures.
Verena Ruzibuka, Interim Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, highlighted the challenge’s impact.
Applications for the AYuTe Africa Challenge Rwanda close on February 20, 2025. Young entrepreneurs across Africa are encouraged to apply and contribute to agricultural transformation through technology.
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