Africa University’s young innovators and budding entrepreneurs demonstrated that the future of climate-smart agriculture in Africa is in creative and capable hands, as the curtain came down on the Agri-Innovation Challenge held on campus on last November.
Participants were drawn from Africa University (AU), Mutare Polytechnic, Magamba Vocational Training Centre, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, and the Tongogara Refugee Settlement, to promote inclusivity and collaboration across higher and technical education institutions.
This dynamic platform, designed to unearth and nurture ground-breaking ideas capable of addressing some of the most pressing challenges within Africa’s agricultural sector, was organized by the university’s TAGDev 2.0 program (Transforming African Agriculture Development), supported through a collaboration between the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Mastercard Foundation.
Students Impress Investors with Storytelling
What began with a series of intensive pitch training sessions designed to strengthen students’ business planning, communication, and problem-solving skills, culminated in participants learning how to turn their ideas into viable business models — from mastering financial projections to refining their storytelling for investors.
Nine pioneering groups stepped forward to present their ventures. The presentations, facilitated by Mrs. Pamela Dube, the TAGDev 2.0 Entrepreneurship and Business Development Officer, culminated in the announcement of four winning innovations: Agrilease, Agrisentinel, Fodder Pod and AgriBlend.
Dr. Walter Manyangarirwa, the TAGDev 2.0 Program Coordinator at Africa University, expressed gratitude to participants for their dedication during a demanding examination period as well as the partners that made the Challenge possible. “We appreciate the cooperation with industry stakeholders such as ZimTrade among others. We are looking forward to fruitful interactions with ZimTrade as we move to the implementation stage of the Agri-innovation Challenge activities. We anticipate that by February 2026, we will be having some prototypes from these innovative ideas.”
Following this triumph, the top four innovations have been awarded seed grants from TAGDev 2.0 valued at $5,000 each as well as incubation support from the university’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Centre (IECC). Under the support of the TAGDev 2.0 and the IECC, the teams are set to further develop their ideas, cover costs from prototyping to initial market testing, providing a crucial launchpad for their ventures.
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
Story by Juliet Sithole, Africa University
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
