Nigerian start-ups get $40,000 for agric entrepreneurship

As part of drive to improve growth in the agric value chain, three innovative Nigerian agritech startups have emerged as winners of the $40,000 prize at the grand finale of the AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria 2025.

The event, organised by Heifer International Nigeria in Abuja honoured youth-led solutions aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector.

The challenge, which received over 1,000 applications nationwide, was narrowed down to 50 semi-finalists and later to five finalists. From these, the three best-performing startups were selected based on their innovative approaches and potential to scale impact across Nigeria’s agriculture value chain.

Seyi Alabi of Crop2Cash clinched the top prize, while Aisha Rilwanu Sidi of Grabb 247 emerged first runner-up, and Deborah Oigocho of Erido Agro took the position of second runner-up.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, praised the initiative, describing it as a hopeful and visionary effort to revolutionise agriculture through youth participation, private sector collaboration, and international partnerships.

Also speaking, Country Director Heifer International Nigeria, Dr Lekan Tobe, noted that the top three finalists who won $40,000 to start up business in the agricultural value chain will be mentored and adequately guided to improve efficiency in the sector.