• The Competition aimed to generate and promote ideas which can transform agricultural productivity, rural economies and create farming jobs
• Winning entry focused on whole meal solution through cassava combining crop and animal value chain
• 800 people under the age of 30 participated across 18 African countries
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September, 4th, 2014:
Enactus Kenya and Syngenta today announced the winner of the first Agribiz4Africa Youth Competition at the AGRF conference in Addis Ababa. The competition attracted over 800 entries from agri-business entrepreneurs from 18 African countries who developed ideas to transform agricultural productivity, rural economies and create jobs.
The winning entry came from Nickson Muturi from Kenya whose idea to <
In making the award, Syngenta’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Mack said: “We are proud to have worked with Enactus Kenya in establishing this competition which is aimed at engaging young people and supporting the development of their ideas for transforming African agriculture.
The competition has clearly illustrated the fact that the African continent has an abundance of young people full of ideas and energy to improve productivity, drive rural economic prosperity, and create jobs through agribusiness – while also helping Africa achieve food security. My congratulations to, Muturi for winning, and my gratitude to all who participated. I hope that this competition will play a role in identifying a new generation of professionals and business leaders prepared to invest their talent and energy in this exciting sector”.
The Enactus Kenya Country Director Mr. James Shikwati said, “The Enactus Kenya and Syngenta partnership has created a dynamic platform that has challenged youth in Sub Saharan Africa to engage in agribusiness ventures. Great enthusiasm and entrepreneurship was exhibited in their entries. This validates my belief that forward looking partnerships such as the Syngenta-Enactus partnership are the best way to engage the youth and help them maximize their potential”
The online competition www.agribiz4africa.com, ran for four months and was open to youth aged between 18-30 years from Sub Saharan Africa who submitted business and communication ideas, judged by an independent panel comprised of academia and business leaders from the continent.
The winner and other competition finalists attended the AGRF conference where they had the opportunity to present their ideas to all leaders and key stakeholders engaged in agriculture across Africa.
About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 28,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.
