Agrisiti, in collaboration with Tagdev 2.0, the University of Port Harcourt, RuForum (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully concluded the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, crowning outstanding youth-led agribusiness ventures from across Nigeria and marking the culmination of the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme.
The competition brought together some of the programme’s most promising participants, who spent twelve weeks developing practical skills in agribusiness, climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, employability, and business innovation within the rice and aquaculture value chains.
Speaking on the programme’s impact, Agrisiti Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Ante, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Our commitment to empowering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs remains unwavering. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and access to opportunities, we are equipping young people with the tools they need to build successful agribusinesses and contribute meaningfully to food security and economic development.
“The success of these participants reinforces our belief in the potential of youth to transform agriculture across Africa,” Ante added.
Designed to equip young people with the knowledge, networks, and confidence required to thrive in agriculture, the programme engaged 3,591 youths across Ogun, Enugu, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Kano, and Niger States through a combination of digital learning, mentorship, practical demonstrations, field immersion, and business development activities.
At the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, participating teams presented innovative business solutions addressing challenges and opportunities across the rice and aquaculture value chains. Their ideas were assessed on innovation, feasibility, market potential, sustainability, team capability, and social impact.
Across the seven participating states, several outstanding ventures emerged as state champions. These included Green Coal Initiative in Niger State, AgroAqua Innovators in Ogun State, Aqua Drift in Bayelsa State, RIV Farm in Rivers State, Agri Nourisha Limited in Enugu State, AgroFusion in Cross River State, and Egodinula Farms & General Enterprises in Kano State.
The winning teams showcased innovative approaches spanning rice production, aquaculture, fish processing, value addition, agribusiness services, and climate smart farming practices.
Cash prizes and seed capital awards, were given to the winning teams with access to mentorship opportunities, business advisory support, ecosystem partnerships, and connections that will help accelerate the growth of their enterprises beyond the programme.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, the programme was developed in response to growing concerns around youth unemployment, food insecurity, and declining participation in agriculture despite the sector’s immense potential for economic growth.
Ante explained that by combining technical training with entrepreneurship development, employability support, mentorship, and real-world exposure, the initiative seeks to position agriculture as a viable and attractive pathway for young people.
Participants completed online learning modules, participated in team-based agribusiness projects, attended practical demonstrations and field immersion activities, and received mentorship support to refine business concepts and career pathways.
Many participants also developed investor-ready business models and strengthened their professional readiness for employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Beyond the competition, programme partners remain committed to supporting participants through continued access to mentorship, business incubation opportunities, industry networks, and employment pathways.
As Africa’s youth population continues to expand, initiatives such as the Agrisiti Hybrid Digital Training on Agribusiness and Climate-Smart Skills Programme demonstrate the critical role of partnerships in creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and unlocking young people’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth.
Agrisiti Nigeria Ltd is a digital agritech company delivering integrated urban farming, education, and hardware solutions that empower people to grow food sustainably for livelihood and subsistence.
