Egerton University student wins African Youth agri-business competition: Awarded Ksh. 850, 000 as Startup capital.

By @CapitalCampus

Nickson Muturi, 24, a final year student at Egerton University is the winner of Agribiz4Africa competition, which was carried out in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Muturi, beat other 800 youth drawn from 18 countries in Sub Sahara Africa in the competition that was sponsored by Enactus Kenya and Syngenta.

The competition dubbed Agribiz4Africa attracted over 800 entries from agri-business entrepreneurs from 18 African countries who developed ideas to transform agricultural productivity, rural economies and create jobs.

Muturi’s idea of providing a whole meal solution through cassava combining crop and animal value chain was judged by the independent panel to be the most feasible and likely to have the greatest impact. Muturi was awarded USD 10,000 (Sh850,00) as startup capital.

“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,” said Syngenta’s Chief Executive Officer, Mike Mack.

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,” said the Syngenta CEO.

“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,” said Enactus Kenya Country Director Mr. James Shikwati.

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.