Three Nigerian startups receive funding to tackle food crisis

Three youth-led startups have won pre-seed funding to expand solutions aimed at reducing food losses and tackling climate pressures in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Geocycle, Ecobag Mart and Leovia Farms emerged as top winners at the Greenlabs Cohort 2 “Powering Food Systems” Demo Day, organisers said on Friday.

The event was held under the Greenlabs Incubation Programme, powered by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in partnership with Jacobs Ladder Africa (JLA). Sixteen innovators were selected from across the country after a nationwide call and screening process.

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Organisers said the three startups stood out for their potential to grow and for offering environmentally friendly solutions to weak points in Nigeria’s food supply chain. The funding will support product development, business registration and early market entry.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces high food prices, post-harvest losses and climate-related challenges that affect farm output. Officials say new technology and energy-efficient systems are needed to improve productivity and protect food supplies.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of the permanent secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu Fatai said the winners showed how young people are shaping the future of agriculture.

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“Africa has strong agricultural potential, yet food shortages and climate stress remain serious issues,” he said, adding that innovation would be key to closing that gap.

Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, CADEF executive director, said the programme is focused on helping young founders build sustainable businesses that can create jobs and deliver real value in their communities.

She said the incubation programme goes beyond funding by providing mentorship and training in financial management and business ethics.

Karen Chelang’at, chief innovation ifficer at Jacobs Ladder Africa, said the winning startups are addressing problems in areas such as poultry, aquaculture and agricultural logistics. She added that their success would depend on how quickly they can reach the market and scale operations.

Other finalists, including Agricool Logistics and Dry Heat Solutions, will also take part in a nine-month incubation programme designed to help early-stage businesses grow.

Organisers said youth-driven enterprise and stronger partnerships across sectors will be important in building a more resilient food system and supporting Nigeria’s move toward a greener economy.

With funding secured and incubation underway, the three startups are now expected to begin expanding their solutions in the coming months.