…holds AquaRice 360 pitch competition
Agrisiti, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has concluded the AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition, showcasing innovative youth-led agribusiness ventures across Nigeria.
The partnership which also include Tagdev 2.0, the University of Port Harcourt, RuForum (Regional Universities Forum for capacity building in agriculture) provided participants with practical skills in agribusiness, climate-smart agriculture, and entrepreneurship, focusing on the rice and aquaculture value chains.
Twelve weeks of intensive training culminated in the pitch competition, where outstanding youths presented their business ideas to a panel of judges. The event highlighted the potential of Nigerian youths to drive growth in the agricultural sector.
Speaking on the programme’s impact, Joseph Ante, Agrisiti chief executive officer, 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.”
Ante noted that the success of the participants reinforces the organisations belief in the potential of youth to transform agriculture across Africa.
The partnership aims to empower young entrepreneurs, enhance food security, and promote climate-smart practices in Nigeria’s agricultural industry. The AquaRice 360 Pitch Competition marks a significant step in this direction, with winning ventures poised to receive support and mentorship to scale their businesses.
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.
The CEO explained that 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.
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