The Global Alliance for Better Nutrition (GAIN) hosted the Agribusiness Innovation Challenge (AIC) awards day, recognizing the most promising and impactful agribusiness startups around the world. Nasarawa State. The program was intended to strengthen the efficiency of the supply chain within the state and help agribusinesses access financing and important information to boost their operations.
The Challenge, which began in September 2022 with a call for applications, was designed to identify and support early-stage agribusinesses that are improving supply chain efficiencies in the agricultural sector. This year’s competition received over 70 applications from 8 different locations within the country, demonstrating the global interest and need for innovative solutions in agriculture. The winners of this Challenge were Rural Farmers Hub, Maina Rice, Topcity and Agromarket square.
The first place winner was Rural Farmers Hub, a company founded on the vision of fostering the sustained economic development of smallholder farmers by achieving higher levels of productivity through innovative information technology (IT). Their patented technology takes advantage of modern scientific methodology and makes them compatible with common mobile phones.
The first runner-up was Maina Rice, which produces homegrown Nigerian rice to reduce the effect of toxic food supplies in the county. Thus improving the health and nutrition of consumers. The rice is long grain and pitted, packed in 25kg and 50kg packs and has been delivered all over Nigeria at an affordable price.
Third place was taken by Topcity, a business community of over 200 women who are passionate about cutting out the middlemen by taking control of the crude palm oil supply chain using technology and improving the efficiency of the palm oil supply chain in Nigeria. to be more organized and reduce losses. . The team is led by Jummai Victor Tella and she happened to be the last woman standing in the competition.
Agromarket Square was the fourth business to win the AIC cash award from GAIN. His specialty is breaking down the barriers our small farmers face and giving them access to a fair trading system. Through their strategic partnerships, they also provide their members with access to a continuous supply chain process to ensure efficient and effective movement of products. They are bridging the gap between farmers and buyers through online technologies so that small farmers clearly identify the value chain operators associated with their crop of interest.
In addition to receiving a cumulative amount of Naira 5 million in prize money, winners will also have the opportunity to receive mentoring and support from GAIN’s network of industry experts, as well as access to potential investors and partners. “We are delighted to see the level of dedication and perseverance these companies put into obtaining all the information needed to complete the designs of their respective solutions, and for that the entrepreneurs will always have my respect,” said Chinwe Owhorji-Arowolo, GAIN representative. . .
In Mr. Yakubu’s closing remarks, “Agriculture continues to be one of Nigeria’s major contributors, and the Nasarawa State Government is open to the possibilities of investment and economic growth through improving the livelihoods of small farmers, increasing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We look forward to supporting them as they bring their ideas to fruition.”
The GAIN Agribusiness Innovation Challenge was implemented by Ventures Park, a business support organization that supports start-ups that are solving Africa’s biggest problems through acceleration, incubation and capacity building programmes. For more information, visit www.theventurespark.com.
About WIN:
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the United Nations in 2002 to address human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with governments, businesses and civil society, we aim to transform food systems so that they provide more nutritious food for all people, especially the most vulnerable. Visit https://www.gainhealth.org for more information.
