Celebrating youth-led innovation: The AYuTe Africa Challenge Rwanda 2025

The Agriculture, Youth and Technology Africa (AYuTe) Challenge is an initiative run by Heifer International.

Rolled out across each of its countries of operation, it invites young innovators to be part of shaping solutions for the continent’s agriculture sector.

This year, we were excited to be hired by Heifer International Rwanda to run their 2025 competition.

From transforming leftover avocados into premium oils to developing drones that help farmers spray their crops more efficiently, over 500 entrants shared ideas rooted in their experiences and driven by their entrepreneurial energy.

At the heart of the AYuTe Challenge is the ambition to flip the script, challenging outdated perceptions of the agricultural sector. More than a competition, it’s a platform for young people to step forward with ideas and solutions for smallholder farmers, proving agriculture is a sector where innovation thrives.

We supported Heifer International Rwanda and the competition entrants from initial application, through a bootcamp designed to develop both the entrepreneurs and their ideas, right up to the grand finale, where five finalists pitched for their share of 50 million Rwandan francs.

For us, initiatives like the AYuTe Challenge demonstrate the power of belief in young people – what it means when you support and invest in youth and carve out the space for them to be the drivers of change, starting a ripple effect that not only shapes their futures, but those of the communities around them and sectors as a whole.

It was a privilege to see this in action with the AYuTe Challenge.

We witnessed firsthand the transformational power of the competition as the entrepreneurs gained not just the funding prize, but confidence, inspiration, mentorship, and practical tools through each stage of the process.

We can't wait to see these innovative young leaders and their ideas flourish in the months and years ahead as they turn their vision into reality, supporting smallholder farmers to thrive and driving positive outcomes for the agricultural sector in Rwanda.