EDC, Mastercard Foundation support female-led agro firms

To foster innovation within the agricultural value chain and create new opportunities for young female entrepreneurs, the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation and GEN Nigeria, has strengthened the Agro-Hack Challenge initiative by rewarding twelve female-led agro firms in Nigeria.

At the recently concluded 5th edition of the Agro-Hack Challenge, held at the EDC office, All Green Limited emerged as the overall winner, receiving a grand prize of N1m. Glorious Farm Gate secured second place with a cash prize of N750,000, while Vickey Goshen Eco Farm took third place, earning N500,000. Additionally, nine other participating firms were awarded N100,000 each.

The 5th edition featured firms from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Market AI, Juvison Enterprise, Glorious Farm Gate, Elafagon Nigeria Limited, Vickey Goshen Eco Farm, Yar Galadimas Business Empire, Sehaj Energy Resource, Mrs Muna Rice Shield, Triple A, Farm Box, Awari Olounge Omode, and All Green Ivy Limited.

Speaking during the pitch session, the Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services and a member of the EDC Management Board, Dr Nnena Ugwu, emphasised that the initiative aims to drive innovative solutions within the agricultural sector while accelerating opportunities for young female entrepreneurs.

She noted that while the programme was initially open to both male- and female-led agro-businesses, this edition specifically targeted female entrepreneurs due to the relatively low participation of women in agriculture.

To encourage their involvement, the programme was designed to cater for their unique needs.

Participants underwent various accelerator programmes, including boot camps and mentoring sessions, to equip them with business support and strategies for overcoming challenges within the agricultural value chain in Nigeria and beyond.

The Agro-Hack Challenge, organised by EDC and GEN Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, continues to empower and support female entrepreneurs and SMEs, helping them navigate the complexities of the agro sector while driving transformation and economic growth.