Tech

AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge opens applications for tech-prenuers

Published

8 months ago

March 26, 2024

The 2024 edition of the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge has called for applications from tech-prenuers and purpose-driven scientists working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt.

A notice on the website of the organizers of the programme on Tuesday said the programme is designed to give participants an edge in validating and deploying agri-tech venture in Egypt

“We are looking for purpose-driven scientists and entrepreneurs working on agri-tech solutions for a more sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural system in Egypt,” the notice said.

It added that the AgriTech4Egypt Innovation Challenge is designed specifically for early-stage agri-tech ventures in the north African country with a “minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (POC), and plans to support and prepare them to build a solid go-to-market strategy through technical validation and access to the market.”

“We are looking for agri-tech innovations in priority areas such as digital agriculture and precision farming, agri-finance solutions, sustainable value chain development, capacity building tools, and efficient irrigation water management,” it said.

“Selected ventures will receive the tools and step-by-step support to build the foundations of an agri-tech venture for scalable growth in Egypt, benefitting from a fully funded, four-day immersive bootcamp, connecting with a network of partners and agribusinesses, accessing expert guidance from CGIAR scientists and industry experts, plus a sponsored six-month acceleration programme.

“They will also be able to test and validate their solution on the ground with end-users for up to six months, receive up to EGP300,000 (US$6,500) as an equity-free grant provided by ASRT, and gain exposure to investors and market opportunities.

“Applications are open until April 21, with the accelerator programme taking place between June and October, and a demo day set for November,” it added.

Related Topics:AgriTech4Egypt Application Featured Scientists Tech-Prenuers

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Tech

Ghana partners with The Gambia to provide free roaming services

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and The Gambia are in the process of launching free roaming services that will enhance a West African connectivity.

The plan which is a joint initiative of the Ghana Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and The Gambian National Communications Authority (NCA) will see mobile users in both countries avoiding extra charges for calls, texts, and data, which in turn, is expected to boost trade, tourism, and economic integration across borders.

The collaboration, according to a joint statement by the two bodies, aligns with the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) broader push for seamless regional communication.

“Ghana and The Gambia are forging new paths in West Africa’s digital landscape, implementing a free-roaming initiative,” the statement said.

“This move strengthens regional connectivity while highlighting the role of technological collaboration in fostering economic integration. The initiative enables mobile users travelling between the two nations to make calls, send messages, and use data services without additional roaming fees.”

It further noted that by reducing these costs, the program aligns with the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to communication across member states.

“It is a boost for trade and travel as the free roaming plan is expected to spur economic activities by streamlining cross-border communication.

“Businesses and individuals travelling between Ghana and The Gambia can now stay connected without worrying about exorbitant charges, facilitating smoother transactions and personal interactions. The initiative is also expected to attract more tourists by ensuring seamless digital access for visitors.

“This collaboration marks another milestone in Ghana’s commitment to expanding digital connectivity, following Ghana’s successful implementation of similar agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, with talks of possible roaming partnerships with Liberia.

“By focusing on digital integration, Ghana and The Gambia demonstrate the power of technology to bridge gaps between countries. This step also serves as a model for other West African nations to join the free-roaming framework, contributing to the larger goal of a connected and economically integrated region,” it added.

Tech

Tanzania to host 6th Ocean Innovation Africa summit in February

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, has been selected to host the sixth edition of the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) summit from February 24-28, 2025, as a flagship event within Regenerative Ocean Week.

The Ocean Innovation Africa is set to be Africa’s most significant platform for Ocean Innovation conservation, and sustainable development in the blue economy. OIA2025 will be co-organised with leading partners, including IUCN, GIZ, OceanHub Africa, Catalyze and the Ocean-Climate Platform.

With the theme, “Science-to-Solution”, the Regenerative Ocean Week will present a line-up of sessions designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, business innovation, policy, and community engagement.

According to the organizers of the event, it will bring together African ocean innovators, investors, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions that can be applied across the continent.

“These include the OIA Pitch Competition, which is a platform for Africa-based startups and entrepreneurs to showcase breakthrough ideas in ocean-impact solutions, allowing them to connect with investors and industry leaders and emphasizing Africa’s role in driving sustainable ocean initiatives,” the organizers said in a statement.