We are delighted to announce the selection of the top six ideas in the AGEA Business Idea Competition 2023. The competition received a response, with 90 submissions from teams and individuals representing African Higher Education Institutions across 16 African countries. Participants from Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe showcased their innovative concepts.
A diverse range of individuals comprising students (Bachelor, Master, and PhD), university staff (lecturers, researchers, and professors), university alumni, and entrepreneurs from African universities contributed to this year’s competition, totalling approximately 222 participants. Forty-one (41) applicants completed the Innolytics stage, providing detailed information to strengthen the business case for their ideas before the registration and submission deadline on 31 May 2023.
Per the competition’s structure, our esteemed business development experts and coaches at the SEPT Competence Center, Leipzig University, meticulously evaluated the ideas submitted on Innolytics. Following a rigorous selection process, we are thrilled to present the six ideas that have advanced to the next stage of the competition.
The selected ideas originate from esteemed institutions such as Ghana Communication Technology University (Ghana), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), University for Development Studies (Ghana), University of Sfax (Tunisia), Makerere University (Uganda), and University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe). This year’s competition has a specific focus on “Smart Green” business ideas that promote sustainability and digitalization in Africa. The diverse submissions included green and smart concepts in agriculture and agri-tech, food, health and hygiene, post-harvest technology, and waste management.
We present the list of the Top 7 Ideas:
Hermetiavity | Makerere University, Uganda
Brief Description:
- Hermetiavity produces highly effective and safe biopesticides from the frass of Black soldier fly to reduce the toxicity caused by chemical pesticides to obtain a green environment.
Team Members:
- Nangobi Joanita
- Yiga Nicholas
AgroPremium | University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe & KNUST, Ghana
Brief Description:
- AI-powered platform to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in fair trade practices within the Agricultural Business Management sector through streamlining processes, automating tasks, and offering real-time insights to both buyers and producers.
Team Members:
- Vongwai Mukamba
- Ransford Oppong
- Victoria Mends
- Allen Selasie Ametame
- Jesse Murah
Solar-Powered Sensor Drone | Ghana Communication Technology University, Ghana
Brief Description:
- Design and sale of solar-powered farm sensor drone with solar panels, a sensor with multispectral sensors, thermal cameras, LiDAR technology, imaging capabilities, and real-time data transfer capabilities.
Team Members:
- Prince Nana Adu Turkson
- Desmond Ametefe Delali
- Derrick Ofori Donkor
OzoneTech | University of Sfax, Tunisia
Brief Description:
- Innovative technology to convert waste into biogas and compost while optimising operations through remote monitoring and control.
Team Members:
- Lilia Ben Ammar
- Firas Graja
- Mahdi Guidara
Kodu-Pads | University for Development Studies, Ghana
Brief Description:
- Kodu Technology offers affordable and sustainable sanitary pads from plantain and banana fibres, addressing period poverty and plastic pollution.
Team Members:
- Longi Hayendimah Aadam
- Umar Farouk Mubaraka
- Mohammed Latifa
- Iddi Mohammed Faried
Smart-Farm | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Brief Description:
- Developing automated biomass-assisted solar dryers and wireless thermometers for farmers and storage facilities in Ghana. The dryers efficiently dry crops using renewable energy, while the thermometers monitor temperature and humidity to detect pest infestations.
Team Members:
- Funchious Paul Fiifi Mensah
- Paa Kwasi Saka Dankyi
- Emmanuella Oddom
Garden in a box Africa (GarbA) | University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Brief Description:
- Garden in a box Africa (GarbA) produces organic vegetable starter kit which includes a 3kg compost manure from food waste, organic pesticide from neem oil extract, grow bags from textile waste and seeds. Accompanied by a personalized mobile application, users receive step-by-step guidance, reminders, and access to a supportive community of gardeners.
Team Members:
- Adesope Afolayan
- Ruth Babayanju
- Julia Afachung
We congratulate all the participants for their remarkable contributions.
These ideas have demonstrated potential and align with our goal of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development, and the AGEA Business Idea Competition continues to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and talent within African higher education institutions, paving the way for a brighter future.
For more information and updates on the competition, please visit our website.
