The Cassava Changemakers Pitch Competition 2025 stands as a beacon for African youth eager to lead transformative innovations within the continent’s agribusiness space. Specifically focused on the cassava value chain, this competition is tailored to empower and spotlight early-stage entrepreneurs and visionaries who are converting cassava into sustainable solutions that address food security, economic empowerment, and environmental challenges.
Cassava is more than a staple crop in Africa—it is a versatile, climate-resilient plant that offers vast potential for value addition across various sectors including food processing, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, packaging, and animal feed. However, despite its wide cultivation, much of its potential remains underutilized due to inadequate access to technology, limited innovation in post-harvest processing, and insufficient market linkages. The Cassava Changemakers Pitch Competition 2025 seeks to change that narrative by creating a space for youth-led solutions that harness cassava’s power to drive transformation from grassroots to global impact.
The competition calls upon young African innovators who are disrupting the cassava ecosystem with tech-based solutions, business models, and community initiatives. Whether it’s an app that links farmers to cassava processors, a biofuel alternative sourced from cassava waste, or a ready-to-eat cassava-based meal for urban markets, this competition wants to hear those ideas—and help bring them to life.
Participants will undergo a rigorous but supportive selection process. Shortlisted applicants will receive mentoring from agribusiness and entrepreneurship experts, attend virtual capacity-building workshops, and get access to branding and storytelling support. Finalists will pitch their ideas before a panel of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers in a live virtual or hybrid event. Winners not only walk away with cash prizes but also long-term support, including introductions to accelerators, investors, and government partners.
What makes this competition particularly impactful is its dedication to inclusive growth. The organizers are especially keen to support ventures led by women, youth from marginalized communities, and those working in rural or underserved areas. Through strategic partnerships and media amplification, the competition also ensures that finalists and winners gain visibility beyond the event itself, positioning them for further opportunities in the agritech and innovation space.
By fostering a new generation of cassava-focused entrepreneurs, the competition hopes to reimagine what is possible with one of Africa’s most widely grown crops. It underscores a broader mission: to elevate agriculture from subsistence to sustainability, from labor to leadership, and from tradition to technology.
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Must be a citizen or legal resident of any African country.
Applicants should be founders or co-founders of a startup or project that uses cassava in innovative ways—either in production, processing, distribution, or as an end-product.
The venture must be in the early or growth stage with a viable model, prototype, or existing operations.
Must demonstrate the potential for social, economic, or environmental impact, particularly around employment generation, poverty reduction, and food security.
Strong emphasis on scalability and sustainability.
Must be available to participate in online training, mentoring, and final pitch event.
Proficiency in English or French is required.
Special encouragement is given to applications from female entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
Prize
Cash prizes for the top three winners (exact amounts to be announced).
Customized mentorship from agribusiness experts and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Branding and media support to build visibility and traction.
Connections to investors, seed funders, and accelerators across Africa’s agri-value chain.
Spotlight opportunities on regional and international platforms.
Winners may also qualify for follow-on technical assistance, grant opportunities, and pilot implementation in high-impact zones.
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