AgricPitch Competition2026-Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants for the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition 2026, aimed at supporting agripreneurs by focusing on building the bankability of their businesses and ensuring that they are pitch-ready for investors.
Successful entrepreneurs will be coached and mentored in an interactive and tailored two-week training to review, prepare and present their businesses for capital raising from investors.
African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition | DETAILS
The competition will provide up to $140,000 in total grant funding to entrepreneurs. AgriPitch falls under the African Development Bank’s fourth African Youth Agripreneurs Forum (AYAF), which is a platform for Africa’s youth who are interested in the agriculture startup scene.
In line with the 2026 theme, the AgriPitch Dealroom will be held virtually. The Bank, through the 2026 Virtual Investor Dealroom, aims to create access to capital and markets, which are often the two main hurdles for youth agripreneurs to overcome when scaling up their businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Early start-ups (0-3 years) must be individuals who are at the very early stage of developing ideas/concepts for agripreneurship or a newly established business.
Must have a clearly defined prototype or proof of concept.
May or may not have had any products introduced to the market.
May or may not have a registered corporate entity.
For mature start-ups (3 years and above), be individuals and firms with existing market traction: technology, product, or service, already in the market, having a clear investment ask and growth plan/strategy.
Must be a registered corporate entity.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Interested applicants for the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition 2026 are to complete their application online by the application deadline.
Application Deadline: December 2026
Visit the Official website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What is the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition?
The African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition is an annual program organized by the African Development Bank to support young African entrepreneurs in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The competition provides funding, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help youth-led agribusinesses grow and contribute to Africa’s food security and economic development.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the AgriPitch Competition?
The competition is open to young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 who own or co-own agribusinesses. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and operate businesses within the agricultural value chain, including farming, food processing, agri-technology, logistics, or related services. Both early-stage startups and established agribusinesses are encouraged to apply.
3. What benefits do winners receive from the AgriPitch Competition?
Winners receive several benefits, including grant funding to expand their agribusinesses, business development training, mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to investors. The competition also provides access to networking opportunities and helps participants gain visibility across Africa and internationally.
4. How can interested applicants apply for the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition?
Interested applicants must visit the official African Development Bank or AgriPitch Competition portal and complete the online application form. Applicants are required to provide details about their agribusiness, including their business model, impact, and growth plans. After submission, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in training and pitch their ideas before a panel of judges.