The 10th edition of the Agritec Africa Exhibition and Conference, held on June 11th and 12th, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, brought together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to explore transformative innovations in agriculture and agribusiness. Under the theme “Harnessing Technology to Transform Food Systems and Enhance Nutrition in Africa,” the event featured exhibitions, high-level panel discussions, youth engagement forums, and innovation showcases that placed a strong spotlight on technology, sustainability, and youth inclusion. Among the standout moments of the event was the Youth in Agrifood Systems Innovation Pitch Competition, which provided a platform for young agripreneurs to showcase practical and scalable solutions in the agricultural sector.
A key highlight was the recognition of Sincy Research, led by Ms. Nancy Githumbi, who emerged third in the Youth Innovation Pitch Competition. This accolade follows their earlier achievement at the Youth in Potato Challenge 2025, held during the International Day of Potato celebrations at KALRO Marindas on 29th and 30th May 2025, where they also secured the third position. Their successive recognition underscores the growing role of youth in transforming Kenya’s potato value chain. Sincy Research impressed judges and participants alike with their focus on potato-centered innovations, value addition, farmer-led research, and inclusive business models that promise to reshape how potato farming is viewed by the youth.
| Ms. Nancy Gathumbi Receiving her certificate from Madam Charlene Ruto |
Day one of the exhibition was marked by the official opening ceremony and keynote speeches from dignitaries including Ms. Charlene Ruto, CEO of SMACHS Foundation, Dr. Ali Gholampour, Ambassador of Iran, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr. HaileGabriel Abebe, Assistant Director General of FAO. The sessions addressed broad topics such as smart agriculture, mechanization, dairy innovation, and the role of agribusiness in transforming food systems. Participants also engaged with a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest in farm technologies, robotics, animal feed systems, and food processing equipment.
The second day of the exhibition placed an even stronger emphasis on youth participation, kicking off with the Youth Conference, co-hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and SMACHS Foundation. The conference featured a youth exhibition tour, keynote sessions by government leaders including Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh (PS Agriculture) and Mr. Fikirini Kahindi (PS Youth Affairs), and intergenerational dialogues under the theme “Cultivating Connections: Intergenerational Dialogues on Agriculture and Technology.” Young innovators also shared success stories and participated in thematic discussions on agritech and robotics, post-harvest innovations, green technologies, fintech in agriculture, and biotechnology. Presenters such as Mr. Kizito Odhiambo of AgriBora and Dr. Gabriel Rugalema of the World Vegetable Center emphasized how digital tools and research are revolutionizing modern agriculture.
In the afternoon, the much-anticipated “Deals Den: Youth Innovations Presentations” took center stage. Here, selected youth pitched innovative agrifood business ideas, showcasing entrepreneurial excellence in front of a panel of evaluators and industry leaders. The event culminated in the Youth Awards Ceremony, presided over by Ms. Charlene Ruto, where Sincy Research was awarded third place, cementing their place as one of Kenya’s most promising youth led agricultural startups.
The success of Sincy Research at both the KALRO Marindas and Agritec Africa platforms is a powerful testimony to the potential of youth in advancing potato farming and agribusiness in Kenya. Their achievement reflects a larger movement among young Kenyans who are reclaiming space in agriculture through innovation, enterprise, and community-based research. With appropriate support in mentorship, access to markets, funding, and opportunities for exposure, such as those provided by Agritec Africa, Kenya’s youth are showing that they are not just the future, but also the driving force of the present agri-food transformation.
