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The CGIAR Youth Agripreneur Accelerator 2026 supports young people with agribusiness ideas that can create jobs in Africa. Selected applicants receive virtual mentoring, refine a pitch deck and present during a live competition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The final pitch takes place during the Youth, Jobs, and Voice in Africa’s Agrifood System conference, with seed funding announced at the event.
| Country | Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Format | Virtual preparation followed by an in-person pitch |
| Focus | Agrifood businesses that create decent work for young people |
| Pitch date | 1 December 2026 |
| Deadline | 26 October 2026 at 12:00 noon East Africa Time |
What is this opportunity?
The accelerator is part of a conference led by CGIAR’s Policy Innovations Program and GENDER Accelerator with partners including IFPRI, Alliance Bioversity–CIAT, CIMMYT, the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute and the World Bank. It is looking for ideas that are useful, workable and able to create jobs.
What you get
- Virtual kickoff and mentoring for pre-selected applicants
- A pitch-deck structure and feedback before the event
- A live pitch to scientists, funders, policy representatives and private-sector judges
- A chance to receive seed funding announced during the event
Who can apply?
- You apply as an individual or team with an agrifood business idea.
- Your idea has a credible link to youth employment in Ethiopia or Africa.
- You can attend the required virtual preparation if selected.
- You can explain the problem, users, business model and job-creation potential clearly.
Do I need an established company?
The official page focuses on the strength and feasibility of the idea. Explain what already exists, what still needs to be tested, and what your team can realistically deliver.
What will judges care about most?
Job-creation potential carries the largest stated weight. Show the kind of jobs your idea can create, who gets those jobs, and how the business could keep them going.
How to apply
- Read the official challenge page and scoring rubric.
- Write a short explanation of the problem and the people affected.
- Describe your solution, revenue model and expected youth jobs.
- Introduce your team and the skills each person brings.
- Submit the application before the East Africa Time deadline.
Deadline
Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 12:00 noon East Africa Time.
Pre-selected teams are notified on 7 November, with virtual preparation beginning before the December pitch.
Have a question?
Leave your question in the comments. If this one does not fit your profile, check our other scholarships, fellowships, conferences and competitions.
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