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The Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) has successfully held the grand finale of the 2024 AgriTech Challenge Classic at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. The event featured top-performing students from partner universities across Ghana, who emerged from rigorous zonal competitions held between October and early November.
The AgriTech Challenge, launched in 2016 by KIC, aims to reimagine agriculture as a modern, innovative, and viable career for the youth. Addressing the ceremony, KIC’s Executive Director, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, expressed pride in the program’s impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector over the years.
“This initiative was introduced to influence the agricultural value chain positively and inspire young people to see agriculture from a new perspective,” Mr. Gyan-Kesse stated.
He acknowledged Kosmos Energy for its unwavering support as the program’s backbone since its inception. Additionally, he commended the Mastercard Foundation for its collaboration, which began in 2021/2022, enabling KIC to train over 7,000 young people in AgriTech solutions and entrepreneurship.
The AgriTech Challenge Classic provides participants with leadership training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential access to seed funding. It has become a platform where innovative ideas are nurtured to address challenges in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Mr. Gyan-Kesse encouraged participants who did not make it to the finals to remain steadfast and build on the knowledge and skills they gained throughout the competition. “The fact that one did not make it to the AgriTech Challenge Classic or the AgriTech Challenge Pro does not mean the world has come to an end,” he said.
He emphasized that many past participants who did not reach the finals have established themselves as successful entrepreneurs and innovators, leveraging the experience and resources provided by the program.
The AgriTech Challenge finale at KNUST celebrated the creativity and ingenuity of Ghanaian youth while underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in building a sustainable agricultural sector. Participants and stakeholders left the event inspired and motivated to contribute to the growth of agriculture through technology and innovation.
Story by Gifty Badu Boakye
