In a joint press conference held on July 17, 2024, in Yaoundé, the Ministers of Posts and Telecommunications, Agriculture and Rural Development, Fisheries, Livestock, and Animal Industries announced the launch of the Agritech Innovation Challenge (AIC).
Agritech Innovation Challenge Opens for Applications
The Cameroonian government has opened applications for the AIC until August 20, 2024. According to the organizers, the competition “aims to stimulate the agricultural sector through the promotion, digital inclusion, and utilization of digital agricultural solutions by stakeholders.”
Submission and Award Details
Applications are to be submitted through the PATNUC (Project for the Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon) platform, a project funded by the World Bank.
Ten Cameroonian startups will be awarded prizes at the end of the competition, each receiving support from PATNUC to implement their business plans, along with a grant of 40 million FCFA.
Key Activities and Focus of the AIC
The AIC revolves around three main activities: B2B fairs, a conference-debate, and a pitch competition. “This first edition (…) is an opportunity to explore and discover local talent and ingenuity in the digital transformation of promising sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries,” added the organizers.