Code Cash Crop 4.0 was an agritech event like no other, which brought together a constellation of young innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry experts across Africa to ignite pressing conversations on innovation and turn ideas that can scale market-led solutions into reality.

This year’s iteration, themed ‘Scaling market-led solutions, geared at guiding various stakeholders to take a market-led approach that addresses the needs of producers and the market. This involves innovating in finance, storage, and the market to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

But it wasn't a one-day affair. The event, which lasted for three months, began with a call for innovative solutions to address three key challenges in agriculture: Data, logistics, and extension. Twenty-five participants from Ibadan, Kaduna, and Nairobi presented their ideas at boot camps held in these locations. The event culminated in a grand finale that featured exciting pitch competitions, insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a celebration of the winners.

Here's a recap of everything that happened at Code Cash Crop 4.0:

Bootcamps: A two-day tech-fest for young agri-preneurs

The Code Cash Crop 4.0 bootcamp was a two-day intensive program in July and included workshops, mentorship, and pitching of proposals. It took place simultaneously across Nairobi, Ibadan, and Kaduna and brought together a young pool of talents, entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and innovators from all over Africa. Participants learned from leading experts in the Agri-Fin-Tech space, collaborated with other talented innovators, and developed their ideas into viable solutions. On the second day, 6 finalists emerged and proceeded to the grand finale.

Notes from FireSide Chat and Panel Sessions

Kicking off the grand finale event was the keynote speech by Ife Adebayo, a Digital Innovation Specialist at iDICE, who urged the adoption of youth-led innovations. He said that young people have the potential to create exponential change with their creativity, passion, and fresh perspectives. He added that innovation isn’t for experts alone but for anyone with a spark of inspiration.

Highlights from the panel sessions and speeches were the emphases for originality, innovation, technology, excellence, and collaboration in the coming years, which are significant keys to success. “In building products, be more passionate about the problem than the solution, it is in seeking answers to known issues that innovation is borne. It is also important to note that it isn’t innovation if it doesn’t communicate value.” Sikemi highlighted.

Other notable experts present were Adedeji Olowe, Founder Lendsqr; Babatunde Obadero, Co-founder/CEO Zitra Investments; Yusuf Oguntola, Chief Technology Officer, AFEX; Jude Dike CEO and Co-founder, GetEquity, Yinka David West, Associate Dean, Lagos Business School; Olusola Adeyemo, Deputy Director, One Acre Fund, etc.

Finalists journey to $10,000

Six finalists from Kaduna, Ibadan, and Nairobi pitched their innovative solutions at the event. They wereKULIMA- Abdulbasit Olalekan; FARM CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (FARMCI)- Temitope Yakubu; AGRICBOOX - Kenneth Ode, MCHE - Michael Munavu; FARM RIDERS Marvellous Solomon and SILO AFRICA- Eliud Rugut . The winner Temitope, FARMCI, pitched a platform that provides farmers with a comprehensive database of agricultural information through a mobile app, WhatsApp chatbot, or USSD platform. Followed closely were MCHE - Michael Munavu and SILO AFRICA- Eliud Rugut clenching the first runner-up and second runner prizes of $5000 and $3000, respectively.

Sip and Dance- Cocktail session

As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a multisensory experience with personalized cocktails, each expertly crafted to complement the eclectic mix of beats and rhythms, delicious meals, a networking immersion, and a chance to wear their dancing shoes.

Closing Remark by President, AFEX Nigeria

Akinyinka Akintunde, President, AFEX Nigeria, concluded the event by reiterating that Code Cash Crop was a platform for young talents to create tailor-made solutions for the agricultural market. He said that AFEX would continue to support and mentor young innovators in Agriculture and help them transform Africa’s food systems with technology.

"This year, we have had the pleasure of reviewing thoughtful applications and engaging with extraordinarily bright minds. We are therefore proud to present our incredible mix of Nigerian and Kenyan winners as judged by our stellar panel.”

Stay tuned to Code Cash Crop 5.0 as we push boundaries, creating experiences bridging the gap between innovation and the pursuit of resilient food systems. Together, we celebrate the extraordinary talents that shape our world, one harmonious solution at a time.