Nakalema’s solar egg incubator wins top prize at AYuTe Africa Challenge 2024

Assumpta Nakalema’s innovation of a solar-powered egg incubator has earned her the top prize of Shs50 million at the third edition of the AYuTe Africa Challenge-Uganda.

Angel Uwera, the first runner-up, received Shs25 million for her rapid soil testing machine, the “MAK Agrometer,” while Olivia Nakiwanuka’s Axis Solar secured Shs10 million, placing her second runner-up.

The AYuTe Africa Challenge, organised by Heifer International Uganda, aims to empower young entrepreneurs by providing a platform to revolutionise the agricultural sector. Launched in 2021, the challenge has become a key driver in advancing pro-poor value chains, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

This year’s competition attracted a record 261 submissions, with 83 from female innovators. The innovations ranged from automated irrigation systems to pest detection devices, highlighting the transformative potential of young minds in agriculture.

Heifer International Uganda Country Director, William Matovu, commended the youth’s ingenuity: “Young innovators hold tremendous potential to drive transformative change in agriculture. This year’s innovations truly reflect the energy and creativity of our youth.”

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr Ronald Gyagenda Ssegawa, Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing agriculture.

“The journey of transforming agriculture requires the collective efforts of governments, private sector partners, and organisations like Heifer International.”

To boost female participation, two additional slots were reserved for women innovators, with Stella Nakirijja’s solar-powered tick detector and Patricia Ninsiima’s grain-preserving nano-technology winning Shs3.5 million each.

Overall, the challenge has engaged 704 young talents since its inception, with 158 being female innovators. The top ten finalists this year were each awarded Shs2 million in recognition of their efforts to drive agricultural innovation.