Tanzanian startup SkyVerse Solutions has been named the winner of the third edition of the AfrInnovate Youth Challenge (AYC), a continental platform celebrating young African innovators. The company secured the top spot for its groundbreaking mechanized post-harvest groundnut processing solution, which is designed to significantly boost yields, reduce losses, and increase income for local farmers.
Championing Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises
The AfrInnovate Youth Challenge, organized by Junior Achievement (JA) Africa in partnership with the Z Zurich Foundation and JA Worldwide, aims to spotlight purpose-driven enterprises that are driving inclusion and sustainability across Africa.
This year’s competition showcased highly impactful and diverse solutions. The prize placements were:
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1st Place: SkyVerse Solutions (Tanzania) – Recognized for its mechanized solution focused on efficient groundnut processing.
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2nd Place: AgriCool Solar Chamber (Uganda) – Secured the position for offering solar-powered cold storage specifically for agricultural produce.
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Tied 3rd Place:
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CaliFem (Ivory Coast) – Transforms marine waste into sustainable calcium powder.
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Ecobrick (Togo) – Converts plastic waste into eco-friendly construction materials.
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Special Recognitions and Impact
Beyond the top winners, special recognition awards highlighted solutions with exceptional impact and innovative design:
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Innovation Award: Received by SolAir (Burkina Faso) for its smart, solar-powered irrigation system.
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Impact Award: Earned by Ecobricks Liberia for an initiative that empowers rehabilitated youth through green employment opportunities.
Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, stated that the challenge serves as a powerful reminder that when marginalized young Africans are given access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity, they actively reinvent Africa’s economy. She emphasized that these young innovators are designing scalable solutions that address real-world challenges while proving that inclusion is the foundational element of sustainable growth. The AYC continues to demonstrate how Africa’s youth are leveraging innovation to tackle pressing issues in agriculture, sustainability, and social impact, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient future.
