The ESFSAC Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition is a dynamic platform for young innovators in Addis Ababa to reclaim, protect, and reinvent Ethiopia’s food systems. Whether through agroecological farming or health-conscious culinary startups, this competition is your chance to turn vision into action — and be recognised for it.

The Mission

To empower youth to become leaders in agroecology and indigenous food promotion, creating local solutions for food sovereignty, sustainability, and community well-being.

Applicants can register and participate in the competition under two main thematic categories:

🌱 1. Agroecological Farming & Innovation

This category highlights initiatives that promote sustainable and environmentally responsible farming methods. Eligible initiatives may include:

• Composting
• Recycling agricultural waste
• Organic vegetable gardening
• Seed saving and local seed production
• Vermicomposting
• Other innovative practices that enhance sustainable agriculture

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their initiative contributes to strengthening local food systems, enhancing climate resilience, improving soil health, conserving biodiversity, supporting ecosystem services, and advancing sustainable farming practices.

🍲 2. Healthy & Indigenous Foods

This category targets youth involved in creating, promoting, or managing startups related to nutritious and indigenous foods. Eligible initiatives include:

• Production of herbal or health-focused food products
• Startups based on traditional Ethiopian recipes
• Health-conscious catering services
• Social media platforms or blogs promoting traditional and indigenous foods

Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to healthier diets and the preservation of local food cultures.

The competition is open to:

• Youth aged 18 to 35, living and working in Addis Ababa and Sheger City.
• Individuals or youth-led agribusiness groups (Startups).
• Youth startups who have previously participated in similar competitions may apply; however, past winners in any similar competitions are not eligible.
• Applicants must provide proof of an existing business or initiative (e.g., video, photos, product samples).
• Business registration is not mandatory; however, established businesses that have been legally registered and operational for more than five years may not be eligible.
• Young women and marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

1. Step 1: Strat your application by uploading a 1-minute video via ESFSAC’s Telegram bot designed for the competition.

2. Step 2: Complete your application by filling in and submit the online registration form available on this page. The registration form includes writing description of your startup in not more than 500 words.

3. You’ll receive a confirmation by email. Please refer the section below for detailed instructions.

🗓️ Application Window: 20-31 July, 2026, 5:00 PM

Note: Applications that do not meet these requirements or are submitted by ineligible individuals will be disqualified during the preliminary screening. Submissions through email or in-person will not be accepted. Application can be in Amharic or English.

1. Preliminary Screening

All submissions will be carefully reviewed for eligibility and completeness. Only qualified entries will proceed to the next round.

2. Top 10 Shortlisting

A panel of expert judges will evaluate eligible submissions and select the Top 10 youth-led startups based on impact, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the thematic areas (see the Evaluation Framework below).

3. Mentorship & Orientation

Finalists receive coaching in:

• Business development

• Effective communication

• Agroecology principles

4. Pitch Competition Event

Each finalist will deliver a 5-minute pitch of their initiative, followed by a Q&A session with judges. Judges will evaluate based on relevance, sustainability, impact, efficiency, and scalability. Judges announce the Top 3 Finalists.

The competition will culminate in an Awarding Event, where judges will announce the official Top 3 Winners: who will present in front of stakeholders, media, and supporters.

🥇 1st Place – 300,000 ETB
🥈 2nd Place – 200,000 ETB
🥉 3rd Place – 100,000 ETB

All Top 10 participants will receive recognition, visibility, and networking opportunities.

Note: All prizes are subject to applicable tax regulations.