Over the past two days — August 14 and 15, 2025 — the Top-10 finalists of the Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition took part in an intensive coaching and mentorship program. The training, organized by the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC), in collaboration with Alliance Bioversity & CIAT was designed to sharpen entrepreneurial, technical, and communication skills all essential for success in the startup world.
Day 1 – From Vision to Strategy
The program opened with Mahder Akalu, Communication Expert and Lead Organizer of the competition, welcoming the finalists and inviting them to introduce themselves, their services, and their products. Lensa Girma, ESFSAC’s Program Coordinator, then shared the organization’s mission and the overall purpose of the competition.
Dr. Degefie Tibebe, representing the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, spoke next, highlighting his organization’s work and its support for the competition. He stressed why agroecology and strong food systems are worth investing in.
The morning continued with Dr. Tesfaye Hailu, a researcher and food systems specialist, who explored the core principles of agroecology and how they can be integrated into entrepreneurship. He introduced concepts like visioning and back-casting, and showed how food systems, biodiversity, and human health are deeply interconnected. The session offered practical tools and resources for assessing opportunities and building sustainable business models.
In the afternoon, Tewodros Beyene, Business and Sustainable Development Consultant, led a hands-on workshop on business analysis, financial assessment, and effective business plan development. He explained why feasibility studies and strategic financial planning are critical for long-term growth.
The day wrapped up with a communication and visibility session led by Mahder Akalu, covering how to craft clear messages, reach the right audience, and use visibility strategically. Participants left with actionable feedback to strengthen their outreach.
Day 2 – Perfecting the Pitch
The second day shifted focus to pitching skills, led by Selam Wondim, Founder of Gomida Solutions (House of Chewata). She walked participants through pitch-deck preparation, business canvas development, and creating a compelling storyline.
Selam emphasized the importance of understanding market size, allocating resources wisely, and preparing realistic budgets. She also encouraged finalists to end their pitches with a strong call to action.
After a guided mentoring session, finalists practiced their pitches and received tailored feedback to fine-tune their presentations. The program closed with participants sharing their experiences and insights from the two-day training.
Moving Forward
By the end of the workshop, the finalists had not only refined their business ideas but also gained practical tools for sustainable innovation, strategic growth, and impactful communication. These skills will serve them well as they move toward the next stage of the competition — and beyond.
The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition is organized by Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC), in partnership with Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA).