Announcing the Top-10 Finalists – Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition

The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition, organized by the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC) in partnership with the African Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA), is part of the “My Food is African / My Food is Ethiopian” campaign.

The competition was open to startups led by youth aged 18–35, living and working in Addis Ababa. Mere idea or startup concept was not eligible. Applications were submitted via the ESFSAC website, where participants provided basic information, a 500-word description of their startup, and a one-minute video submitted via Telegram.

Through social media campaign and targeted promotions, the call has reached over 200,000 people, and we would like to express our gratitude to the many prominent individuals who have helped us dissiminate the call for youth-led startups in Addis Ababa. During the 10-day application window, we received 72 applications. Based on the basic information provided in the application form, applicants came from 11 sub-cities in Addis Ababa, with 33% being women. However, only 54 applicants submitted the one-minute video—a requirement to be officially enrolled in the competition.

Following a preliminary eligibility screening, 43 applicants progressed to the next stage: a thorough evaluation by qualified evaluators using clearly defined criteria and a structured scoring tool. Four experienced evaluators and two thematic advisors undertook the task of assessing the 43 startups and conducting due diligence procedures.

The Shortlisting Approach

With detailed sub-criteria defined under each main category, the following criteria and weights were applied to identify and shortlist the top-10 finalists announced today:

• Relevance (30%) – Alignment with the competition’s focus on Agroecological Farming & Innovation and/or Healthy & Indigenous Food Promotion. This included problem–solution fit, adherence to agroecological principles, contribution to sustainable food systems, and responsiveness to youth-specific challenges in Addis Ababa.
• Sustainability (20%) – Long-term viability with minimal external support, use of sustainable practices, adaptability to change, and business resilience.
• Impact (20%) – Potential to create measurable change in food systems, youth employment, community wellbeing, and environmental outcomes, with emphasis on inclusivity and preservation of indigenous food knowledge.
• Efficiency (15%) – Effective use of available resources (time, funding, land, tools, labour) to achieve results, with evidence of sound implementation and organizational capacity.
• Scaling Potential (15%) – Ability to expand, replicate, or inspire similar initiatives, leveraging partnerships, technology, or networks for broader impact.

Appreciation and Recognition

The organizing team extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to the top-10 finalists, whose names are listed below. Each has already travelled a winning journey, and we commend their ongoing contribution to promoting agroecology and strengthening food systems in Addis Ababa and beyond.

We also deeply value all young applicants of the ESFSAC – Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition for their dedication to building their dreams. This competition is only the beginning. Alongside previous and ongoing opportunities for exemplary youth, ESFSAC and its partners are already planning continuous, regular competitions—not just for youth in Addis Ababa but nationwide, with a broader eligibility framework.

The Top-10 Finalists

Here are the top-10 finalists of this year’s ESFSAC – Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition (In alphabetical order):

1. Biruk Tsehay | Jitu Organic Fertilizer | Sub-City: Yeka
2. Blen Alemayehu | Anchote-based Bar | Sub-City: Bole
3. Dagmawi Ameha | Coda Farm | Sub-City: Lideta
4. Firaol Tolesa | Dawa Coffee | Sub-City: Addis Ketema
5. Hiwot Sisay & Iman Ibrahim | Shega Blend | Sub-City: Akaki Kality
6. Kirubel Haileselassie | Kirubel Haileselassie and Friends Farm Enterprise | Sub-City: Yeka
7. Lamesgin Ayele | Wub Lupine Flour PLC | Sub-City: Lemi Kura
8. Mahider Solomon | Energetic Eco Char Briquettes Manufacturing PLC | Sub-City: Nifas Silk Lafto
9. Oruzi Barkadie | Oruzi, Eyob and Friends Compost Production Company | Sub-City: Gulele
10. Yohannes Ketema | Tenama Gebeta | Sub-City: Nifas Silk Lafto

What Happens Next?

We have not yet fully and formally recognized the evaluators, judges, thematic advisors, and IT experts who continue to make this competition a success—their work is not yet finished. Following two days of mentorship and coaching, the top-10 finalists will participate in a pitching competition.

Stay tuned for more updates. Follow us on LinkedIn (@esfsac-ethiopia) and on our newly created Telegram Channel (@ESFSAC_Ethiopia)