The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026 concluded with an Awarding Event held on 4 September 2026 at BlueSpace Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, celebrating young entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for healthier and more sustainable food systems in Ethiopia.
Organized by the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC), in partnership with DKA Austria, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), and the Agroecology Fund, the competition identified 10 finalists who attended a two-day training and mentorship programme and delivered their final pitches.
During the Awarding Event, the Top Three winners were announced and awarded, while all the finalists were celebrated and recognised for their contribution towards a healthier and more sustainable food system in Ethiopia.
Here are the winners of the Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026:
🥇 1st Place — Mesay Sermolo Degefu, Eco-Screw Beeswax Tech
The winning startup addresses beeswax waste and inefficient traditional processing by introducing a locally fabricated mechanical screw press. The technology improves wax recovery, reduces labour and helps create additional value for beekeepers and farmers through more efficient beeswax processing. Prize: ETB 300,000.
🥈 2nd Place — Abeje Belay Andualem, Sebez Manufacturing One Member PLC
The startup produces locally made, germination-based complementary food using grains and legumes such as malt barley, lentils and faba beans. Its approach aims to improve nutrient availability while reducing reliance on imported nutrition products and making nutritious food more accessible. Prize: ETB 200,000.
🥉 3rd Place — Haymanot Nigussie Getahun, Ra’ey Vegetable Farming
The social enterprise operates an irrigated agroecological farm producing diverse vegetables and grains throughout the year. It uses agricultural waste to produce organic compost, while creating employment and developing plans for an increasingly diversified and circular farming system. Prize: ETB 100,000.
Reflections, Networking, and Traditional Food
The Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition 2026 Awarding Event was honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Getachew Yimer, Senior Expert at the Entrepreneurship Development Desk of the Ministry of Labour and Skills; His Excellency Dr. Million Belay, General Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA); and Her Excellency Dr. Bayush Tsegaye, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC).
Their reflections on the finalists’ pitches and the potential of their innovative startups were invaluable in encouraging the finalists and highlighting opportunities for continued support and collaboration. The occasion was further enriched by the participation of finalists from the 2025 Youth in Agroecology Startup Competition, as well as competition judges, coaches, mentors and other invited guests.
Werka Coffee added a distinctive cultural touch to the celebration by serving a variety of healthy and delicious indigenous foods, which impressed guests with the richness and diversity of Ethiopia’s traditional food culture. The coffee ceremony that followed also created a warm and informal atmosphere for the finalists, guests and other participants to connect, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Congratulations to the three winners and to all 10 finalists for their dedication, creativity and commitment to building more sustainable food systems in Ethiopia. Their journeys demonstrate the important role young entrepreneurs can play in advancing agroecology and creating innovative solutions for the future of food.
More details, photos and videos from the Awarding Event will be available here and on our social media pages. Stay tuned!
—
For more details about all finalists and their startups, from both 2026 and 2025 competition, please visit the new Finalists Database.
I would like to commend ESFSAC for organizing this competition; it is going to motivate young agroecology champions & innovators.
The 3 winners, as well as the rest 7 finalists, deserve appreciation.
That said, as a physician nutritionist, I would like to forward the following suggestions:
When engaging in complementary feeding production, it is of vital step to ensure the ingredients and the final products are free from biological and chemical hazards.
It is also very important to note that we are in dire shortage of fresh produce that are not contaminated by heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and other contaminants.
Hence, I am more in favor of the “Vera Fungicide Production”, that has secured an official utility patent. Use of Neem oil as a biopesticide ,is a well known strategy for managing various pests; hence the use of neem leaves in liquid form, by the finalist for organic pest management, needs due consideration, so that they get technical and financial support to move forward.
For the next round of competition, please consider: 1/appropriate laboratory support 2/Increase the award money.
How I can contact and apply
My name is Beyene Diriba am 25 years old my please is oromia rigion am ful need this opportunity