Junior Agripreneur Program

Junior Agripreneur Hub Africa

Junior Agripreneur Program

Inspiring young Africans to sustainably feed the world.

Zambia

ZMB

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

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We are solving the slow adoption of technology in agriculture, the lack of project-based learning in schools, and widespread apathy among youth toward the agriculture value chain. These challenges contribute to youth unemployment, food insecurity, and a weak innovation pipeline in Africa’s most critical sector. In Zambia, over 70% of the population is under 35, yet youth unemployment remains above 20% (World Bank). At the same time, agriculture employs over 50% of the population but is largely viewed by youth as outdated and unprofitable. Globally, more than 267 million youth are not in employment, education, or training (ILO, 2023). A major factor is that school systems prioritize theoretical learning, neglecting practical, project-based experiences that develop entrepreneurial and tech skills. Moreover, schools often lack exposure to modern tools like drones, sensors, and climate-smart innovations critical for transforming agriculture.

Our solution is the Junior Agripreneur Program, a hands-on, tech-integrated learning experience that equips students aged 5–17 with practical skills in Climate Smart Agriculture, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. We bring agriculture to life in schools through project-based learning, where students grow crops like microgreens, mushrooms, or vegetables, integrate agri-tech tools like drones, sensors, and mobile apps, and sell their produce to real markets—restaurants, shops, and households. Using tablets, animated lessons, and an e-learning platform, learners are introduced to modern farming techniques, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Our model makes agriculture engaging and profitable, helping youth understand the value chain from production to sales. Students work in teams, pitch business ideas, and gain confidence through public presentations and competitions. We also connect them with mentorship, seed funding opportunities, and market linkages. This solution transforms classrooms into innovation hubs and farming plots into learning labs—bridging the gap between education and employment. We’ve already piloted it in over 10 schools with proven success, and the model is scalable across Africa.

Our solution directly serves school-going children and youth aged 5–17, especially in urban, peri-urban, and rural communities who are often left behind by conventional education systems. These learners are currently underserved by curricula that prioritize theory over practice and fail to prepare them with real-world skills in agriculture, technology, or entrepreneurship. Many come from low- to middle-income families and have limited exposure to modern tools, innovation, and market opportunities. We also serve teachers and schools, who lack the training, resources, and engaging content to teach agriculture in a way that excites students and leads to tangible outcomes. Our solution transforms classrooms into practical learning hubs where learners gain hands-on experience in climate-smart agriculture, use technology like drones and mobile apps, and build real businesses from farm to market. It fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and financial literacy skills essential for the 21st century. By connecting learning to livelihoods, we increase youth engagement in agriculture, reduce apathy, and build confidence. Long-term, our approach boosts food security, job creation, and economic resilience, creating a new generation of tech-savvy agripreneurs ready to lead Africa’s agricultural transformation.