Mastercard Foundation, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) Reward Female Agro Entrepreneurs at 5th Agro-Hack Challenge

In a bid to foster innovation and create new opportunities for young female entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation and GEN Nigeria, has strengthened its Agro-Hack Challenge initiative by recognizing and rewarding twelve outstanding female-led agro firms.

At the recently concluded 5th edition of the Agro-Hack Challenge, held at the EDC office, All Green Limited emerged as the overall winner, securing the grand prize of N1 million. Glorious Farm Gate claimed second place with a cash prize of N750,000, while Vickey Goshen Eco Farm finished third, earning N500,000. Additionally, nine other participating agro firms received N100,000 each in recognition of their contributions to agricultural innovation.

This year’s edition featured participants from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Market AI, Juvison Enterprise, Glorious Farm Gate, Elafagon Nigeria Limited, Vickey Goshen Eco Farm, Yar Galadimas Business Empire, Sehaj Energy Resource, Mrs. Muna Rice Shield, Triple A, Farm Box, Awari Olounge Omode, and All Green Ivy Limited.

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Speaking during the pitch session, Dr. Nnena Ugwu, Head of Alumni Relations and Support Services and a member of the EDC Management Board, highlighted the initiative’s goal of driving innovative solutions in the agricultural sector while expanding opportunities for young female entrepreneurs.

She noted that while the programme initially accommodated both male- and female-led agro businesses, this edition was specifically tailored to women due to their underrepresentation in agriculture. To address this gap, the programme was designed to cater to their unique challenges, providing targeted support.

Participants underwent intensive accelerator programmes, including boot camps and mentorship sessions, equipping them with essential business strategies to navigate challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and beyond.

The Agro-Hack Challenge, organised by EDC and GEN Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, continues to empower female entrepreneurs and SMEs, enabling them to thrive in the agro sector while contributing to economic growth and sector transformation.