A new agricultural technology hub has been launched, aimed at accelerating digital innovation in farming and mobilizing investment for start-ups developing solutions for Africa’s food systems. The Timbuktoo AgriTech Hub, unveiled in Accra, brings together entrepreneurs, investors and innovation ecosystem leaders to support start-ups working across the agricultural value chain, from production and supply logistics to market access and financing.
Speaking at the launch, Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, said the initiative is designed to harness emerging technologies to address long-standing challenges in agriculture across the continent. “Tonight, we celebrate a pivotal platform that advances Africa’s innovation agenda by empowering entrepreneurs, building capacity and transforming ideas into meaningful impact,” he said.
The hub is part of the broader Timbuktoo Initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme to build a network of African innovation hubs that can support entrepreneurs developing solutions in key sectors including agriculture, health and energy.
Partners supporting the AgriTech hub include the venture capital firm 500 Global and start-up accelerator Seedstars, which will help provide mentorship, incubation support and access to financing for early-stage companies.
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors in Africa’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to national output. Yet the sector faces structural constraints including climate variability, fragmented supply chains, limited financing and inefficiencies in farm-to-market systems.
George said digital tools such as data-driven platforms, artificial intelligence and mobile technologies could help improve productivity, expand market access and strengthen resilience for farmers and agribusinesses.
The initiative will also include a capacity-building bootcamp for incubator managers designed to strengthen institutions that support early-stage entrepreneurs across the continent. “Through focused policies and strategic partnerships, we are building a digital economy that supports start-ups, attracts investment and creates opportunities for the next generation of African innovators,” George said.
Access to financing remains a major barrier for African technology ventures. The Timbuktoo AgriTech Hub aims to address this gap by connecting start-ups to both catalytic funding and commercial investment to help scale promising solutions. “Expanding access to financing for innovation is essential if Africa’s start-up ecosystem is to reach its full potential,” the minister added.
George called for deeper collaboration among governments, investors and innovators to ensure that technology-driven ideas translate into measurable development outcomes. “Let us harness our collective potential, inspire bold innovation and build sustainable growth for generations to come,” he said.
