A new Pan-African AgriTech incubation programme is expected to accelerate agribusiness innovation, unlock financing and support the growth of startups across Africa’s agricultural value chain.
The United Nations Development Programme has opened applications for agriculture technology startups to join its Timbuktoo Pan-African Incubation Network and AgriTech Hub, hosted in Ghana with support from the Government of Japan.
The initiative is designed to identify and scale startups developing solutions to address key challenges in agriculture, including limited market access, climate risks, inefficient supply chains and restricted access to finance.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with startups admitted in quarterly cohorts starting from May 2026.
The programme forms part of a broader strategy to transform Africa’s agricultural sector through innovation and enterprise development.
It aims to mobilise one billion dollars over the next decade, support 10,000 startups, scale 1,000 high-growth businesses and generate 10 billion dollars in economic value while improving livelihoods across the continent.
Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, said agriculture remained central to Africa’s economy but required innovation and digital tools to unlock its full potential.
He noted that technology-driven solutions were helping farmers improve productivity, access markets and build resilience against climate shocks, while also creating scalable business opportunities for startups.
Mr George emphasised that strong support systems, including incubators, investors and policy frameworks, were essential to transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
UNDP Ghana Deputy Resident Representative, Ms Shaima Hussein, said the programme would strengthen the startup ecosystem by providing entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, networks and capital.
She described incubators as critical enablers of growth, helping startups scale their solutions and expand their impact across markets.
Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Hiroshi Yoshimoto, said the initiative would empower young entrepreneurs and promote innovation-driven economic growth, leveraging partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The programme is also expected to strengthen linkages between academia, technology hubs and industry to address skills gaps and support business development across sectors.
Analysts say the initiative could play a key role in driving agribusiness transformation by supporting startups to develop scalable solutions, improve food systems and enhance climate resilience.
