The Agentic Africa Challenge is inviting developers across Africa to develop open-source artificial intelligence tools that address key agricultural challenges, including climate-smart farming, market access, agricultural input and credit risks, and post-harvest traceability.

The initiative aims to encourage practical technology solutions that help smallholder farmers access timely information, make better decisions and strengthen their participation in agricultural value chains.

Developers aged 18 and older who reside in any African country are eligible to participate. Applications may be submitted by individuals or teams of up to three members, with each team permitted to enter one original project that has not previously been submitted elsewhere.

The challenge will provide mentorship and development resources to the top 40 teams. The top 10 teams will also receive fully funded attendance at the MCP Conference in Nairobi, offering opportunities to engage with other developers and technology stakeholders.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place entries, as well as the Best Women-led solution. However, the prize amounts have not yet been confirmed.

AI Innovation Targeting Agricultural Challenges

The challenge focuses on developing AI-powered tools that can translate agricultural information into practical guidance for farmers and other stakeholders.

Climate-smart agricultural solutions could use rainfall information, pest signals and other relevant data to help farmers respond to changing weather conditions and production risks. Such tools could improve access to timely advice and support more informed farm management decisions.

Market access is another priority area. Developers are encouraged to consider solutions that provide price intelligence and help farmers understand market opportunities, enabling them to make better-informed decisions about where and when to sell their produce.

The challenge also covers agricultural input and credit risks, creating opportunities for tools that help users assess relevant information when making decisions about farm inputs and financing.

Post-harvest traceability is a further focus, with potential applications including digital systems that track produce from the farm to the buyer. Improved traceability can help maintain information about product origin and movement through the supply chain.

Support for Selected Teams

The Agentic Africa Challenge combines competition with development support. The top 40 teams will receive mentorship and resources to help advance their projects, while the top 10 will receive fully funded attendance at the MCP Conference in Nairobi.

The competition also recognises outstanding performance through cash awards, including a dedicated prize for the Best Women-led solution. The organisers have yet to confirm the monetary value of these awards.

Developers are encouraged to build tools that address clearly defined agricultural problems and demonstrate how their solutions can deliver practical benefits to their intended users.

Eligibility and Applications

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in an African country. They may enter individually or in teams of no more than three members. Each team can submit only one project, and entries must meet the challenge’s originality requirements.

Organisers, judges and their immediate family members are excluded from participation.

Prospective applicants should consult the official challenge information for the complete technical requirements, submission process and eligibility rules. The application deadline and direct application-form link should also be verified through the organisers, as these details require confirmation.

The Agentic Africa Challenge presents an opportunity for African developers to apply AI innovation to agricultural production, market information and supply-chain transparency. By focusing on actionable tools for smallholder farmers, the initiative seeks to encourage technology that responds to practical needs across the continent’s agricultural sector.

For more information, visit Qhala Trust and consult the official challenge details.