All national competitions for the 2025 AfrInnovate Youth Challenge (AYC) have officially concluded, and the winners are ready to represent their countries at the Regional Finals in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 3rd.
The AYC, part of JA Africa’s Social Equity Program (SEP) supported by the Z Zurich Foundation, gives Africa’s young people the opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve gained through the program, particularly in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and innovation. Across Africa, the youth are proving that with the right guidance and opportunities, they can design impactful solutions that address real community challenges.
This year’s national champions represent some of the most promising youth-led innovations across the continent:
- Burkina Faso – SolAir: A smart, solar-powered irrigation system optimizing water use through real-time soil data.
- Côte d’Ivoire – Califem: A social enterprise transforming marine waste into natural calcium powder while empowering women and reducing pollution.
- DR Congo – HSECRET: A wellness brand turning hibiscus flowers into natural health, food, and cosmetic products.
- Liberia – Ecobricks: A community-driven initiative recycling household plastics into building materials and furniture.
- Sierra Leone – Kenema Water Supply: A locally made, low-cost submersible pump improving irrigation and access to clean water.
- South Africa – BIOSIN Active: An implantable microchip for livestock that combines GPS tracking, biometric diagnostics, and traceability.
- Tanzania – Skyverse Solutions: A locally engineered groundnut root separator that boosts efficiency and productivity for farmers.
- Togo – EcoBrick Togo: A circular-economy solution turning plastic waste into eco-friendly bricks for affordable housing.
- Uganda – Agri-Cool: Solar-powered cold storage units that preserve produce, reduce waste, and improve farmer incomes.
The Regional Finals will be judged by an esteemed panel of experts:
- Marco Bossetti, Global Head of iCON at Zurich Insurance Group
- Marine Gerard, Strategy & Sustainability Director at Zurich Global Ventures (part of Zurich Insurance Group)
- Yılmaz Yıldız, Member of the Board of Trustees at Bilgi University and the Z Zurich Foundation
- Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner at Sahel Capital
- Ada Osakwe, Founder of Agrolay and Nuli Foods
- Pape Samb, President and CEO of Accountable Partners for Africa
Their collective expertise spans sustainability, finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering invaluable perspective as they evaluate projects that combine purpose, practicality, and impact.
Through the JA–Z Zurich Foundation Social Equity Program, JA Africa continues to equip young people with the tools to turn ideas into impact, ensuring that innovation in Africa is both inclusive and sustainable.
The Regional Finals will be streamed live, stay tuned as we share the event calendar and invitation details in the coming days!
