SAYeTECH, a Ghanaian agritech startup, has made headlines by winning the MEST Africa Challenge 2024, announced on December 6, 2024.
This achievement comes with a $50,000 equity funding prize to scale its innovative agricultural machinery designed specifically for African farmers.
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Empowering farmers with technology
Founded in 2018 and led by Theodore Ohene-Botchway, SAYeTECH focuses on creating agricultural solutions that address the unique challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Africa.
The startup’s flagship product, a multi-crop thresher, significantly reduces post-harvest losses by up to 35 percent and boosts farmers’ incomes by 50 percent, all while being 60 times faster than traditional methods. This innovation is crucial in a region where agricultural efficiency can directly impact food security.
Ohene-Botchway expressed his excitement about the funding, stating, “This funding allows us to scale production and shorten delivery times, ensuring smallholder farmers get the equipment they need to boost productivity”.
The financial support from the MEST Africa Challenge will enable SAYeTECH to enhance its production capabilities and improve access to essential farming tools across West Africa.
A competitive landscape
The MEST Africa Challenge, organised in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in Accra, attracted participants from 14 West African countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. This year’s theme, “Find Your Soil,” emphasised the importance of agricultural technology innovations that enhance productivity and sustainability.
Six finalists were selected to present their solutions at the grand finale, which showcased groundbreaking technologies that would transform agriculture in the region.
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According to Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa, “AgriTech innovation thrives when rooted in the right ecosystem. ‘Find Your Soil’ is about helping startups find the partnerships and support they need to succeed”.
This initiative highlights innovative solutions and fosters an environment conducive to growth for emerging agritech companies.
SAYeTECH’s victory is a testament to its potential impact on African agriculture. By providing affordable and efficient machinery tailored to local conditions, SAYeTECH aims to empower farmers and contribute to improving food security across the continent.
The company also offers a range of products, including dryers, mixers, and custom design services for agricultural equipment.
As SAYeTECH prepares to utilise this funding for expansion, it stands as a beacon of hope for many smallholder farmers who rely on innovative solutions to enhance their livelihoods.
The MEST Africa Challenge’s recognition provides financial backing and positions SAYeTECH within a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and mentors dedicated to driving change in the agricultural sector.