MARKUP Youth Agribusiness Accelerator officially kicked off in mid-September, selecting 90 exceptional youth-led enterprises from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The programme aims to equip agripreneurs aged 18–35 with the technical, business, and market skills needed to scale sustainable agribusinesses.
Over four months, participants aged 18–35 took part in targeted training modules designed to address the most pressing gaps in youth agribusiness—from productivity and value addition to business modeling and financial management. These online sessions were complemented by in-person engagements, where entrepreneurs reflected on their progress, exchanged experiences, and received mentorship from business support organizations including the Westerwelle Foundation (Rwanda), Hive Colab (Uganda), and Africa Harvest (Kenya). Mentors offered practical insights, helping participants navigate challenges and apply new skills directly within their enterprises.
Improving market access
A core pillar of the Accelerator was improving market access, one of the biggest barriers faced by young MSMEs. Through partner BSOs, youth entrepreneurs showcased their products at high-profile trade fairs and B2B platforms, including the Uganda International Trade Fair (UGITF), the East Africa Coffee Market & Conference (EACMC), and the East Africa MSME Trade Fair.
EACMC
12 youth agripreneurs participated in the EACMC held from 28–30 October 2025 in Nairobi, engaging with over 1,000 regional and international coffee stakeholders. Supported enterprises—from green bean producers to roasters—built new business connections, explored export pathways, and gained insights into EUDR requirements, sustainable processing, and digital tools. One participant secured an export agreement with a Germany-based buyer.
EAC MSME Trade Fair
From 7–16 November, seven agripreneurs also took part in the 25th EAC MSME Trade Fair in Uganda, using the platform to test product appeal, meet potential buyers, and strengthen their presence in regional markets.
By combining technical training, mentorship, and real market exposure, the MARKUP Youth Agribusiness Accelerator is helping young East Africans build resilient, investment-ready agribusinesses—and positioning a new generation of entrepreneurs to compete confidently in regional and international markets.
