By Susan Olalere 
Ghanaian agritech startup SAYeTECH has emerged as the winner of the MEST Africa Challenge 2024, securing $50,000 in equity funding to scale its groundbreaking solutions. This achievement not only underscores the ingenuity of Africa’s agritech sector but also highlights the continent’s commitment to fostering youth-driven innovations that address systemic challenges in agriculture.
The competition, themed “Find Your Soil,” focused on uncovering innovations that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across West Africa. SAYeTECH’s cutting-edge approach to empowering smallholder farmers and creating sustainable opportunities for African youth stood out among submissions from 14 countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte D’Ivoire.
Founded in 2018 by Jeffrey Boakye Appiagyei and Theodore Ohene-Botchway, SAYeTECH leverages hardware and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to design smart post-harvest agricultural machinery tailored for Africa’s unique conditions. The startup’s mission is clear: to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce waste, and create jobs for African youth.
The Bigger Picture: Agriculture, Innovation, and Africa’s Youth
SAYeTECH’s victory is more than a win for the startup—it’s a milestone in the ongoing effort to transform Africa’s agricultural landscape. Agriculture remains a vital part of Africa’s economy, employing nearly 60% of the continent’s workforce. However, challenges such as low productivity, post-harvest losses, and limited mechanization hinder progress.
By integrating smart technology with agriculture, SAYeTECH offers a pathway to not only alleviate these challenges but also redefine Africa’s role in global food production. Moreover, its focus on youth empowerment through job creation aligns with the pressing need to address unemployment among Africa’s burgeoning youth population.
The Role of MEST Africa and the “Find Your Soil” Theme
The MEST Africa Challenge continues to position itself as a beacon for emerging tech entrepreneurs across the continent. With this year’s theme, “Find Your Soil,” MEST aimed to help innovators identify and nurture the ecosystems they need to thrive. The focus on agriculture aligns with the sector’s potential to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and economic resilience in Africa.
According to Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa, “AgriTech innovation thrives when it’s rooted in the right environment. ‘Find Your Soil’ is about helping innovators find the ecosystem where they can grow.”
MEST Africa’s emphasis on visibility, partnerships, and mentorship highlights its commitment to shaping the future of tech in Africa. Through initiatives like the MEST Africa Challenge, the institution has cemented its role as a driver of innovation, skill development, and wealth creation on the continent.
The Road Ahead for SAYeTECH
With the $50,000 equity funding secured through its victory, SAYeTECH plans to scale production, reduce delivery lead times, and expand its impact across the region. This funding is expected to help the startup reach more smallholder farmers, ensuring they have access to the tools necessary to boost productivity and reduce losses.
Co-founder and Director Theodore Ohene-Botchway affirmed the importance of this funding, stating:
“The funding will enable us to scale production and reduce delivery lead times, providing smallholder farmers with the equipment they need to increase productivity.”
A Model for Youth-Driven Development in Africa
SAYeTECH’s success serves as an inspiring example of how African youth can lead in addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
OpeOluwa Okudero
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