Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, faces a unique challenge: feeding a rapidly growing population with limited arable land. Recognizing the critical role of innovation in securing food systems, the Lagos State Government has once again launched the Lagos State Agrithon Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young individuals with innovative solutions for the agricultural and food sectors. This year, the program boasts an impressive grant pool of ₦150 million, set to be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and teams.
More than just a competition, the Agrithon is a movement aimed at fostering youth-led innovation and scalable solutions to address current and future food challenges. Building on the success of previous editions, which saw significant funding disbursed to promising agribusinesses, the 2025 Agrithon is set to redefine the landscape of agriculture in Lagos.
Why the Agrithon Matters: Addressing Lagos’ Food Security Needs
Lagos currently consumes over 70% more food than it produces, a gap that is projected to widen as the population is expected to exceed 30 million by 2035. This unsustainable trend puts immense pressure on food systems, supply chains, and overall food affordability. The Agrithon is a strategic response to this challenge, encouraging creative solutions in areas such as:
- Climate-smart and sustainable agriculture: Innovations for soil health, water management, and eco-friendly farming practices.
- Agri-fintech and precision farming: Financial tools for farmers and the use of technologies like IoT and AI to enhance productivity.
- Digital innovation in food production and logistics: Solutions for improved efficiency in the entire food value chain.
- Post-harvest storage solutions: Reducing food waste and extending shelf life.
- Market access and food traceability: Ensuring transparency and efficient distribution.
- Food affordability: Ideas that make nutritious food accessible to all.
- Urban and vertical farming techniques: Leveraging limited space through hydroponics, aquaponics, and other methods.
- Aquaculture and inland fisheries: Tapping into Lagos’ abundant waterways for fish production.
- Agro-processing and value addition: Transforming raw produce into higher-value products.
The Lagos State Government emphasizes that even with limited arable land, there are vast, untapped opportunities in agriculture, and the Agrithon is poised to unlock this potential through the ingenuity of its youth.
Eligibility Criteria For The The Application Process For The Lagos State Agrithon Program
The Lagos State Agrithon Program is specifically tailored for young, dynamic entrepreneurs who are ready to make a significant impact. To be eligible for this exciting opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Business Age: Own or lead a startup that is between 0 and 5 years old.
- Location/Impact: The agribusiness must be based in Lagos State or demonstrate a measurable impact within the Lagos agrifood system.
- Registration: Your business must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- LASSRA Enrollment: You must be enrolled with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA).
- Innovative Solution: Applicants must present a well-defined, innovative solution that addresses an existing challenge within the agriculture or food systems sector.
It’s important to note that individual applications are generally not accepted; the program focuses on startups, innovators, and teams.
The Application Process For The Lagos State Agrithon Program
The application process for the Lagos State Agrithon Program is designed to be straightforward, encouraging promising ideas to come to the forefront. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
- Online Registration: Interested participants must complete an online registration form. This is the initial step to formally express your interest.
- Compelling Pitch Deck Submission: A crucial part of your application is submitting a detailed and compelling pitch deck. This document should clearly outline:
- The problem you are addressing in the agriculture or food sector.
- Your proposed solution and how it is innovative.
- The anticipated impact of your solution (social, economic, environmental).
- Your business model and market viability.
- Information about your team strength.
- Shortlisting: Based on the innovation, feasibility, and scalability of the submitted ideas, a pool of top applicants will be shortlisted.
- Screening/Pitch Sessions: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to virtual and/or physical pitch sessions where they will present their ideas to a panel of industry experts and judges.
- Mentorship Phase: Selected candidates will participate in a dedicated mentorship program. This phase provides invaluable guidance from industry leaders to refine business models and sharpen execution strategies.
- Grand Finale/Pitch Day: The program culminates in a grand finale, often held at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0. Finalists will present their solutions to a panel of judges, including investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, where the winners will be announced.
The application portal typically opens for a specific period, and for the 2025 edition, applications commenced on June 2nd and are expected to close on June 27th, 2025. It is highly recommended to visit the official Lagos Agrinnovation and Ministry of Agriculture websites for the most accurate and up-to-date application guidelines and links.
Benefits of Participating in the Lagos State Agrithon Program
Beyond the significant financial grant, the Lagos State Agrithon Program offers a wealth of benefits that can transform a promising idea into a thriving agribusiness:
- Substantial Funding: The opportunity to receive a portion of the ₦150 million grant pool to scale your innovative agribusiness.
- Business Mentorship: Access to a dedicated mentorship hub and guidance from experienced industry leaders and experts who can help refine your business model and execution strategies.
- Agribusiness Training: Exposure to valuable training programs and workshops that enhance entrepreneurial and agricultural skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse network of investors, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and fellow innovators, fostering collaborations and opening doors to future opportunities.
- Visibility and Exposure: Gain significant visibility across the agricultural value chain in Nigeria, putting your startup in the spotlight.
- Technical Expertise: Beyond funding, the program aims to provide technical expertise to help participants take their agribusiness to the next level.
- Contribution to Food Security: Be a part of a larger movement to secure the future of food in Lagos and contribute to the economic resilience of the state.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Lagos State Agrithon Program is 27 July 2025.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Agrithon Program is not just about providing grants; it’s about building a sustainable and innovation-driven agricultural ecosystem in Lagos. If you’re a young, passionate individual with a groundbreaking idea that can transform the agrifood sector, this is your chance to turn your vision into a reality and contribute to a food-secure future for Lagos. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!
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