Smart Africa and FAO Launch AI Challenge to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture
The initiative seeks to identify scalable solutions capable of improving agricultural productivity and strengthening climate resilience across the continent.
Smart Africa, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , has launched the third edition of the Innovate Africa Challenge, an initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that address Africa’s agricultural and climate challenges.
Held under the theme “From Ideation to Deployment,” this year’s challenge shifts the focus from concept development to the practical deployment of AI-powered innovations that deliver measurable benefits for farmers. The initiative seeks to identify scalable solutions capable of improving agricultural productivity and strengthening climate resilience across the continent.
According to the organisers, AI has the potential to transform Africa’s agrifood systems by enhancing crop forecasting, improving pest detection, optimising water use and supporting climate-smart farming practices. The challenge will identify a proven AI-driven solution for Climate-Smart Agriculture, validate its effectiveness in real-world farming environments and create opportunities for broader adoption across Africa.
The winning solution will receive US$50,000 in funding to support deployment, field validation and scaling with farming communities.
Smart Africa and FAO are inviting developers, innovators and technology entrepreneurs building AI solutions for sustainable agriculture to apply for the programme. Applications are open until 31 August 2026. The initiative forms part of broader efforts by both organisations to leverage emerging technologies to strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity and support sustainable development across Africa.
