In a bold move to enhance food production and empower young innovators, the Lagos State Government has officially launched Lagos Agrithon 2025, announcing a ₦150 million grant for promising agrifood startups.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, during a press briefing held at the Ministry's Conference Room on Monday.
"This year, we are proud to announce our large grant pool of ₦150 million, which will be awarded to at least 35 promising agrifood startups and teams across key value chains in the State's food systems," Olusanya said.
Lagos Agrithon 2025 is an agricultural hackathon designed to identify and support innovative, youth-led solutions to the growing food challenges in Nigeria's most populous city.
"With Lagos consuming over 70 per cent more food than it produces, and the population projected to exceed 30 million by 2035, the need for sustainable and scalable food systems is critical," she noted. "This growing demand puts immense pressure on our food systems, supply chains, and food affordability. The future of food in Lagos is not just an agricultural issue — it is an economic, environmental, and social imperative."
Olusanya emphasized that despite rapid urbanisation and limited arable land, Lagos has vast, untapped opportunities in agriculture — ranging from vertical farming systems like hydroponics and aquaponics to aquaculture and inland fisheries.
She also cited agro-processing, improved food supply chain logistics, and modernisation of urban food markets as key areas for innovation and investment.
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A Platform for Scalable Innovation
The Commissioner stressed the need for strong public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund large-scale agricultural projects, including mechanised farming and processing hubs, underscoring the collaborative nature of Agrithon 2025.
The programme seeks groundbreaking ideas in areas such as:
- Climate-smart and sustainable agriculture
- Agri-fintech and precision farming
- Digital innovation in food production and logistics
- Post-harvest storage solutions
- Market access and food traceability
- Food affordability
"These are not just priority areas. They are the frontlines of our fight for a food-secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven Lagos," Olusanya stated.
Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, market viability, sustainability, eco-alignment, clarity of presentation, and team strength.
Eligibility and Application Process
Lagos Agrithon 2025 is open to young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 whose agribusinesses are between 0 and 5 years old. Applicants must be either based in Lagos or demonstrate significant impact within the state.
Additional requirements include:
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration
- Enrolment with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA)
- A well-defined solution to an existing challenge in the agriculture or food system sector
Interested participants must complete an online registration form and submit a compelling pitch deck that clearly outlines the problem, the proposed solution, and the anticipated impact.
Programme Highlights and Future Outlook
The expanded programme will include both virtual and physical pitch sessions, access to a mentorship hub, and a grand finale at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 2.0 — a flagship event connecting agrifood innovators with investors, government leaders, and stakeholders.
Building on the success of the previous year's edition — which saw 26 youth-led startups receive ₦100 million — the 2025 edition significantly expands the scale and reach of the initiative.
"Lagos Agrithon 2025 is more than a competition — it is a movement. A platform for bold ideas, youth-led innovation, and scalable solutions that will address the food challenges of today and prepare us for tomorrow," Olusanya affirmed.
She encouraged development partners, investors, educators, and the media to support the state's mission in building a resilient and forward-thinking food system.
"Together, we can shape the future of food in Lagos."
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