The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has opened applications for the HASTEN Business Incubation Programme, targeting youth-led enterprises in Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. This initiative is expected to be a game-changer for young entrepreneurs working to transform agrifood systems across Africa.
HASTEN, short for Harnessing SDG-based Agrifood System Transformation through the Empowerment of the Next Generation is an FAO-supported initiative under the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC). The programme is designed to support startups with strong eco-inclusive business models that promote sustainability, resilience, and nutrition in local food systems.
The business incubation programme is focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been operational for 1–3 years and are legally registered in the three participating countries. To qualify, businesses must be led by youth aged 18 to 35 and must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainable agrifood systems. Preference will be given to those that are also women-led or focused on climate-smart and socially inclusive innovations.
This comes at a time when climate change, rising food insecurity, and youth unemployment continue to pose significant challenges across the continent. The HASTEN programme offers a timely solution linking entrepreneurship with the pressing need to reform Africa’s food systems.
Selected enterprises 8 to 10 per country will benefit from a 5-day, in-person business incubation workshop. These sessions will focus on sustainable business practices, development of financial strategies and growth planning. Entrepreneurs will also receive tailored guidance from national and international coaches, alongside practical tools to improve their operations.
On the final day of each workshop, participants will take part in an “ecosystem event,” where they will pitch their ideas and connect with potential investors, development partners, and government officials. This will boost their visibility and possibly unlock new collaboration and funding opportunities.
Beyond the workshops, three standout enterprises from each country will be chosen for follow-up support to help scale their operations and forge strategic partnerships.
The HASTEN programme emphasizes business models that contribute to four key areas: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. Enterprises developing climate-resilient agriculture technologies, promoting safe and nutritious food, or creating inclusive value chains for smallholder farmers and youth are strongly encouraged to apply.
This initiative aligns closely with Africa’s broader green growth goals and sustainable development priorities. By focusing on youth and green entrepreneurship, the programme hopes to drive innovation in rural communities and unlock new markets for climate-smart agriculture.
Applications are open until 27 June 2025. Interested entrepreneurs can access the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the official HASTEN webpage. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their businesses virtually before final selections are made.
The incubation workshops are scheduled to run from September to October 2025, followed by extended support for selected enterprises between October and November 2025.
As the global call for sustainable food systems grows louder, initiatives like HASTEN represent a new pathway for Africa’s youth to lead solutions from the ground up using innovation to build climate resilience, improve livelihoods and feed the future.
