LUSAKA, ZAMBIA · 30 NOVEMBER TO 4 DECEMBER 2026
The 22nd RUFORUM Annual General Meeting brings leaders of Africa's agricultural universities into the same room as ministers, development partners, investors and industry.
Young Innovators at AGM 2026 puts young Zambian innovators and entrepreneurs in front of the people who can take their work further: buyers, investors, partners and policymakers. The aim is simple. Good agricultural ideas built in Zambia should reach markets and capital, and the people behind them should be seen and celebrated.
You can do both. If you qualify for an award and also want a place in the Bootcamp, Showcase and Pitch, complete the Call for Innovators first. The thank-you page links you to the awards application.
Public recognition for young Zambian citizens whose results can be seen and checked. Three awards:
Young Farmers and Agribusiness Leaders (age 35 or younger), and two Young Scientists Awards,
Emerging Research Leaders and
Translational Scientists (age 40 or younger).
Time to complete: about 60 to 90 minutes. The awards ask for detailed written answers, figures and referees. We suggest drafting your answers in a document first, then pasting them in, because the form cannot be saved halfway.
→ Proceed to apply for the Young Innovators AwardsFor innovators and new entrepreneurs based in Zambia working in agriculture. We welcome three stages: a market-validated business idea, a working prototype, or a product, service or process already in use. Selected applicants join an Entrepreneurs' Bootcamp that prepares them to meet markets and capital, then showcase their work at the AGM, and to make the strongest pitch to potential partners, buyers and investors. Applications close on 10 November 2026.
Time to complete: about 25 to 35 minutes. Have your pitch deck (PDF or PowerPoint, up to 15 slides) ready to upload, plus the names and contacts of up to three team members.