The report emphasizes the agricultural sector’s role as a key driver of Egypt’s economy, currently contributing 11.6% to the national GDP, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from the fiscal year 2018/2019 to 2022/2023. According to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, government investments in the sector have surpassed EGP 82.9 billion, with a projected EGP 116.6 billion allocated for the fiscal year 2023/2024, aiming to boost agricultural output to EGP 2.43 trillion, representing a 20% growth. Agriculture is a critical economic pillar, employing 18.1% of Egypt’s workforce, with regional disparities—41.5% in rural border areas compared to only 4.8% in urban regions. This disparity underscores the importance of supporting the sector’s sustainability, particularly in Upper Egypt and rural governorates, where agricultural employment is crucial for economic and social stability. Despite this significance, the sector faces major challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, highlighting the need for adopting modern irrigation and digital farming technologies.

Omar Rezk, co-founder and managing director of Entlaq, commented, “We are thrilled to launch Entlaq’s first sectorial report, marking the first of several reports we will  launch to shed light on strategic sectors that contribute to economic development and sustainability. Egypt’s agritech sector holds tremendous potential to improve productivity, achieve sustainability, and address the environmental and economic challenges facing the agricultural industry. Our belief in the vital role of agritech in supporting Egypt’s economy inspired us to develop this report to bridge data gaps and provide policy recommendations that will foster innovation and steer investments toward sustainable, effective solutions.”

He Added “The report also highlights the significant challenges facing Egyptian agriculture, such as the reliance on informal labor, which lacks access to training and job security, affecting the adoption of advanced technologies like mechanized harvesting. Water scarcity remains a key issue driven by population growth and climate change, prompting the government to develop water management initiatives and expand cultivated land to 12 million feddans by 2030. Additionally, the lack of modern storage facilities leads to post-harvest losses of up to 45% of food supplies, though some startups work hard to reduce waste through supply chain and storage optimization, cutting food loss to less than 2%.”

He also started that The report concludes with optimistic projections for the future of Egypt’s agricultural sector, expecting exports to reach USD 14 billion by 2030, driven by increased demand for fruits, vegetables, and organic products. It also forecasts that the agritech sector will create over 50,000 new jobs by 2030, supporting economic growth and rural development. Efforts to raise self-sufficiency in wheat to 70% by 2030, up from 47% in 2021, reflect the strategic importance of achieving food security. By leveraging ICT infrastructure, boosting innovation, and enhancing partnerships, Egypt has the potential to establish itself as a regional leader in agritech, ensuring sustainable growth and food security for its population.

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, CEO of Mahaseel Masr, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are pleased to collaborate with Entlaq on this report. At Mahaseel, we believe that as we look to the future of agriculture in Egypt, the integration of data and market intelligence is essential for driving growth in this sector, which contributes approximately 12% to Egypt’s GDP. Leveraging data enables us and all stakeholders in the sector to make informed decisions, optimize resources, and boost productivity. A report like the agritech report provides the agriculture and food sectors with a comprehensive view of the sector’s potential, creating value not only within agriculture but also across dependent industries.”

Abdel Rahman added that Mahaseel Masr is a pioneer in attracting foreign investments to Egypt’s agritech sector and has been instrumental in drawing significant foreign capital to the industry. One of its recent innovations, the “Qamhawey” app, is an AI-powered comprehensive platform designed to equip farmers with essential tools for success in the digital transformation era. Through AI-driven chat and image recognition technologies, the app provides real-time crop health insights and integrates essential agricultural services into one platform. Qamhawey goes beyond simplifying operations, empowering farmers financially by allowing them to sell and export crops directly through the app and monetize farm waste, thereby increasing returns and creating new income streams for sustainable growth.

The report advocates adopting solutions like precision agriculture and the Internet of Things (IoT), which have proven effective in improving resource efficiency and boosting productivity. For instance, drip irrigation can reduce water consumption by up to 50%, while hydroponic systems can increase productivity by 30% and reduce water use by 90%. This investment trend is reflected in the growing venture capital for agritech startups, which has seen a 30% annual growth rate. Leading companies such as Mahaseel Masr, Mazare’, and FreshSource have attracted substantial investments over the past two years, demonstrating the role of large farms and agritech companies in enhancing productivity and achieving sustainability.

Report download link: https://entlaq.com/report-page25.html

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This funding will enable Nabt to accelerate product development and expand its market reach, supporting efforts to transform Saudi Arabia’s fresh produce ecosystem. Founded in 2022, Nabt operates a B2B marketplace connecting farmers directly with businesses, promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. These initiatives contribute to food security in the Kingdom and align with the objectives of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

Nabt has been actively involved in the Sunbolah FoodTech Accelerator, a specialized program launched earlier this year by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) that aims to support entrepreneurs by providing a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.

Moreover, Nabt participated in the program’s organized visit to Paris, which was aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the food technology industry in Europe. As part of this visit, the program included a visit to SIAL Paris 2024, providing an invaluable opportunity for Nabt to engage with industry experts, gain insights, and expand its network within the international food technology arena.

Abdullah Altamami, Founder and CEO of Merak Capital commented:  “At Merak Capital, our commitment lies in harnessing Nabt’s technology platform to revolutionize the fresh produce industry in the Kingdom. The investment aligns seamlessly with our core mission of championing innovative startups with a strong focus on technology. We are enthusiastic about Nabt’s potential to create a substantial impact in the agriculture sector. Our collaboration with them perfectly aligns with our overarching objective of investing in companies that offer technological solutions in the FoodTech sector, thereby enhancing food security and sustainability in the region.”

Dr. Ali Alsabhan, General Manager of Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture added: “It has been inspiring to witness Nabt’s evolution throughout the Sunbolah Foodtech Accelerator program. Their passion for innovation and dedication to solving real-world challenges are commendable. As a GM, I believe that Nabt is aligned with the strategic goals and objectives for the agriculture sector within the Ministry. I have no doubt they will lead the charge in Foodtech and create meaningful change.”

Abdullah Alotaibi, Founder and CEO of Nabt, stated: “We extend our gratitude to Merak Capital, our angel investors, and Sunbolah Foodtech Accelerator program for their confidence in our vision. We are committed to transforming the fresh produce supply chain through transparency and sustainability. This investment will enable us to leverage technology to enhance food security and support local farmers, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. We look forward to making a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector.”

Nabt is strategically positioned within Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, which is estimated at USD 18.77 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 24.14 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 5.20% during this period. Nabt aims to leverage emerging opportunities by facilitating the connection between farmers and businesses. The primary objective is to enhance and uphold Saudi Arabia’s food security by establishing a robust infrastructure for fresh produce, thereby contributing to the Kingdom’s vision of attaining food security and economic diversification. This proactive approach is poised to bolster their market presence, fostering an innovative agricultural sector.

Merak Capital, the leading firm in this investment round, has expanded its portfolio across various innovative sectors, including transportation, sustainable agriculture, and e-commerce—focusing on technology that supports national development initiatives.

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In the rapidly evolving world of AgriTech, innovation needs the right conditions to flourish. While many African entrepreneurs possess bold visions, they often face challenges in accessing the necessary resources and networks to bring their ideas to fruition. MAC 2024 is here to bridge that gap, offering startups the opportunity to “Find Their Soil” by providing critical support, funding, and mentorship.

“‘Find Your Soil’ is a call to action for AgriTech innovators to discover the ideal environment where their vision can flourish. Through the MEST Africa Challenge, we aim to support this ecosystem by providing the necessary resources, visibility, and strategic support for these entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor, MEST Africa.

MEST Africa is committed to fostering job creation and economic growth across the continent through software entrepreneurship. By offering specialized tech entrepreneurial training and investment opportunities, the organization empowers Africa’s brightest minds to build and scale impactful businesses.

The MEST Africa Challenge 2024, centered on the AgriTech sector, is open to startups from key West African markets, including Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Togo. The winning startup will receive $50,000 in equity funding along with access to MEST’s extensive global network, unlocking valuable partnerships, mentorship, and investment opportunities to accelerate their growth and global presence.

Since its inception, MEST has invested over $30 million into training more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and has supported the launch of 90 early-stage tech startups across sectors including AgriTech, FinTech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media, and Healthcare. This year presents an unparalleled opportunity for AgriTech entrepreneurs to “Find Their Soil” and take their businesses to the next level.

Eligibility Criteria for MEST Africa Challenge 2024: 

• Early-stage technology startup
• Monthly Recurring Revenue: A minimum of $5k
• Funding raised: $0 to $1M cumulative
• Years in existence: 3 years and below
• Traction: At least 6 months of recurring revenue
• Founding team: At least 2 founding team members
• Registered in Delaware (This is preferred)
• Any industry
• Any business model (B2B, B2C, B2B2C, B2G etc…)
• All participants must pitch in English

Interested AgriTech entrepreneurs can learn more and apply here https://apo-opa.co/3yUlSr6.

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Applicants must apply on the Sheraa website: https://www.startups.sheraa.ae  before September 5, 2024.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment have collaborated with Sheraa to design the 2024 edition of ASC. The prestigious initiative also benefits from the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate.

Eligibility, mentorship & product development opportunities and a huge cash prize
To be shortlisted, applicants must present practical, implementable solutions and a ready-to-use model and commit to establishing their company. The top 10 shortlisted ideas will undergo intensive training to refine their concepts into viable projects.

ASC 2024 aims to invite and support startups during their critical growth phase, offering innovative solutions contributing to long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Additionally, entrepreneurs will receive mentorship and guidance to transform their creative ideas into successful, sustainable businesses.

Winners will be selected by a jury and announced. The prize purse of AED 500,000 will be split evenly between winners of the two tracks.

ASC 2024 is part of a larger goal of becoming a global food security leader
Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted ASC 2024’s role in providing startups and entrepreneurs worldwide with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions, contributing to positive change and fostering innovation in the emirate. She affirmed the challenge’s alignment with Sharjah’s vision to support the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, aiming to position the country as a global leader in innovation-based food security.

She said: “This year’s challenge demonstrates Sheraa’s commitment to establishing Sharjah as a leading regional and global hub in AgriTech and livestock health. By leveraging modern technology, we aim to enhance agricultural production, achieve self-sufficiency, and address water scarcity resulting from climate change and population growth. This advances sustainable development on economic, social, and environmental fronts.”

For his part, Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, said ASC aims to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the agricultural and livestock sector. It focuses on developing sustainable strategies to advance the ecosystem, adapt to climate change, and enhance food security by implementing best practices, studies, and innovative technologies, aligning with the national food security strategy and reducing carbon emissions.

He added that Sharjah’s experience in the sector is unparalleled, having made significant efforts to make it resilient. This includes adopting smart and sustainable agricultural practices, using modern technologies to increase wheat production while reducing water usage by 30%, and conducting research at the Mleiha Farm’s biotechnology laboratories. These efforts led to the development of the ‘Sharjah-1’ wheat strain, which is more climate-resilient, water-efficient, highly productive, and nutritionally rich. These achievements earned the Mleiha wheat farm the Future Fit Seal, recognising it as a leading project supporting food security.

AgriTech
The AgriTech track invites innovators to present their visions and establish startups in Sharjah that offer practical solutions, such as sustainable irrigation methods, desalination innovations, and sustainable practices with minimal environmental impact. This track reflects Sheraa’s dedication to addressing water scarcity, which poses a significant threat to regional and global security.

Livestock
The livestock health track provides entrepreneurs opportunities to develop or expand startups specialising in livestock health. This includes monitoring systems, preventive technologies, innovative health solutions, and streamlined treatment processes to ensure livestock sustainability and disease-free conditions. This track aims to enhance Sharjah biosecurity system and support sustainable development in livestock farming by supporting entrepreneurs and innovative projects, in addition to encouraging businesses to participate in sustainable development.

A roadmap to drive sustainable innovation in Sharjah and the UAE
Sheraa introduces two pioneering tracks aimed at fostering innovation in Sharjah’s agricultural and livestock sectors. The AgriTech track focuses on solutions like sustainable irrigation and desalination methods, addressing critical water scarcity issues. Meanwhile, the Livestock track supports startups enhancing livestock health through advanced monitoring and treatment technologies, bolstering biosecurity and sustainability. Winners stand to gain significant benefits, including AED 500,000 in grants, tailored business support, mentorship, networking opportunities, and extensive media coverage, solidifying Sheraa’s commitment to sustainable development and entrepreneurship in the region.

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YoLa Fresh’s innovative platform connects farmers directly with retailers and food service companies. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the company tracks produce from farm to retail, ensuring transparency and minimizing waste. This innovative process translates into higher farmer and retailer incomes, reduced food spoilage, and fresher, more affordable options for consumers.

“We have achieved remarkable traction and demonstrated product-market fit in less than 1 year, reinforcing the effectiveness of our innovative business model, which this funding round recognizes and supports,” said Youssef Mamou, co-CEO of YoLa Fresh. “With this funding, we’ll expand our logistics network, bolster our technology, and empower more farmers to deliver high-quality produce directly to consumers,” said Larbi Alaoui Belrhiti, co-CEO of YoLa Fresh.

“As the agricultural sector continues its transition to digital supply chain technologies, we believe that Yola Fresh is well placed to offer real added value to its customers, while having a positive impact on the entire ecosystem. We are delighted to support the company’s commercialization strategy and expansion,” added Omar Laalej, Managing Director at Al Mada Ventures.

YoLa Fresh is led by seasoned entrepreneurs Larbi Alaoui Belrhiti and Youssef Mamou, who possess deep experience operating at scale in the region. Youssef brings invaluable experience from his leadership roles at Careem, the leading ride-hailing platform in North Africa, and as head of 212Founders, a prominent Moroccan venture capital investor. Larbi’s extensive leadership experience at Jumia, a top African e-commerce player, gives YoLa Fresh an unparalleled edge in navigating Africa’s unique market dynamics.

YoLa Fresh draws inspiration from successful fresh produce marketplace models around the globe. Companies like Meicai in China, Frubana in Latin America, and Waycool in India have demonstrated the potential of this model, attracting significant investment from top-tier VCs.

Tarek Assaad, Managing Partner at Algebra Ventures, said: “We are excited to back Youssef and Larbi, both world-class entrepreneurs who have the skill and passion needed to tackle this large and untapped market opportunity in Morocco. YoLa’s combination of technology and operational capabilities will enable it to create significant efficiencies across the entire farm-to-retail supply chain. The agritech sector is a major contributor to economic growth and employment in our region and stands to gain significantly from tech solutions. YoLa Fresh is uniquely positioned to become a leader in that transformation in Morocco and beyond. As a relative newcomer to the Moroccan VC space, we are excited about the upside potential of the market and look forward to continuing to support Moroccan tech startups.”

YoLa Fresh’s vision extends beyond Morocco. They aim to become a leading player in Africa’s agritech revolution, tackling food security challenges and fostering economic growth across the continent. This $7 million in funding marks a significant milestone on their journey to becoming an African unicorn.

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EDB’s AgriTech Loans Program is the first-of-its-kind in the UAE, aiming to enable the modernization of the local agriculture sector by offering financing to farms, local growers and food suppliers who are deploying new technologies to improve the efficiency and productivity of this vital sector. The program offers green- and brownfield project financing, CAPEX and working capital financing, and medium-term loans or working capital amounts of up to AED5 million with competitive rates and a long tenor of ten years.

Ahmed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said “Food security is fundamental to the long-term health and wellbeing of the population and remains a top priority on the national development agenda. As the UAE’s development bank, we provide finance to drive agritech investments have allocated AED100 million in financing support for the UAE’s vital food security sector. Our aim is to contribute to improving food self-sufficiency, transforming the UAE into a regional hub for local food production.”

Al Naqbi added ” Through EDB’s innovative financing solutions and dedicated agritech loans program, we will support the growth of the UAE’s vertical farming market and agricultural technology initiatives that help localize the food supply chain in line with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051.”

The UAE has become a regional leader of indoor vertical farms, attracting several leading vertical farming companies to invest and operate in the Emirates.  In addition to using less water, no pesticides, and smaller spaces, lower electricity prices and growing investment appetite from government and private sectors add to the UAE’s appeal as an ideal vertical farming market. Market research predicts that the vertical farming market in the Middle East and Africa will be worth almost USD5 billion by 2029.

Another highlight of EDB’s participation at GVF 2023 was taking part in a spotlight session with Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to discuss funding and investment opportunities for vertical farming.

Abdullah Al Hamed, Vice President, mSMEs at EDB, talked about the significant growth rate of vertical farming in the UAE and the great potential of this market to support the UAE’s effort in greening the food value chain while accelerating the journey to next zero. He highlighted EDB’s financing solutions supporting agritech and the food security sector and its commitment to supporting businesses and projects that would enhance the UAE’s local food production capacities to cut reliance on food imports and promote modern, sustainable farming techniques.

EDB launched its five-year strategy in 2021 with a focus on five priority sectors that align with the country’s national development objectives. These include renewables manufacturing, advanced technology, healthcare, and food security. EDB has a mandate to approve AED30 billion in financing support to 13,500 companies operating within these sectors by 2026.

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ThriveAgric is a fast-growing start-up boosting farmer incomes and production with its breakthrough “agriculture operating system.” DigiCow is an agritech firm using digital tools to modernize production on small-scale dairy farms, while the digital technology for feature phones developed by Brastorne Enterprises is narrowing Africa’s rural digital divide.

“At a time when Africa is facing unprecedented food-related challenges, it is incredibly inspiring to see these young African champions firmly focused on an agriculture-led future that provides farmers with the innovations they need to succeed,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, senior vice president of Africa Programs, Heifer International. “We launched this competition in 2021, challenging African youths to bring us innovations poised to provide the positive disruption our farmers urgently need. ThriveAgric, DigiCow and Brastorne are more than ready to meet the moment,” she noted.

As winners of the 2022 AYuTe Africa Challenge, the three companies will receive a sizeable monetary investment: a total of USD 1.5 million in grants, along with ongoing support from a team of expert advisers—accomplished business veterans—to help them translate their funding into an aggressive expansion strategy. This is part of Heifer International’s commitment to support young entrepreneurs developing affordable tech innovations as they work to scale their businesses. Doing so makes new services and technologies available to African farmers to overcome long-standing challenges while attracting a new generation to unlock the huge potential of agriculture on the continent.

All three of the 2022 winners are helping African farmers by providing a novel solution to everyday obstacles:

• ThriveAgric addresses a key challenge for small-scale farmers in Africa—a lack of access to finance, technical advice, business skills and market opportunities. It does so by using a proprietary Agriculture Operating System to help a team of 2,000 field agents support some 500,000 farmers across 22 Nigerian states with insights to improve their production and profits.

“We’ve developed the technologies, strategies and partnerships we believe can build the largest network of productive, profitable farmers Africa has ever seen,” said Uka Eje, Thrive Agric’s co-founder and CEO. “ThriveAgric’s 500,000 farmers are already producing and earning much more than the average Nigerian farmer. Investors are responding to our potential and this prestigious award from Heifer International will accelerate our plans to expand across the continent.”

• DigiCow is helping small-scale African dairy operations increase productivity with technology that provides free access to livestock management experts and links farmers to skilled and qualified veterinarians, artificial insemination providers and feed supply services—all from their mobile phones.

“I grew up watching my mom struggle to get our cows to produce enough milk, and I’ve spent 15 years working with small-scale dairy farmers, so I know the challenges farmers face,” said Peninah Wanja, co-founder of Nairobi-based DigiCow. “That’s why it’s been so exciting to see 60,000 farmers—many of them women—now using our DigiCow apps to become more profitable and productive. With this new support from Heifer International, I’m confident we can expand our reach to help small-scale dairy farmers across the continent.”

• Brastorne‘s apps, such as mAgri, give farmers access to farming information, markets and short-term finance using the capabilities of any feature phone, such as SMS and interactive voice technology. The Brastorne mobile service Mpotsa (“Ask me”) provides rural unconnected mobile users with localized information, and Vuka harnesses USSD technology to allow users on any phone to create profiles, add friends, create chat groups, and more.   These technologies have helped farmers realize a 250% increase in yields and achieve 85% savings in communication and information access. The company also boasts 100% youth employment.

“About 80% of Africans cannot afford smartphones or expensive data — but they do have feature phones, and Brastorne is ensuring those phones connect farmers, youth and women to the resources they need,” said Martin Stimela, co-founder and CEO of Brastorne. “We look forward to working with Heifer International to connect the rural poor with equitable access to markets, information and community.”

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The partnership aims to attract agriculture technology and innovation to Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem and address major challenges such as resource scarcity, local production, and food security. DANA and Silal are committed to promoting homegrown innovation in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the importance of pilots, trials, data collection, and entrepreneurship.

The partnership’s goals support the UAE’s public policy – the National Food Security Strategy – to adopt advanced agricultural methods to promote security, efficiency and productivity – all of which are essential given climate risk and growing regional food demand.

It also comes as the availability of basic foodstuffs and its potential impact on societal stability, grows more negative. The International Monetary Fund’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, recently announced that over 141 million people in the Arab countries are at risk of food insecurity. 

Katie Wachsberger, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of DANA, said “We are excited to partner with Silal to advance much-needed Agritech solutions in the UAE, and the wider MENA region. The Middle East has a clear and present risk of major food insecurity, and doing nothing is not an option.

“Via this partnership, we can better support the incredible entrepreneurs we work with – most of whom are women from the region. Complementing the beta sites we are already operating, we plan to launch new pilots and collect vital data to foster ecosystem growth, and encourage entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality.”

The joint programme will address salinity, irrigation, crop optimization, post-harvest and supply chain, pest management, fertilization, and systems efficiency. All projects aim for feasibility of scaling across small and locally owned farms in developing markets, with cost efficiency as a priority.

DANA and Silal are also initiating pilots to regenerate agricultural land and reclaim currently unusable areas from the desert, while implementing carbon credit incentives for farmers in the UAE – part of regional sustainable development efforts as the country prepares to host COP 28 next year.

In June, DANA signed a MoU with Masdar City on launching a ‘beta site’ – greenhouses and feasibility testing facilities providing Agritech founders with vital testing grounds to grow their ideas to the product stage. Currently under construction – conducted by Alterneit Lifestyles Pvt Ltd. – the site is being equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, with plans to host five pilots starting from 19 January 2023.

The most promising candidates within DANA’s portfolio of companies will graduate to later stage pilots within Silal’s programme offering.

Based in Abu Dhabi, DANA is a venture builder and investment platform for women-led desert tech start-ups, focusing on Agritech, Foodtech, water solutions, circular economy, and renewable energy. As the first female-founded accelerator in the Middle East, DANA’s mission is to empower MENA’s female entrepreneurs.

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Established in 2019, the company today has 22 employees and is making strides in addressing the critical issues of food security and water scarcity that arise from desertification, urbanization, climate change, and an increasing population – starting in this part of the world.

Says Mostafa Hassanen, Plug’n’Grow’s founder: “We provide the equipment and know how that enables growers to set up highly efficient ‘food factories’ that produce premium quality vegetables at competitive and affordable costs. By applying hydroponics, growers can achieve the highest output capacities per square meter and at the lowest production costs in the market, without trade-offs in terms of quality.” Mostafa often uses the word disruptive in describing the technology that his company is leveraging to successfully address one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. He sees hydroponics as a logical avenue to explore in a part of the world where water scarcity is a simple everyday reality.

Mostafa’s ambition: to make this technology increasingly accessible to growers in the region. In this spirit, Plug’n’Grow takes a 360-degree approach to helping growers achieve the higher yields and better quality that are possible through hydroponics technology. From consultation services to assess the potential and requirements of a given operation to making farm management work for growers; from supplying operating materials such as seedlings, nutrition solutions and organic pest control products to comprehensive maintenance services – Plug’n’Grow has established a solid offering in record time.

Finalist at Clim@ Scaler 2022
Plug’n’Grow is one of the seven startups that were selected from over 150 applicants to participate in Clim@ Scaler 2022, a four-month accelerator program designed for scaleup ventures in the Green for Growth Fund’s target regions. “Being a finalist at Clim@ Scaler 2022 gives us the boost we need to secure our business model and ensure our foundations are solid enough for the next step,” explains Nouran El Said , co-founder of Plug’n’Grow. The Clim@ Scaler program provides access to industry expertise, investor networks, potential corporate partnerships and grant funding to scale Plug’n’Grow’s solutions. “We are especially looking forward to the opportunity of pitching to investors and corporate partners at the investor day Clim@ Scaler has set up for this autumn,” adds El Said.

That’s because Plug’n’Grow, as the name implies, is focused on delivering turnkey solutions in hydronics and aquaculture in the region. “We have the engineering capability and the farms completed so far are extremely successful showcases of our technology,” remarks Mostafa. “And in addition to designing, developing and delivering turnkey growing operations, we cover optimal operational scenarios as well as troubleshooting, and provide tailored trainings for operators and staff for all systems.”

Plug’n’Grow is enabling growers to not just optimize water and fertilizer usage, but also to plan and operate their farms with much greater predictability with regard to yield and profitability. “The economic benefits of technology adoption will support the fast development of the sector and its stakeholders, while achieving food and water security on the macro-levels,” smiles Mostafa.

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The collaboration marks the beginning of Flat6Labs’ mission to support emerging businesses in the agri-food, food security, and rural development sectors while highlighting the value of the agritech industry in Egypt.

The agri-tech program will give startups access to capital, to grow faster and efficiently, encouraging the development of technologies that make the agriculture industry sustainable, safe, and environmentally friendly. These technologies optimize service quality in the agriculture industry, by facilitating data collection and analysis to quantify performances while limiting overprice of products/services.

‘’With digital transformation progressing rapidly across industries, and the agriculture industry being a core pillar of the Egyptian economy, the need to digitize the agriculture industry has increased dramatically. We are glad to launch this agritech accelerator program in collaboration with the SANAD Entrepreneurship Academy, as it will serve this need by supporting the startups that provide innovative technologies in the agriculture sector and will contribute to the sustainable growth of the Egyptian economy,” stated Hassan Mansi, Flat6Labs Head of Ecosystem Development Programs.

Empowering and promoting Egypt’s Agri-digital sector would result in advancements in automated machinery and robotics, increasing the efficiency of agricultural productions by precisely locating nutrient availability, checking for diseases, predicting them, and many other useful facilities.

Kim Reichel, Chairperson of the SANAD Technical Assistance Facility Committee said, ”We are very much looking forward to our cooperation with Flat6Labs as they have shown a strong commitment to supporting innovative and technology-driven entrepreneurs across MENA. Together, we will create a positive impact by providing targeted support and enabling business owners to thrive. We believe that focusing on the agricultural sector, and specifically, agri-tech is vital in these challenging times and will contribute to increased food security across the region.”

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