ICT for Youth Agripreneurship in Benin
Author: Samuel Kohoué TOHOUEGNON, Communication Lead, UNLEASH Hack Benin
On August 22 and 23, 2024, UNLEASH Hack Bénin brought together over 90 passionate young Talents to co-create 19 digital solutions aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector in Benin. Hosted at EPITECH Cotonou, the program began with a vibrant opening ceremony, setting the stage for 2 days of intense innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
Participants were divided into 4 key tracks: digital support for agriculture, AI for agriculture, IoT for agriculture, and agrifood systems, all aligned to address critical challenges in Benin’s agricultural landscape.
A few days prior, participants engaged in a panel on SDG literacy and a session using the UNLEASH Activity Cards, which provided them with a strong foundation for aligning their solutions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring their ideas were impactful and purpose-driven.
Throughout the program, energizing moments kept participants motivated, while Facilitators and Experts guided teams in refining their innovative ideas and building practical solutions.
The Hack culminated in an exciting awards ceremony that recognized five outstanding solutions in categories such as Best Innovative Solution, Best Social Inclusion Solution, Best Gender Integration Solution, Best Scalable Solution, and Best Sustainable Solution.
Reflecting on the Hack, Raoul AGODOHAN, a Talent shared, “My participation in the UNLEASH Hack Benin was a rewarding experience for me, as I had the opportunity to collaborate with innovative minds to co-create technological solutions aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in Benin.”
UNLEASH Hack Bénin 2024 was co-organized by UNLEASH Alumni in collaboration with Impact Hub Cotonou and supported by partners such as EPITECH Cotonou, SNV Bénin, Simplon Bénin, Nerdx Digital, Crystal Agro Bénin ONG, Biovatech, La Manne Providentielle, NEWTOUCH PRODUCTION, and ONG BE the BEST.
The program demonstrated the power of innovation, youth collaboration, and digital solutions in addressing pressing agricultural challenges in Benin.
