Latest news with #agritech
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Funding flows into frontier tech as startups race to scale
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and Africa are attracting fresh capital as investors double down on AI, fintech, proptech, and agri-tech solutions tailored to local and regional challenges. Saudi Arabia-based Darwinz AI, known as has raised $325,000 in seed funding to accelerate development of its AI-powered productivity platform for communication professionals. The round was led by Flat6Labs and Glint Ventures, marking a milestone for the startup as it deepens its presence in the Kingdom. Originally founded in Egypt in 2021 by Emad El-Azhary and Mohy Aboualam, has evolved into a regional AI player with operations now headquartered in Riyadh. The company's flagship platform, dima, functions as an AI copilot tailored for public relations professionals, marketers, and brand managers—offering automation features that aim to improve content workflows and campaign management. According to the company, the new capital will be used to expand the Riyadh-based team, accelerate product development cycles, and prepare for a global launch. 'This round marks a new chapter,' said co-founder Aboualam. 'We're proud to call a Saudi company with Egyptian roots, and we are excited to scale globally through the thriving ecosystem here. Stay tuned — the best is yet to come.' The investment reflects growing interest in generative AI applications in the Gulf region, especially in sectors like marketing and enterprise communications, where automation and digital transformation are accelerating. XFOLIO raises $2m to modernise treasury and wealth management French-Lebenese Fintech platform XFOLIO has raised $2 million in seed funding to enhance its enterprise-focused digital infrastructure for financial institutions and wealth managers. The investment round was led by Middle East Venture Partners, and is aimed at expanding the startup's product capabilities and market reach. Founded in 2024 by Anis Rahal, XFOLIO offers a cloud-based platform that integrates portfolio management with treasury automation. It is designed to help financial institutions, family offices, and mid-sized wealth managers consolidate both bankable and non-bankable assets—providing a unified view of financial holdings and automating key back-office operations. The capital will be used to launch AI-powered recommendation tools and enable cross-bank trading, two features the company believes will enhance decision-making efficiency and improve market access for underserved clients. Prop-AI raises $1.5m to digitise real estate decisions UAE-based proptech startup Prop-AI has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to expand its AI-driven real estate intelligence platform. The round was led by Plus VC, with contributions from Joa Capital, Select Ventures, Oraseya Capital, Plug & Play, and angel investors from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Founded in 2023 by Ranime El-Skaff and Christian Kunz, Prop-AI uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate real estate search, valuation, and investment decision-making. We're proud to call a Saudi company with Egyptian roots, and we are excited to scale globally through the thriving ecosystem here. Mohy Aboualam Darwinz, AI co-founder & CEO The platform caters to property buyers, investors, and real estate professionals seeking data-driven insights and automated analytics. The funding will be used to integrate more regional data sets, enhance AI infrastructure, and launch new enterprise tools. The startup also plans to scale across the MENA region and into European markets. 'Our mission is to build the 'Bloomberg of Real Estate',' said Ranime El-Skaff, CEO of Prop-AI. DisrupTech backs Winich Farms in Sub-Saharan Africa debut Cairo-based DisrupTech Ventures has made its first Sub-Saharan Africa investment by backing Winich Farms, a Nigerian agri-fintech startup, in its ongoing pre-series A round. The move signals the fund's broader interest in scalable fintech solutions addressing critical needs in Africa's agriculture economy. Winich Farms operates in 29 of Nigeria's 36 states and has built a platform focused on improving financial inclusion and market access for over 180,000 smallholder farmers. The company connects producers directly with buyers and provides access to financing tools that reduce post-harvest losses and price volatility. The startup plans to expand its operations beyond Nigeria and explore export opportunities into the MENA region, positioning itself as a cross-continental player in agri-fintech innovation. 'Our investment in Winich reflects our conviction in the potential of Nigeria's agri-fintech sector and the scalability of its model,' said Mohamed Okasha, managing partner at DisrupTech Ventures. 'Winich is not only solving real problems for smallholder farmers but doing so with a scalable model. Agriculture is also core to Egypt's economy, and we look forward to sharing insights and best practices between both markets as Winich grows across the continent.' Octane raises $5.2m to streamline fleet payments Egyptian fintech Octane has raised $5.2 million in a funding round led by Shorooq Partners, Algebra Ventures, and SC Holding. The Cairo-based company was co-founded in 2022 by Amr Gamal and Ziad Eladawy, and offers a closed-loop wallet system that consolidates fleet-related expenses including fuel, maintenance, and petty cash. Octane targets fleet operators and logistics companies that currently rely on fragmented financial systems. Its platform provides tools for financial control, analytics, and cost optimisation. 'At Octane, we're focused on giving fleets the rails they need to manage day-to-day payments with precision,' said Amr Gamal, Co-Founder and CEO of Octane. 'This funding lets us broaden our acceptance network, expand AI-powered fraud detection and route optimisation features, and stay ahead of the shift toward cleaner, more efficient mobility, without adding complexity for our customers.' The startup plans to use the new funds to grow its merchant network, expand regionally, and integrate more AI capabilities into its transaction processing and route planning tools. OCTA secures $20m credit line to support SME automation UAE-based fintech OCTA has secured a $20 million credit facility from Sukna Fund for Direct Financing, reinforcing its mission to embed financial services into the daily operations of small and medium-sized enterprises. The new facility follows OCTA's $2.25 million pre-seed round closed in October 2024, co-led by Quona Capital and Sadu Capital. Founded in 2024 by Jon Santillan, Andrey Korchak, and Nupur Mittal, OCTA automates the contract-to-cash process for SMEs—covering invoicing, collections, payments, and now embedded credit. The company claims to offer a unified platform that helps SMEs overcome working capital constraints and cash flow inefficiencies. 'Most SMEs don't fail because they lack revenue — they fail because their cash is locked up,' said Jon Santillan, co-founder and CEO of OCTA. 'Our partnership with Sukna Fund allows us to bring financing directly into the heart of daily operations, where businesses need it most.' The funds will help OCTA scale across Saudi Arabia and other Gulf markets as it targets the underserved mid-market SME segment. SaturnX raises $3m to expand stablecoin-based remittances Dubai-based SaturnX has closed a $3 million seed round led by White Star Capital, with additional support from institutional backers. Founded in 2024 by Mirnas Brescic, SaturnX provides an API-based infrastructure layer for stablecoin payments, designed specifically for business-to-business financial service providers. The new capital will support expansion into Southeast Asia, with initial focus on high-volume remittance corridors such as the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. SaturnX also plans to enhance compliance and enterprise features on its API platform. 'Our vision is to connect the worlds of decentralised and traditional finance with infrastructure that brings the benefits of stablecoins to everyday financial use cases,' said Mirnas Brescic, CEO and Founder of SaturnX. 'Despite considerable progress, cross-border payments are still expensive and slow. By offering a faster, cheaper, and programmable alternative, we're helping financial partners unlock better ways to move money.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Community fund enables 'life-changing' exhibit at Royal Norfolk Show
The STEMM Village at the Royal Norfolk Show will return next week – one of the region's most inspiring platforms for engaging young people in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. With support from Dudgeon Community Fund, from the Equinor-operated Offshore Wind Farm, the exhibition highlights the opportunities that lie ahead in the East of England's rapidly evolving green energy and agri-tech sectors. The village is curated by Dr Samantha Fox, director of the Youth STEMM Award, a national programme that supports young people aged 11-19 through extracurricular STEMM activities. The exhibition brings together industry, education, research and healthcare organisations to explore trail-blazing science and cutting-edge technology. Dr Samantha Fox, director of the Youth STEMM Award (Image: Samantha Fox) 'Exhibits link to our theme this year – 'STEMM in the Food Chain: From Field to Future' – showing how STEMM underpins everything from farming and food to energy and health,' Samantha explained. Some 14,500 educational tickets have been distributed free to schools and educational groups so that they can attend the show. The village aims to support the next generation by creating opportunities and building confidence among young people by offering direct access to emerging research, training and career pathways. READ MORE: At this year's STEMM Village, visitors will encounter more than 50 interactive exhibits from academia, industry and the public sector designed to spark curiosity. Highlights include virtual reality simulations that allow users to stand atop a wind turbine and soil and DNA analysis to determine the best crops. From bioscience and AI in sustainable agriculture to clean energy, the range of topics reflects both local research strengths and the needs of a future low-carbon economy. Samantha said there will be something to 'entertain, educate and inspire' all ages – and the young people who volunteer to help put on the event also benefit hugely from the experience. 'It raises their confidence to be on a stand and communicate,' she said. 'And during the day, I see such a change come over them – it's kind of life changing.' The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, which organises the Royal Norfolk Show, and its sibling charity the Food and Farming Discovery Trust received financial support from Dudgeon Community fund to make this year's STEMM Village possible. Established by energy company Equinor in connection with Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, the fund is managed by Norfolk Community Foundation and has invested close to £1 million in local projects since its inception a decade ago. Adam Baker, communications and insight manager at Norfolk Community Foundation (Image: Norfolk Community Foundation) Communications and insight manager Adam Baker said the foundation is a 'bridge between those that want to make a difference and those who need help'. The fund is designed to help create an inclusive, level playing field where anyone can pursue a career in STEMM including females, as well as disabled and neurodiverse people. 'We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive,' he said. 'We want everyone to have a bright future.' READ MORE: Adam said the East of England is undergoing a transformation, with major investments in offshore wind, solar and agri-tech. As energy infrastructure expands, so too does the demand for skilled workers – engineers, technicians, environmental scientists, project managers and many others. 'Our county is shifting,' Adam said. 'The traditional jobs that people have had in the past are energy are massively important fields emerging locally. 'It's really key that we set young people on this journey early, so they can understand where they might fit into this future. They will have the opportunity to engage with all of these different things at the STEMM Village, all in one place.' Adam said that Dudgeon Community Fund ensures continued reinvestment in the region – with positive outcomes for schools, skills and careers, as well as futureproofing our local economy. 'For something to operate at this scale in the county – and with such a distinct focus on young people's futures – is one of a kind,' Adam said. 'The people that have benefited from this funding in the past will be the ones that will be leading on these projects going forward. 'It's a virtuous cycle that's transforming lives.' For more information, visit (Image: Newsquest) This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
#YouthMonth: Pretty Kubyane, bridging tech and agriculture to empower Africa's farmers
Pretty Kubyane grew up surrounded by entrepreneurship — from her father's car repair workshop to a wood-cutting business that trained local women and youth. Those early lessons in resilience and community impact stayed with her, even as she pursued a career in technology. Today, as co-founder and tech lead of the eFama App, Kubyane is using digital innovation to solve some of Africa's toughest agricultural challenges. Pretty Kubyane, co-founder, eFama App Through eFama, she's helping connect over 5,000 farmers to verified buyers, improving market access, income security, and food traceability across the continent. In this Youth Month feature, Kubyane shares her journey from farm girl to multi-certified tech leader, the barriers she's had to overcome as a young woman in agri-tech, and her mission to change the narrative about farming for Africa's youth. Can you share your journey into the agri-tech space and what inspired you to co-found the eFama App? Both my co-founder and I were raised by hard-working farmers. We grew up seeing firsthand the challenges our parents faced, especially the constant struggle to access reliable markets. Back then, I never imagined I'd work in agriculture. I was drawn to engineering and technology. Years later, life came full circle. We had the opportunity to work with a leading American tech company and the world's largest retailer to design a supply chain traceability platform. The goal was to digitise 14,000 smallholder farmers and ensure food safety and compliance through technology. It was an intense and rewarding project, one that gave us international exposure and deep experience in digitising informal supply chains. Initially, we planned to apply those lessons to the beauty industry. But everything shifted when a Switzerland-based foundation offered us a grant to build a traceability solution for a group of farmers they were supporting. That pilot was a turning point. It worked. The farmers loved it. And more than that, we saw just how urgent and widespread the need was. That gave us the confidence to bring our international experience home, to tackle the very same access-to-market problems our parents and millions of African farmers still face today. That's how eFama was born: a platform designed for African realities, built to connect farmers directly to buyers and unlock fairer, faster trade. What challenges have you faced as a young woman leading digital innovation in agriculture, and how have you overcome them? Leading digital innovation in agriculture as a young woman comes with layers of challenges. The sector remains largely male-dominated, both in the boardroom and on the farm, and when you add 'tech' into the mix, the scepticism often doubles. I've walked into rooms where people assumed I was the assistant, not the co-founder or tech lead. There were moments I had to prove myself three times, first for being young, again for being a woman and for being a black woman. I won't pretend it's been easy, but I did have an unusual head start. My father owned a car repair workshop, and from the age of six, I was often the only girl in male-dominated spaces. That experience shaped me early on, and I learned that I belonged, even in rooms where no one looked like me. What's been more difficult is witnessing the internal battles many women face: growing up with messages that they must serve, respect, and even worship men, leading to deep-rooted self-doubt. I've sadly experienced moments where that pain was projected onto me by other women, and it breaks my heart because I know they've also been treated unfairly by the system. My approach has been to focus on self-development. Every year, I commit to earning at least 20 certifications across cloud, blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity, not just to build credibility, but to stay sharp and to remind myself that I'm qualified to lead. I also lead with empathy. Most of the farmers I work with remind me of my parents and siblings, so I never approach them like a software engineer trying to sell a product, I relate, I listen, and I respect. That's how we've built trust and opened doors: not just through technology, but through real, human connection. How does the eFama App empower young farmers and youth entrepreneurs across Africa? eFama empowers young farmers and youth entrepreneurs by removing the barriers that have historically locked them out of formal markets. Most young people entering agriculture are full of passion but face a system that's not designed for them: informal trading, delayed payments, and zero visibility beyond their immediate community. eFama changes that. Our app connects them directly to vetted buyers, restaurants, retailers, NGOs, and gives them access to real-time pricing, logistics support, and traceability tools that build trust with buyers. But beyond tech, it's about a mindset shift. We show young farmers that they're not just hustling to survive, they are business owners, part of a formal supply chain, with the right to demand fair value. Many of our users are first-generation digital entrepreneurs in their families, and seeing their confidence grow, getting repeat orders, scaling operations, and learning to manage their finances is the most powerful return on investment we could ask for. What role do you believe technology plays in transforming Africa's agricultural sector and creating opportunities for youth? I grew up on a farm, raised by farmers, and like many young people, I thought agriculture was all hard labour, low profit, and very little reward. I didn't see the full supply chain, the value-add, or the tech, just the physical work. So I completely understand why so many youth turn away from it. But that perception is changing, and I'm living proof of what's possible. Technology has the power to transform Africa's agricultural sector not just by making it more efficient, but by opening doors for young people to participate meaningfully. With the right digital tools, farming becomes scalable, bankable, and traceable. You can trade smarter, access new markets, and manage your farm like a real business. Careers in agri-tech today include data science, drone mapping, software engineering, cold chain logistics, IoT integration, and AI-powered market forecasting roles that are intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding, far from the traditional image of farming. That's what we're building at eFama: a digital platform that connects farmers directly to buyers and brings the 'cool factor' back into agriculture. We want youth to see farming not as a fallback plan, but as a future. One where they can build wealth, run smart operations, and take pride in contributing to food security, not just in Africa, but globally. As a multi-award-winning innovator, what advice would you give to young people who want to start their ventures in tech or agriculture? You don't have to choose between tech and agriculture today; you can do both. Tech pays well, opens doors globally, and gives you the tools to solve real problems faced by millions. I'm a multi-award-winning technology leader, but I'm also a full-on farm girl, and I always will be. My advice? Own your roots, learn the tools, and build boldly. There's space for you at the top. How do you balance the demands of leading a tech startup while advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields? For me, it's not about choosing between building and advocating; it's the same mission. Every time I show up as a black woman leading a tech startup in agriculture, I'm already challenging the status quo. The key is to lead by example. I stay focused on delivering results at eFama, but I also make time to mentor, speak, and support women and girls entering STEM. Representation matters; you can't be what you can't see. Over the past two years, 40% of our team has been made up of young women. One of my favourite stories is of a young woman who joined us as an intern. We invested in her, and helped her upskill, and by the time she moved on to a larger company, she was earning double and was the most qualified in her team, more so than peers who had started earlier. That's what inclusion looks like: giving people the tools, exposure, and confidence to rise. I also build inclusion into the way we hire, partner, and design our tech. Balancing it all takes discipline, but when your purpose is clear, it becomes part of your rhythm not an extra task. What impact has support from partners like Visa and Standard Chartered Bank had on scaling eFama's solutions? Support from partners like Visa and Standard Chartered Bank has been instrumental in helping us scale eFama's solutions. These partnerships didn't just bring visibility; they brought credibility, which opened doors to new networks, funders, and market opportunities. Through Visa's She's Next programme, we were given a platform to tell our story, showcase our impact, and learn from other women-led ventures across the continent. Standard Chartered, through its Women in Tech accelerator, provided mentorship and resources that helped us sharpen our business model and think bigger. These partners believed in the potential of African-led innovation, and their support has helped us move faster and scale smarter. It's a reminder that when global players back local solutions, real impact follows. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of agriculture and technology for South Africa's youth? What excites me most is how agriculture is expanding, not replacing the way we've always done things. Traditional farmers' markets, often led by older generations, have played a vital role in feeding communities and sustaining livelihoods for decades. But they have physical limits, limited trading hours, geographic boundaries, and often only a few participants at a time. Digital marketplaces like eFama build on that foundation and take it further. With technology, we can connect hundreds of millions of farmers and buyers across borders, instantly, transparently, and at scale, something no physical market can do. This evolution creates entirely new opportunities for young people. You don't need land or a tractor to be in agriculture anymore. You can code your way in, analyse data, manage logistics, or run precision farming systems from your laptop. And these aren't low-paying roles; tech in agriculture brings globally competitive, high-value careers. For someone like me, who grew up in a village where farming looked like survival, it's inspiring to now be part of a future where farming looks like strategy, innovation, and growth. The future of agriculture includes both tradition and transformation, and the door is wide open for South Africa's youth.
Malay Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Reducing our reliance on others for food — Suhaiza Hanim
JUNE 4 — Food security has become a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly concerning current global developments. Rising costs and a reliance on imports make it harder for many Malaysians, especially those in the B40 category who are already impoverished, to obtain reasonably priced, wholesome food. The ongoing global food crisis, which has been made worse by disruptions brought on by pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change, has also affected Malaysia. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), more than 60 per cent of Malaysia's staple goods, including rice, wheat, and dairy products, are imported. Since food prices increased by 8.9 per cent in 2023 alone, even a little increase in worldwide prices results in a greater cost of living for people here. This strain is challenging for B40 households, who spend over one-third of their income on food. Enhancing agriculture as a community-based approach to boost food security Given this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has underlined the need for self-sufficiency as a crucial element of Malaysia's food security strategy. Though initiatives to expand domestic farming have shown potential, rapid development is hampered by structural issues such as smallholder farms' small size and high running costs. Additionally, the movement towards agritech has accelerated, with projects supporting smart irrigation, vertical agriculture, and sustainable agricultural methods. However, time and substantial financial commitment are needed for these endeavours. The farming industry in Malaysia, which now accounts for less than 10 per cent of GDP, would require significant reorganisation to facilitate a substantial rise in self-reliance. Food security has become a significant concern in Malaysia, particularly concerning current global developments. — Picture by Hari Anggara Insights from global models Similar issues have prompted aggressive actions from several countries. For instance, by integrating technology, Japan has effectively reduced its need for food imports. Japan has experienced a 15 per cent boost in agricultural productivity via robotic farming and precision agriculture techniques, dramatically reducing its reliance on imports for staple foodstuffs. The urban agriculture approach in South Korea also provides insightful information. Rooftop and communal gardens have been established in Seoul, giving city dwellers access to fresh vegetables while easing the burden on food imports. This strategy is mirrored in a pilot project in Penang that started in 2023 and has shown promise in urban areas; nevertheless, growth is required to have a quantifiable impact across the country. Meeting the B40 households' needs In this regard, the increase in food prices increases the danger of starvation and malnutrition among Malaysia's most vulnerable people, especially the B40. While community-based food banks have lessened part of this load, a more comprehensive strategy is required. Programmes such as Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) and MyKasih have provided short-term respite, although they are sometimes insufficient considering the food inflation rate. Experts increasingly call for subsidies primarily for necessities to help those with lower incomes. According to economist Datuk Mohd Salleh, 'financial assistance should go hand-in-hand with capacity-building programmes that empower communities to grow their food,' underscoring the significance of social protection in ensuring food security. In Malaysia's densely populated areas, expanding urban farming programmes might give low-income families additional sources of income and a sustainable way out of food reliance. Setting out on a new path Malaysia must address both short-term demands and long-term risks to increase food security. Although attempts to fix prices through subsidies could offer temporary respite, a revolutionary approach emphasising independence and creativity is necessary. Apart from that, Malaysia's food industry may greatly benefit from the resources offered by the FAO's Global Initiative on Food Security, which supports sustainable agricultural production, especially in crop diversity and sustainable water management. To sum up, Malaysia has to actively encourage local agriculture while reforming its policies to address food insecurity. By reducing its reliance on foreign markets, Malaysia should better safeguard its citizens from price shocks and ensure that food is constantly available and affordable, especially for those in the B40. * Datin Seri Prof Dr Suhaiza Hanim Datuk Mohamad Zailani is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. She may be reached at [email protected]. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
National Agriculture Centre and Sheraa forge strategic partnership to advance agritech entrepreneurship in the UAE
The partnership aims to foster innovation in the agricultural sector and support Emirati entrepreneurs and farmers in achieving national food security and sustainable development goals. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Her Excellency Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficiency—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: "This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy." The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy . The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship. -END-
