The University of Eldoret’s 19th Agribusiness Trade Fair (ABTF) provided a vibrant platform for young innovators to demonstrate how agricultural ideas can be transformed into businesses, with TAGDev 2.0 showcasing 15 enterprises being incubated under the Agricultural Innovation and Mentorship Hub (AIMHub).
Held from 24–26 September 2026 under the theme, “Promoting Innovative Climate-Smart Farmer-Centered Agribusiness for Sustainable Inclusive Development,” the trade fair brought together farmers, researchers, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry players and other stakeholders to explore solutions shaping the future of agriculture.
For TAGDev 2.0, the exhibition was more than a showcase. It was an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills in addressing challenges across the agricultural value chain.
The 15 businesses including Joopers Busy Ltd, Saliamo Agri-Ventures, Chep Millers Ltd, RayGold Peanut, Vermiseed Ltd, Mzuri Organics, Pond Konnect, Nyamira North Women Sacco, Ndhiwa Agroecological, Nyawest FCA, Junel Nutrie Products Ltd, Nawi Dairies Ltd, HoneyZest Ltd, and Kibisi (Core Health and Wealth) showcased through AIMHub represent emerging enterprises developed by students and out-of-school youth, reflecting TAGDev 2.0’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people both within and beyond the university environment.
“The 19th Agribusiness Trade Fair demonstrated what is possible when young people are given the skills, mentorship, networks and platforms to transform ideas into enterprises.” said Mr. Eric Otieno, TAGDev 2.0 BDS officer,
Through AIMHub, the participants are supported through mentorship, incubation, networking and market exposure, helping them move their ideas from conception to practical application.
The approach recognises that agricultural transformation requires more than technical knowledge. Young people also need entrepreneurial skills, access to networks, mentorship and opportunities to test their ideas in real-world markets.
The ABTF therefore offered an important space for the young entrepreneurs to interact directly with potential customers, farmers, industry stakeholders and fellow innovators while gaining valuable insights into the realities of doing business.
For the emerging businesses, exhibiting at the trade fair offered visibility beyond the incubation environment.
The entrepreneurs had an opportunity to explain their products and solutions, receive feedback and engage with a diverse audience interested in agricultural innovation and enterprise.
Such exposure is an important part of the incubation journey. It allows young innovators to understand customer needs, refine their products, build confidence and identify potential partnerships and markets.
The participation also demonstrated the value of connecting education, innovation and enterprise—a core aspiration of TAGDev 2.0.
‘I’m really glad I was able to be here to showcase what we have created as company and TAGDev has really been helpful in helping us grow our business and we really appreciate,” said Mr. Merimug Nickson, TAGDev 2.0 Msc Scholar and Nawi Dairies owner.
The participation of both university students and out-of-school youth underscores the importance of widening pathways into entrepreneurship.
Young people have different starting points and experiences, but with the right support, their ideas can contribute to solutions in agriculture and create opportunities for themselves and others.
By providing spaces for mentorship, incubation and market engagement, AIMHub is helping create an ecosystem where young people can experiment, learn, innovate and develop enterprises with the potential to contribute to sustainable development.
The showcase also aligned strongly with the broader ABTF focus on climate-smart, farmer-centered and inclusive agribusiness, demonstrating how youth innovation can complement efforts to build more resilient agricultural value chains.
The 19th Agribusiness Trade Fair provided TAGDev 2.0 and AIMHub with an opportunity to make visible what happens when young people are given the skills, mentorship and platforms to turn ideas into action.
The 15 businesses showcased are a reflection of an emerging generation of entrepreneurs who are not only learning about agriculture but are actively exploring ways to create value within the sector.
As these businesses continue through the incubation process, the goal is to move beyond exhibition and exposure towards stronger enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, market opportunities and solutions that respond to real agricultural challenges.
The showcase reinforced a simple but powerful message youth development becomes more meaningful when learning is connected to opportunity, innovation is connected to enterprise, and enterprise is connected to impact.