The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has officially launched the Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy (GAEA), a new initiative designed to equip and empower the next generation of young people with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and networks needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving agricultural sector.

The announcement was made during the second day of GroundBreakers Live 2026, FSSS’s International Youth Day webinar series, which brought together young people, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.

As agriculture undergoes a digital transformation driven by innovation, technology, and changing market demands, GAEA has been created to help young people move beyond interest and ambition towards building impactful careers, enterprises, and solutions that address real-world challenges across food systems.

Announcing the initiative, Clinton Mena, Brand and Communications Manager at FSSS, described GAEA as a platform designed to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity for aspiring agripreneurs.

“The Global Agri Entrepreneurship Academy is more than a learning platform. It is a launchpad for the next generation of agricultural innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Through GAEA, we want to equip young people with the practical knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset, and connections they need to transform ideas into impactful and sustainable ventures.”

The academy will serve as a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation, providing participants with access to expert-led sessions, industry insights, mentorship opportunities, practical resources, and a growing community of young professionals passionate about transforming agriculture.

According to Isaiah Gabriel, Executive Director of FSSS, the initiative aligns with FSSS’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for young people and accelerating innovation across the agricultural value chain.

“Young people are not just the future of agriculture; they are already shaping its future. GAEA is our commitment to supporting them with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed and drive meaningful change in food systems across Africa and beyond.”

The launch comes at a critical time when the agricultural sector faces growing challenges, from food insecurity and climate change to limited access to finance, markets, and advisory services. At the same time, these challenges present significant opportunities for a new generation of entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and create jobs.

Through GAEA, FSSS hopes to inspire and support young people to seize these opportunities, build profitable ventures, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future.

The academy is expected to become a key platform for nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and connecting emerging agripreneurs with the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into impact.

Young people, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of agriculture are encouraged to join the growing GAEA community and be part of a movement that is shaping the next generation of agricultural leadership.

The future of agriculture belongs to those bold enough to innovate. With the launch of GAEA, FSSS is creating a pathway for young people to lead that future.