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PIERRE CASTEL PRIZE : Call for applications for the 2026 edition officially launched

(LVDE) – Supporting agricultural and food innovation in Africa remains the renewed ambition of the Pierre Castel Prize, whose 2026 edition has just been launched. Through this pan-African competition, the Pierre Castel Fund aims to identify and support entrepreneurs capable of delivering concrete solutions to the challenges facing food systems across the continent.

Esther Grâce Publié :6 avril 2026 | Mis à jour :6 avril 2026 2 minutes lues

The 9th edition of the Pierre Castel Prize is now underway. The Pierre Castel Fund has officially opened the call for applications for the 2026 cycle of a program that has, over the years, become a key platform for African entrepreneurs engaged in agricultural and agri-food value chains. The initiative targets project leaders with innovative ideas, rooted in local realities and driven by sustainable economic and social impact.

Designed to foster the structural transformation of Africa’s food systems, the Pierre Castel Prize promotes responsible entrepreneurship. Faced with demographic pressure, food security concerns, and climate-related challenges, the continent is witnessing the rise of a new generation of economic actors committed to modernizing the production, processing, and distribution of food products.

For the 2026 edition, the competition is being rolled out across seven countries: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In each of these countries, one national winner will be selected before advancing to the continental final, where top candidates will compete for the Pan-African Grand Prize.

Beyond recognition, the program offers structured support. Selected candidates will benefit from personalized mentoring, access to a network of strategic partners, and technical assistance aimed at accelerating the growth of their ventures. In addition, a financial grant of up to €35,000 will be awarded to the continental winner, providing a significant boost to investment capacity.

Since its inception, the Pierre Castel Prize has supported dozens of entrepreneurs across Africa. According to data from the Castel Group and its partners, previous editions have contributed to job creation, improved supply chains, and the promotion of local production. The initiative thus aligns with broader efforts to foster inclusive development and strengthen food sovereignty.

Applications for the 2026 edition are open until May 30. Organizers are calling on entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to apply, at a time when the need for agricultural transformation remains pressing. At the end of the selection process, eight entrepreneurs will be recognized at the continental level, gaining increased visibility and new growth opportunities.

In a rapidly evolving economic environment, marked by the need to adapt production and consumption models, the Pierre Castel Prize continues to serve as a catalyst for high-impact initiatives. The 2026 edition is once again expected to spotlight entrepreneurs capable of enhancing the resilience and modernization of Africa’s food systems.