Cameroonian agricultural technology start-up AgricFresh has won the inaugural 'Blue Tech Challenge' competition hosted by national telecoms provider Camtel.

AgricFresh got the award this week after edging out 29 other competitors from a pool of 289 applicants.

Aside from AgricFresh, which received the Blue Star prize in the best tech startup category, seven start-ups were recognized in other categories, including best innovation by an academic institution, best tech startup addressing problems facing women, and best technological innovation for people with disabilities or led by a disabled person.

Afopezi Moses, co-founder of AgricFresh, said the idea for his solution was motivated by his mother, who struggled with time constraints to negotiate better rates for her tomato fruits because they were perishable.

“Our innovation comprises solar panels and sensors. We equally have batteries which help in keeping the environment of our innovation cold, permitting these farmers to extend the shelf life of their perishable crops from a normal five-day period to over 21 days,” Moses said

In addition the solution has an e-commerce platform – accessible online on www.agricfresh.cm– which helps connect farmers to potential buyers at home and abroad.

Camtel's general manager, Judith Yah Sunday Achidi, said the competition was set up to highlight the skills that exist in Cameroon's digital ecosystem and stimulate the birth of creative solutions that can transform the country's technological environment.

“Today, we have seen ideas that not only respond to contemporary challenges, but also incorporate fundamental values such as inclusiveness and equity,” Achidi said.

All winners will each receive gadgets, mentorship/training, cash prizes and national recognition during Camtel’s 25th anniversary celebration early next year.