Explore these carefully curated opportunities and initiatives tailored for agripreneurs and agribusinesses across Africa. From grants and accelerators to capacity-building programmes, these opportunities aim to empower agribusinesses and agripreneurs to drive sustainable growth and resilience in the sector. Discover funding opportunities, mentorship programmes, and competitions designed to support innovative agribusiness solutions. Seize the chance to make a lasting impact in the agribusiness landscape of Africa with these 9 carefully selected opportunities waiting for you to explore and leverage for your agribusiness venture.
- Founded in 2015, Business for Empowerment (BfE) is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through its incubation programme. The programme, lasting between 6-8 months, is conducted free-of-charge by chapter teams and professional mentors remotely, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their business operations. The programme consists of consulting and finance advisory components, each lasting 3-4 months, aimed at addressing growth strategies, impact assessment, revenue forecasting, and grant writing to prepare startups for funding opportunities. Additionally, startups can opt for optional legal and technical advisory services to further support their business development. BfE targets startups with existing revenue streams, a clear social or environmental impact focus, and operates in regions with limited access to business mentorship and startup networks. Apply here.
- The International Climate Initiative (IKI) finances climate, adaptation and biodiversity projects ineligible countries focusing on IKI priority countries that demonstrate particular ambition relevant to IKI funding areas of biodiversity. The aim is to fund projects that pursue holistic approaches across multiple levels and demonstrate how to practically implement climate action, adaptation and biodiversity conservation including policy advisory, capacity building, technological cooperation, investment/financial mechanisms, and implementation in urban and peri-urban areas. Apply here.
- The Third Call for Proposals (CfP3) of the Climate Action Window (CAW) aims to accelerate climate action in Africa’s least developed countries by inviting eligible applicants to apply for grant funding under the Technical Assistance (TA) Sub-window by the African Development Bank group. With a focus on readiness for climate finance and investment, this call emphasises the preparation of climate-resilient projects and the promotion of Paris-aligned strategies such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies (LTSs). Projects funded under this initiative should prioritise removing barriers to project bankability, enhancing resilience to climate-related shocks, reducing vulnerabilities, and integrating gender considerations while targeting underserved communities. The deadline for submitting concept notes for the TA Sub-window is midnight GMT on February 5, 2025, marking a significant move towards mobilising resources for climate action in critical sectors across Africa. Apply here.
- The Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge, in collaboration with the Shockwave Foundation and Munich Re Foundation, has launched its third round to scale seed-level innovative agricultural ideas in East Africa into sustainable business models attractive to private investors and funders. RAIN serves as a platform to bolster agricultural innovations addressing community challenges in the region. Following successful rounds at COP27 and COP 28, applications for RAIN phase III are open until January 31, 2025. The challenge seeks nature-positive solutions that enhance ecosystem investments, foster resilience, prioritise gender equity and human rights, and conserve biodiversity. Not-for-profit and for-profit organisations, farmers, and entrepreneurs in East Africa are encouraged to apply. Winners will receive mentoring, communications support, access to potential funders, and a cash prize of up to $50,000 after completing the program. Apply here.
- Applications are currently being accepted for the Productive Uses of Renewable Energy (PURE) in sub-Saharan Africa under the Programme for Renewable Energy in Off-Grid Areas (PREO). This initiative invites enterprises to propose innovative PURE business models in sectors such as solar water pumping, cold storage, agro-processing, electric mobility, and more. Start-ups with advanced concepts or operational small and medium-sized enterprises are encouraged to apply. PREO aims to drive local economic development in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7, SDG8 & SDG13) by promoting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. The program offers grants of up to EUR 200,000 (applications up to EUR 300,000 considered), with up to 20 grants available. Projects should be completed within 12-24 months by June 2027. The application period closes on January 31, 2025, and applicants must demonstrate the viability of their PURE solutions focusing on renewable energy for scalability and impact. Eligible entities include legally registered businesses or non-profit organisations based in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. Apply here.
- Building Resilience in African Agripreneurs for Climate Change Effects (BRACE) is an intensive capacity development programme designed to support agripreneurs and agribusinesses. The programme aims to raise awareness among agripreneurs regarding how climate change impacts their businesses and to equip them with strategies to adapt to and mitigate these impacts through the adoption of climate-smart practices and accessing climate financing opportunities. BRACE employs a hybrid learning approach, combining training, peer learning, interactive sessions, and practical applications to engage participants. The programme’s goal is to empower African agripreneurs for sustainable growth and enhanced climate resilience, offering exposure to diverse opportunities within the agribusiness ecosystem. Ultimately, BRACE seeks to cultivate resilience in entrepreneurs, enabling them to contribute to sustainable practices and drive positive change in the agricultural industry across Africa, envisioning a future where agricultural entrepreneurs thrive amidst climate challenges and catalyse industry-wide transformation. Apply here.
- The Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security, funded by IsDB and ISFD and executed by UNDP, is calling on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in select regions to participate in addressing food insecurity challenges through innovative solutions. CSOs, particularly community-based organisations, tech-driven CSOs, and social enterprises operating in specific countries, are encouraged to join this initiative aimed at creating a more secure future with sustainable food access. If your CSO has an innovative project focused on enhancing food security and operates in countries such as Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, the State of Palestine, Somalia, Sudan, or Yemen, you are invited to apply to the Tadamon Accelerator for Food Security. The programme promises to build on the success of its previous edition and offers a transformative opportunity to develop impactful solutions. Apply here.
- The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in collaboration with the International Research Development Center (IRDC), is launching the Women of Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) grants for women entrepreneurs in the energy sector. Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply with early-stage off-grid and on-grid clean energy projects in active development in West Africa. Projects will be assessed based on concept innovation, development, impact, and business model & financial sustainability. The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2025, with funding of up to $40,000 available for successful applicants. The eligible countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. To apply, interested women entrepreneurs should complete the prescribed application form and submit it via email to rfp-wocewa@ecreee.org; with the email subject line as: “Grants for Women Entrepreneurs in Energy Sector (WEE).” This opportunity aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs in the energy sector across West Africa, fostering innovation, impact, and financial sustainability in clean energy projects. Application details accessible here.
- The King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) Africa Prize recognises and rewards African organisations dedicated to sustainably enhancing the lives of people across the continent. The prize places emphasis on initiatives that address African challenges in innovative ways, exhibit resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment, demonstrate long-term vision, and empower individuals to shape their own futures. This prestigious award is granted biennially to shine a spotlight on the inspiring narratives, struggles, and achievements arising from Africa. The deadline for submissions for the KBF Africa Prize 2025/2026 is March 3, 2025. Successful applicants will receive funding amounting to €250,000 to further their impactful works. Eligible countries for the KBF Africa Prize include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Sao Tome And Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan. This prize serves as a platform to celebrate and support initiatives that are making a significant and sustainable impact on the lives of people in Africa. Apply here.
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