The Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility is a USD 4M investment facility designed to unlock early-stage capital for startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania that are advancing economic mobility and climate resilience. Managed by Village Capital, the Facility leverages a locally-led investment model by partnering with in-market Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs). These ESOs help identify strong founder teams and contribute to the investment evaluation process, ensuring capital is invested where it has the greatest local impact and fit for purpose.
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When is the deadline for applications?
No fixed global deadline has been announced. Each Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania will share country-specific timelines.
Describe the award to me:
The Africa Ecosystem Catalyst Facility 2025 is a USD 4 million investment program managed by Village Capital and backed by FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). It provides early-stage capital and ecosystem support to startups in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania that are advancing economic mobility and climate resilience.
Which fields qualify?
Startups must be building context-specific solutions that:
- Advance climate resilience
- Strengthen economic mobility
- Innovate through new processes, disruptive products, or sustainable business models
The type:
- Equity / early-stage capital investment (USD 75,000 – 500,000)
- Ongoing mentorship and ecosystem support via ESOs
Who is eligible to apply?
- Locally-led startups (with African founder/owners)
- Post-MVP stage with early revenue
- Raised less than USD 2 million to date
- Demonstrate healthy unit economics and a path to financial sustainability
- Currently raising between USD 75,000 – 500,000
How do they choose applicants?
Applicants are evaluated through:
- ESOs in each country, which identify and vet startups
- Investment due diligence on financial health, traction, and growth potential
- Clear demonstration of measurable impact in economic mobility and/or climate resilience
Which nations are qualified?
Startups based in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Where will the prize be accepted?
Funding and support will be delivered locally through ESOs in the respective countries.
How many honors?
No fixed number; awards depend on the pipeline of eligible startups across the three countries, within the USD 4M facility budget.
What advantage does the award offer?
- Capital investment: USD 75K – 500K per startup
- Backed credibility: Support from FMO and RVO strengthens investor confidence
- Ecosystem support: Guidance, mentorship, and local partnerships via ESOs
- Visibility & connections: Access to wider impact-driven investor networks
- Context-fit evaluation: Locally-led process ensures funding aligns with your market needs
What’s the duration of the award?
Investments and ESO support will continue as long-term engagements, typically multi-year partnerships, depending on the growth and scale plan of each startup.
How do I apply?
- Visit the official program page: Village Capital – Africa Ecosystem Catalysts Facility 2025
- Identify the ESO partner in your country (Ghana, Nigeria, or Tanzania).
- Review the country-specific requirements.
- Prepare documents: MVP details, financial model, traction metrics, and impact evidence.
- Submit your application via the ESO’s platform when the country call opens.
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