Are you an African start-up transforming agriculture with technology or tech-enabled innovation? Are you ready to scale your impact and attract investment?
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme is a free, year-long, tailor-made support programme for African start-ups creating impact in the agricultural sector … whether directly or through areas like 🌱climate, 🐄livestock, ⚡energy, 🧬biotech, 💰fintech, ♻️circular economy, 🚚logistics, or other agri-adjacent sectors.
When is the deadline for applications?
- 28 September 2025
Describe the award to me:
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme is a free, one-year, tailor-made support initiative for African start-ups in agriculture and related sectors. Managed by GIZ on behalf of BMZ, with co-funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the programme helps start-ups become investment-ready through technical assistance, advisory services, access to networks, and exposure to investors.
Read More Opportunities:
- ACT Test Formula Sheet: The Ultimate Guide to Essential Math and Science Formulas
- Earth Prize Environmental Sustainability Competition 2026: (Up to $100,000 in Prizes)
- Application Call: WSA Young Innovators 2025 (Workshops, Pitch Training, & Mentoring Opportunities)
- UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia AlUla Fellowships Programme 2026
- The University of Toronto National Scholarship in Canada 2026 (Get Over $1.6M in funding)
Which fields qualify?
- Agritech
- Agribusiness
- Food production
- Climate tech
- Livestock tech
- Energy
- Biotech
- Fintech
- Circular economy
- Logistics
- Other agri-adjacent sectors
The type:
- Investment readiness and acceleration programme
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be:
- For-profit start-ups legally registered in an African country (excluding South Africa)
- At pre-seed to Series A stage
- With a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and traction (revenue or paying customers)
- Teams with at least two members in management
- Founded or co-founded by Africans, with preference for local founders and gender-diverse teams
How Do They Choose Applicants?
Evaluation is based on:
- Strength of business model
- Technology and innovation
- Team capacity
- Impact and scalability
- Traction with customers or revenue
Preference is given to diverse founding teams and locally led start-ups.
Which nations are qualified?
- All African countries except South Africa.
Where will the prize be accepted?
- Across eligible African countries
- In-person community events in Nairobi, Kenya
- Additional exposure at African and global investor forums
How Many Honors?
- A full cohort of selected start-ups (exact number not fixed; usually around 15–20 annually).
What Advantage Does the Award Offer?
- Up to €20,000 in technical assistance (consulting, marketing, legal, certifications, ESG governance, etc.)
- Access to €50,000 revolving working capital loans (9-month maturity, 1.5% interest)
- €10,000 worth of digital advisory services from an international IT consultancy
- Fully funded trips to two in-person community events in Nairobi and one sector conference
- Direct investment facilitation via pitch sessions, curated introductions, and fundraising support
- Membership in a network of 100+ portfolio start-ups
What’s the Duration of the Award?
- 12 months (March 2026 – February 2027)
- Includes onboarding, mentorship, advisory, community events, and graduation at SAIStival 2027.
How do I Apply?
- Prepare details of your start-up (MVP, traction, team).
- Complete the online application form in English or French.
- Be ready to provide supporting documents and participate in interviews if longlisted.
Visit the Award Webpage for Details
🔗 Click Here to Apply
Discover more from Examsabi
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
