African Development Bank’s Seed Lab: A Capacity-Building Program for Agri-SMEs Across Africa

The Seed Lab is a key initiative supporting agri-SMEs below the African Development Bank’s Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism’s (ACFM) Technical Assistance Window. Delivered via Open Capital’s Agri-SME Support Program, this initiative offers tailor-made help to assist companies refine their methods, improve monetary administration, and put together for exterior funding.

The ACFM was formally launched on June 20, 2024. You can entry the recording of the launch event here.

• Application Deadline: Friday, twenty fifth April 2025, at 6 PM GMT
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling foundation, so early submissions are inspired.

Why Join the Seed Lab?

The Seed Lab is a complete, cohort-based capacity-building program designed to propel agri-SMEs ahead. Over a three-month interval, members will:

• Refine their enterprise mannequin and progress methods
• Strengthen monetary administration and funding readiness
• Enhance management and operational effectivity
• Build resilience in gender and local weather integration
• Gain entry to skilled mentorship and networking alternatives

Join over 140 agri-SMEs from 20+ international locations on this transformative program. Sessions are delivered in a versatile format, combining digital and in-person engagement to suit the busy schedules of entrepreneurs.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, companies should meet the next standards:

• Geographic location: Burkina Faso, DRC, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia
• Sector: Agribusinesses working in meals system worth chains, together with agricultural producers, enter & tools suppliers, processors, marketplaces, Ag-tech companies, and different ecosystem gamers
• 2023 Annual revenues: Between US $100,000 and $500,000
• Number of full-time staff: Between 5 and 50
• Capital elevate goal: Between US $50,000 and $750,000
• Gender and local weather integration: Priority shall be given to SMEs with gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling foundation, so early submission is inspired.

For extra info, check the call for applications here

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