Deadline: April 25, 2025
Applications are open for the Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism (ACFM) Agri-SME Support Program: Seed Lab 2025. The Seed Lab is a comprehensive, cohort-based capacity building initiative crafted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Open Capital. Leveraging decades of experience supporting Agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, this exclusive ~3-month program is designed to propel your business forward.
Join over 140 Agri-SMEs from 20+ countries as they dive deep into your business model, refine growth strategies, and prepare you to access finance and have deeper impact in your markets. Led by industry leaders, the Seed Lab equips you with essential skills in strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership to support sustainable growth and measurable impact.
Benefits
- The Seed Lab offers a comprehensive, tailored curriculum designed for Agri-SMEs, following the journey from designing the business model to scaling your business and raising external capital. The sessions focus on strengthening strategic foundations and translating business objectives into actionable go-to-market and growth strategies while building capacity in critical areas such as talent management, leadership skills, financial management, and investment readiness.
Eligibility
- Open to Agri-SMEs in the following countries: Burkina Faso, DRC, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Uganda, and Zambia.
- Agribusinesses operating in food system value chains, and supporting ecosystem players, e.g., agricultural producers, input & equipment providers, processors, marketplaces, Ag-tech businesses, etc.
- 2023 annual revenue should be between US $100,000-$500,000
- Have 5-50 full-time employees
- Capital raise target: US $50,000-$750,000
- Prioritization will be given to SMEs with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices
Application
For more information, visit Agri-SME Support Program.
