Young and emerging agripreneurs across Africa can apply for the Agri-Business Facility for Africa (ABF) Agribusiness Growth Challenge 2026, designed to help early-stage agribusinesses strengthen their business models, build climate resilience, and prepare for sustainable growth. The challenge combines practical business training with an opportunity to compete for Business Growth Awards. Participants complete a curated learning pathway through the Agribusiness e-Academy on atingi, focused on building a stronger business model, understanding and responding to climate risks, and preparing an agribusiness for sustainable growth and access to finance.
The competition is organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the Agri-Business Facility for Africa (ABF) and MOVE-ComCashew, part of the Joint Action "Business Support Facility for Resilient Agricultural Value Chains," co-financed by the European Union under the Samoa Agreement with OACPS and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: Must be 18 years or above.
- Location: Must be based in a member state of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
- Value Chain: The business idea must focus on at least one of four value chains: maize, livestock (cattle, sheep, or goats), cashew, or cocoa. Ideas outside these value chains will not be considered.
- Training: Must complete three mandatory Agribusiness e-Academy courses before submitting.
Mandatory Training
Each applicant must complete three courses:
- Climate-Smart Agribusiness: Adaptation
- Business Model Canvas
- Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness
The first two can be completed in any order. Once both are done, applicants can access the final course. A valid certificate ID from the final course is required at submission, and submissions without one will not be accepted.
Awards
Successful applicants can receive one of the following Business Growth Awards:
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- €6,000 in funding to support the development or growth of the agribusiness.
- A Dell Pro 14 Essential laptop.
- A place in a six-month agribusiness mentoring programme.
These are separate awards, so applicants should not assume every participant receives all three.
What Applicants Submit
After completing the required courses, applicants submit their business idea through the designated form, providing their full AgriCanvas directly in the form rather than as a separate upload. Applicants must also explain the climate-smart or resilience component of their project, how the business will generate income, and the estimated capital required to start or scale it. The form allows saving a draft before final submission.
Cost
Participation is completely free, including the required e-Academy courses. There are no entry fees, subscription charges, or hidden costs at any stage.
How to Apply
Interested agripreneurs should first enrol in the Agribusiness e-Academy on atingi and complete the three mandatory courses. After obtaining the required certificate ID, submit the business idea through the ABF funding page before October 30, 2026. Applicants are advised to start the courses early, since completing the training is a requirement for an eligible entry.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
