Are you an entrepreneur or business owner in the agri-food sector in Africa looking to scale your operations, access funding, and receive global mentorship? The Agri-Food Development Programme 2025/2026 is your golden opportunity.
This pan-African initiative is designed to boost agricultural transformation and food security across the continent by supporting agri-food businesses with training, funding access, and market opportunities.
Below, you’ll find all the details you need to apply, including eligibility, business types supported, African countries covered, deadlines, and the application process.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Agri-Food Development Programme
The Agri-Food Development Programme is a continental initiative aimed at empowering agri-food companies through sustainable practices, digital innovation, and market development. The 2025/2026 edition places a special focus on climate-resilient agriculture, value addition, and export readiness.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered business operating within the agri-food sector.
- Must have at least 1 year of operational history with verifiable records.
- Must be based in an eligible African country (see full list below).
- Have a team of at least 2–5 active staff members.
- Business must be focused on food production, processing, packaging, distribution, or agri-tech.
- Must demonstrate a scalable or innovative business model.
- Willingness to commit to a 6-month development and mentorship programme.
Types of Eligible Agri-Food Businesses
This programme targets businesses in the following sub-sectors:
- Crop farming and horticulture
- Animal husbandry and aquaculture
- Food and agro-processing companies
- Agri-tech startups (e.g., precision farming, supply chain digitization)
- Food packaging and logistics
- Organic and sustainable food enterprises
- Export-focused food production businesses
Eligible African Countries
The Agri-Food Development Programme 2025/2026 is open to businesses based in the following African countries:
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Morocco
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Zimbabwe
- Rwanda
More countries may be added in subsequent phases of the programme.
What You Will Gain
Selected businesses will benefit from:
- Business development mentorship
- Capacity-building workshops
- Linkages to local and international investors
- Access to regional and global markets
- Participation in African agri-food expos and trade shows
- Opportunity to win grant funding and equity investment
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Visit the Official Application Portal:
(Please verify the actual application link from the official programme page)
Create a Business Profile:
Register your company with valid business information, tax ID, and country of operation.
Fill the Application Form:
Input details about your team, operations, financial performance, and growth strategy.
Upload Required Documents:
- Business registration certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Bank statement (last 6 months)
- Team profile
- Pitch deck (optional but recommended)
Submit Your Application:
Confirm your submission and await a confirmation email.
Follow Up:
Stay connected via email and check for updates on their official website or social media platforms.
📩 Pro Tip:
Make your application stand out by clearly explaining your business impact, especially in terms of sustainability, job creation, food security, or women/youth empowerment.
Partners and Sponsors
The 2025/2026 edition is supported by:
- African Development Bank (AfDB)
- AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa)
- IFAD
- Mastercard Foundation
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
These partners bring funding, expertise, and networks to support scaling across Africa.
Supporting Documentation
All applications must be accompanied by supporting documentation, including:
- An Irish Tax Clearance Certificate – which all applicants, including African applicants, must apply for and receive from the Irish Revenue Commissioners for inclusion with their application
- A project budget with breakdown of spending, funding source, activities and equipment
- A project implementation with calendar of main steps and activities required to deliver the project objectives
- A plan for collaboration over the timeline of the project.
Closing date and submission email
The AADP opens for applications once a year. The 2025 Call for Applications opened on 23 June and will close at 5pm Dublin time, 15 August 2025.
Applications can only be accepted using the official AADP application forms below.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications should be submitted with all required supporting documentation to aadp@dfa.ie
Method of Application
Interested and Qualified candidates should Go:
Final Thoughts
The Agri-Food Development Programme 2025/2026 is more than just a support initiative; it’s a transformational platform to accelerate your agri-food business into a regional and global player.
With access to funding, training, and strategic networks, African entrepreneurs can unlock new levels of success and impact.
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