Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

AECF awards grants to private sector companies to support new and innovative business models in Africa.

• From: Department for International Development
• Published: 27 August 2014

• Funds: Open
• Countries: Congo (Democratic Republic), Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Sector: Climate change, Livelihoods, Private sector/business
• Eligible organisations: Companies
• Value of funding: £100,001 to £500,000, £500,001 to £1,000,000

Overview

The AECF awards grants and repayable grants to private sector companies to support innovative business ideas in agriculture, agribusiness, renewable energy, adaptation to climate change and access to information and financial services. Its purpose is to improve incomes of smallholder farmers and the rural poor.

Funding is targeted at specific countries (including Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan) or at development corridors involving several countries and companies must match the funding provided by the AECF.

How to apply

The first stage is submission of an initial application form. The second stage is submission of a detailed business plan. See aecf website for full details

Background information on the fund

The maximum amount the AECF can award to a single business idea is US$ 1.5m and the minimum is US$250,000, although this amount may vary depending on the competition. The average amount is expected to be around US$750,000.

KPMG

Contact details – aecf website

Published 27 August 2014