This article is relevant to African tech start-ups focusing on agriculture, livestock, food production, and climate. It is especially applicable to entrepreneurs and businesses looking for investment readiness support and those interested in scaling their impact in these sectors.
Article Content:
Are you leading a tech start-up with a positive impact on agriculture, livestock, food, or climate in Africa? Do you need support to raise investment, reach more customers, and increase your impact? Then the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) 2025 is for you!
This free, year-long, tailor-made programme offers invaluable support to African tech start-ups in the agriculture, livestock, food, and climate sectors. Available in both French and English, the IRP aims to help you raise investments and scale up your business.
Applications are open until September 2, 2024. Complete the application form and sign up for one of our info sessions to get your questions answered about the programme and the application process.
What We Offer: Selected start-ups will receive services worth up to 35,000 EUR, including:
- Mentorship and Coaching: Local and international experts will provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
- Additional Services: Legal advice, online marketing, digital product optimization, and more.
- Individual Trainings: Topics include pitch training, growth strategy, data analytics, and market analysis.
- Investment and Partnership Facilitation: Support in fundraising, due diligence, and investor introductions.
- Networking Opportunities: Participate in community events, including the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, your start-up must:
- Be registered in Africa
- Be for-profit
- Have a minimum viable product
- Provide a digital or tech-enabled solution in agriculture, food, or livestock
- Have a management team of at least two people
- Show evidence of traction (e.g., paying customers)
- Contribute to climate change adaptation, income generation, and/or food & nutrition security
Programme Timeline:
- August to November 2024: Selection Process, including info sessions on August 15, 2024.
- December 2024 to March 2025: Needs Assessment and Development Planning.
- February 2025: In-person Kick-off at SAIStival 2025 in Nairobi.
- March to September 2025: Execution of Development Plans.
- September 2025 to February 2026: Investment Exposure & Deal Facilitation.
- February 2026: In-person Graduation at SAIStival 2026.
About SAIS: The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is implemented by “Scaling digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS)”, a project by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation.
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