Agricultural value chain actors, organizations supporting smallholder farmers, seed system developers, market system strengtheners. Emphasis on youth, women, and smallholder farmers. Must align with AGRA's country-specific strategy in one of 11 focus countries.

Methodist charity; development

Off-grid energy entrepreneurs in Nigeria with existing customer base or clear pathway to revenue. Scalable business models for last-mile energy access, including solar home systems, clean cooking solutions, productive-use energy, and mini-grids. Strong emphasis on gender inclusion and Niger Delta communities.

Series A startups with product-market fit and revenue traction.

Humboldt scholarships for Africa

Seed-stage fintech and SaaS companies.

Technical, pragmatic founders building great AI products. Anything that leverages AI models in a useful or engaging way. No credentials required. They value builder mentality over pedigree. Global applicants welcome, including from Africa.

Agriculture and smallholder farming companies with scale potential.

Smallholder productivity and market access

Enterprises that improve livelihoods in East Africa and Central/South Asia with strong governance. Investment decisions prioritize development impact over bottom-line profitability. Focus on financial services, tourism, energy, agriculture, and industry.

Education-focused organizations and scholars improving quality and access to education in East Africa. Emphasis on systemic approaches, teacher development, and community-driven education models. AKF values long-term institutional partnerships over short-term projects.

Small and medium enterprises in AKDN service areas with clear social impact, operating in sectors like agriculture, energy, financial services, or manufacturing. Emphasis on enterprises that create jobs and improve quality of life in underserved communities.

Innovation hubs building local ecosystems and tech-enabled startups with scalable impact across Africa. AfriLabs prioritizes organizations that strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem — not just individual companies but the infrastructure that supports thousands of entrepreneurs. Strong interest in gender inclusion, green innovation, and digital economy solutions.

Entrepreneurs across African innovation hubs

Youth-led business and social enterprises

Venture philanthropic fund support

Pan-African statelessness elimination programs

Insurance and financial services companies

Young leader and founder development

Young Africans (15-19) with exceptional leadership and entrepreneurship potential

SMEs seeking bank credit with guarantee backing