Announcement: Launch of the Seed Lab’s second Call For Applications
The Seed Lab is a key initiative to support agri-SMEs under the African Development Bank’s Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism’s (ACFM) Technical Assistance Window, delivered through Open Capital’s Agri-SME Support Program.
The deadline for the second Call for Applications is Friday, 20th of December at 6pm GMT; applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Unlock your Agri-SME's potential with the Seed Lab, a comprehensive, cohort-based capacity building initiative crafted by the African Development Bank and Open Capital. Leveraging decades of experience supporting Agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, this exclusive ~3-month program is designed to propel your business forward. Join over 140 agri-SMEs from 20+ countries as we dive deep into your business model, refine growth strategies, and prepare you to access finance and have deeper impact in your markets. Led by industry leaders, the Seed Lab equips you with essential skills in strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth and measurable impact.
To be eligible for the Seed Lab, your business must meet the following criteria:
Geographic location: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Sector: Agribusinesses operating in food system value chains, and supporting ecosystem players, e.g., agricultural producers, input & equipment providers, processors, marketplaces, Ag-tech businesses, etc...
2023 annual revenues: US $100,000-$500,000
Number of full-time employees: 5-50
Capital raise target: US $50,000-$750,000
Gender and climate integration: Prioritization will be given to SMEs with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices
More specifically, the Seed Lab offers a comprehensive, tailored curriculum designed for Agri-SMEs, following the journey from designing the business model to scaling your business and raising external capital. The sessions focus on strengthening strategic foundations and translating business objectives into actionable go-to-market and growth strategies, while building capacity in critical areas such as talent management, leadership skills, financial management, and investment readiness. Further sessions focus on opportunities to strengthen your gender and climate impact and resilience, and how to measure it and tell your impact story in a powerful way. Our flexible format is designed to fit your busy schedule, running sessions both in-person and virtually, creating a rich, interactive and engaging learning experience.
