The Agribusiness in Africa Window Round 2 (AAW R2) was a continent-wide window launched in 2014 to support companies to invest in inclusive and innovative business ideas with the potential to increase productivity, employment, livelihood opportunities and incomes amongst the poor in sub-Saharan Africa.
A total of CAD 20 million in funding was committed to the programme, comprising of CAD 15 million from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and CAD 5 million from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Grant funding was awarded to 19 projects across 11 countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Burundi/DRC), with businesses working in a variety of agriculture value chains, including cashew, fruits, potatoes, moringa, livestock production and digital information services.
The AAW R2 was originally expected to end on December 31, 2020; it was extended by 18-months to complete activities delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The balance of drawdowns, together with uncommitted funds, was converted to a COVID-19 relief fund of US$1.3 million, which provided additional financing to 10 investees at the early stages of the pandemic, based on a competitive application and selection process.
