AECF targets small and growing businesses and provides financing based on commercial viability, innovation, and potential development impact on rural and marginalized communities.
The AECF runs competitions targeting agribusiness, renewable energy, resilience, and rural financial services across sub-Saharan Africa.
The amount of funding the AECF can award to a single business is between US $15,000 and US $1.5 million, although this amount may vary depending on the competition.
Our funding process
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01.
APPLICATIONS CONCEPT NOTE SUBMISSION
Online application responding to calls for applications.
Applicants must concisely summarize their business idea, including potential impact.
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02.
CONCEPT NOTE SHORTLISTING
The submitted applications are marked against the selection criteria.
The Technical Review Committee reviews shortlisted applications.
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03.
BUSINESS PLAN AND DUE DILIGENCE
Development of business plans, budgets and due diligence.
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04.
BUSINESS PLAN SHORTLISTING
Business plans are evaluated, and technical assistance needs are determined.
Emphasis on the impact on women and youth, the potential to scale, and additionality.
Recommendations made to the Investment Committee.
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05.
INVESTMENT AWARD
The Investment Committee awards with conditions or rejects recommendations for funding.
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06.
CONTRACTING AND IMPLEMENTATION
Contracting, induction workshops, implementation, and technical assistance.
