Are you an African start-up seeking to become investment-ready? Apply for the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme before 28 September 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP). The IRP is a free, year-long, tailor-made support programme for African start-ups creating impact in the agricultural sector, either directly or through areas such as climate, livestock, energy, biotech, fintech, circular economy, logistics, or other agri-adjacent sectors.

The programme helps start-ups become investor-ready and grow through customised advisory, targeted technical support, and access to a vibrant community of founders, experts, and investors.

Selected start-ups will participate in a one-year, fully funded support programme, including:

  • Up to €20,000 in technical assistance budget for consultancies, expert support, legal advice, online marketing, licenses, certifications, ESG governance, product optimisation, market entry strategies, customer acquisition, marketing and PR, graphic design, employee training, and more.
  • Access to revolving working capital loans of up to €50,000 with a nine-month maturity at 1.5% interest.
  • Up to €10,000 in digital agency advisory from an international IT consultancy firm to strengthen digital capacities, marketing skills, and data analytics.
  • Fully sponsored trips to two in-person community events alongside the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi (February of each year), plus one additional sector conference.
  • Investment and partnership facilitation through invite-only pitch sessions, bespoke introductions to investors and funds, and guidance on fundraising strategy and due diligence.
  • Membership in a community of over 100 portfolio companies.

Interested applicants should fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

Applicant companies will be evaluated against business model, technology, team, impact, and traction. Special consideration is given to companies with local founders and gender-diverse founding teams. To be eligible, companies should demonstrate the following:

  • Geography and legal entity: Be for-profit and registered in Africa (all countries except South Africa).
  • Team: Have a management team of at least two people.
  • Stage: Be at pre-seed through Series A stage.
  • Traction: Have a minimum viable product, evidence of revenue, and paying customers.
  • Impact alignment: Operate in AgriFoodTech or an agricultural-adjacent sector with direct or indirect impact on agriculture or agricultural stakeholders.

If selected, start-ups should be prepared to:

  • Nominate a management team member who dedicates an average of two hours per week to the programme and serves as a focal point for SAIS.
  • Nominate and dispatch one employee to attend at least two in-person community events (February 2026 and February 2027, most likely in Nairobi).
  • Provide data on company progress and growth during the programme and for one year after including, revenue, number of users, customers, funds raised, and employees (collected in compliance with data protection requirements).
  • Facilitate access to customers or clients for an impact evaluation of products, services, or technologies.
  • Collaborate with contracted experts and service providers to implement targeted technical support measures.

To apply, visit: GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP)