"SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2024: Scaling Tech Startups in African Agriculture"

 Application deadline: 

Are you a tech entrepreneur eager to revolutionize Africa's agriculture and food tech industry? Do you possess a technological solution that can enhance sustainability, profitability, and empower value chain participants in the agricultural sector? Are you seeking support to secure investments, expand your customer base, and drive significant impact? Look no further! Apply now for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2024.

You may also want to view, "Apply now: MEST Africa Challenge 2023 for Tech Startups"

Benefits of the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme: Successful applicants will embark on a yearlong, customized journey designed to facilitate investment acquisition and foster business growth. This program is exclusively available to tech startups operating within Africa, providing scalable, market-oriented solutions in agriculture, food, or climate change. The programme is offered in both English and French and offers the following benefits:

1. Personalized Coaching: Engage in sessions with local and international experts tailored to your specific needs, enabling you to devise and implement strategies for rapid growth.

2. Online Training: Access individual online training sessions covering crucial themes such as pitch training, growth strategy, data analytics, term sheets, valuation, market analysis, marketing, and sales.

3. Additional Services: Benefit from a budget allocation to optimize key areas of your business, including legal advice, online marketing, digital product optimization, design, coding, and travel expenses for attending conferences.

4. Ecosystem Integration: Leverage the opportunity to utilize a local hub or office space, connect with peers, enhance your visibility, and establish contacts with prominent figures in local, regional, and international startup ecosystems.

5. Investor and Partner Network: Gain access to a network of investors and partners, facilitating connections on regional, national, and international levels to accelerate your business growth through potential investments or strategic partnerships.

6. Programme for Female Leaders: As an additional offering, we provide specialized support for female founders and women in leadership roles within startups. This includes networking opportunities, peer-to-peer learning, and increased visibility.

You may also want to view, "Entrepreneurship and Financing in Cultural and Creative Industries’ Training Programme: The KreAfrika Initiative for Africa's Creative Professionals"

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Your startup must be registered and operate within Africa, supported by a valid registration certificate.
• Maintain a team comprising at least two full-time members with entrepreneurial and technical expertise.
• Possess a viable digital product or service with a demonstrable positive impact on African AgTech or FoodTech sectors (welcome vertical sectors include ClimateTech, eCommerce, FinTech, Logistics, EdTech, and others).
• Launch your digital product at least six months before the application submission, providing evidence of traction (customer base and initial revenue).
• Present a clear and compelling business model, including a well-defined problem statement, digital solution, target customer segment, and revenue stream.

You may also want to view, "BAOBAB/Mastercard Foundation Associate Program 2023"

Additional Considerations (but not mandatory): While not obligatory, the following factors may enhance your application:

• Female founder or women in high management positions.
• Founding team members with IT backgrounds.
• Prior startup experience among founding team members.
• A product targeting vulnerable customer groups.

Application Process: Apply online before the deadline on October 20, 2023. Initiate the process early and pay close attention to your video pitch (maximum 2 minutes) and pitch deck. Applications are accepted in both English and French.

Transform your tech startup and contribute to the future of African agriculture with the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2024. Click the preferred language type to apply now, unlock your growth potential, and make a lasting impact.

For English

For French