The grant, offered by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) will benefit agripreneurs from dozens of other states on the African continent.
'Through our Matching Grant Fund (MGF), you can secure funding to realize your project idea. For all MGF projects, the maximum contribution provided through Agri-Business Facility (ABF) can cover up to 50% of the total project budget, with contributions reaching up to €100,000,' the organization said in a statement.
OACPS noted that while all its 79 member states are eligible to apply, priority will be given to projects from countries with no or few previously selected projects to ensure regional balance.
Agripreneurs from Rwanda stand a better chance of receiving the grant, as no project has been selected from the country before.
Seventy-one projects have been awarded the fund previously. Some of the countries that have benefited from the funding before include Tanzania (9 projects), Democratic Republic of Congo (6), Kenya (5), Côte d'Ivoire (5), Zambia (5), Uganda (4), and Nigeria (2).
To qualify for the grant, the submitted idea should aim to make the sector more inclusive, particularly for women and youth.
Who Can Apply?
OACPS encourages group applications, as single-applicant submissions will only be considered in exceptional cases.
According to the organization, lead applicants must be legally registered private sector entities, such as processing companies, agricultural producers/farmers' organizations, or national and international retailer companies.
Additionally, consortium partners may include private sector foundations, qualified NGOs, training or research institutions, or extension agencies.
Interested agripreneues are required to submit their applications, comprising a concept note, letter of intent and proof of legal registration of the lead applicant by 12:00 pm on August, 18, 2024. The application documents should be submitted via email using the address [email protected].
Wycliffe Nyamasege
