The Scaling digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is designed to bridge this gap, offering a year-long, tailor-made development programme for African tech startups working in agriculture, livestock, food, and climate.
If your startup aims to make a positive impact in these areas, this free programme provides a golden opportunity to enhance your growth, connect with key investors, and drive more significant impact across Africa.
What is the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025?
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is a comprehensive initiative targeting African tech startups that are actively contributing to the agriculture, food, livestock, and climate sectors. By joining this programme, startups gain access to an extensive support network and resources that enable them to refine their business models, scale operations, and secure investments.
With a focus on agribusiness and agriculture, the programme is delivered in both English and French, catering to the diverse linguistic needs across the continent. Through this year-long development journey, startups will receive mentorship, technical assistance, and investment facilitation, ultimately empowering them to become key players in the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key Benefits of the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025
Startups selected for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 stand to benefit from a wealth of resources valued at up to €35,000. The programme offers an array of services designed to optimize critical areas of business growth:
- Mentorship and Coaching: Tailored guidance from both local and international experts will help startups develop and implement strategies for rapid growth in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors.
- Technical Resources: Access to additional services such as legal advice, online marketing strategies, digital product optimization, and coding support are available to enhance business operations.
- Individual Training Sessions: Startups will receive specialized training in pitch delivery, growth strategy, data analytics, market analysis, and more, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage with investors and partners.
- Investment and Partnership Facilitation: The programme provides strategic advice and preparation for fundraising rounds, alongside introductions to key investors and funds focused on opportunities for African startups.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants will attend in-person community events, including the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi, where they can network with other startups, investors, and industry leaders.
- Community and Peer Learning: Regular online sessions, workshops, and exchange opportunities allow for continuous learning and collaboration among participants.
Additionally, the programme offers specialized support for female founders and leaders, alongside access to working capital loans of up to €50,000 for qualifying startups. These add-ons ensure that all participants receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be legally registered in an African country.
- Operate as a for-profit entity.
- Possess a minimum viable product (MVP).
- Offer a tech-enabled solution for agriculture, food, or livestock value chains.
- Have a management team with at least two members.
- Demonstrate traction with paying customers or initial revenue.
- Contribute to climate change adaptation, income generation, and/or food and nutrition security.
This eligibility framework ensures that the programme supports high-potential startups that are well-positioned to drive meaningful impact in the agricultural sector.
Timeline and Key Dates
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 follows a structured timeline designed to maximize the growth potential of participating startups:
- August to November 2024 | Selection Process
During this period, SAIS, in collaboration with VC4A, will host two informational webinars on August 15, 2024, to address queries related to programme eligibility, selection criteria, and timelines. The final application deadline is September 2, 2024, after which shortlisted startups will be invited for interviews in October. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-November 2024. - December 2024 to March 2025 | Needs Assessment and Development Planning
This phase begins with a virtual onboarding session in December, where startups meet their peers and are paired with a dedicated navigator from the SAIS team. Together, they will draft a development plan that outlines the specific support needed to achieve their growth objectives. - February 2025 | In-person Kick-off at SAIStival 2025
SAIStival 2025, scheduled for February 9-11, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, marks the in-person launch of the programme. This event is held back-to-back with the Africa Tech Summit 2025, offering startups prime opportunities for networking and collaboration. - March to September 2025 | Execution of Development Plans
During this phase, startups work closely with their navigator to implement the development plans. Regular check-ins, peer-learning events, and targeted mentorship sessions help startups stay on track toward their goals. - September 2025 to February 2026 | Investment Exposure and Deal Facilitation
In the final stretch, the focus shifts to securing investments and scaling operations. The programme provides strategic guidance for fundraising, investor outreach, and participation in key sector events. - February 2026 | In-person Graduation at SAIStival 2026
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 concludes with a graduation ceremony at SAIStival 2026, celebrating the achievements of the participating startups while welcoming the new cohort.
How to Apply
Interested startups can apply to the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 by completing the online application form available on the official SAIS website. The deadline for applications is September 2, 2024, at 23:59 CET.
About SAIS
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is spearheaded by the Scaling digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) initiative. Its implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This programme is co-funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation, underlining its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural innovation across Africa.
Discover More Opportunities
For more information on funding opportunities and other calls for projects for entrepreneurs, visit Dadupa Call for Projects.