Applications open for the Africa Agri-Food Development Progamme

The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) is a comprehensive initiative that provides financial grants to agri-food businesses in both Ireland and Africa. The primary objective of these grants is to assist these businesses in their endeavors to explore and capitalize on market opportunities within the agri-food sector in Africa.

The AADP recognizes the immense potential for growth and development in the agri-food sector in Africa. With a rapidly expanding population and increasing urbanization, there is a growing demand for high-quality and sustainable food products. This presents a unique opportunity for Irish and African agri-food businesses to collaborate and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Through the financial grants offered by the AADP, businesses are able to access the necessary resources and support to expand their operations and explore new markets. These grants can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including market research, product development, capacity building, and establishing distribution networks.

One of the key objectives of the AADP is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between Irish and African agri-food businesses. By facilitating partnerships, the program aims to promote the transfer of skills, technology, and best practices, ultimately leading to sustainable and inclusive growth in the agri-food sector.

In addition to financial support, the AADP also provides technical assistance and mentoring to grant recipients. This ensures that businesses have access to the expertise and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of operating in the African agri-food market. By offering a holistic approach to support, the program aims to maximize the chances of success for participating businesses.

Overall, the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme plays a crucial role in promoting economic development, job creation, and food security in both Ireland and Africa. By providing financial grants and fostering partnerships, the program empowers agri-food businesses to seize the opportunities presented by the African market and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector.

Eligibility and applications

• All applicants must be agri-food companies that have been registered/incorporated in Ireland and/or one of the 18 eligible African countries of implementation for at least 12 months prior to the AADP application period commencing;
• all proposed projects must be commercial in nature and focus and must contribute strongly to the sustainable development of the food system, including alignment where possible with relevant Sustainable Development Goals, within the African country(ies) selected;
• the partners involved must have appropriate governance and financial management systems in place. Along with the relevant application form, all AADP applicants must provide:

– the partners involved for ‘full projects’ must include at least 1 Irish registered agri-food company and 1 local commercial entity in Africa;

• all applicants for ‘full projects’ must be able to demonstrate that they have at least 3 years of experience within their team in the relevant agri-food sector and development context;
• the application must clearly outline how these 2 distinct companies will enter an equitable and ethical partnership;
• if an applicant company proposes to undertake a feasibility study, it should include a list of any potential partners within the application;

• how the intended results of the project will provide additional contributions to the sustainable development of the local agri-food system in the African country(ies);
• why public funds are essential to finance the initiative and will not replace existing funding sources;
• successful AADP funding applicants will be encouraged to engage with Irish and other national and international NGOs where possible on various aspects of the projects(for example: project design, community engagement and mobilisation, training and extension).

Evaluation criteria – feasibility study

• Sustainable development impact
• likelihood of commercial viability
• likelihood of financial and development additionality
• quality of evidence justifying the study
• study methodology, including monitoring and evaluation activities
• company experience and expertise
• analysis of risk, context and possible externalities

Evaluation criteria – full project

• The partners involved must include one agri-food company registered in Ireland and one agri-food company registered in one of the 18 eligible African countries;
• sustainable development impact (economic, social and environmental);
• financial and development additionality;
• the scope and nature of the partnership proposed with a locally-owned and operated African company;
• intervention logic and commercial viability;
• company experience and expertise (including gender leadership);
• project monitoring,evaluation, results and learning;
• analysis of risk, context and possible externalities.

Additional evaluation criteria for previously successful applicants

• Business strength/standing (performance of the initial project and its impact on the company’s commercial status);
• matched finance (quality of proposed financing model for the new initiative (including the type and quantity of finance to be provided as matched finance);
• all applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposal will support the following international agreements and Ireland’s international development priorities: the UN Sustainable Developments Goals; the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (climate change adaption and mitigation), A Better World (2019), particularly in reaching the furthest behind first and those at risk of being left behind; the National Plan on Business and Human Rights (2017) and the OECD’s Codes of Conduct on Responsible Business Conduct.

Application form

For any questions or queries on the application process, please contact [email protected] .