Applications open for the AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs. This programme is a crucial initiative aimed at advancing Africa’s circular economy. Supported by the African Development Bank’s Africa Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) and reinforced by the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA), the programme plays a significant role in revitalizing the economic strength of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), which form approximately 80% of Africa’s business landscape. Additionally, AfriCircular nurtures young entrepreneurs whose creativity and dynamism are essential for driving Africa’s Green Growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA- AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

1. The proposed eligibility requirements for startup selection are as follows:
2. Geographical focus: Startups must be based and operating in Rwanda, Ghana, or Ivory Coast, founded by an African national, or have a majority leadership team consisting of Africans.
3. Circular solutions/business models:
4. – Startups must operate according to circular principles and have a business model based on the circular economy.
5. – Focus on key thematic areas aligned with the African Development Bank and partners, such as food systems, packaging, electronics, fashion & textiles, and the built environment.
6. Maturity of startup: Startups must be in the early stage (having a minimum viable product) and have less than 3 years of operational experience.

Requirements – AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

1. The programme is seeking innovative startups operating in the circular economy sector that are dedicated to driving positive change and sustainability. Specifically, we are looking for:
2. Stage of entrepreneurs: The programme will prioritize and support entrepreneurs who are in the early stage of their entrepreneurial journey. This includes entrepreneurs who have, at the very least, a working prototype that has been tested with real users.
3. Thematic areas of focus: The initiative will concentrate on solutions falling within the 5 major areas identified by ACEA: Food Systems, Packaging, Electronics, Fashion and Textiles, and Built Environment.
4. Geographical scope: The initiative will back solutions with operations in at least one of the countries Ghana, Ivory Coast, or Rwanda.
5. Startup ownership: The initiative will back startups with African founders or those with a predominantly African management team.

Benefits – AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

1. The initiative offers comprehensive support tailored to startups in the circular economy sector. This includes:
2. – Circular Economy and Business Support Training: Tailored training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops covering a wide range of topics, specifically designed to meet the needs of each venture.
3. – Personalized Coaching Sessions: Each entrepreneur is paired with a dedicated coach, providing ongoing guidance to effectively apply program insights and stay focused on developing circular solutions.
4. – Peer-to-Peer Learning: Platforms for entrepreneurs to share experiences, tackle challenges, and explore collaborative opportunities with peers from different hubs.
5. – Market Connections and Industry Networks: Facilitated activities such as circular marketplaces, investor roundtables, entrepreneur showcases, business tours, and expert panel discussions to build connections and highlight circular innovations.
6. – Financial Grants: Selected entrepreneurs receive grant funding for market exploration and product development, along with customized technical coaching to achieve specific milestones.
7. – Demo Day: A Regional Demo Day event and roadshow where the top 10 entrepreneurs will present their circular journeys and progress in the program. The event will also showcase the program’s achievements and serve as a platform to raise awareness about the toolkits developed for the entire circular economy ecosystem.

Application: AfriCircular Innovators Programme for Young Entrepreneurs

1. For details visit the Official Website of the AfriCircular Innovators Programme.