Apply now: SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2025 is facilitated by the project “Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS),” which is managed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This initiative is co-financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Bayer Cares Foundation. The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) provides a comprehensive, year-long development initiative specifically designed for African technology start-ups operating in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, food, and climate. Offered in both French and English, the IRP is dedicated to assisting participants in securing investments and expanding their enterprises.
Our Offerings – SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
Chosen start-ups will benefit from services valued at up to 35,000 EUR, which include:
– Personalized mentorship and coaching from both local and international experts, customized to address your unique requirements for formulating and executing strategies aimed at rapid expansion.
– Access to supplementary services and technical resources to enhance critical aspects of your business, such as legal counsel, online marketing, digital product enhancement, design, and coding.
– Tailored training sessions covering various topics, including pitch preparation, growth strategies, data analytics and management, term sheets, valuation, market analysis, and marketing and sales techniques.
– Facilitation of investment and partnerships, which includes strategic guidance on fundraising, preparation for fundraising rounds, support during due diligence, and introductions to potential investors and funding sources.
– Opportunities for networking and showcasing at two in-person community events held in conjunction with the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi, along with an additional sector-specific conference (travel expenses for one representative from each start-up will be covered by the SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups).
– Community engagement and peer learning opportunities, such as virtual group training sessions, workshops, company visits, deal rooms, and topical discussions featuring insights from external speakers and guests.
Eligibility Criteria SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
To qualify for the SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups, your company must fulfill the following minimum criteria:
– Be registered in Africa
– Operate for profit
– Possess a minimum viable product
– Offer a digital or tech-enabled solution within the agriculture, food, or livestock value chain
– Have a management team consisting of at least two individuals
– Demonstrate evidence of traction (such as paying customers or initial revenue)
– Contribute to climate change adaptation, income generation, and/or food and nutrition security
Add-ons available as required: SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
Program for Female Leaders: This initiative focuses on networking, peer-to-peer learning, and enhancing the visibility of female founders and women in leadership roles.
Cash2Start-ups: This program offers access to working capital loans of up to 50,000 EUR for a duration of up to 9 months, specifically designed to facilitate your growth.
Digital Agency Support: This service provides targeted technical assistance to start-ups, enabling them to enhance their digital capabilities and adopt a more data-driven approach.
August to November 2024 | Selection Process – SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
SAIS and VC4A will conduct two informational webinars to address any inquiries regarding the program, eligibility criteria, selection criteria, program overview, timeline, and additional details.
The sessions are scheduled for August 15, 2024, and will be conducted in both English and French. You may select and register for the sessions here.
To apply for the SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups, please complete the online application form in either English or French by Monday, September 2, 2024, at 23:59 CET (German time). SAIS will evaluate the online applications and invite shortlisted candidates for interviews, which will occur in October. Notifications for selected start-ups are expected by mid-November 2024.
December 2024 to March 2025 | Needs Assessment and Development Planning.
A virtual onboarding session will be held in December, allowing you to connect with your fellow innovators online. You will be assigned a navigator from the SAIS team, who will act as your primary contact throughout the program. Alongside your navigator, you will create a development plan that outlines your support requirements and strategizes the implementation of the SAIS IRP services. Whenever feasible, your navigator will arrange a field visit to gain a deeper insight into your business model, operations, and customer base.
February 2025 | In-person Kick-off at SAIStival 2025
The SAIStival serves as a distinctive community and networking event for our program, uniting portfolio and alumni start-ups. Scheduled for 9 to 11 February 2025 (to be confirmed) in Nairobi, Kenya, this event will coincide with the Africa Tech Summit 2025, taking place on 12 to 13 February.
March to September 2025 | Execution of Development Plans
From March to September 2025, you and your navigator will carry out the activities and tasks outlined in your development plan, implementing targeted support measures in collaboration with the SAIS network of mentors, experts, and partners. Regular virtual check-ins with your navigator will ensure you remain on course. Additionally, we will host monthly community and peer-learning events covering various topics, featuring external speakers and guests. In September 2025, we will hold a virtual midterm check-in to assess your progress and establish milestones for the subsequent phase.
September 2025 to February 2026 | Investment Exposure & Deal Facilitation
In the final phase of the SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups, our focus will shift to assisting you in securing additional capital and investment to enhance your impact. For start-ups actively seeking funding, we will offer strategic support and guidance for engaging with investors and funds. When appropriate, we will sponsor attendance at selected sector conferences or exhibitions.
1. February 2026 | In-person Graduation Ceremony for the Programme at SAIStival 2026
SAIStival 2026 signifies your formal graduation from the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme, as we also extend a warm welcome to the incoming cohort.
2. February 2026 | On-site Graduation from the Programme at SAIStival 2026
SAIStival 2026 represents your official completion of the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme, while simultaneously welcoming the new cohort.
Application – SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups
- For more details and to apply for the SAIS Investment Readiness Program For African Tech Start-ups visit the official website
- Deadline: September 2, 2024.
