Deadline: September 28, 2025
Are you an African start-up innovating in AgriFoodTech or agri-adjacent sectors? The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2026 (Fully-Funded) is now open for applications. This prestigious programme provides a year-long, tailor-made package of financial and technical support to help promising start-ups scale their businesses and attract investment.
About the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2026
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2026 is designed to strengthen African start-ups that create agricultural impact through technology-driven solutions. Successful applicants receive access to comprehensive resources, including technical assistance, digital support, loans, travel sponsorship, and investment facilitation.
This fully-funded programme also gives participants access to a powerful community of over 100 portfolio companies, connecting start-ups with potential investors, advisors, and peers across the continent.
What the Programme Offers
Selected start-ups will benefit from:
- Technical Assistance (up to €20,000): Covering legal, marketing, ESG governance, product optimisation, and other tailored services.
- Working Capital Loans (up to €50,000): Nine-month revolving loans with a low interest rate of 1.5%.
- Digital Agency Advisory (up to €10,000): To strengthen digital presence and marketing capabilities.
- Fully Sponsored Travel: Participation in two major community events, including one back-to-back with the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi.
- Investment Facilitation: Invite-only pitch sessions, curated investor introductions, and professional fundraising support.
- Networking Opportunities: Access to a thriving portfolio community of 100+ companies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2026, applicants must:
- Be for-profit start-ups registered in an eligible African country (note: South Africa is excluded).
- Have a management team of at least two people.
- Be at pre-seed through Series A stage, with a minimum viable product (MVP) and paying customers.
- Operate in AgriFoodTech or agri-adjacent sectors, using tech or tech-enabled innovations.
- Demonstrate strong performance in business model, technology, team, impact, and traction.
- Show commitment to gender diversity and local founder leadership (a plus during evaluation).
Programme Timeline
Here’s the timeline for the 2026 cohort:
- Application Deadline: 28 September 2025
- Interviews (long-list): 20–31 October 2025
- Final Selection Announced: by 14 November 2025
- Virtual Kick-off: End of November 2025
- Advisory & Planning Phase: December 2025 – February 2026
- SAIStival & Africa Tech Summit (Nairobi): February 2026
- Programme Implementation: March 2026 – February 2027
- Graduation (SAIStival 2027): February 2027
Why Apply?
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme 2026 provides a unique opportunity to scale your start-up with financial support, world-class advisory, and unparalleled access to investors and markets across Africa. If your business is ready to grow and create lasting impact in the agricultural sector, this is the programme for you.
Application Deadline
- 28 September 2025
Apply Now
For professional support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today.
