Deadline: Unspecified
African small and growing businesses with strong social or environmental impact are invited to apply for the African SMEs Invited to Apply for $100,000 Impact Investment Readiness Accelerator, a flagship initiative launched by the 1 Million AfCFTA Impact Hub.
This accelerator is designed to support investment-ready SMEs across Africa, particularly those led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PwDs), to strengthen their businesses, attract capital, and scale across the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Overview of the Impact Investment Readiness Accelerator
The African SMEs Invited to Apply for $100,000 Impact Investment Readiness Accelerator is a seven-month structured programme focused on preparing African SMEs to successfully raise external financing, including equity, debt, and grant funding.
The programme combines business diagnostics, tailored mentorship, and investor matchmaking to help entrepreneurs close critical gaps and position their enterprises for sustainable growth within Africa’s integrated market of over 1.4 billion people.
Who Should Apply?
The accelerator is open to registered, revenue-generating SMEs operating in Africa that meet the following criteria:
- Women-led, youth-led, or persons with disabilities (PwDs)-led enterprises
- Businesses with measurable social or environmental impact
- SMEs seeking to raise investment within the next 6–12 months
- Founders committed to improving governance, operations, and financial readiness
- Enterprises aiming to scale across AfCFTA markets
Key Benefits of the Programme
Selected SMEs will gain access to a wide range of high-value benefits, including:
Access to Catalytic Funding
- Opportunity to access over US $100,000 in investment support
- Funding options may include equity, debt, or grants, depending on readiness and investor fit
Investor Readiness Support
- Strengthening of business models, financial systems, and governance structures
- Development of high-quality pitch decks and investment documentation
- Strategic positioning to meet impact investor expectations
Coaching, Mentorship, and Matchmaking
- One-on-one coaching and expert-led mentorship
- Connection to impact investors through a dedicated onboarding and matchmaking platform
- Exposure to capital partners aligned with SME growth and impact goals
Programme Structure and Phases
The accelerator is delivered in three core phases:
Phase 1: Business Clinics and Diagnostics
- Comprehensive assessment of operational, financial, and strategic gaps
- Identification of growth constraints and investment barriers
Phase 2: Coaching and Mentorship
- Tailored support to strengthen key business functions
- Hands-on guidance to improve scalability and investment appeal
Phase 3: Deal Matchmaking
- Structured engagement with investors and capital providers
- Support to close investment opportunities aligned with business needs
Time Commitment and Delivery Format
- Duration: 7 months
- Format: Primarily virtual, with limited in-person activities where applicable
- Time requirement: Approximately 10–15 hours total participation over the full programme
This flexible structure allows founders to participate while continuing to run their businesses.
Focus Sectors
The accelerator prioritises SMEs operating in high-impact sectors, including:
- Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Agribusiness and food systems
- Climate action and sustainability
- Health and life sciences
- Logistics and supply chains
- Manufacturing and industrial innovation
Why This Programme Matters
African SMEs play a critical role in job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. However, many struggle to access the capital needed to scale. This accelerator directly addresses that gap by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and credibility required to attract impact investment and expand across AfCFTA markets.
Need Support with Your Application?
If you require proposal drafting, refining, or review support, contact us for professional assistance to strengthen your application and improve your chances of selection.
