Seed Lab 24

The Seed Lab is a key initiative to support agri-SMEs under the African Development Bank’s Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism’s (ACFM) Technical Assistance Window, delivered through Open Capital’s Agri-SME Support Program.

Unlock your Agri-SME’s potential with the Seed Lab, a comprehensive, cohort-based capacity building initiative crafted by the African Development Bank and Open Capital. Leveraging decades of experience supporting Agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, this exclusive ~3-month program is designed to propel your business forward. Join over 140 agri-SMEs from 20+ countries as we dive deep into your business model, refine growth strategies, and prepare you to access finance and have deeper impact in your markets. Led by industry leaders, the Seed Lab equips you with essential skills in strategic planning, financial management, business operations, and leadership, to support sustainable growth and measurable impact.

What we offer

More specifically, the Seed Lab offers a comprehensive, tailored curriculum designed for Agri-SMEs, following the journey from designing the business model to scaling your business and raising external capital. The sessions focus on strengthening strategic foundations and translating business objectives into actionable go-to-market and growth strategies, while building capacity in critical areas such as talent management, leadership skills, financial management, and investment readiness. Further sessions focus on opportunities to strengthen your gender and climate impact and resilience, and how to measure it and tell your impact story in a powerful way. Our flexible format is designed to fit your busy schedule, running sessions both in-person and virtually, creating a rich, interactive and engaging learning experience. Apply now and transform your business with the Seed Lab!

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Seed Lab, your business must meet the following criteria: (applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.)

• Geographic location: Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, or Nigeria
• Sector: Agribusinesses operating in food system value chains, and supporting ecosystem players, e.g., agricultural producers, input & equipment providers, processors, marketplaces, Ag-tech businesses, etc…
• 2023 annual revenues: US $100,000-$500,000
• Number of full-time employees: 5-50
• Capital raise target: US $50,000-$750,000
• Gender and climate integration: Prioritization will be given to SMEs with integrated gender-inclusive and climate-resilient practices

Eligible countries for subsequent Calls For Applications: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Watch the launch presentation for additional information on Agri-Food SME Catalytic Financing Mechanism’s (ACFM) Technical Assistance Window and it’s Agri-SME Support Program.