Through this intervention, the Fund ran a competitive Agribusiness Challenge aimed at applications that have the potential to create work opportunities for young women and men with limited financial means, including refugees and those living with disabilities, by SMEs in the Fund focus countries. The challenge focused on the agriculture sector. 

THE AGRIBUSINESS CHALLENGE FUND  The Agribusiness Challenge Fund was a rolling call for proposals that launched on 18 March 2024. The third and final harvest of applications received in this challenge was on 22 November 2024. READ MORE

APPLICATION PROCESS 

In stage one, applicants created profiles on our application platform with an email and password. This registration needed to be done once only and it was the access point to the application forms. Once registered, an applicant was given access to the application form template and could apply in a round before the deadline. Thereafter, shortlisting took place for the next stage. Evaluations and shortlisting of applications to the next stage then followed. 
 

At the business plan stage, successful applicants shortlisted in stage one prepared and refined their business plans. Evaluations of business plan applications followed, and applicants were shortlisted by a Selection Committee. 

 
Shortlisted applicants are currently undergoing a final review before selection. 

 

Below are key dates around the Agribusiness Challenge Fund

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION 

The Agribusiness challenge - had specific eligibility and selection criteria. The challenge sought applications that were innovative, commercially viable, and that would create dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young women and men with limited financial means, including refugees and those living with disabilities. 

Selection will be based on applications meeting a certain threshold of the Fund selection criteria. Read more about this on the specific challenge page.