Funding windows

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Funding windows

These are the Funding windows that are open, recently closed or expected in 2010

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund launched in mid-2008 and has since run seven rounds of its investment competition, supporting new investment in the agribusiness, rural financial services and media and information sectors, across Africa. Four rounds of our general competition have been followed by three special windows, targeting these sectors in Fragile States (such as DRC and S Sudan) and in Zimbabwe. The most recent special window, called Research Into Business, targets innovative business ideas based on the results of agricultural research. RIB is scheduled to run three rounds.

The program for 2010 includes the special windows shown below. Where you see ´read on´ next to a particular round, it means that the microsite for that window is up and running with much more information on that competition. Please keep checking on progress.

Research Into Business
RIB is for business ideas that are based on agricultural research. It covers all of Africa, including international investors. AECF thanks the 188 companies who made complete and eligible applications for R1. They will be notified of results before the end of July. R2 will open in October. Read on

Tanzania Agribusiness Window
TZW is currently in preparation, targeting agribusiness, broadly defined, and media and information services where these benefit agriculture. It is expected to open in November.

REACT (Renewable Energy and Adaptive Climate Technologies) will initially have an East African Community focus, open to local and international investors. REACT's purpose is to catalyse private sector innovation in low cost, clean energy and climate change technologies (such as drought resistant seeds or early weather warning systems). The funding window is expected to open in November.

Zimbabwe Window
Agribusiness, Rural Finance Services, Media and Information.
R1 closed in January. 10 successful companies are currently finalising contracts and their details will be posted on the projects page shortly. R2 is scheduled to open in October. Read on

Development Corridors
Specific Nepad/CAADP focus corridors are still under discussion. This window is now not expected until 2011.

Rural Financial Services
Promoting Financial Inclusion. RFS will be Africa-wide, including international investors. Negotiations with funding partners continue, and a planned launch date will be announced later in 2010.

Click here for forthcoming competitions.

News & Events

SABMiller to expand Southern Sudan operations
SABMiller plc [SAB:LSE/SAB:JNB] subsidiary company Southern Sudan Beverages Ltd (SSBL)
read more ...

Research Into Business Update.
The AECF Research Into Business window closed on the 30th of June.
read more ...

Agriculture Science Week held in Ougadougou
RIB Advisor Gem Argwings-Kodhek attended the 5th African Agriculture Science Week held in Ougadougou,
read more ...

Past News & events Articles