AECF targets small and growing businesses and provides financing on the basis of commercial viability, innovation and potential development impact on the rural and marginalised communities.
The AECF runs competitions targeting agribusiness, renewable energy, resilience, and rural financial services across sub-Saharan Africa. The amount of funding that the AECF can award to a single business is between US $15,000 and US $1.5 million, although this amount may vary depending on the competition.

Our funding process
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01.
APPLICATIONS CONCEPT NOTE SUBMISSION
Online application responding to call for applications.
Applicants have to provide a concise summary of their business idea including potential impact.
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02.
CONCEPT NOTE SHORTLISTING
The submitted applications are marked against the selection criteria.
Shortlisted applications are reviewed by the Technical Review Committee.
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03.
BUSINESS PLAN AND DUE DILIGENCE
Development of business plans, budgets and due diligence.
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04.
BUSINESS PLAN SHORTLISTING
Business plans are evaluated, and technical assistance needs determined
Emphasis on impact on women and youth, potential to scale, and additionality
Recommendations made to the Investment Committee
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05.
INVESTMENT AWARD
The Investment Committee awards with conditions or rejects recommendation for funding.
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06.
CONTRACTING AND IMPLEMENTATION
Contracting, induction workshops, implementation and technical assistance