AUDA-NEPAD Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator Program 2027 for African-owned/led growth-stage companies.

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Application Deadline: November 18, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 AUDA-NEPAD Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator Program. The Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A) is a COMESA regional initiative funded by the Government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and implemented by AUDA-NEPAD that supports growth-stage agribusinesses delivering scalable, innovative, and impact-driven solutions across Africa’s agricultural value chain.

Eligibility Requirements

• Legally Registered and Operational
  Be legally registered and operational in a COMESA member state.
• African-Owned or Led Growth-Stage Company
  Be African-owned or led growth-stage company.
• Women-Owned/Led & Youth-Led Preference
  Strong preference to women-owned or led enterprises (70%) and youth-owned or led (18-35) enterprises (30%).
• High-Potential Agribusiness Value-Chains
  Operate within inclusive high-potential agribusiness value-chains such as high value crops (excluding primary production). This includes sectors such input supply, agro-processing, value addition, commercialisation, import substitution, aggregation, logistics, distribution, market access services, digital agriculture, and climate-smart inputs.
• Proven and Innovative Business Model
  Demonstrate a proven and innovative business model, with an annual turnover close to USD 100,000 (this will vary from one country to the other).
• Regional or International Market Access Potential
  Demonstrate potential for accessing regional or international markets and clear scalability prospects eg. through established or emerging export linkages, partnerships across the COMESA region, proven demand beyond local markets, a replicable business model adaptable to different contexts, or a clear strategy for regional expansion.
• Audited Financial Accounts and Compliance
  Have audited financial accounts for at least the last 3 years and basic compliance structures.
• Inclusive Participation
  Prioritize inclusive participation, including the employment or service of youth, women, people with disabilities and refugees, as well as contribute to food security and nutrition goals.
• HGSA-A Development Objectives
  Contribute to HGSA-A’s broader development objectives of driving sustainable agribusiness growth that promotes Africa’s stability and prosperity.
• Green Growth Promotion
  Actively pursue and promote Green growth (in line with the OECD Green Growth Strategy), applying climate change mitigation or adaptation techniques and sustainable agricultural practices eg. resources-efficient processes, renewable energy products, waste reduction and recycling or sustainable packaging).

Eligible Businesses

The Accelerator supports companies operating across the agricultural value chain involved in:

• Input supply
• Aggregation
• Processing
• Storage
• Logistics
• Distribution
• Market access
• Digital agriculture
• Value addition

Program Benefits

Context-specific Advisory Services

Tailored advisory services designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities in your market and industry sector

Cross-border Regulatory & Trade Facilitation Under AfCFTA

Navigate African Continental Free Trade Area opportunities with expert guidance on regulations and cross-border trade facilitation

Investment Readiness & Fundraising Support

Potential for accessing HGSA-A investment funding to support business growth.

Matching to Strategic Partners

Connect with regional buyers, investors, mentors and other strategic partners to accelerate your business growth

Post-Acceleration Support

Continued support and guidance even after completing the acceleration program to ensure sustained growth and success

Selected companies receive:

• Context Specific Advisory support
• Access to Regional and Global markets
• Investment Readiness and Capital linkage
• Technical Assistance and Mentorship from sector experts
• Networking opportunities with peers, buyers, and investors

Selection Process:

Stage 1

Technical Eligibility

Review of required documentation including business registration and financial statements.

Stage 2

Thematic Innovation Alignment (Interviews)

Companies undergo interviews to assess their alignment with HGSA-A priorities, business model scalability, and socio-economic impact.

Stage 3

Due Diligence

Companies are assessed for their credibility and readiness for acceleration, including a thorough review of their business model, leadership, growth potential, and impact — with emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and alignment with HGSA-A objectives.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the AUDA-NEPAD Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator Program