Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the Home-Grown Solutions Agribusiness Accelerator (HGSA-A). This COMESA regional initiative is funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. AUDA-NEPAD implements it. It supports growth-stage agribusinesses delivering scalable, innovative solutions across Africa’s agricultural value chain.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: AUDA-NEPAD, under the COMESA regional initiative
• Funder: Government of New Zealand, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Funding: Advisory support and potential access to HGSA-A investment funding; amounts not stated
• Participants: Registered businesses, not individuals
• Eligibility: African-owned or led growth-stage agribusinesses in COMESA member states
• Application Deadline: Reported as November 18, 2026; please confirm on the official page

Focus Areas

• Agro-processing and value addition
• Input supply, aggregation, and logistics
• Digital agriculture and climate-smart inputs
• Regional trade under the AfCFTA

About the Programme

HGSA-A promotes inclusive, sustainable agribusiness growth. It scales African-owned enterprises tackling food insecurity, climate challenges, and trade barriers. The programme strengthens investment readiness and fundraising capacity. It also expands regional trade under the AfCFTA framework. It excludes primary production.

What Participants Receive

Participants receive context-specific advisory services. They also gain guidance on cross-border regulations and trade facilitation. Investment readiness and fundraising support is included. Participants are matched with buyers, investors, and mentors. Post-acceleration support continues after the programme ends.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be legally registered and operational in a COMESA member state. They must be African-owned or led growth-stage companies. The programme strongly prefers women-owned or led enterprises, at 70%. Youth-led enterprises aged 18 to 35 make up 30%. Businesses should have an annual turnover close to USD 100,000. They also need three years of audited accounts.

Required Materials

Applicants submit business registration and financial statements. Selection runs in three stages. These are technical eligibility, interviews, and due diligence. Applicants should show a proven business model and regional market potential.

How to Apply

Apply through the official HGSA-A portal.

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Conclusion

This accelerator offers African agribusinesses structured support, trade guidance, and investor connections. Funding is possible but not guaranteed, and amounts are unstated. Applicants need audited accounts and a legally registered business. Confirm the current deadline through the official programme page.

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