Pan-African Green Business Call: Circularity Support for Agribusinesses in Kenya and South Africa
Empowering Circular Innovation Across Borders
Impact Footprints Africa, in collaboration with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), has officially expanded its reach beyond Ghana and is now accepting applications for its pioneering Pan-African Circular Agribusiness Support Programme. This initiative is designed to accelerate the green transition of African agribusinesses by offering tailored technical assistance, enhanced visibility, and strategic capacity-building aimed at improving circularity, reducing waste, and fostering green economic growth.
This announcement comes in response to a recurring demand from previous applicants across the continent: “When will this programme go beyond Ghana?” The answer is now.
Programme Overview
The initiative targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the agri-business sector within Kenya and South Africa that are either already applying or seeking to transition towards circular business models. Circularity is central to unlocking sustainable economic potential in Africa, especially in sectors where resource intensity and waste are high. This programme is uniquely positioned to offer both the strategic guidance and operational tools that agri-businesses need to scale their impact sustainably.
What the Programme Offers
Selected enterprises will benefit from:
- Technical Assistance: One-on-one expert support to improve operational efficiency, material reuse, and waste reduction.
- Capacity Building: Training modules focused on circular economy principles, sustainable supply chains, and green innovation.
- Visibility and Networking: Opportunities to showcase business models through regional platforms and connect with like-minded circular pioneers.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Exposure to peer learning and innovation sharing between South Africa and Kenya, fostering a Pan-African circular economy network.
The programme is designed for businesses that are ready to take actionable steps towards sustainability, deepen their understanding of circular practices, and expand their regional impact.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is open to:
- Agri-businesses registered and operational in Kenya or South Africa.
- Enterprises with circular business models or a strong interest in adopting circular practices such as reuse, recycling, sustainable packaging, or regenerative agriculture.
- Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and regional collaboration.
- Companies seeking to better articulate and communicate their circularity to stakeholders, investors, and consumers.
Why Circularity in Agribusiness?
Agriculture is one of Africa’s largest economic sectors—but it is also one of the most resource-intensive. Transitioning towards circular models in agriculture is essential for:
- Reducing input costs by repurposing waste streams.
- Enhancing food system resilience through regenerative and closed-loop practices.
- Unlocking climate finance and sustainability-linked funding opportunities.
- Meeting growing consumer and regulatory demands for environmentally responsible products.
By participating in this programme, businesses will not only improve their environmental footprint but also strengthen their market positioning and long-term profitability.
Application Details
- Deadline: 15th August 2025
- Location Eligibility: Kenya and South Africa only
- Programme Type: Non-residential; virtual support with possible in-country activities
- Application Link: Apply here
- Contact: For enquiries, email changemakers@ifootprintsafrica.co
Impact Footprints Africa & ACEN: Partners in Circular Growth
Impact Footprints Africa is a sustainability-focused organization committed to nurturing Africa’s next generation of green entrepreneurs. Partnering with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) brings technical rigor and continental reach to this initiative, aligning with the broader Pan-African agenda of a just and inclusive green transition.
Together, these organizations are not only supporting businesses—they are building a circular economy movement that spans sectors, borders, and communities.
Final Call: Be Part of Africa’s Circular Future
If your business is committed to sustainability, willing to innovate, and eager to be part of Africa’s circular economy transformation, now is your moment. This programme is more than a support initiative—it is a stepping stone towards leading Africa’s transition to regenerative and inclusive green economies.
Apply today and position your business at the forefront of circular innovation.
Deadline: 15 August 2025
Questions? Email: changemakers@ifootprintsafrica.com
FAQs
1: What is the “Circularity Support for Agribusinesses in Kenya and South Africa” call about?
This initiative is a non-residential accelerator program designed to empower agribusinesses in Kenya and South Africa that are using or exploring circular economy solutions. It supports businesses turning agricultural waste into valuable products—like compost, animal feed, or bioenergy—while improving environmental sustainability. Selected participants receive mentorship, capacity building, and funding to test, scale, or de-risk their circular innovations.
2: Who is eligible to apply for this Circularity Support?
You can apply if:
- Your business is registered and operational in Kenya or South Africa,
- You’re working on a circular agribusiness innovation (e.g., recycling farm waste, water reuse, organic input production),
- Your venture is already generating revenue or has a working business model,
- You have a strong local team and measurable community or environmental impact.
Note: NGOs or research institutions must partner with eligible agribusinesses to participate.
3: What types of support and funding are available to selected participants?
Participants will benefit from:
- Tailored technical mentorship on circular economy principles,
- Seed grant funding (e.g., up to €25,000 in some locations),
- Help in refining and embedding circularity into business operations,
- Investor matchmaking, peer-learning, and regional visibility.
This support is aimed at helping businesses move beyond the pilot stage into sustainable commercial operations.
4: When is the application deadline, and what’s the timeline?
Applications are open now and will close by 15 August 2025.
Successful applicants will be announced in late 2025, and the program is expected to launch in early 2026. This gives businesses time to prepare documentation and align operations with circularity goals.
5: What kinds of agribusiness projects are ideal for this program?
Projects that will likely stand out include:
- Food processing by-product reuse (e.g., juice pulp into animal feed),
- Compost and organic fertilizer businesses,
- Bio-packaging using agricultural residues,
- Renewable energy from crop waste or manure (e.g., biogas or briquettes),
- Soil remediation and regenerative practices using agri-waste inputs.
The program favors ventures that clearly reduce waste, regenerate ecosystems, or reuse materials efficiently.
6: What makes an application competitive?
To stand out:
- Show evidence of traction—revenues, partnerships, or pilot success,
- Clearly articulate your circular innovation and how it solves a real local problem,
- Include a plan for scaling or replication within your country or across regions,
- If possible, involve technical partners who can validate or support your innovation.
Well-written, realistic applications that balance vision with practicality are more likely to be shortlisted.
