In a bold move to empower African entrepreneurs and strengthen agri-food partnerships, the Government of Ireland has launched the 2025 cycle of the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), offering up to €250,000 in matched grant funding for joint commercial projects between Irish and African businesses.
The initiative, jointly managed by Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Foreign Affairs, is a strategic response to the need for equitable, trade-led development and inclusive innovation in the agriculture sector across Africa.
The AADP is designed to support scalable, commercially viable ventures that can improve livelihoods, transform food systems, expand trade and embed sustainability in agricultural value chains. With funding support available for both feasibility studies (up to €100,000) and full-scale projects (up to €250,000), the programme encourages collaboration that links African entrepreneurship with Irish technical expertise and market access.
To be eligible, applicants must ensure a minimum of 50% co-funding meaning the AADP will only match what the participating businesses are able to contribute themselves. Projects must also demonstrate strong potential for commercial success and sustainable social or environmental impact.
The programme is open to legally registered businesses in Ireland and 19 African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Applications must show a clear partnership between an African and Irish business entity and outline a shared commitment to developing and executing the proposed agri-food initiative. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2025.
This year’s AADP call comes at a critical time when many African nations are working to rebuild and reimagine their agri-food systems in the wake of climate change, food insecurity and trade disruptions. According to the African Development Bank, agribusinesses across Africa represent up to 80% of food production but face ongoing challenges in accessing affordable financing, equipment and international partnerships.
The AADP directly addresses this gap by providing African agripreneurs with an opportunity to scale their innovations, improve local food security and establish trade links with one of Europe’s leading agricultural economies.
From climate-resilient seed production to solar-powered cold chains, sustainable aquaculture, and digital market platforms for farmers, the AADP prioritizes innovative models that promote circular economies and climate-smart solutions.
Social enterprises, women-led cooperatives, youth-owned startups, and diaspora-backed ventures are especially encouraged to apply. The funding can also be used to explore new markets, improve food processing technologies, or implement eco-friendly farming techniques in underserved rural communities.
Importantly, the programme reflects a growing recognition of Africa not just as a recipient of aid, but as a continent full of business opportunities, creative solutions and future-ready entrepreneurs. It shifts the development narrative towards mutual benefit where Irish and African businesses co-create solutions that have both local impact and global relevance.
With €250,000 in grant funding available per project, plus access to mentorship, trade support, and Irish-EU market networks, the AADP is a rare and timely opportunity for African entrepreneurs looking to grow beyond borders.
Interested applicants are advised to visit www.agriculture.gov.ie for full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission details. As the August 15 deadline approaches, stakeholders across Africa’s agri-food landscape are being urged to seize this opportunity to spark transformation, build meaningful partnerships and position African agriculture as a global force for good.
