The government of Ireland invites applications for the 2024 Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP).
The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) supports and enables Irish companies to realize their ambition of doing business in Africa. It has proven the catalyst that enables Irish businesses to explore and seize exciting opportunities to bring their expertise to Africa – to develop new markets and to contribute to a program of mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.
Through matched grant funding the program offers Irish agri-businesses of all sizes an invaluable opportunity to develop and harness the potential of innovative partnerships with companies in sub-Saharan African countries.
It enables businesses to manage their financial risk and to use their expertise and resources to work on projects jointly that will deliver a strong and positive impact.
All proposals must clearly explain:
- how the intended results of the project will provide additional contributions to the sustainable development of the local agri-food system in the African country(ies);
- why public funds are essential to finance the initiative and will not replace existing funding sources;
- successful AADP funding applicants will be encouraged to engage with Irish and other national and international NGOs where possible on various aspects of the projects (for example project design, community engagement, mobilization, training, and extension).
Benefits
- AADP funds must be allocated in a manner that shows a direct line between the services and activities supported and the program’s core objectives
- AADP funding is up to a maximum of €250,000 per company for a full project and €100,000 for a feasibility study
- The funding will not exceed 50% of the total costs of the project – companies must contribute at least 50% of the overall costs
Eligibility
- All applicants must be agri-food companies that have been registered/incorporated in Ireland and/or one of the 18 eligible African countries of implementation for at least 12 months before the AADP application period commences;
- all proposed projects must be commercial and focused and must contribute strongly to the sustainable development of the food system, including alignment where possible with relevant Sustainable Development Goals, within the African country(ies) selected;
- the partners involved must have appropriate governance and financial management systems in place.
- all applicants for ‘full projects’ must be able to demonstrate that they have at least 3 years of experience within their team in the relevant agri-food sector and development context;
- the application must clearly outline how these 2 distinct companies will enter an equitable and ethical partnership;
- if an applicant company proposes a feasibility study, it should include a list of potential partners in the application.
Selection Criteria
- Sustainable development impact
- likelihood of commercial viability
- likelihood of financial and development additionality
- quality of evidence justifying the study
- study methodology, including monitoring and evaluation activities
- company experience and expertise
- analysis of risk, context, and possible externalities
Application Process
The AADP opens for applications annually. Submissions will only be accepted through the official AADP application form.
To apply for the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), click here
Deadline: July 05, 2024
For more information on the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), visit the official site.
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