Description

Overview

The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) 2027 is inviting applications from innovative African startups developing technology-driven solutions to strengthen livestock and aquaculture value chains.

Implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the programme aims to support startups in improving their business models, strengthening investment readiness and accelerating commercial growth.

The programme places particular emphasis on dairy farming in East Africa and aquaculture in West Africa, while also welcoming startups from other African regions whose innovations have the potential to contribute to these value chains.

Selected startups will benefit from tailored coaching, technical and business expertise, investor connections and flexible in-kind grant support of up to €15,000.

Programme Focus

The programme supports innovative solutions addressing challenges in two priority sectors:

1. Dairy and Livestock in East Africa

The programme seeks innovations that improve dairy production, livestock productivity and the sustainability of farming operations. Priority areas include animal feed and nutrition, animal health, genetics and technologies that enhance productivity.

2. Aquaculture in West Africa

The programme supports technologies and business models that strengthen aquaculture production and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the sector. Areas of interest include innovative feed solutions, genetics and technologies that improve aquaculture productivity.

Startups operating outside East and West Africa are also encouraged to apply, provided their solutions demonstrate clear potential to contribute to the targeted livestock and aquaculture value chains.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes early-stage African startups with a functioning minimum viable product (MVP) and innovative solutions relevant to dairy farming, livestock or aquaculture.

Applicants should demonstrate the potential impact of their innovation, its relevance to the targeted value chains and their ambition to scale.

The programme is particularly relevant for technology-driven startups seeking to strengthen their commercial operations, improve investment readiness and access new business and investment opportunities.

Programme Benefits

Selected startups will receive a combination of financial-equivalent and non-financial support designed to strengthen their investment readiness and growth potential.

The programme offers:

• Flexible in-kind grant support of up to €15,000 to address business development and growth needs.
• Tailored investment readiness support and individual coaching to strengthen business models and investment preparation.
• Access to technical and business experts with relevant sectoral knowledge.
• Connections to investors, industry partners and the wider SAIS community to facilitate networking and potential partnerships.
• Opportunities to participate in relevant networking events and engage with stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem.

The €15,000 support is provided in kind, rather than as an unrestricted cash grant.

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to strengthen the investment readiness, commercial viability and growth potential of African startups operating in livestock and aquaculture value chains.

Participating startups are expected to improve their business models, strengthen their capacity to attract investment and develop connections with relevant technical experts, investors and industry partners.

The programme also seeks to accelerate the adoption and scaling of innovations that improve livestock and aquaculture productivity, reduce feed costs, strengthen food security and livelihoods, and contribute to more sustainable agricultural production across Africa.

Key Details

Programme: SAIS-GIZ Investment Readiness Programme 2027 – Livestock & Aquaculture

Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Geographical focus: East Africa (dairy and livestock) and West Africa (aquaculture), with applications also welcomed from other African regions

Target participants: Early-stage African startups with a functioning MVP

Programme type: Investment readiness, business development and startup acceleration

Support available: Up to €15,000 in flexible in-kind grant support, alongside coaching, technical assistance and networking opportunities