ABAN Launch Climate Smart Agriculture Angel Investor Capacity Development Program
The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to launch the Climate Smart Agriculture Angel Investor Capacity Development (CAICD) program. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the angel investment ecosystem in Climate-Smart Agriculture, drive sustainable development, and foster impactful ventures across Africa.
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and technology integration in Africa, ABAN launched a sector-focused angel network dedicated to Climate Smart Agriculture in 2023. This initiative was aimed to educate and support angel investors in identifying and nurturing startups that leverage technologies to enhance crop quality and quantity, optimize the agricultural value chain, reduce environmental impacts, and improve profitability for African farmers
The CAICD program is designed to create a ripple effect in the agricultural sector by equipping emerging angel investors with specialized knowledge and skills. By focusing on climate-smart technologies and practices, the program will:
- Address urgent environmental challenges and;
- Open new opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
- Encompass venture showcases, which will serve as a dynamic platform for emerging start-ups to connect with angel investors, gain visibility, and secure crucial funding.
This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and amplifying the impact of green investments on the continent, making a significant impact with its multi-faceted approach.
Over the next two cohorts, the program will recruit and train 60 new angel investors, who will join the ABAN Climate Smart Agriculture Network, thereby enhancing their ability to support and scale innovative agricultural ventures. Within six months of the program’s conclusion, the goal is to finalize 10 investment deals, showcasing effective capital deployment in Climate-Smart Agriculture projects. The program will also deliver comprehensive training modules to develop strong investment acumen among network members, with their progress tracked through active participation in the network.
“By recruiting and training a new wave of angel investors, we will not just be expanding the capacity of networks in our community, but also empowering these investors to make impactful contributions to Climate-Smart Agriculture. In essence, this program is ideally designed to build a solid foundation for successful investment and sustainable development. As ABAN, we are eager to play a key role in the realization of innovative solutions and significant progress that will emerge from this initiative.” Fadilah Tchoumba, ABAN CEO
Additionally, the program will organize 10 venture showcases over two cohorts, providing start-ups with opportunities to pitch their ideas directly to the ABAN Climate Smart Agriculture Network. These showcases will include 8 virtual events focused exclusively on Climate-Smart Agriculture start-ups and 2 in-person events at major conferences such as the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS) 2024.
“At SAIS, we are committed to supporting the growth of startups across Africa – and investment is one of the key elements. Therefore, through our joint project with ABAN, we are empowering 60 gender-inclusive business angels across Africa and the diaspora, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to invest effectively in early-stage climate-smart agriculture ventures. By building capacity for these investors, we aim to bridge the capital gap and foster a more inclusive investment landscape.” Tina Lochmann, SAIS
Ultimately, the CAICD program’s activities and achievements, along with key insights, will be featured in the ABAN 2024 and 2025 Angel Investment Survey Report, highlighting its impact on the angel investment landscape.
The CAICD program is set to revolutionize angel investing in Climate-Smart Agriculture, driving impactful changes across the sector. By fostering a new generation of well-trained investors, facilitating critical investment deals, and offering unparalleled opportunities for start-ups to showcase their innovations, the program is poised to make a lasting difference. Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative journey, amplifying our efforts to support sustainable agriculture and create a greener future for Africa.
