The African Business Angel Network (ABAN), a leading network of angel investors in Africa, has joined forces with the Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) project, managed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), to introduce the Climate Smart Agriculture Angel Investor Capacity Development (CAICD) programme. This initiative is set to bolster the angel investment landscape specifically in the domain of climate-smart agriculture.
ABAN, renowned for being the largest network of its kind across Africa, established a dedicated angel network for climate-smart agriculture in 2023. Building on this initiative, the partnership with SAIS aims to launch the CAICD programme to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and the integration of technology within the African continent.
The CAICD programme is strategically designed to empower new angel investors with the expertise and capabilities required to invest in climate-smart agricultural technologies and methodologies. The programme seeks to tackle pressing environmental issues, stimulate economic development and innovation, and facilitate venture showcases that highlight emerging opportunities in the sector.
The programme is set to train 60 new angel investors over two cohorts, who will subsequently become part of the ABAN Climate Smart Agriculture Network. The objective is to secure 10 investment deals within six months post-programme, demonstrating the effective allocation of capital in climate-smart agriculture initiatives. Participants will undergo thorough training modules aimed at honing their investment skills, with their engagement and development monitored through active involvement in the network.
Fadilah Tchoumba, the CEO of ABAN, expressed enthusiasm for the programme’s potential to expand the network’s capacity and empower investors to make meaningful contributions to climate-smart agriculture. Tchoumba emphasized that the programme is perfectly aligned with the goals of fostering successful investments and sustainable growth, and ABAN is keen to facilitate the innovative solutions and advancements that will result from this effort.
The CAICD programme will also host 10 venture showcases across two cohorts, offering startups the chance to present their ideas to the ABAN Climate Smart Agriculture Network. These showcases will consist of eight virtual events dedicated to climate-smart agriculture startups and two in-person events at significant conferences like the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS).
Tina Lochmann from SAIS highlighted the commitment to nurturing startup growth across Africa, with investment being a crucial component. The collaboration with ABAN aims to empower 60 gender-inclusive business angels from Africa and the diaspora by equipping them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to invest effectively in early-stage climate-smart agriculture ventures. The initiative aspires to close the capital gap and create a more inclusive investment environment.
