Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) 2025 Grant for SMEs (Up to €100,000 in Funding)
The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) is a key initiative of the Government of Ireland aimed at fostering sustainable food systems across Africa through strategic private-sector partnerships. This annual funding program supports collaborative ventures between Irish and African agribusinesses, enabling them to co-develop scalable, impactful, and sustainable solutions within the agri-food sector.
The AADP is designed to stimulate mutually beneficial trade and innovation, reduce poverty, improve food security, and support the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It offers matched grant funding of up to €100,000, encouraging collaboration between Irish and African entities to implement high-impact projects or conduct feasibility studies that can lead to long-term commercial ventures.
Types of Funding Available
1. Feasibility Study Grants
These grants support exploratory projects that assess the viability of innovative agri-food solutions in eligible African countries. Applications are open to individual organisations or joint initiatives between Irish and African partners. The studies must aim to uncover new commercial opportunities that contribute to the transformation of Africa’s agri-food sector.
2. Full Commercial Project Grants
This funding supports established partnerships between Irish and African businesses aiming to launch full-scale, revenue-generating projects. These projects must demonstrate scalability, sustainability, and alignment with the goals of the AADP. Only joint applications are accepted for this grant, and applicants must collaborate throughout the planning and implementation stages.
Eligible Applicants
To qualify, applicants must be agri-food businesses registered and operating in Ireland or one of the 19 eligible African countries for a minimum of 24 months before applying.
Eligible business structures include:
- Micro-enterprises and SMEs
- Cooperatives and farming groups
- Sole proprietors and partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Commercial farming networks
- Registered companies or any legally recognized entity
Eligible African Countries
Applicants must operate in one or more of the following African nations:
- Botswana
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Proposal Requirements
To be considered for funding, all project proposals must:
- Be commercial in nature and implemented within one or more of the eligible African countries.
- Demonstrate a strong potential to contribute to the sustainable development of food systems.
- Align with Ireland’s international development strategy “A Better World” and the UN SDGs.
- Clearly justify the need for public funding and how it will attract or complement other financial resources.
- Show the capacity of the applicant(s) to deliver the project based on their expertise and experience.
- Provide evidence of sound governance, financial management, and anti-fraud mechanisms.
- Promote knowledge exchange and technical collaboration between Ireland and Africa.
- Show potential for fostering or increasing trade relationships between Ireland and African markets.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must include the following with their submission:
- A valid Irish Tax Clearance Certificate (required for both Irish and African applicants).
- A detailed project budget outlining costs, funding sources, and expected expenditures.
- A project implementation plan including a timeline and key milestones.
- A collaboration plan that defines the roles and contributions of each partner.
Note: The checklist of required documents varies depending on whether the applicant is seeking a Feasibility Study or a Full Commercial Project grant. Ensure you consult the correct application guidelines.
Important Notes
- AADP applicants must independently identify and secure their own business partners. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) do not facilitate matchmaking or act as partners for applicants.
- Successful applicants are encouraged to collaborate with national or international NGOs on aspects like community engagement, training, and project design.
Ineligible Uses of AADP Funding
AADP funds cannot be used for:
- The production or promotion of arms, tobacco, alcohol, or gambling.
- Fossil fuel-based activities.
- Activities leading to deforestation or degradation of forest ecosystems.
- Projects violating international standards related to human rights, labor, environmental protection, or anti-corruption.
- Initiatives that fail to comply with animal welfare regulations as defined by the Irish Department of Agriculture.
- Capital expenditures in Ireland unless expressly pre-approved in writing.
Application Deadline:
August 15, 2025
How to Apply
Interested businesses that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their applications online before the deadline.
