Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA) 2024: Social Entrepreneurs Grant (Up to €250.000) – APPLY NOW

By
Kelvin Ejeta
-

Applications for the 2nd edition of the KAAIA (Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa) – Social Entrepreneurs Grant 2024, is now Open! The call specifically welcomes applications from African social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven enterprises, signaling a commitment to fostering innovation with a measurable social impact and sustainable business models.

Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa

Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa

This edition of the KAAIA Social Entrepreneurs Grant places a special emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. The initiative, backed by the Austrian Federal Chancellery in collaboration with esteemed partner organizations, aims to bolster the resilience of African food systems.

The focus is clear, which is identifying and supporting innovative solutions that contribute significantly to achieving food security and improving nutrition across the continent.

About KAAIA

The Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa is a collaborative effort between the Austrian Federal Chancellery and the Kofi Annan Foundation. It invites entrepreneurial start-ups with proven business models and demonstrated social impact to submit their business plans.

Operational support from the Austrian Development Agency and the WFP Innovation Accelerator underscores the commitment to amplifying the impact of these initiatives. KAAIA seeks to raise awareness about the potential African entrepreneurs possess in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.

This initiative pays homage to the late Kofi Annan’s legacy and commitment to a more just and equitable world.

Benefits of KAAIA Social Entrepreneurs Grant

  • Acceleration Bootcamp: About Nine (9) promising teams selected for the fully virtual WFP Innovation Bootcamp, will gain invaluable opportunities to collaborate with technical and industry mentors. These mentors provide expert guidance, refining and developing innovative solutions to enhance their impact.
  • Funding Opportunities: Ventures progressing successfully to the BootCamp stage become eligible to apply for equity-free funding. The potential financial support of up to €250,000 per innovation is an opportunity to turn groundbreaking ideas into impactful realities.
  • Sprint Programme: The three (3) ventures selected for funding also join the WFP Sprint Programme. This WFP Sprint Programme is a 12-month acceleration in which selected ventures can have mentorship sessions, network with influential partners, and receive resources to expedite their growth and impact.
  • Network of Innovators: All nine ventures have the opportunity to harness a robust network of pertinent businesses, investors, and mentors.

Eligibility Requirements for KAAIA Social Entrepreneurs Grant

  • Your venture must be a for-profit legal entity, incorporated for at least two years.
  • The solution should be anchored in at least one African country.
  • Existing contacts or presence in the country of implementation are a must.
  • Innovations should address priority topics like the inclusion of marginalized groups in food security, enhanced nutrition for women, and circular solutions for reducing post-harvest losses.
  • The innovation should target more than 1 million people in the total addressable market.
  • At least at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage with a committed founding team of at least three full-time employees.

How to Apply

Qualified Candidates should Go to the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa (KAAIA) at https://airtable.com/appdzaRhI6Im65YsT/shr4ND1WVqiErYbTX  to commence the application.

More details can be found on the official KAAIA website at https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/en/kofiannanaward.html

Application Deadline

February 8, 2024.

More Related Content

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here