July 2022

We are excited to bring you a host of updates and new offerings through the East, West, and South Africa Chapter newsletters consolidated into one! Through this newsletter, we provide updates from our network, including sector opportunities, news, events and publications. We hope you find this pan-African perspective helpful and informative and welcome any ideas or feedback on how we can further improve it.

Wish to have your content featured in the next one? Submit your event, fellowship, report, initiative, or opportunity via this form.

ANDE Highlight

Highlights from the #ANDEWA2022 Regional Conference
We are excited to inform you that the 2022 ANDE West Africa Regional conference themed “Accelerating SGB Growth in Africa” was held successfully in Accra, Ghana from July 19-20 with participants from across and beyond Africa. By means of well coordinated plenaries, breakout sessions, micro talks, keynote presentations, and informal networking, the conference focused on contributing to tackle key challenges faced by SGBs in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It was spiced up by an evening networking reception that included a traditional dance performance, appreciating the beautiful African Culture.

So you do not miss out on the conference activities, kindly see the Key takeaways from the Conference, and video highlight.

We look forward to your continuous engagement in the entrepreneurial Ecosystem!

ANDE Events

ANDE Pan-African Digitization Learning Lab | ANDE & GIZ
August 3, 2022
ANDE, in collaboration with Make-IT in Africa by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is working to improve the ability of intermediaries to accelerate transition to digital support services, sign up for the second Pan-African Digitalization Learning Lab session on August 3rd here. *Note: This event is for members only

Join us for the 2022 ANDE Annual Conference | ANDE
13-15 September, 2022
Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, Virginia, USA
After two years of all-virtual conferences, the 2022 Annual Conference is back in person near Washington, DC. This year’s theme, Resilient Entrepreneurship, will bring the ANDE community together to discuss how to best ensure the strength and sustainability of the SGB sector. Register and join us for ANDE’s flagship event!

ANDE Resources

A Network of Small-Scale Farmers in India Tackle Climate Change
Check out the ANDE's latest Blog Post! Ruchi Jain, Founder and CEO of Taru Naturals, has grown her organization into a fair-trade network connecting over 10,000 tribal and small-scale organic farmers across India to the resources and training they need to grow climate-resilient crops and markets to sell their products.

Business and Investment Opportunities in Climate Change Adaptation | Laura Wurtenberger - GIZ
“We still find a gap between the demand and supply of impact finance for climate change adaptation solutions, though” shares Denise Engel, project manager at GIZ. “SMEs offering climate change adaptation solutions face similar challenges as other small enterprises in developing economies, with the additional need to communicate the adaptation relevance and impacts of their business case to investors. See blog post!

Gender Lens Investing | ANDE South Africa
ANDE South Africa Chapter Head, Sekai Chiwandamira, speaks about Gender Lens Investing, an impact strategy to improve gender equality, funding of female entrepreneurs and how Venture Capital works. Watch full interview here!

Adapting Impact Measurement and Management to the New Normal: Spotlight on Sub-Saharan Africa
The purpose of this brief is to: highlight the unique IMM challenges faced by Sub-Saharan African SGBs due to COVID-19; guide entrepreneurial ecosystem builders in adapting their IMM systems within the context of the new COVID-19 reality; and provide tailored resources to enable entrepreneurial ecosystem builders to further adapt their IMM systems to best support entrepreneurs in the “new abnormal. Read publication and see more resources!

Member Showcase and Sponsors Highlight

Agri Frontier Limited (Agri Frontier) is an agri-investment and agri-business firm based in Kenya, Nigeria and the UK. The offices serve the larger East and Western Africa regions, providing business advisory services to agribusinesses at every stage of the agricultural value chain. They specialize in helping to create world-class farming and integrated agri-businesses, with a focus on frontier markets. Learn more About Agri Frontier!

We would like to extend a hearty thanks to the sponsors of the recently concluded #ANDEWA2022 Regional Conference! Read further to learn more about them:

Gold Sponsor
GIZ provides tailor-made, cost-efficient and effective services for sustainable development, and offers customized solutions to complex problems. GIZ’s vision and long-term goal is to shape a future worth living around the world. Learn more about GIZ!

Gold Sponsor
FMO is the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank that invests in over 85 countries, supporting jobs and income generation in order to improve people’s lives in the parts of the world where the biggest difference can be made. Learn more about FMO!

Silver Sponsor
Since 1983, CIPE has been working with local partners to craft business-driven solutions to social-economic problems that affect millions of people. Working with their local partners, CIPE is helping create the enabling environment for business to thrive. Learn more about CIPE!

Silver Sponsor
ACT Foundation is a grant making nonprofit organization established in 2016 to support local, national and regional non – profit organizations working to address challenges and associated vulnerabilities across the African Continent. Learn more about ACT Foundation!

Bronze Sponsor
PARM is a G20 initiative, Launched in 2013, coordinated by IFAD, and financed by a multi-donor partnership. This initiative works to make risk management an integral part of agricultural policy and investment planning. Learn more about PARM!

Strategic Partner
IIGH is the Ghana National Advisory Board for Impact Investing and a member of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investing. They are an independent private-sector led initiative promoting sustainable development and advancing the development of the impact investment ecosystem in Ghana. Learn more about IIGH!

Strategic Partner
ITC is a joint subsidiary organ of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that Builds trade-led growth for a more equitable world. Learn more about ITC!

West Africa Updates

Innovation Tour of Ghana - Impact Hub
Impact Hub New York Metropolitan Area and Impact Hub Accra are teaming up to offer an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, academics, creatives, and public stakeholders from the NewYork Metro Area to travel to Accra to connect, exchange, and experience West Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Register here!

Business Acceleration programme: SHEBA | ShEquity (Francophone)
Deadline: 29 July,2022
ShEquity has officially launched the first Francophone edition of its business acceleration program, SHEBA! Women entrepreneurs from Francophone Africa are invited to apply for a unique opportunity to scale their businesses. See Press Release and Apply Here!

Training and Funding Program for Startups | MTN Y'ello Startup 4 (Francophone)
Deadline: Aug 08, 2022
Y'elloStartup is an entrepreneurial development program designed to help startups and entrepreneurs deploy, in partnership with MTN Côte d'Ivoire, innovative digital solutions on MTN's technical platforms. Apply here!

Programme Expansion Build for Resilience & Growth | African Management Institute (Francophone)
Deadline: Aug 18, 2022
The Expansion Program is designed for the resilience and growth of SMEs in Francophone West Africa and provides them with the necessary tools to immediately address challenges and opportunities for growth. The program will last six months and will be delivered in the form of a facilitator-led virtual training. Apply here!

7th FATE Annual Alumni Conference | FATE Foundation
Date: 29-30 September, 2022 | 9am Daily
Location: Eagle Club, 96 Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere, Lagos.
Registration is open for the 7th FATE Annual Alumni Conference themed, "From Local to Global Markets: Building Future Ready Businesses" for both FATE Alumni and Non-FATE Alumni. Learn more and register here

Agra Innovate Lagos | Agra Innovate West Africa
Date: 6 - 7 December 2022 | 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Landmark Centre, Lagos, Nigeria
Agra Innovate Lagos brings together the who's who of the region's agriculture sector for two days of intensive networking and deal making. Learn more and Register!

The Lagos Innovates Hub Loan Program | LSETF
The Lagos Innovates Hub Loan Program is open to operators of co-working spaces, incubators or hubs in Lagos State as a reward for the value provided to the ever-growing tech ecosystem. Visit here to apply!

South Africa Updates

The Emerge Programme | ANDE South Africa and AMI
Deadline: 28 July, 2022
With support from USAID, ANDE South Africa and African Management Institute have partnered to offer this programme, which supports women-led businesses based in South Africa to address barriers in accessing finance, build leadership confidence & buy-in, and close financial deals. Submit Your Interest!

The Psychology of Finance | Entrepreneurship To The Point (ETTP)
Date: 28 July 2022 |18:00 SAST
Join the ETTP as they host startups for their event on the Psychology of Finance. The event will focus on financial self-care, financial wellbeing, and financial resilience as this is the month of savings. They will have a conversation about understanding behaviors that add to improved financial health. Get tickets here!

Future Females Business School | UK-SA South Africa Tech Hub
Deadline: 29 July, 2022
Future Females Business School in partnership with UK-SA South Africa Tech Hub is inviting female entrepreneurs with a GreenTech idea or early-stage business, to submit applications for the Future Females Business School GreenTech Programme. Learn more and apply here!

Save the date: Unpacking the Funding Landscape in South Africa | Zevoli Growth
25 August 2022 | Sandton, Johannesburg
Zevoli Growth Partners in partnership with ANDE South Africa will host a dialogue where we will unpack the funding landscape in South Africa. We are also excited to be launching the Funding Handbook at the event, which is a guide for SMEs to understand, navigate and secure well suited funding for their businesses. To learn more and register, please click here!

Call for Climate and Clean Energy Projects | Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN)
Deadline: 28 August 2022
Are you looking for funding for your climate or clean energy project or to scale up your existing business? PFAN's expert network of advisors can provide you with the free business coaching you need to attract investment. Learn more and apply here.

Apply for the high school Scholarship Programme | Allan Gray Orbis Foundation
Deadline: 30 September, 2022
Have you identified a Gr6 learner that portrays entrepreneurial and leadership skills? Apply for the Scholarship Programme designed to equip the youth with an entrepreneurial mindset to enable future generations to redress the inequalities of the past and to continue the economic and social transformation of Southern Africa. Get more details here!

East Africa Updates

Quick Outreach Request | YGAP
Deadline 31 July 2022
ygap Kenya is accepting applications for the July 2022 Accelerator Program! Over a period of 12 months, the ygap Accelerator Program will help you to refine and validate your business model, move towards financial sustainability, and build on your social impact. Join a cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs in a globally recognized program, and learn from local experts and mentors that will help take your business to the next level. Apply today!

Apply Now for Kua Ventures Second Round of Investments | Kua Ventures
Kua Ventures is launching its second round of investments in Kenya and calls for you to apply to be part of a portfolio of entrepreneurs creating and leading change in how business is done within the ecosystem. The Kua Ventures investment goes beyond injection of capital to include customized coaching that's aimed at generating growth within the SME sector. Learn more about the funding criteria and apply.

Call for Women-owned SMEs -Investing in Agriculture Value Addition Training Programme | USAID's KIM & Strathmore Business School
Are you a woman-owned/managed enterprise in agribusiness value addition? USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanism and Strathmore Business School (SBS) have designed an exciting capacity building opportunity just for you! The Investing in Agriculture Value Addition Programme aims at equipping 50 WSMEs with skills, knowledge, and tools to leverage the opportunities in agro-processing and agribusiness value addition. Learn more and apply here!

Sector Events and Opportunities

Impact finance for global value chain to support SMEs in the commodity sector | CFC
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) invites applications for financial support from qualifying projects. The CFC can offer a range of financial and technical instruments of support to meet specific needs of SMEs/enterprises, cooperatives, and institutions along the entire commodity value chain in its member countries. Learn more and apply here!

Call for ESO Research Partners on the Rural Enterprise Ecosystem | Village Capital and Small Foundation
Deadline: July 29,2022
In partnership with Small Foundation, Village Capital has launched a research initiative that will deepen the understanding of the support ecosystem for rural impacting enterprises (RIEs). Learn more and apply here!

Nestlé launches Agri Competition with Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship | Nestlé
Deadline: 31 July, 2022
The competition presents an opportunity for youth agripreneurs to win mentorship and coaching opportunities totaling over US$30,000 through the Branson Centre’s IGNITE Investor Readiness and Go-To-Market Programme. Apply Here!

Entrepreneurship World Cup 2022 | EWC
The Entrepreneurship World Cup is one of the biggest and most diverse startup pitch competitions and support programs of its kind, featuring more than 370,000 entrepreneurs from over 200 countries and offering winners life-changing prizes. Learn more and Apply!

Innovations In Healthcare in Africa | Villgro Africa
Villgro Africa is an incubator and impact investor supporting emerging healthcare businesses in Africa. They offer emerging companies a personalized incubation experience to help effectively scale ideas and navigate the African startup ecosystem. Apply Here!

Increasing impact data capacity series for social entrepreneurs Workshop | Sopact
16 August 2022, 8am in Pacific Time(US and Canada)
In collaboration with Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship, Sopact is conducting an impact data webinar series which will take a step-by-step approach to learning how to map the data to already prioritized outcomes, collect or connect data sources, and get insight that is material to the enterprises. Register Now!

Call for Researchers for Paper Submission for 2022 Edition | African Economic Conference
Deadline: Aug 30, 2022
The organizers of the African Economic Conference have issued a call for research and policy papers that focus on the event’s theme: Supporting Climate-Smart Development in Africa. Submit here!

AGRF 2022 Summit- | AGRF
The AGRF serves as the world’s premier forum for advancing Africa’s agricultural agenda to achieve the vision and goals laid out in the AU Malabo Declaration, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Africa’s Agenda 2063. Register here!

FMO Sustainable Tech Innovation Challenge |FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank
The FMO Sustainable Tech Open Innovation Challenge will support several agri-tech, fin-tech, and energy access businesses focused on Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania. These ventures will compete in pitch competitions at AfricArena’s North Africa and East Africa regional summits with the winners to be showcased at the AfricArena Grand Summit in early November 2022. Apply here

Mobilizing Global Business To Deliver on Climate Action | Reuters Impact
3–4 October 2022
In-person conference & Global Broadcast: London
Reuters IMPACT brings together world leaders, big business C-Suite, and forward-thinking pioneers to inspire, drive action and accelerate innovation towards the greatest challenge of our generation: the climate emergency. Register here!

EuroQuity Networking Platform | Bpifrance
EuroQuity is the networking platform for companies and development partners, in particular investors. Founded in 2008, the service has grown through partnerships with European Commission projects as well as major international public and private organizations. Register here!

Sector Resources

The Gender-Smart Green Financing Toolkit | EcoMicro Program and Value For Women Ltd
Scaling in Africa | African Scalecraft
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Urges G20 Leadership to Address ‘Exceptionally Uncertain’ Global Outlook | IMF
The Power of Results-Based Funding for Poverty Alleviation: What We Learned from Africa’s First-Ever Development Impact Bond – and What’s Next | Next Billion

Career Opportunities

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in developing economies. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits.