African Business Angel Network and SAIS Launch Capacity Development Program for Climate-Smart Agriculture Investors
The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS) have joined forces to launch the Capacity Development Program for Climate-Smart Agriculture Investors (CAICD), aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of impact investments in climate-smart agriculture.
As the largest pan-African network of impact investors, ABAN, and SAIS, a project led by the GIZ, focus on preparing agricultural and climate technology entrepreneurs for investment.
Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and technological integration in Africa, ABAN launched a dedicated network of impact investors in climate-smart agriculture in 2023 and has now partnered with SAIS to launch the CAICD program.
The program aims to create a ripple effect in the agricultural sector by equipping emerging impact investors with specialized knowledge and skills. By focusing on climate-smart technologies and practices, it seeks to address urgent environmental challenges, unlock new opportunities for economic growth and innovation, and showcase entrepreneurial ventures.
Over the next two cohorts, the program will recruit and train 60 new impact investors who will join the ABAN Climate Smart Agriculture network. The goal is to finalize 10 investment agreements within six months of completing the program, demonstrating effective deployment of capital into climate-smart agricultural projects.
The program will offer comprehensive training to develop a solid investment mindset, with progress tracking for members through their participation in the network.
The program includes 10 showcases for climate-smart agricultural startups, with eight virtual events and two in-person events during key conferences.
