AICCRA Ghana Accelerator Program

We are looking for individual businesses or consortia (of up to 5 businesses) that can provide end-to-end solutions for the following climate information services (CIS) and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) bundles:

CIS/CSA Bundle 1: Climate-Smart Integrated Pest Management – promote sustainable management of invasive and climate-driven crop pests and diseases through the deployment of low-toxicity pesticides, biopesticides, biological control and good agronomic practices with plant health benefits;

CIS/CSA Bundle 2: Solar Irrigation for female farmers - Improve resilience, yields and income through the deployment of solar irrigation solutions and supporting adaption through sustainable finance solutions and market access;

CIS/CSA Bundle 3: Smart Seed Packs and Market Systems for Smallholder Farmers – Improve access to stress and pest-tolerant seed varieties and associated agronomic practices to improve farmers’ resilience, yields, and income;

CIS/CSA Bundle 4:  Smart Productions and Soils - promote sustainable production and soil health by providing access to agro-advisories, sustainable mechanization technologies and nutrient management practices.  

Through the Accelerator Program, AICCRA Ghana will support private sector companies to address development and business challenges related to scaling CIS and CSA technology bundles. Scaling refers to expanding CIS and CSA innovations through a market system approach into more areas and users. 

Locally registered for-profit businesses and social enterprises that can provide end-to-end solutions are invited to submit proposals that address the multiple components of a bundle and present a cohesive market system approach to scaling the bundled solution. Businesses and social enterprises that are unable to provide an end-to-end solution individually are encouraged to partner with other businesses to form a consortium to present proposals that address the multiple components of a bundle and a cohesive market system for its scaling. 

What the Accelerator offers

1. Scaling grant

Four successful applicants will be awarded a scaling grant of USD 50,000 per bundle, distributed throughout the project duration according to the proposed budgeting and needs of the applicants. 

Note: Funds will only be distributed if their purpose is proven to contribute to the proposed scaling activities. Participants are required to produce audited financial statements periodically. 

2. Technical assistance

During the active project duration (January – December 2025) AICCRA Ghana partners will provide technical assistance in the form of development and implementation of agronomic best practices, commercial/business advisory, scientific assistance, networking opportunities in the form of multi-stakeholder dialogues and connecting businesses to additional investment opportunities as well as monitoring and evaluation. Participants are expected to work closely with AICCRA partners.

What we are looking for

For-profit business with at least one year of regional or national presence and experience, and legally able to work in the country. 

Implementing partners and other organizations may be included in a consortium such as other commercial businesses, farmer cooperatives, consulting firms, and/or business/member associations.

Personnel with relevant experience and qualifications to implement the proposed scope of work.

Experience working in Ghana, including with producers and other market actors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies and organizations.

Process Timeline

The deadline for submission of an application is the 31st of August.  

Timeline:

1. Call for applications: 3 July – 31 August 2024
2. Info and Matchmaking event: 25 July and 1 August 2024
3. Selection of winning proposals: 15 September 2024
4. Launch of accelerator program: 15 January 2025
5. Kick-off and beginning of cooperation: 5 February 2025
6. Investors Forum: 1 October 2025

Application Process

Please read the following instructions carefully before beginning the application process.

Step One: 

• Click on “Apply” below to enter your company information 
• Please download the proposal guideline document and fill out the proposal to upload with your application
• Company registration documents of each company and CVs of the founder/s should be included in the proposal and uploaded 
• For businesses applying as consortia, fill in the information of the main applicant only. 
• Information on four additional partners must be included in the proposal
• Only active partners listed in the application will be eligible to receive funding

Step Two: 

• Please indicate in the drop-down list which bundle solution you wish to apply for

Step Three: 

• After filling in the required fields and uploading your proposal, please click “Submit”. Only fully submitted applications will be considered.

   

If you have questions at any time during the application process, please reach out to Faustina Obeng Adomaa (f.obeng@cgiar.org) and Sander Zwart (s.zwart@cgiar.org)

Join the Accelerator WhatsApp Group to connect with program coordinators and other applicants.