ABAN and SAIS Join Hands to Empower Angel Investors in Climate-Smart Agriculture

We have good news for the whole of Africa! We want a future where Africa’s farms are thriving. Where they are using innovative technologies to grow food sustainably even while protecting the environment. This vision is one step closer to reality thanks to a new partnership between the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Start-ups (SAIS). 

Together, they’ve launched the Climate Smart Agriculture Angel Investor Capacity Development (CAICD) programme – a groundbreaking initiative that’s building a community of investors dedicated to transforming agriculture across our continent.

ABAN is the largest network of angel investors in Africa. And SAIS? It’s a project by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

They have come together and are focused on empowering agri-tech and climate-tech startups. They are here to support businesses that are developing solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing environmental challenges. Everything from water shortages to soil degradation.

The Collaboration

ABAN saw the need for sustainable farming and launched an angel network for climate-smart agriculture in 2023. Partnering with SAIS, the CAICD programme will train 60 new angel investors over two cohorts. The programme aims to close 10 investment deals within six months, funding startups promoting climate-smart practices.

Participants will also benefit from a series of 10 venture showcases, where startups can pitch directly to investors. 

Eight of these will be virtual, and two will be held at major events, including the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS).

“We’re not just expanding our networks. We’re giving investors the tools to make a lasting impact on climate-smart agriculture,” said ABAN CEO Fadilah Tchoumba. 

“This programme lays the foundation for meaningful investments that will shape the future of Africa’s farms and communities.”

Tina Lochmann from SAIS added, “By training a diverse group of 60 angel investors, we’re helping to close the capital gap in agriculture. These investors will play a crucial role in supporting the startups that are driving sustainability and innovation across the continent.”

With its focus on building a strong investment community, the CAICD programme is set to create a lasting impact on Africa’s agricultural landscape, ensuring a future where sustainability and growth go hand in hand.

Way to go, Africa!