Call for Applications: Ghana Accelerator Program

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.

They 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.

What the Accelerator offers?

• 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.
• 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.

Duration

• The Program will be implemented for 1 year, from January – December 2025.

What they 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.
• Individual businesses or consortia with experience in working with farmers/within the agriculture sector can apply. Members of a consortium must not exceed 5.

For more information, visit AICCRA.