Overview
The 2025 Expression of Interest (EOI) is a key component of A4A’s Investment Promotion Approach. Beyond strengthening its current portfolio, this initiative aims to expand the pipeline of qualified agribusinesses to meet the needs and requirements of capital providers. The EOI will facilitate increased connections between investment-ready agribusinesses and investors through investment facilitation support that enhances investment readiness and access to funding opportunities, creating broader sector impact. What’s the Focus? The EOI focuses on advancing investment readiness and facilitating investment promotion for agribusiness investment opportunities in specific value chains in eligible countries (stated below). Specifically, agribusinesses are for-profit entities, businesses, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs seeking investment capital, including angel investment, venture capital, equity, or debt. Key areas of interest include sustainability, food security, digitalization, circularity, and renewable energy. Special attention will be given to agribusinesses that are: • Led and/or owned by women • Led and/or owned by youth • Seek to reduce climate change impact through their activities or investment proposal • Positively impact smallholder farmers’ livelihoods Who Can Apply? 1 2 3 4 For-profit agribusiness entities – MSMEs, smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives operating in one or several countries listed in the eligible list. Operate on these specific value chains and associated crops: Coffee, cotton, fashion, cocoa, handcraft, livestock, and agricultural products. Offering products and services across the entire agribusiness value chains, including production, processing, logistics and transportation, infrastructure, etc. Applicants actively seek investment capital (debt or equity): a. Between USD $100 and USD $300k b. Between USD $300k and USD $1 million c. Between USD $1 million and USD $3 million d. Between USD $3 million and USD $8 million e. Above USD $8 million Why Apply? Selected participants will: • Gain access to ITC’s global network of capital providers • Access ITC’s extensive resources, trade tools, research, capacity building, and training • Receive tailored support to refine business plans, pitch materials, and investment strategies, enhancing investment readiness and market positioning • Learn about best market practices for raising capital, including navigating investor expectations, and improving competitive advantage • Receive training in pitch-delivery and best-in-class marketing materials • Participate in matchmaking opportunities with aligned investors • Join a cohort of global agribusinesses seeking capital, fostering peer learning and collaboration opportunities to enhance collective success • Showcase and pitch at investment forums and events, enhancing visibility and fostering partnerships General Eligibility Criteria To qualify, applicants must: 1 2 3 4 5 Be located in eligible countries: Agribusinesses in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Please see Annex 1 – page 5. Be a for-profit enterprise: The Agribusiness seeking funding must be a for-profit entity. Submit in an acceptable language: Applicant proposals must be submitted in English, French or Spanish to be considered. Special attention: Proposals submitted by youth or female-led or owned agribusinesses, and/or those demonstrating a commitment to reducing climate change impact or positively impact smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Operate in eligible agricultural value chains: In agribusiness sectors, enterprises work in farming, 3 Global Expression of Interest by Agribusinessesproduction, value addition, and distribution. Specifically, • A business plan and/or pitch deck those agribusinesses that operate on these value chains and associated crops: Coffee, cotton, fashion, cocoa, handcraft, livestock, and agricultural products. Please see annex 1. 6 Seek investment capital: Agribusinesses seek investment capital in debt or equity under one the following categories a. Between USD $100 and USD $300k b. Between USD $300k and USD $1 million c. Between USD $1 million and USD $3 million d. Between USD $3 million and USD $8 million e. Above USD $8 million Please note: No grant funding applications will be accepted. Financial & Investment Criteria To apply, you must satisfy the following financial and investment requirements, • At least two years of business operation • Certificate of registration or equivalent documentation from the applicant’s country • Availability of audited or unaudited financial statements for at least the past year • Demonstrated profitability and/or a clear path to profitability in the near term, and a scalable and sustainable business model • Defined investment proposal, with a budget detailing the use of funds and a timeline with key milestones • Two-year Financial Projections: forecasted revenues, expenses, and profits • Compliance with all national legal, governance, and environmental standards • Evidence of management team experience and capacity. Include team biographies and current roles 4 • Share ITC’s ethos and demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social impact in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
