Bancabc Zimbabwe

It’s been two months of countless conversations, difficult meetings, bold pitches, unanswered emails, opened doors, closed doors, persistence, faith, hard work, falling, getting up again, falling two more times, getting up again, one step forward, two steps back, three steps forward… and we keep moving. Because just like every major sector, the agribusiness industry deserves a common ground where the minds shaping the sector can convene, engage, exchange ideas, build relationships, and celebrate excellence together. For too long, many of the conversations driving Zimbabwean agribusiness have happened in fragments: across boardrooms, conferences, field days, institutions, and organisations operating within their own corners of the ecosystem. Yet the sector itself is deeply interconnected. And so, the Agribusiness Excellence Awards(hosted by Global Agribusiness Professionals Institute ) were born not merely as an awards ceremony, but as a platform bringing together the people and institutions carrying the industry forward. From banking and insurance, to seed houses, mechanisation, inputs, research, media, development organisations, policymakers, marketers, public relations professionals, value chain actors, and agribusiness leaders, this is a rare convergence of the crème de la crème of the industry under one roof. An evening of meaningful industry discourse, powerful networking, celebrating innovation, resilience, leadership, and impact. From 5PM to 10PM, this will be more than a ceremony but a moment for the industry itself. And as the day draws closer, I can genuinely say this is something I am incredibly proud to have been part of. We are not just hosting an event but we are building culture within the agribusiness sector. We are creating spaces where collaboration can thrive, documenting excellence and in many ways, we are writing history, while holding the pen. 29 May 2026, Rainbow Towers Hotel Harare, it's a date!

UNDP GEF SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME (SGP) Funding Available: Typically between US$20,000 – US$50,000 per project. Some countries also offer microgrants and larger strategic grants depending on the funding cycle. What they fund: • Climate-smart agriculture • Waste management and circular economy projects • Land restoration and agroforestry • Water resilience initiatives • Renewable energy and climate adaptation • Biodiversity conservation • Community environmental projects Who can apply: • NGOs • Community-based organizations • Cooperatives • Indigenous and community groups • Social enterprises with strong community impact Important to know: Each country has its own: • National Coordinator • Application deadlines • Funding priorities • Proposal requirements • Open and closed calls for applications This means opportunities differ from country to country. Typical requirements: • Project proposal or concept note • Organization registration documents • Budget • Community impact and sustainability plan The programme operates in more than 120 countries globally through UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Application and country information: https://sgp.undp.org Find your country programme here: https://lnkd.in/dcUf_wvG

If you run an agribusiness SME serving smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, this fund is worth looking at. The Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA) is an impact-first fund that provides growth financing to agricultural enterprises that improve the productivity and income of smallholder farmers. What they fund: Across the full agri-food value chain, including agro-dealers, input providers, processors, agri-tech companies, equipment suppliers, logistics providers, and agricultural finance intermediaries. Ticket size: $300,000 to $2.4 million Financing instruments: Primarily debt, with flexibility for equity and quasi-equity. Investments can be in local currency, USD, or EUR. Technical assistance: Beyond the funding, SEFAA offers a dedicated Technical Assistance Facility that supports portfolio companies with management capacity building, product certification, market research, ESG, and development of smallholder farmer out-grower networks. Who can apply: - Formally registered agribusiness operating in one of SEFAA's 13 target countries in Sub-Saharan Africa - At least 2 years of operations and proof-of-concept completed - Profitable or with a credible plan to reach profitability - Delivers measurable, sustainable benefit to smallholder farmers No fixed deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Apply or learn more: https://lnkd.in/dw8yAr2U

Women in agriculture and agribusiness still have active funding, awards, accelerator, and growth opportunities open globally in 2026. A few currently open opportunities worth looking into: • Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (Africa) For women-led agribusinesses across Africa. Deadline: 8 May 2026 https://lnkd.in/dmFpJvbS • PRIMARY Open Call Funding sustainable and climate-smart agricultural solutions. Grants up to €150,000. Deadline: 8 June 2026 https://lnkd.in/d4w8-Jtk • AfCFTA Agribusiness SME Matchmaking Program Connecting agribusiness SMEs with investors, buyers, and continental trade opportunities. Applications currently open. https://lnkd.in/dprqTjHa • WE4A Programme Supporting women entrepreneurs with grants, acceleration, and investor readiness support. https://lnkd.in/d4pyGDPH • Global Fund for Women Ongoing support for women-led initiatives globally, including economic and environmental justice projects. https://lnkd.in/d2AtpvqX The opportunities are there. The key is applying early, positioning properly, and understanding what funders are actually looking for.